Going Deeper
Sermon Notes & Questions
Sermon Notes & Questions
Sermon Notes & Questions
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
OKLearn moreWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Tag You’re it – part 1
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverThe definition of discourage is to deprive of courage or confidence: dishearten. Contrasting that to the definition of courage which is mental or moral strength to venture, preserver, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Are you in a season where you feel encouraged or discouraged?
The “big idea” in this week’s message is that leaders speak courage. Who are you leading? Are you encouraging them and if so in what ways? Who is encouraging you? (use the scriptures listed below to be encouraged and encourage others)
Read James 4:1-2. After considering this passage, what desires are you struggling with that has you in the field of discontentment? Where are you directing that desire?
Speaking courage is reminding others of the confidence that we have in God. At StoneWater, we call it “Godfidence”. What do you think it looks like to speak “Godfidence” into someone’s life?
John 1:12
Romans 8:28
Ephesians 1:7
Jeremiah 1:5
1 Peter 2:9
Galatians 2:20
John 15:15
Ephesians 2:10
Philippians 3:20
Colossians 3:1-4
Romans 8:37
Psalms 139:14
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Timothy 1:7
1 Corinthians 16:13
Old Testament Prophets – part 4
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverThis week’s message laid the groundwork for the first three chapters of the book of Daniel. We didn’t hear the entire story but just enough to dive in and read it on our own and get the “rest of the story”.
Go ahead and read the first three chapters of Daniel and consider the following:
What is the “big idea” from each of these chapters? (If you get stuck you can review the notes from this week’s message that are posted on the “Notes” button)
The big idea in chapter 1 is:
The big idea in chapter 2 is:
The big idea in chapter 3 is:
Would you have responded to each of these situations like Daniel did or would you respond differently?
Old Testament Prophets (Week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverThis week we heard about King Jehoshaphat and the three wise decisions that he made – they are outlined below:
King Jehoshaphat asked God for help when he face an insurmountable obstacle. When you face significant obstacles, do you turn to God in prayer and cry out for help or do you typically try and solve the problem yourself?
2. He remembered God’s promises (2 Chronicles 20:6, 12)
What are some of the promises from God that are laid out in scripture that you hang onto?
3. He listened to counsel from a godly man (2 Chronicles 20:13-17)
Do you have someone in your life that you can turn to for godly counsel? If not then what are some ways you can think of to establish that?
When King Jehoshaphat took action with humility (2 Chronicles 20:18), conviction (2 Chronicles 20:20) and leadership (2 Chronicles 20:21), what was the end result (2 Chronicles 20:22. 24, 27, 30)? What conclusion can you draw from this in your own life?
Old Testament Prophets (week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverThis week we heard about 3 lessons that Jonah learned the hard way – they are outlined below:
Jonah was angry that God did not take revenge on Nineveh. Is there someone that you struggle showing mercy too? What can you learn from Jonah’s situation
2. God’s purpose is better then our comfort (Jonah 4:5 – 4:9)
God provided the plant to provide shade, He then provided the worm that destroyed the plant and then He provided the scorching wind. Are you in the midst of an uncomfortable circumstance or are you being led to step out and take some uncomfortable steps?
3. We are meant to carry a burden for others (Jonah 4:10-11)
Are you burdened for others that are in your life that are not walking in relationship with God? Who are those people? What steps is God prompting you to take?
Kings Family (week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverWhat is the Kingdom of God?
Elements of a kingdom
Think about the elements of a kingdom, do you know your role in the kingdom and are you actively pursuing it?
Enemies of the kingdom
How have you seen the enemy of God’s kingdom at work around you recently? What is your response to what you have seen or felt?
Edicts of the kingdom
Considering the edicts of the kingdom, how are you doing at loving God, loving people and expanding the kingdom?
In regards to expanding the kingdom, would you consider taking a step out as part of the King’s family and helping with the church planting efforts in Tyler? Gather together as a family, a group of friends or your small group and sign up for one of the outreach weekends to serve and do your part to fulfill the Great Commission that God has called us all to. (register at the link below)
https://stonewaterchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/795604
Kings Family (week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverWhat do you treasure most in life?
How do your treasures align with the word of God? (Matthew 6:20-21)
What do you think when you consider the “Big Idea” from this week’s message, “I am God’s treasure”?
