Covenant Naples Covenant Church of Naples

The church is comprised of many disparate parts and yet called to function together as one body. When each member does its part, we grow up into the fullness of what God is creating us to be. What is your part?

Sermon outline:
I. The Gift Giver
II. The Gifts He Gives
III. The Goal of the Gifts

Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. What stuck out to you most from the sermon about the variety of spiritual gifts given to the church? How have you seen different gifts at work within our church body?
2. The gifts are given to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ. What avenues for ministry and service are you currently involved in or feel equipped to get involved in?
3. Why is it important that we strive for maturity and not remain spiritual “children” easily swayed by false teachings or deceitful schemes? How can we grow in discernment?
4. Paul writes that we are to “speak the truth in love.” Why is maintaining both truth and love crucial? How do you tend to prioritize one over the other personally?
5. What is your attitude towards the role and responsibilities God has given you within the church? How can we foster an appropriate eagerness to do our part in the body of Christ?

The Lord has brought each one of us into this fellowship from a different place and background: we’re different ages, we speak different languages, we have a variety of theological and political views, and we often have our own ideas of how things should be done. Occasionally these issues erupt because living in unity with other sinful people is difficult. But if the gospel is true, and it is, then living in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ is imperative.

Sermon outline:

I. The Call to Christian Unity
II. The Qualities of Christian Unity
III. The Foundation of Christian Unity

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Humility, gentleness, and patience are important virtues for maintaining unity in the church. Which of these do you find most challenging to live out? Why? How can we grow in these areas?
2. Do you have relationships in your life currently that require you to “put up with one another in love”? If so, how is it going? If not, why might that be the case?
3. How does remembering the “one hope” we have in Christ’s return and making all things new help us to live at peace with one another amidst our differences and disagreements?
4. The sermon highlights the foundational unity we have as Christians—one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and Father. Which of these resonates most with you as an important basis for our unity? Why?
5. What are some ways we can intentionally cultivate being “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit” in our church family? What might this look like practically in how we relate to one another?

How would your life be different if you could comprehend the power of God and the love of God for you? Join us to find out!

Sermon Outline:
I. Strengthened for Indwelling
II. Strengthened for Comprehension
III. Strengthened for God’s Glory

Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. It can be difficult for some of us to receive love, even God's love. Why do you think that is? What fears or hesitations might someone have in fully accepting God's love?
2. Paul talks about being “rooted and grounded” in God's love. What are some practical ways we can go deeper in understanding and experiencing God’s love for us?
3. Paul prays that believers would comprehend the vast dimensions of God’s power and love. Why is it important to grasp the immensity of God’s power and love? How might that change the way we live?
4. The statement was made: “We will not live as God's holy ones until we know that we are God's beloved ones.” Do you find it difficult to see yourself as God's beloved? Why or why not?
5. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” What are some areas of your life or family where you need to ask God to work in powerful ways beyond what you can imagine? Take some time to ask him now.

The Gospel of Luke begins and ends with worship reflecting the “great joy” that entered the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This great joy, distinct from mere happiness, becomes accessible to us when we receive the gift of faith in Jesus Christ.

Sermon Outline:
I. The source material of great joy are the things of Jesus.
II. Great joy marvels at the work of Jesus.
III. Great joy is seeing that all the Scriptures point to Jesus.
IV. Great joy leads to continual worship of Jesus.

Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. How do you distinguish between happiness and joy? Have you ever known a person who exuded great joy? What were some of their unique characteristics?
2. John Calvin wrote that we are all partly unbelievers until we die and see Jesus. When you have gone through seasons or moments of disbelief or doubt what was it that helped your faith strengthen?
3. Do you still find yourself in awe of Jesus and His work in your life? If so, how do you cultivate that sense of wonder?
4. Can you think of examples in your life when you “disbelieved for joy”?
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus throughout Scripture. How can we deepen our understanding of how the entire Bible points to Jesus? Are there specific passages or stories that have helped you see Jesus more clearly in Scripture?
6. If you were to share your faith with a non-believer what proofs of the resurrection would you use to help convince them that Jesus is alive?
7. The Gospel of Luke concludes in the same way that it opened: with great joy through worship. How does the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection impact your worship? In what ways can we foster a spirit of worship characterized by great joy in our lives?

The effectiveness of Jesus’ death on the cross only stands if Jesus was raised from the dead. The eyewitnesses say he is risen. But are they credible witnesses? Join us to see how their initial response of unbelief provides more support for our belief.

Sermon Outline:
I. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was unexpected, even though it had been predicted.
II. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not initially believed, even though it was reported by reliable eyewitnesses.

Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. Where do you personally fall on the spectrum of skepticism/belief regarding Jesus' resurrection? What factors contribute to your perspective?
2. The two main points highlight how the resurrection was unexpected and initially not believed, even by Jesus’ closest followers. Why do you think the disciples struggled to accept the resurrection reports at first?
3. Peter’s reaction models for us a willingness to “go and look” at the evidence for ourselves. What experiences or influences have shaped your journey of examining the resurrection accounts? What questions still remain for you?
4. For those who do believe in the resurrection, how does this truth impact your daily life? In what ways have you experienced the joy and hope the sermon describes?

It’s not news that many Americans have left and are leaving the church. Some of them even have pretty good reasons. So why should we stand firm in the church? Join us to find out.

Sermon Outline:
I. The Mystery of the Church
II. The Message of the Church
III. The Mediator of the Church

Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. Americans are leaving the church in large numbers these days for various reasons (hypocrisy, moral failures, busyness with activities, etc.). What reasons resonate with you or those you know who have left the church? Why haven’t you left?
2. Paul saw his ministry and calling as a gift of grace from God, not something he earned or deserved. How does viewing our service in the church this way change our attitudes and motivations?
3. The mystery revealed to Paul was that Gentiles are included as full heirs and members of God’s family, the body of Christ. Why was this so revolutionary and difficult for early Jewish Christians to accept? Where do you see the sharpest divisions among followers of Jesus in the church today?
4. A united, diverse church proclaims Christ’s victory over spiritual powers. How well are we displaying this vibrant unity amidst diversity of every sort? What steps could we take to better embody this counter-cultural reality?
5. Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment and persecution for the sake of the gospel reaching the Gentiles. What can we learn from Paul's example about having the right perspective on suffering for the gospel?