Sermon for April 22, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath

Discussion Guide - Preparing the Way

1. Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?– Corrie Ten Boom

What would your honest answer be to this quote?

2. Studies show that most Christians drift away from their friendships with non-Christians within two years of their finding Christ. Has this happened to you? What can be done to change this pattern?

3. Colossians 4:5 exhorts us to “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity”. The Apostle Paul describes encounters with “outsiders” of the faith as “opportunities”. Do you consider yourself an “opportunity-minded” believer or do opportunities frighten you out of fear of being unprepared for them?

4. One of the great motivations behind evangelistic praying and action is love and compassion for the lost. Read the following scriptures that contribute to a biblical description of hell itself. This is where you were headed before you were rescued by your Savior. Do these scriptures influence you in any way?

* Matthew 22:13

* Luke 16:23-26

* 2 Thessalonians 1:9

* Revelation 14:10-11

* Revelation 20:11-15

* Revelation 21:8

5. The sermon spoke about the vital role of praying evangelistically for unbelievers, as well as preparing our own hearts for mission. What do you need prayer for the most: open doors with lost friends, the right words to share, a fearless heart, or an opportunistic mindset?

Close your group discussion today by praying for one another, as well as the lost in our lives that need to be found.

Sermon for April 29, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath

Discussion Guide - Three Kinds of believers (Col 4:2-6, 1 Peter 3:15-17)

1. Today’s sermon spoke about three kinds of believers. Do you fit into a particular category? • The Proactive believer (takes action, looks for opportunities) • The Reactive Believer (passively waits to be sought out by someone) • The Inactive Believer (not involved, thinks it’s the Pastor’s job)

2. You are a caretaker of a gospel message that must not be kept to yourself. But what exactly is meant by the “gospel”? Use the following scriptures to answer these questions: what is the “good news” of the gospel? How does one access it? What are the results? • John 3:16 • Romans 5:8-11 • Romans 10:9-13 • Galatians 3:26-4:7 • Ephesians 2: 8-9 • I Corinthians 15:1-8 • 2 Corinthians 5:14-19

3. .How might you summarize the content from the above scriptures to answer the friend who asks about the meaning of the gospel?

4. Today’s sermon said “If the inactive become proactive they will receive more opportunities to be reactive”. Consider the following proactive evangelism “styles”. Do any of these reflect where you are in your own spiritual journey? • Confrontational Style (Peter in Acts 2:14-41) • Intellectual Style (Paul in Acts 17:16-34) • Testimonial Style (The Blind Man in John 9) • Interpersonal Style (Levi/Jesus in Luke 5:27-39) • Invitational Style (Woman at the well in John 4:28-30) • Serving Style (Philip in Acts 8:26-35, Sheep and the Goats in Matt. 25:31-46)

Sermon for April 22, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Mr. Charles Vessey

Discussion Guide - How to be Victorious over Temptation

1.    Share a story from your childhood about being tempted by something you knew was wrong, but did it anyway. Did the consequences of your choices make you regret them? Why or why not?

2.    Read James 1:13-18; and 4:7-10. Where does temptation come from? Is there a purpose behind temptation?

3.    James is writing these words to Christians in order to prompt them to live out an authentic faith. How can Christian community play a role in dealing with temptations? Can Christian community hurt the process as well?

4.    What is usually the biggest help to you in resisting temptation (I Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 5:8-9)?

5.    In his book, the Smell of Sin, author Don Everts claims that Christians today don’t take sin as seriously as Jesus instructed us to. He refers to Jesus’ shocking language toward sin which call believers to take sin as seriously as one who would tear off their limbs, cut out their eyes, and avoid smelling like an old grave. Do you tend to look upon your sin (and the temptation to do it) as serious business, or are you more likely to play down the problem of sin in your life by comparing your sins against the sins of others?

