Icebreaker: Share a time when you experienced grace that you did not deserve.
Sermon Title: Authentic Church – ‘Hidden Grace’ – Acts 4:32 – 5:11
Group Discussion:
Read Acts 5:1-11 – An authentic church takes the Lord, His character, and His mission seriously. According to Peter, what exactly was Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? How does this passage challenge the idea that the early church was perfect? Discuss how genuine, authentic living, ‘warts and all,’ in community can create space for others to grow in grace. Consider examples at Mt. Gilead Church.
Read Acts 4:31-37 & Titus 2:11-14 – Abundant Grace – How does the idea of “abundant grace upon them all” shape the way the early church lived? Discuss what abundant grace might look like (1) in our lives, (2) in our families, and (3) in our relationships with others (e.g., in groups, while serving, in our communities). Share examples of receiving grace well and extending grace well.
Read Romans 6:1-2 (Grace is not a license to continue in sin) & Titus 2:11-12 (True grace teaches and transforms; it does not excuse sin) – Abused Grace – Discuss ways that believers today might abuse grace (e.g., relying on God’s forgiveness while continuing sinful behavior). How can we cultivate integrity and sincerity with the Lord consistently, even when no one else is watching?
Read John 15:4-5 & Colossians 2:6-7 – Abiding in Grace – As followers of Jesus receiving grace (e.g., living through His strength), discuss why we sometimes find ourselves returning to a self-centered ‘I got this’ mentality. Discuss practical signs in our lives that we may have stopped ‘abiding’ and started trying to live through our own intellect and authority. How can we live out the Lord’s abiding grace in our own lives while encouraging others, through mentorship, to do the same?
Spiritual Disciplines: Additional resources are available on the Church Center app at:
Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Grace is Greater: A Study by Kyle Idleman
You may study other ‘tough moments’ in these bible stories: Achan in (Joshua 7:1-26) – Uzzah in
(2 Samuel 6:6-7) – Nadab and Abihu in (Leviticus 10:1-3) – Simon the sorcerer in (Acts 8:9-25) and Elymas the sorcerer in (Acts 18:6-12). Explore common denominators in God’s actions & purposes.
Action Steps: (1) Praise the Lord: Identify where you see His grace in your life and give Him praise; and identify areas in your life where you need to abide in His grace, and (2) ‘Warts & All’: Meet with a friend this week and confess an area where you are struggling to abide in His grace (John 15:4).
Icebreaker: Share a brief example of when a Jesus-centered difference maker impacted your life.
1-25-2026
Sermon Title: Authentic Church – ‘Jesus-Centered Difference Makers’ – Acts 3 & 4
Group Discussion:
Read Acts 3:1-10 – Jesus-centered compassion – How does compassion centered on Jesus differ from general acts of kindness or humanitarian work? Discuss how bringing the name of Jesus into our compassionate acts can expose others to the gospel message compared to when we simply act compassionately to meet needs. Share examples of how we might achieve this while serving people.
Read Acts 4:1-3 & Luke 17:6 – The opposition – When we are prompted to show compassion or share our faith, what internal oppositions (e.g., doubts, fears, or excuses) might impede our actions and words? Discuss how Jesus’ teaching about the mustard-seed-sized faith should challenge our internal struggles.
Read Acts 4:8-13 & Mark 13:8-11 – Jesus-centered boldness – What does Jesus-centered boldness look like in your everyday life? How about in moments when it might feel risky, misunderstood, or uncomfortable? Discuss how we can rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than our own initiatives when we share our faith and talk to people about what it means to follow Jesus.
Read John 14:6 & Acts 4:12 – Jesus and Salvation – Jesus declares Himself as the only way to the Father, and the apostles boldly affirm that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus the Christ. How should these exclusive claims shape both our personal faith in Jesus and the way we speak about Him to others with conviction, humility, and love? Share examples…
Spiritual Disciplines: Additional resources are available on the Church Center app:
Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Jesus-Centered Gospel: 3-Part Study
Action Steps: Take time each day this week to focus on these three prayers: (1) Lord, show me the people, with whom I can share Jesus-centered compassion, (2) Lord, renew my strength, so I can overcome all opposition (i.e., internal & external), and (3) Lord, tell me what to say through the Holy Spirit so that I can share with a Jesus-centered confidence and boldness.