Read the account in Luke 21:1-4, how does this story of the poor widow relate to you?
If you believe that you are God’s treasure, how does that impact your life and decisions?
The King’s Family (Week One)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverThis is the first week of our sermon series titled “The King’s Family”. This first message that Pastor Jeremy brought is filled with significant foundational truths for this series. Taking that into account, we would encourage to go back and listen to the message again to grasp these foundational truths and then process through the three questions below.
1 – If Jesus is my King, then He has ultimate authority in my life. Does King Jesus have full authority in your life? In all aspects of your life or is there a portion that you are holding onto?
2 – If Jesus is my King, then this world is not my home. Do you live as though this world is not your home?
3 – If Jesus is my King, then I belong to “the King’s family”. Do you live in a way that honors your Royal Family?
Are You Kidding Me (Week 1)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenThis is the first week of our sermon series titled “Are you kidding me”. When you think back, are there a couple of situations where God has shown up in a big way to see you through where it left you saying “are you kidding me” – God did that for me?
Pastor Jeremy outlined 6 things that Jesus did after the resurrection. Look through each of these accounts and discuss your thoughts on each.
1 – appeared to women (Matthew 28:1-10)
2 – appeared to his disciples (Luke 24:36-48)
3 – appeared to Thomas (John 20:24-29)
4 – restored Peter (John 21)
5 – commissioned his disciples (Matthew 28:16-20)
6 – ascended to heaven (Mark 16:19)
Of the 6 things noted above, what do you feel is the most “are you kidding me” on the list? Why?
Do you fully know and understand that God has a purpose for you today? What are some of those purposes that God has called you to?
I am with Jesus (Easter Sunday)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenWhat in your life is broken that does not need to stay broken?
The big idea from his week’s message is that I am with Jesus in LIFE.
The word LIFE was used as an acronym as follows:
L – living not just existing
I – in relationship with Jesus
F – Freedom from brokenness
E – Eternal home
From the four letters in the acronym, which one can you currently relate to the most? Is there one that you struggle with?
Did Jesus die for everyone? (1 John 2:1-2, John 3:16)
Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Can you confidently say that “I am with Jesus”?
If you recently started your walk with Jesus, have you considered baptism?
I am with Jesus (week 6)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenThis week’s big idea is that we experience joy when we are with Jesus. What is your joy level (percentage)?
Explain the difference between joy and happiness?
The three main points of this message were that JOY can be experienced in all situations, JOY is refined under pressure and JOY is awakened when victory is realized through loss. From these three main points, is there one that you currently identify with? Explain what that is and why.
How does joy come from hardships?
What are some of the things that tend to steal your joy (joy robbers)?
Stick with Jesus, walk with Jesus and experience JOY. How is your JOY and how near are you to Jesus?
I am with Jesus (week 4)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenPastor Randy made the statement; “In the plan of God, He wants to take you to that place where you have to say that this is all I can stand and I can’t stand no more”. Why do you think God takes us or allows us to get to that point?
Do you have a situation in your life currently where you “can’t stand no more”? If so, then process through it with the understanding that as long as you are with Jesus then you will make it.
What is your initial response when faced with high demand and little resource?
John 6 tells the story of the young boy who willing gave what he had to feed the multitudes. How does that relate to your life? Do you live a generous lifestyle? If not, then what holds you back from that?
The biggest question of the day; are you really with Jesus? Have you experienced His grace and His love? If not, then what is holding you back from that? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a Christian friend or StoneWater church and have them guide you through what it means to say “I am with Jesus”.
I am With Jesus (week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenStatements I’m not fond of:
· Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute
· If you get hit in the face because of your faith, let them hit you again
· Give to those who unfairly demand of you (clothes or time)
· Go a second mile even though you are only obligated to go one
· You’re blessed when you’re persecuted
· If you want a great life, you must be the servant/slave of all
2) It was stated that there are 3 steps (give up, take up and get going) that we can take to stay connected to Him (Jesus) regardless. With that in mind:
How do we Give up and Take up what Jesus said to Give up and Take up, so we keep going regardless?
3) There were 5 ways to be washed in the word of God that are listed below. How are you applying each of these to your life?
