A sermon on John 1:6-13 by Pastor Cody Brobst.

Application questions:

• Review the prologue (John 1:1-18) together and notice what concepts repeat.
• Why is Christianity incompatible with other worldviews (hint: John 14:6)?
• How is the Light revealed through witnesses?
• What makes John the Baptist’s witness unique specifically?
• What are ways you most enjoy revealing the Light (witnessing) to others?
• Where are you most tempted to believe that you can do what only God can do?
• How might life look if we reminded ourselves that “I am not the Christ”?
• In verse 9, when we read that the true Light was coming into the world & giving light to everyone, in what sense is the Light given to everyone?
• Why do people reject Jesus and not believe?
• In verse 10, what are the different definitions given for “the world”?
• How does this inform how we read John 3:16?
• What do vv. 12-13 say about how someone is & is not “born again”?
• How might that debunk the whole “seeing is definitey believing” idea?
• As children of God, what are ways we can simply enjoy God more this Christmas? What habit(s) could help you slow down & enjoy His free gift of adoption more?

Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com.

An advent sermon on John 1:1-5 by David Camera.

Application questions:

• Do you put up Christmas lights? If so why?
• Read Genesis 1:3-5. How did God create all things? What was the first thing He created?
• John starts with "In the beginning” to connect the coming of Jesus to Genesis 1. What is John teaching us by doing this?
• Summarize in your own words what we learn about the “Word” in these verses? So who actually did the “creating” in Genesis 1?
• What is light a metaphor of in the Bible? (cr. Psalm 27:1)
• Where is salvation to be found according to these verses?
• What reasons do we have for hope in the passage?
• How has this passage expanded your view of the importance of Christmas?

Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com.

A sermon concluding our series on Exodus by David Camera.

Application questions:

• Do you think most people believe that it is easy for loving God to allow people to dwell in His presence forever? Why or why not? What must we not forget about ourselves and about God?
• Summarize the narrative of Exodus so far in your own words.
• What was the purpose of redemption?
• What is therefore surprising about how Exodus ends?
• Why cannot even Moses enter?
• How would you answer this question from what you have learned in Exodus, “How can a person dwell in God’s presence?” How does Leviticus 1:1-2 provide the answer?
• Read Revelation 15. What themes are similar to Exodus 40? What is required before anyone can dwell in God’s presence?
• Read Romans 8:9-11. Where is the presence of God to be found today?
  • If the Spirit of God dwells in us, what does that make each Christian?
  • How does the reality that God dwells with us impact the way we ought to live our lives today?
• Read John 14:1-7. What is shocking about Jesus’ promise here?
• If someone asked you, “How can I dwell with God forever?” How would you respond?