Icebreaker: Share someone that comes to mind when you think of being “devoted” to the Lord.
1-18-2026
Sermon Title: Authentic Church – ‘A New Community’ – Acts 2:42-47
Group Discussion:
Read Acts 1:8 & Acts 2:42-47 – The early church was not devoted to results; they were devoted to Jesus. Discuss where the growth and power of the early church originated. What does it mean to be truly “devoted” as opposed to simply interested or intrigued?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16 & Hebrews 4:12 – Continued devotion to God’s Word. Discuss the significance and purposes of scripture in our lives. How can recognizing scripture as the Lord’s “living and active” voice influence the way we consistently interact with it, value it, and commit it to memory?
Read 1 John 1:1-3 & 1 John 1:7 – Continued devotion to fellowship. Knowing that the Greek word for fellowship is “koinonia”, meaning “to share,” what are these verses calling us to as a church? In what ways does your group, or your inner circle, already live this out well? Discuss practical ways we can grow in sharing life, resources, and faith more intentionally?
Read Matthew 26:26-28 & 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – Continued devotion to the breaking of bread. Discuss what the “breaking of bread” includes (e.g., a place at the table, communion, shared meals). How does the act of communion bring us closer to the Lord? And share a personal example.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17 & James 5:13-19 – Continued devotion to prayer. How can prayer become a posture we live in daily and consistently (e.g., a continuous conversation with the Lord to improve our conscious contact) rather than an occasional event or simply responses to crises?
Spiritual Disciplines: Additional resources are available on the Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Strategies for Memorizing Scripture and Family Worship at Home
Action Steps: Understanding that the early church experienced continued awe and growth, focus on these intentional objectives this week: (1) Devote Yourself: Write down 3 practical steps you can take to devote yourself the way the early church did, (2) Commit to Being Known: Enter into a followship environment by joining a group, entering a mentoring relationship, or engaging more consistently if already in an environment, and (3) Let God WOW you: Commit to a volunteer role at the church (e.g., serving with Family Ministries https://mgchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/7562 or offer to help serve and clean-up at one of our Monday night Recovery Ministry events [email protected]
Icebreaker: When you hear the phrase ‘led by the Holy Spirit,’ what example first comes to mind?
1-11-2026
Sermon Title: Authentic Church – ‘The Birth of the Church’ – Acts 2:1-41
Group Discussion:
Read John 14:26 & John 16:13-14 – The Holy Spirit will confirm and clarify Jesus’ message. How can we determine the difference between the Holy Spirit confirming and clarifying Jesus’ teaching versus our own preferences, emotions, or cultural influences shaping what we might “think” He is saying? Discuss strategies for how we can make these distinctions and be more aligned with His will.
Read John 15:26-27 & Acts 1:8 – The Holy Spirit will open doors for the gospel. So, recognizing that the Holy Spirit opens doors (i.e., opportunities), how can this reshape the way we approach witnessing to others in terms of being aware of when to speak, when to wait, and how to proceed? Discuss how we can be more attentive and responsive when those opportunities arise.
Read John 3:3, John 3:5-7, & Acts 2:36-38 – Repent and be baptized. How do these passages help us understand the necessary steps of repentance and baptism? Discuss how the physical act of baptism (i.e., water) is part of the process of being ‘born again’ (i.e., Spirit). And once we come to faith in Jesus and are baptized, what role should repentance play in our ongoing faith journey?
Read Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:16, Mark 16:15, & 1 Peter 2:9 – The Church gathers to worship Jesus and scatters as witnesses for Jesus. Since gathering for worship is where we are nurtured, and mobilizing as witnesses is where we carry out Jesus’ mission, what are challenges we may experience in our faith if these two necessary components become unbalanced? Discuss how the encouragement we experience from engaging in weekly worship, small groups, and mentoring will prepare us for the challenges we will face in our own walk and when we share the gospel with others.
Spiritual Disciplines: Find resources for this sermon on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Who is the Holy Spirit and Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Action Steps: (1) Listen for the Spirit’s guidance: Regularly pray and study scripture asking the Holy Spirit to confirm and clarify Jesus’ teachings, (2) Watch for open doors: Stay spiritually alert to opportunities the Holy Spirit prepares for you to share the gospel, (3) Respond with repentance and truth: Continually turn from sin toward Jesus and share how baptism is a clear, public response of faith, and (4) Gather to be sent: Commit to consistent worship and fellowship with other believers that exalts Jesus and intentionally equips and mobilizes you to live as His witness here, near, and far.