6.    Habitual sins can be the most discouraging temptations to fight. There’s a famous saying that goes: “Sow a thought, and reap an act. Sow an act and reap a habit, Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny”. Do you think this is true? How might be it apply in your plan to resist temptations in your life? Are there positive habits to put in place to counteract this, thus helping you to say no to sin?

Sermon for Sunday April 15, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide - Taking A Walk With Jesus

Luke 24:13-35

Today’s sermon talked about four principles we can take from the story found in Luke 24:13-35, regarding the hours following the resurrection of Christ. Discuss these principles with your group and consider how they apply to your own life experience.

1. Those times when you thought God was farthest from you was when He was actually walking at your side (v. 13-16).

a. Do you agree with this statement? Do you have any examples from your life where you discovered this principle personally?

2. Jesus teaches us that our greatest discouragements often reveal a belief problem (v.17-25).

a. When you are prone toward discouragement, what do you think might be lacking in your belief?

3. Jesus primary purpose in walking with us is to reveal Himself to us (v.26-32).

a. Do you feel that Jesus has revealed Himself to you in your life? In what ways? What difference does it make?

4. Jesus reveals Himself to us so that we can reveal Him to others (v.33-35)

a. Is there someone in your life who needs a fresh reminder that God walks with them even when they don’t realize it? How might you go about sharing this? Has God ever used another person to reveal Himself to you?

b. When someone talks to you about their exciting experiences with the Lord are you more likely to be envious or encouraged? How should you handle the experience of envy?

c. When does the Lord’s presence become most real to you—in worship? Scripture study? Serving others? Viewing God’s creation? Other?

Sermon for Sunday April 8, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide - A Story of Three Hearts [John 20]

1. Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-22. How might Paul respond to the churchgoer today who says that believing in the miracle of the resurrection is not crucial to the practice of the Christian faith?

2. The sermon spoke about the three hearts found at the empty tomb: the confident heart, the confused heart, and the crying heart. How are you doing with your own heart today? Is it marked by confidence in what you believe, confusion in what remains unknown, or the painful struggles of life that distract you?

3. The sermon spoke about the key evidences for the resurrection (3 E’s): Early records, Empty Tomb, and Eyewitnesses. Do these evidences help to shape your confidence in the reality of the resurrection, or does your faith in the resurrection come very easily to you?

4. How does the resurrection of Christ affect your view of your own death?

5. Read 1 Peter 1:3-9. What impact does the resurrection of Christ have on your life and future?

Sermon for Sunday April 1, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide - A Tale of Two Triumphs

Today’s sermon spoke about two triumphal scenes in the Bible that appear to parallel one another. Let’s discuss some questions from each passage and apply them to our view of God, others, and ourselves. A. Palm Sunday (Luke 19:28-44)

1. On that first Palm Sunday we find different groups of people who were there for different reasons, and perhaps with different motives. Think back on those days when you first began to consider the good news of Christ, or those days when you began to follow Jesus more seriously. What were your motives in doing so? Was this an impulsive act, a response to stories you had heard about Him, a desire to please a friend, a search for hope, a way to escape hell, an awakening of newfound faith, etc.?

2. The sermon observed that the image of Jesus riding on a donkey was a profound statement that He was a victorious king who was coming in peace. This would have been a significant surprise to those who had hoped Jesus would be their Military/Revolutionary leader who would lead Israel to overthrow the Romans. What has Jesus done in your life that has truly surprised you? Did He enter your world (or your problems) in a way that you didn’t expect? 3. Palm Sunday, just a few days away from Passover, was a public declaration of God’s choice of His Son as the perfect Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. Read Isaiah 53. Does anything powerfully stand out in this passage for you about Jesus as our “Suffering Servant”?

B. Heavenly Triumph (Revelation 7:9-17)

1. Based on this passage in Revelation, what will God be actively doing in heaven? What will you be actively doing? 2. Is there anything we can do in this life to prepare for our actions in heaven later? 3. How could you use this passage as part of an evangelistic conversation with a friend?

