Discussion Guide | Oct. 19, 2025

October 20th, 2025

Introduction

"Reaching Our Community" - Sermon Summary

This sermon focuses on the authentic living out of faith through serving others sacrificially, which is the third pillar of Capital Life Church's mission. Pastor Bill emphasizes that the church should not become merely "keepers of the aquarium" but should actively be "fishers of men," reaching out to our diverse community with the love of Christ. He presents demographic data showing that our area has many young professionals, singles, and highly educated individuals, calling the congregation to see this as our mission field. The message stresses that true faith in Jesus must be demonstrated through practical acts of love and service to those in need, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. As we gather to discuss Your Word and Your calling on our lives, we ask that You would speak to each of us individually and as a group. Help us to move beyond just hearing Your Word to truly living it out authentically. Open our minds to understand how You want us to serve others sacrificially in our community. Give us hearts that beat with Your heart for the lost, the hurting, and the vulnerable around us. We surrender our time together to You and ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide our conversation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could have dinner with anyone from your neighborhood or workplace who doesn't know Jesus, who would it be and why?

Main Study

Key Verses

Acts 1:8
1 John 3:16-18
Matthew 25:31-40
Romans 12:9-13

Questions

What does it mean for a church to become "keepers of the aquarium" instead of "fishers of men," and how can we avoid this trap?
Looking at the demographic data shared about our community (highly educated, many singles, diverse), how should this shape the way we pray for and reach out to our neighbors?
In 1 John 3:16-18, we're told to love "with actions and in truth." What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God's love to those in need around us?
How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-40 about caring for "the least of these" challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Him?
The sermon mentioned that mercy is closely linked to eternal life. How do you balance the truth that salvation is by grace alone with the call to demonstrate that faith through works?
What barriers (time, resources, comfort zone) might prevent you from serving others sacrificially, and how can we overcome them together as a community?
How can we maintain "spiritual fervor" and zeal for God while serving in practical, sometimes mundane ways?
What would it look like for our church to truly be a "headquarters of hope" in our community, and what role can each of us play in that vision?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific person in your sphere of influence (neighbor, coworker, family member) who doesn't know Jesus and commit to praying for them daily. Additionally, look for one practical way to serve someone in need - whether through our church's community ministries or through a personal act of kindness. Take a step beyond just thinking about serving others to actually doing it.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

True faith in Jesus must be demonstrated through practical acts of love and service to those in need
The church should be missional, seeing our surrounding community as a mission field rather than becoming inward-focused
God calls us to go beyond words to actions, using our material possessions and time to meet others' needs
Understanding our community's demographics helps us better reach and serve those around us
Authentic Christianity combines loving God with loving our neighbors sacrificially

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that following You means more than just believing - it means living out our faith through serving others. Help us to see our community through Your eyes, with hearts full of compassion for the lost, the lonely, and the hurting. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones and be Your hands and feet to those around us.

May we never become satisfied with just being hearers of Your Word, but doers who demonstrate Your love in practical ways. Use Capital Life Church as a true headquarters of hope in our community. Help us to invite others to know You, not just through our words but through our authentic love and service. Transform our hearts to beat with Your heart for the nations, starting right here in our own backyard. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

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