Icebreaker: Is church something you attend, something you believe, or a mission you engage in?
Sermon Title (Jan. 4, 2026): Authentic Church – “It’s About to Get Real” – Acts 1
Group Discussion:
Read Acts 1:1-2 & Ephesians 2:17-22 – Real church is Jesus centered and Apostle confirmed. How can we, as a body of believers, ensure that our foundation (i.e., the teachings we follow) are aligned with the “Cornerstone” (i.e., Jesus) and the Apostles’ witness rather than our own preferences?
Read Acts 1:3 & 1 John 1:1-3 – Real church is scripture grounded and evidence based. How should the physical nature of Jesus’ life and resurrection (i.e., numerous eye-witness accounts) change the way we accept and follow the authority of the New Testament scriptures? Jesus spent 40 days after His resurrection providing evidence (i.e., proofs) for His disciples, so discuss how these events can serve as a foundation for our faith and the truth we must share with others.
Read Acts 1:8, Acts 1:12-14, & Romans 12:3-5 – Real church is people and mission driven. Since we are a “body of believers” on a local and global “rescue mission,” discuss the dangers that exist when we treat the church simply as “services we attend” rather than a “body we belong to.” And how can this passive mentality impact Jesus’ mission? Discuss how we can stay on mission even as we experience significant growth (e.g., our current body and those we are welcoming into the body).
Read John 14:15-18, John 16:23-24, & 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Real church is Holy Spirit and prayer empowered. How do these passages challenge common assumptions about what makes a church “healthy” or “effective?” Discuss examples of, and ways we can avoid, the dangers of relying on self-sufficiency. Conversely, how can we be more Holy Spirit driven and prayer-dependent?
Spiritual Disciplines: Find resources for this sermon on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Authentic Church Reading Plan and Jesus’ Church Study Guide
Action Steps: (1) Anchor everything to Jesus and Scripture: Regularly examine what you believe, teach, and follow by measuring it against Jesus as the Cornerstone and the Apostles’ eyewitness testimonies in scripture, (2) Actively participate in the mission: Identify one concrete way you can function as part of the body (e.g., serve, mentor, invite, or support mission efforts), rejecting a passive “church consumer” mentality to engage with Jesus’ rescue mission, and (3) Intentionally depend on the Holy Spirit through prayer: Establish rhythms of prayer, gratitude, and obedience by asking the Lord to reveal truth and provide guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Icebreaker: Finish this thought: Jesus’ love is…
Sermon Title: “Medicine for the Well” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Group Discussion:
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10a, John 13:35, & 1 John 4:7-12 & 4:16 – Love is God-Taught. Our love comes down from above. The Apostle John argues that because God is love, we are compelled to love. Discuss how the realization that love is an extension of God’s spirit, rather than just a moral command, should change our approach when loving others and sharing the gospel, especially with people who may challenge us or be difficult to communicate with.
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-11 & Luke 2:49 – Love is Simple. Lead a quiet life, mind our own business, and work with our hands. Paul tells the Thessalonians to make it their ambition to “lead a quiet life.” How can “quietness” be an intentional act of love toward our neighbors and in our communities? Discuss how “minding our own business” can be a simple way of loving. For instance, how can gossip or meddling (i.e., the opposite of a quiet life) obstruct “God-taught love” discussed in the earlier verses? And how can we discern when the Lord wants us to speak up and be assertive?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:12, Matthew 5:14-16, & Galatians 5:22-23 – Love is Witness. We are to live quietly rather than silently. Discuss how we can live a quiet life while letting our light shine. Light is more than our words; it involves tangible actions, so what specific “good deeds” in a modern workplace or community will serve as “light” without being “loud” or overbearing?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 – Love Even More. Since love is the only thing we take with us into eternity, how does that change the way we value our relationships versus our personal achievements or agendas? And because love is “the greatest of these,” discuss how our weekly schedules might look different if we used love as our primary metric for accomplishment and happiness.