· Read it daily
· Memorize it regularly
· Study it consistently
· Meditate on it constantly
· Practice it faithfully
4) With our lives being washed in the word of God, how is your being washed effecting those around you? Is there someone in particular that you are impacting? Likewise, is there someone that is impacting you?
5) Are you connected in community within the church body? If not, what is holding you back?
I am with Jesus (Week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara Whidden1 – What are the three things that need to change for true repentance?
2 – What is the one thing that God wants you to repent from?
3 – What is your test score when tempted?
4 – What area of your life do you need to be with Jesus in obedience?
5 – What is my next step in obedience to God?
I am With Jesus (Week 1)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara Whidden1. Pastor Joey listed 7 problem areas that people face that sometimes causes them to turn away from following Jesus.
Have you struggled with one of these? How did you overcome it?
I’M WITH JESUS UNTIL…
1. DEATH of a spouse, child, parent, or friend.
2. DIVORCE because of an affair or because I fell out of love.
3. DREAMS are lost. Lost job, lost my business, lost hope for future.
4. DISEASE- Cancer diagnosis. Chronic pain. Trauma or Accident.
5. DAMAGED- Relationships, abuse, abandonment, betrayal.
6. DESERTED by God, spouse, dad, mom, or friends.
7. DESTINY- I am not where I want to be in this stage of my life.
2. Read John 6:22-71. The crowd of disciples were offended by Jesus’ teaching and they left.
I’m with Jesus UNTIL I am offended.
John 6:61 (NLT) Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you?
John 6:66-67 (NLT) At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
John 6:68-69 (NLT) Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”
3. Pastor Joey used an illustration about making allowance for other people’s faults. He used a money jar showing how much God has forgiven us and how we should be prepared to forgive others.
Why is it difficult to forgive? Are you struggling to forgive anyone? Are you offended at God?
Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
4. Pastor Joey concludes by giving people a time to forgive people and to once and for all restore your relationship back to God if you have been offended at Him.
Explain what was going on with you. How would life be better if you could forgive and be restored to God?
1+1=1 Marriage Math (week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenCrave out some time today and work on oneness by answering these questions as a couple.
1+1=1 Marriage Math (Week 4)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara WhiddenGoing Deeper sermon questions
1. Pastor Jeremy and Misti spoke of the difference between a contractual marriage and a covenant marriage. What are some covenants God made to the people of the Bible? How did He keep the covenants? Does He always?
2. If you and your spouse have talked through the oneness challenge for this week, what is something you can share with others about lies that you have believed about your spouse? How did your spouse dispel those lies and affirm the truth? How can you encourage others around you to affirm truth in you as well?
3. There were 5 areas to focus on to protect oneness in your marriage. Of the 5, what have you and your spouse decided to focus on first? Share this with others, and discuss how you might take steps in this direction? Look for insights from others as well. (Make a COVENANT Marriage, Maintain Intimacy, Manage Your Mind, Monitor Media, Minimize Temptations)
Oneness Challenge:
1+1=1 Marriage Math (Week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara Whidden1. Pastor Perry shared how we all have needs through the acronym VISA (value, important, safe, acceptance). How might you describe to someone else what communicates VISA to you? What are some practical examples of things someone says to you or does for you that speaks to these needs?
2. We discussed 4 obstacles in marriage. The first pair was sin and self. If your willing, share a time it was obvious you sinned in communication to your spouse? How did that create separation and block openness?
3. When does defensiveness create obstacles in communication?
4. The second pair of obstacles was silence and secrets. Self admit, who in your relationship has a tendency to go silent during communication?
5. What area of your relationship with God would you like to focus on in the near future? How could that directly affect your marriage?
ONENESS CHALLENGE THIS WEEK:
1. Find a place with no distractions and discuss the following questions.
2. What are some recurring obstacles in your relationship?
3. What are some challenges you have already overcome together? Acknowledge and celebrate those wins!
4. Talk about the 4 emotional needs (feeling valued, important, safe, and accepted). Discuss which of the 4 you feel you need most.
5. Which of the 4 battles (feeling worthless, insignificant, alone/abandoned, or rejected) do you struggle with the most? Discuss practical ways your spouse can help you feel more victorious.
6. The 4 obstacles in marriage (sin, self, silence, and secrets) can block 4 important areas your marriage needs: openness, oneness, communication, and intimacy. Which of these do you feel good about in your relationship? Which of these do you feel needs the most improvement?