Sermon for Sunday March 25, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Guest Speaker Mitch Forman .

Sermon for Sunday March 18, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Guest Speaker Bob Brougher.

Discussion Guide - We Can Make a Difference (Acts 1:8)

- William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army

1. Read Acts 1:1-11. What principles or truths do you draw from this passage as related to the call to be witnesses of Christ around the world? How is v. 11 relevant to this?

2. Read Matthew 28:18-20. This scripture teaches that the One with the most authority has given you a mandate: go and make disciples of all nations. World mission is the call to all believers. In what ways can you faithfully respond to this Great Commission, even if you are not called to be an overseas missionary?

3. Given what you have read in the above scriptures, how would you respond to the Christian who says “I’m not concerned about the spiritual needs of other countries; I think America has enough problems to be concerned about”?

4. Today’s sermon spoke about obstacles that churches face about world mission. Given what you know about the teachings of Jesus, what might He say in response to these statements?

• The task is too great for us • World missions was mainly the interest of previous generations • World missions is for churches that are larger and with greater resources

5. Below is a list of ways that people have incorporated world missions into their lifestyle. Can you see yourself doing any of these? Are there any other ideas that you would add to the list?

• Giving to the Great Commission Fund and/or personally supporting missionaries financially • Regularly praying for missionaries and certain countries around the world • Making friends at work or in your community, seeking opportunities to share your faith • Going on a mission trip • Retiring on a foreign mission field to assist missionaries as needed in their work • Joining an “Act of Random Kindness” outreach this summer • Participating in the planting of a new church

Sermon for Sunday March 11, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide - The Rhythm of Accountability: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

1. Can you share a specific time in your life when someone held you accountable for how you lived your Christian life? Did you ever hold anyone accountable yourself?

2. Today’s sermon spoke of the need to build an accountability system in our lives, and to initiate that system as part of the daily Christian life. What obstacles do we face in making this a reality in our lives?

3. The sermon spoke about being willing to both give and receive accountability because we all have tendencies to be idle, timid, weak, angry, and worldly (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22). Since we all have our spiritual weak spots, which one(s) of these five areas are you most vulnerable to and could use accountability for?

4. The sermon spoke about five practices that are vital to the establishment of an accountable life. Review them below and discuss which ones are the easiest for you to do, the hardest, and the ones you need to do more of in the future.

a. Confession: Remove the Mask and be honest with those you have sinned against (James 5:16) b. Application: Look in the Mirror and ask God to reveal the truth about you (Psalm 139:23-24) c. Accountability: Stand on the Scale by inviting others to help you see yourself (2 Samuel 12:1-10) d. Guidance: Follow the Map by listening and surrendering to the Spirit’s leading (Acts 13:2-3) e. Encouragement: Embrace one Another by celebrating victory and sharing pain (John 19:25-27)

Sermon for Sunday March 4, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

The Rhythm of Seed Planting [Part 2] - 2 Corinthians 9

1. Today’s sermon highlighted five blessings that come from the “grace of giving” in 2 Corinthians 9. Do any of these blessings help to motivate you to give to God? Are there any others not on the list?

a. Your giving will provoke others (v. 1-5)

b. Your giving will bless you (v. 6-11)

c. Your giving will meet needs (v. 12)

d. Your giving will glorify God (v. 13)

e. Your giving will unite God’s people (v. 14-15)

2. Research in American churches reveal that a person’s giving in a church often parallels their level of commitment and involvement in that church. In other words, a growing commitment to one’s church will usually lead to growth in their financial giving as well (note the increase in giving came because of increased commitment to the church, not an increase in income). Has this principle been true in your own church experiences or has it been different for you?

3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Most Christians who struggle in their giving are struggling with a faith problem, more than a financial one”.

4. Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Though it may be hard to admit, do you ever find yourself placing your hope in wealth? What other principles on giving do you find in this passage?