Spiritual Disciplines & Action Steps: Find resources for this sermon on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like God’s Love and Relationships, Love, & Discipleship As you venture into the new year, learn to “Love Even More” by “seeking first His Kingdom” (Matthew 6:33). Loving even more in 2026 does not mean doing everything; it does mean doing the next right thing: So, mentor someone, stay a little longer, give a little extra, forgive a little faster, cry a little harder, sing a little louder, pray more frequently, and study scripture more consistently (Galatians 5:22-24).
12–28–2025
Icebreaker: If you could give one gift to King Jesus this Christmas, what would it be and why?
Sermon Title: “We Three Kings” – Matthew 2:1-12
Group Discussion:
Read Matthew 2:1-12 – The Magi – We see how the Magi responded with worship and sacrifice, while King Herod responded with fear and control. What do these contrasting responses reveal about how people react when confronted with Jesus’ Kingship today? Where might we notice these same tendencies in our own lives (e.g., worship, sacrifice, fear, control); how can we be more Magi-like?
Read Luke 2:1-2, Matthew 2:16-20, & John 10:7-10 – The rival kings – Caesar ruled through decree, Herod through fear, and Jesus rules through absolute truth and sacrificial love. How can recognizing the nuances of these competing approaches to authority influence our allegiances and loyalties? And discuss what we will experience when our worldview, mentality, and actions reflect allegiance to Jesus’ Kingdom rather than the kingdoms of this world.
Read Galatians 5:16-17, Romans 7:15-20, & 1 John 2:15-17 – The desires that rule us (e.g., our own desire, the enemy’s desire, Jesus’ desire) – How can these scriptures help us comprehend why we might sometimes feel conflicted. What worldly desires are most persuasive in our culture today, and what practical steps can we take to resist their temptations and center our desires on Jesus’ eternity.
Read Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 2:2, & Mark 13:26–27 – Discuss the truth and hope we have in Jesus as our Prophesied King, Worshiped King, and Returning King. For example, since the prophets were proven correct in their prophecies about Jesus’ birth, His ministry, and His death-resurrection, why would we waver in our surrender and worship, and why would we doubt His prophesized return?
Spiritual Disciplines & Action Steps: Find resources for this series on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like The Wise Men: 5 Insights & Jesus’ Promised Return
– Prayerfully consider what God is inviting you to release, pursue, or reorient in your life so that your response to Jesus closely reflects the Magi’s worship and sacrifice rather than King Herod’s fear.
– And consistently engage in these daily practices: (1) self-examination, (2) prayer, scripture reading, worship, and fellowship with other believers, and (3) boundaries and accountability: Identify specific areas where desires and temptations are strongest and create practical guardrails and accountability.
Icebreaker: What is a reminder during Christmas season that Jesus is our High Priest?
Sermon Title: “A Priest is Born” – Hebrews 3:1-6 & 4:14-16
Group Discussion:
Read Hebrews 3:1-6 – Jesus is not just like Moses; He is greater than all those before Him! Describe the comparison of Jesus and Moses in these verses. How do we see Jesus surpass the legacy of Moses? Discuss how these verses and truth of Jesus’ supremacy are relevant to us today.
Read Hebrews 5:1 – Jesus was sent out to represent God to the people as High Priest. Discuss reasons why we need Jesus to represent us before the Father? In what ways does knowing Jesus is our Priest reshape how we perceive our relationship with the Son and how we approach the Father?
Four truths we can understand about Jesus as our Great High Priest from the Day of Atonement:
Payment – Jesus ransomed us from the debt of sin (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Purification – Jesus cleansed us of the effects of sin (1 John 1:5-9).
Presence – Jesus granted us access to the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Promise – Jesus will eradicate sin; but until then, repentance is our ritual (Acts 3:19).
So why did God set up the sacrificial system in the Old Testament? Explore each of the above gifts we receive from Jesus as our Great High Priest. How are each of these relevant to us today? Which truth speaks to you most profoundly at this stage in your walk with Jesus?
Read Mark 10:45 & 1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus is the Great High Priest and the Perfect Sacrifice. Discuss how these truths can shape our understanding of why Jesus gave His life and what that means for how we should live in response? Discuss how we can convey these truths to the people we mentor.
Spiritual Disciplines & Action Steps: Review resources for this series on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, such as Jesus Christ: High Priest & Mediator.
Read Hebrews 2:17-17 & 9:11-15 – Respond to Jesus’ High Priestly Position: Are there areas in your life where you are not yet reconciled with God? Offer honest prayer asking Jesus to search your heart and practice repentance as He reveals areas that need to be surrendered (Psalm 139:23-24).