7. Since marriage is a reflection of your relationship to God, hold hands and pray together, and ask for God’s help in overcoming the specific obstacles that get in the way of your walk with Him.
1+1=1 Marriage Math (Week 1)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lara Whidden1. What does it mean to be in a covenant marriage? Oneness starts with a covenant. How is a covenant different than a contract?
2. Pastor Jeremy said that we are to look to our spouse as God sees the church. How does God view the church, or the family of believers? What has He done, and is doing for the church? Does your marriage do the same for one another?
3. Oneness is not sameness. How are you different than your spouse in the areas discussed in service (finances, family, communication, family, parenting, etc.). How should you understand and celebrate those differences, instead of responding out of pride (my way is best)?
4. What are the things those in your group can do to best fight and protect your marriage? If not in a group, what steps can you take to join a group or find your people?
ONENESS CHALLENGE THIS WEEK:
1. Find a place with no distractions and discuss the following questions.
2. Describe 3 valuable characteristics that your spouse brings to your marriage.
3. Describe a time this past year when you felt truly one in your marriage.
4. What does your spouse do that makes you feel one?
5. Where do you think your marriage is vulnerable to a oneness attack?
6. What are some ways that you can counter the attacks on oneness in your marriage?
7. Hold hands and pray for God to guide you to a great place of oneness.
From The Heart (Week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverPhilippians 4:11-12
From The Heart
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverMatthew 28:18, Luke 4:18-21, Luke 19:10
What Are You Praying For (Week 4)?
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverMatt 11:28-30, Proverbs 28:26, 3:5-6, Micah 7:5-8, Genesis 20
What Are You Praying For? (Week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverLuke 10:38-42
What Are You Praying For? (Week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverMatthew 6:5-13
What Are You Praying For?
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn Carver2 Chronicles 7:11-14, James 5:13-18
15 Year Anniversary
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverPs 34:22
1. What if I talked less about politics, corona virus, and division…and more about Jesus?
2. What if I humbled myself and prayed for healing for our nation? What am I praying for?
3. What if my family and I invited people that need Jesus to church, and we invested in real relationships?
4. What if I looked for needs that I could meet in people’s lives and lived a generous life?
5. What is God saying to me? What does God want me to say?
Root for the Home Team (Week 4)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverLuke 10:25-37
Root for the Home Team (Week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverNehemiah 6-13
Root for the Home Team (Week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverNehemiah 2-6
Root for the Home Team
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverNehemiah 1, 2 Kings 25
Good News (Week 9)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverJoshua 3, Num 12:26-30,
Good News (Week 8)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverGood News (Week 7)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverGood News (Week 6)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn Carver2 Kings 6:24-7:17
Sunday, August 16
Good News (Week 5)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverWhen we wrestle with death it allows us to live in freedom!
John 14:1-6
Sunday, August 9
Good News (Week 4)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverPsalms 139:23-24
Sunday, August 2
Good News (Week 3)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverSunday, July 26
Good News (Week 2)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverEph 2:8-10
Grace is Greater than ____________
Sunday, July 19
Good News
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverLuke 2:8-12
Sunday, July 12
God Blessed America
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverLuke 12:42-48
Sunday, July 5
The Comeback (Week 4)
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverMatthew 4:17
Sunday, June 28
Fathers Day
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverEp 6:4 Pr 13:22
Sunday, June 21
The Comeback Week 2
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverGod gives us what we need not what we deserve.
Luke 15:11-32
Sunday, June 14
The Comeback
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverPs 139:23-24, Rom 12:9-21
Sunday, May 31
Spur, Meet, and Encourage
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverHebrews 10, 1 Corinthians 13
Sunday, May 31
Live in Victory Over Your Enemy
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn Carver2 Kings 6:11-17
Sunday, May 24
Finding God’s Will
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverJames 4:13-17
Sunday, May 17
Mother’s Day
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverJames 4:13-16, Romans 13:11-12
Sunday, May 10
Fear in the New Normal
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverMatthew 6-7
Sunday, May 3
When Jesus Shows up
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverSunday, April 26
The New Normal
/in CG Sermon Questions /by Lauryn CarverLuke 24:36-45
Sunday, April 19