5. How might you counsel someone who wants to tithe but is in a difficult financial position, and tithing their income might mean that other financial obligations cannot be met? How does 2 Corinthians 8:12 & 9:7-8 factor into this discussion?

6. The sermon spoke about the value of setting personal goals to your annual giving and then systematically working to meet those goals each year. Take a few moments to privately evaluate what a true weekly or monthly tithe would be for your financial income, and what goal you would like to set for your giving this year. Close the discussion time in group prayer, asking God to abundantly bless the mission of our church through the faithful giving of God’s people.

Sermon for Sunday February 26, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide: The Rhythm of Planting Seeds

Warren Wiersbe wrote, “When a Christian starts to think of excuses for not giving, he automatically moves out of the sphere of grace giving. Grace never looks for a reason, it only looks for an opportunity. If there is a need to be met, the grace-controlled Christian will do what he can to meet it”. Do you agree or disagree, and what reasons do Christians have for not giving?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:7 and see how Paul adds “the grace of giving” to the profile of the normal Christian life. As a group, develop a list of benefits that believers experience when they practice the grace of giving.

Using the examples below, how would you describe the grace of giving in your own life right now?

· I’m still terrified of releasing hard earned money from my grasp

· I don’t have a particular plan to give but tend to do it spontaneously

· I need to assess where all my money goes and seek to be a better steward

· Its getting easier to “plant seeds” as I keep growing in my faith

· I believe God has given me a generous heart and I use it whenever possible

· I have an annual plan for my giving and seek to implement it weekly

Read Luke 21:1-4. What is the lesson that Jesus is giving us today from this passage?

Today’s sermon addressed three principles that flow from our “seed planting” (2 Corinthians. 9:6-11). Which of these principles needs the greatest attention in your own life right now?

· The principle of increase: we reap in the measure that we sow (this speaks to the need for a bolder, more generous perspective on our resources).

· The principle of intent: we reap as we sow with right motives (what are your motivates to give? Are you “reluctant or under compulsion”?).

· The principle of immediacy: we reap even while we are sowing (are you aware of the immediate blessings and impact of your giving? See Luke 6:38).

Sermon for Sunday February 12, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide: Investing in Friendships  - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Today’s sermon focused on five principles from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 that guide us in the care and feeding of our friendships. Do you feel the need to develop more, or deeper, friendships in your life? Please discuss and apply the following questions to your life.

1. Partner as fellow servants (v. 9) • How do you usually make friends in your life? Have you ever made friends from serving in a church? Are your friendships with non-Christians any different than those with Christians? 2. Pick them up and pardon them when they fall (v. 10) • Have you ever had an experience where you “fell” but there was no one there to help you up? How did that feel? Do you want help when you are struggling or do you prefer to “go it alone”? 3. Provide a warm presence in a cold, lonely world (v.11) • Discuss some of the practical things you can do for a friend (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) when they are going through an uncomfortable time in their life. Do you have any examples of this kind of support being offered in the Bible to someone?

4. Protect their back in life’s battles (v. 12) • What kind of attack should you be on the “lookout” for, regarding your friends? Discuss ways that you can protect your friends in the battles of life. How can you try to “speak the truth in love” to your friend without it being perceived as an attack? 5. Point them to the Lord (v.12c) • How can friends weave together a threefold cord with the Lord and make Him a key part of the friendship? Would you be willing to tell a friend that their actions are biblically unwise, or would you avoid that for fear of appearing judgmental? How might you point a non-believing friend to the Lord?

Sermon for Sunday February 12, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide : The Rhythm of Praise

Today’s sermon spoke about five key principles to consider and four worship actions that can be woven into the fabric of your day to bring glory to God and joy to your life. Review these principles and actions and discuss how they can be applied to your typical day.

1. You are created for praise (Isa 43:7) • In what ways do you praise the Lord in your day?

2. Your work is worship (Col 3:17) • Have you ever thought of your work, whether inside the home or outside the home, as an act of worship on your part? Why does God consider it as such? • What’s the difference between an act of worship and an act of self-interest?