Icebreaker: When you think of a prophet, what is the first thing that comes to mind and why?
Series: Prophet, Priest, and King – Sermon Title: “The Ultimate Prophet” – Hebrews 1:1-3
Group Discussion:
Read Luke 2:10-11, Hebrews 1:1-3, & Revelation 17:14 and then explore the truths below:
Jesus is a Prophet who reveals God (e.g., read Deuteronomy 18:15, & 18:18-19).
Jesus is a Priest who reconciles to God (e.g., read Isaiah 53:10-12).
Jesus is a King who reigns with God (e.g., read Isaiah 9:6-7).
So, what is unique about how we see prophets, priests, and kings set apart in the Old Testament? How can the New Testament verses above help us see Jesus as the ultimate “Anointed One” fulfilling all these roles?
Read John 7:16 & John 17:6-8 – Jesus is the Prophet who speaks. How should Jesus’ complete alignment with the Father’s message reshape the way we evaluate truth, authority, and the voices (i.e., influences) we choose to follow today? Discuss practical ways we can align with His message.
Read John 1:1 & 14 & John 14:6-11 – Jesus is the message; He IS God’s Word in the flesh! Discuss how we can comprehend and explain that Jesus is God incarnate. How should the fact that Jesus is both God’s final Word and His living revelation influence our mission and witness as His disciples?
Read Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:1-3, & John 14:15-21 – Jesus is the Prophet who saves. Discuss connections we might observe between the future hope Jesus promises and the present comfort He gives to those who have come to faith, confession, repentance, and baptism.
Spiritual Disciplines & Action Steps: Review resources for this series on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like “Jesus: A Prophet Like Moses?”
Respond to Jesus’ Prophetic Voice: Choose one area of current pressure (e.g., fear, temptation, decision-making, or discouragement) and commit it to Jesus’ saving authority by praying a specific promise He gives (e.g., Matthew 11:28–30; John 14:1; John 14:18). Write down what surrender and obedience look like in that exact situation and then take specific steps toward resolution and victory.
Icebreaker: In one brief sentence, define what “sacrificial living” means to you.
Sermon Title: Life in the Red Letters – “Sacrificial Living” – Matthew 16:21-26
Group Discussion:
Read Matthew 16:21-23 & Romans 12:1-2 – Allow God to change your perspective (i.e., worldview).
Allowing Jesus to change our worldview means shifting from human concerns and seeking His will.
Discuss how we can recognize when our worldview is being shaped more by cultural trends or selfish
preferences than by Jesus. How can we actively cooperate with Jesus to transform the way we think
to rise above our old way of viewing the world to align with His view of the world?
Read Mark 8:34-38 – Allow God to change your plans. When a Jesus-centered worldview becomes
the priority, our role in serving Him and living sacrificially is more distinct. Discuss ways our own
plans can subtly pull us toward “world-gaining” rather than “soul-shaping?” When have you sensed
Jesus redirecting your plans, and what did that reveal about your attachments and expectations?
Now, take time to explore the multiple ways we might respond to verses like these that express
the idea of “denying yourself” (e.g., denial, defensive, regret, inspiration, enthusiasm).
Read John 10:10 & Mark 10:29-30 – God wants you to change your portion. When Jesus says He
came to give us “life to the full,” how should this influence the way we think about heaven as a future
destination but also as a present reality we can experience daily? Discuss how this truth should
influence the way we live sacrificially today to answer Jesus’ call and advance His kingdom.
Spiritual Disciplines & Action Steps: Review resources for this series on our Church Center app:
Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Biblical Worldview: Definitions, Dilemmas, Dangers
In your devotions this week read Philippians 4:4-7 & Philippians 2:13 – Becoming someone who fully
embraces a sacrificial life comes with perks: (1) You can experience the Lord working in you and
through you in ways you would have never imagined and (2) When the storms of life come, you will
feel it, but you can endure it through His solid foundation (Luke 6:46-49).
Living sacrificially is simply this: I belong to God and everything I have is His. Through prayer,
meditation, and fasting, consider what the Lord is calling you to lay down so he can do more through
you. Commit to living more sacrificially; and share your convictions with a friend, mentor, or family
member and pursue them through to fruition.
11-30-2025