3. You become what you behold (Psalm 63:1-2, Heb 12:2) • Is there a dominant thought that rules your typical day? If it’s true that you become what you behold, what are you truly beholding right now and what is that leading you to become?

4. Bring church to your world (Psalm 63:3-5) (sing, pray, listen, offer) • The sermon spoke of four worship actions to bring with you from church: a. How do you feel about singing to God? How could you add this to your day? b. What’s an effective way to incorporate times of prayer in your busy day? c. How can you listen to God directly, as well as indirectly though others at work? d. How might you bring an “offering” to the workplace or life at home?

5. Remember God to worship God (Psalm 63:6) • The Bible records many instances where God exhorts His followers to not forget who He is or what He has spoken. What can you do in your typical day (or night) to keep the reality of God ever before you?

Sermon for Sunday February 5, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide: The Rhythm of Confession (Psalm 32)

Today’s sermon spoke about the need to be in “confession-mode” throughout the flow of our daily lives in order to be restored in spiritual strength and in intimacy with God. The sermon highlighted five key steps from the life of David in Psalm 32. Review those steps below and start the process of applying them to the daily “rhythm” of your life.

1. Approach God with your guilt (Psalm 32:1-4) •    Do you allow yourself to feel guilt or have you learned to “numb” yourself to the reality of it? •    Is your first impulse to bring your guilt to God or to avoid God with your guilt (e.g. Adam & Eve)?

2. Acknowledge your sin (Psalm 32:5a).  Which of the following reflects you: •    I usually recognize my actions as sins right away and own up to them •    I sin so much and so often that I lose track from one sin to the next •    Like David, it may take me weeks or months to acknowledge my repeated sin •    I don’t sin and I’m offended that you would even think it possible

3. Agree with God about your sins (Psalm 32:5b) •    What is sin? •    Why should it bother you? •    Have you ever found yourself labeling the actions of someone else as “sin” but when you committed those same actions you labeled them as “personal choices”? Why is it so hard to agree with God that we have sinned?

4. Ask for forgiveness, protection, and deliverance (Psalm 32:5c-7) •    What impact does God’s forgiveness have on you? •    Which do you seek most from God: forgiveness, protection or deliverance? •    Read Matthew 6:9-13. Is Jesus suggesting that we ought to be praying for protection and deliverance as much as forgiveness? What difference might it make?

5. Accept a new path to follow (Psalm 32:8-11) •    What risks do we take if we don’t follow a new path after being forgiven? •    What action should you take if you happen to “fall” while on this “new path”? •    Can you share an example from your life when you chose a new path or direction after confessing your sin to God

Sermon for Sunday January 29, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide: The Rhythm of Service (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Our discussion groups today will focus on the five Scripture passages below. Read each passage and discuss these two questions:

•    What principles do you draw from this passage on how to be an effective servant? •    Based on this passage, what first step might God be leading you to take in order to become a more effective servant in your life (e.g. your family, church, work, or community)?

1.    Matthew 20:20-28

2.    Matthew 25:31-46

3.    Romans 12:3-21

4.    Philippians 2:1-11

5.    Colossians 3:18-4:1

Sermon for Sunday January 22, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide: The Sabbath Rhythm (Psalm 46:10)

Today’s sermon spoke about four decisive steps to get into a rhythm of rest. Discuss how these four steps apply to your life, and what must be done to experience them personally. But first, do you agree or disagree with the following quote? Please share.

•    “The Sabbath is a weekly cathedral raised up in my dining room, in my family, in my heart”. (Anita Diament)

1.    Remember Your Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) •    Are you satisfied with the consistency of your participation in Sabbath worship at church? •    The word “holy” means “to set apart for God’s glory”. What practical steps can you take to set apart and protect your Sabbath experience from the rest of life’s activities?

2.    Rest Your Body (1 Kings 19:1-9) •    Is your body getting enough rest? Do you have a hard time “being still”? •    Discuss ways that you could build a new “rhythm” or pattern of rest in your lives.

3.    Release Your Burdens (Matthew 11:28-30) •    Our minds also need rest from our burdens. Share your struggles and victories in releasing your burdens into the hands of God (“Let go and let God”). Are you holding onto a burden today that we can pray for? •    The sermon spoke about the strategy of “counting your blessings” to replace your burdens with joy. As a group, “count” and name some of your present blessings.

4.    Refocus Your Spirit (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23) •    The sermon spoke about the role of fasting in your life. Is there a particular area of your life that you would like to spend time fasting in this year? •    The sermon also spoke about “introducing your spirit to new challenges and opportunities” to create a new rhythm for spiritual growth. Discuss some practical steps you can take this year to help make that possible.

Sermon for Sunday January 15, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion: Your Daily Encounter with the Truth (2 Timothy 3:16)

1.    Today’s sermon spoke about the relationship between the “word of God” and the “God of the word”.  Have you ever experienced the reality of God through your exposure to the Scripture? Please share.

2.     What are some of the temptations that you face regarding the role of the Bible in your life? •    I’m tempted to rely on my opinion or “gut instincts” instead of seeking Biblical guidance •    I’m tempted to focus on a preferred, small section of the Bible instead of considering all •    I’m tempted to occasionally interpret the Bible in favor of my own viewpoint •    I’m tempted to read my Bible only in the presence of other Christians, not by myself •    I’m tempted to believe that the Bible is too complicated for me to understand

1.    Which of the following statements from today’s sermon do you feel is most impactful to your own understanding of the importance of Scripture: •    There is nothing in the Bible that has ever been proven wrong •    Archaeology supports the credibility of the Bible •    Fulfilled prophecies support the credibility of the Bible •    Changed lives support the credibility of the Bible

1.    Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual understanding?  How should we utilize this role as we approach the reading of the Scriptures?

2.    Discuss some ideas on how to integrate Scripture into your daily life. What practical steps can you take to give the Scripture an important part in your “daily office”?

3.    Today’s sermon on 2 Timothy 3:16 gave a four- point approach to applying the Scripture to your life. Practice this model by reading Ephesians 4:1-16 and discuss the following questions:

•    What does God want me to know (the big idea)? •    What does God want me to stop? •    What does God want me to change? •    How does God want me to live?

Sermon for Sunday January 8, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.

Discussion Guide-”Your Daily Office”

1. Today’s sermon spoke about the advantages of a “daily office” for your prayer life. Is this relevant to your own life? Which of the following responses applies to you? • I agree, I need to build some structure into my prayer life • It all sounds kind of legalistic to me • I prefer to pray when I feel inspired to do so • I already maintain a “pray without ceasing” approach • I fear that a daily office would be hard to maintain for long

2. What are some of the greatest hindrances that you face to your own prayer life? Also consider Psalm 66:18, Zechariah 7:12-13, Proverbs 21:13, James 4:3, and 1 Peter 3:7. Brainstorm with your discussion group some possible solutions to your own hindrances.

3. Assess yourself as a communicator. Do you normally initiate conversations with those in your life or do you depend upon others to initiate? Do you share openly and deeply or do you tend to limit your words to that which is simple and only necessary? How does your communication style affect your prayer life?

4. Today’s sermon included the following statement: “Prayer is not a means to an end, it’s an end in itself”. What do you believe is meant by that statement, and do you agree or disagree?

5. Read Ephesians 1:17-20 and Psalm 27. List some of the topics that these prayer s address. How might someone (perhaps yourself) take these examples and turn them into personal prayers for their own life?

6. What area of your spiritual life would you like to see develop further in 2012? Close the group by praying for one another regarding these needs.

Sermon for New Years Sunday January 1, 2012 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Charles Vessey.

Sermon for Christmas Sunday December 25, 2011 at New Life Christian Church, Hudson NH, Pastor Ken Heath.