HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Sermon On The Mount: Building On The Rock

Matthew 7:24-29
The Wise Builder: Hearing and Obeying (Matthew 7:24-25)
The Foolish Builder: Hearing Without Doing (Matthew 7:26-27)
The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching (Matthew 7:28-29)
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
Have you ever experienced or witnessed a situation where ignoring good advice led to a bad outcome? How does that relate to Jesus’ parable of the two builders?
Read Matthew 7:24-29 aloud. What does Jesus mean by ‘hearing and doing’ His words? How is this different from just hearing or performing religious acts, as mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23?
Think of a time when you faced a ‘storm’ in life (a trial, loss, or challenge). How did your faith in Jesus help you stand firm, or what did you learn about your foundation that you want to strengthen?
The sermon describes an ‘upside-down kingdom’ that is really ‘right-side up’—a life of flourishing through obedience to Jesus. What’s one area of your life (e.g., priorities, relationships, time) where you feel challenged to align with Jesus’ teachings instead of the world’s values?
What’s one takeaway or something you have learned from this whole series on the Upside Down Kingdom through the Sermon on the Mount? How then can you hear these words and now go and do them?

Sermon On The Mount: Two Roads Diverged

Intro:
The Golden Rule: A Summary of Kingdom Living
Two Roads and Two Gates: The Costly Path of Discipleship
Two Trees and Their Fruit: The Evidence of True Faith
Two Confessions: True vs. False Discipleship
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
What are some characteristics of the "wide, easy road" that leads to destruction? How do these contrast with the "narrow, hard road" that leads to life?
How does the theme of costly discipleship challenge contemporary understandings of faith? 
Why does following Jesus really come down to obedience? Explain. Give examples from the Word to back up this claim or not. 
Jesus says He is the "door" (John 10:9). How does entering through Him shape your understanding of the narrow gate?
Discernment: How can you identify "false prophets" or false disciples by their fruit? What kind of fruit (character and actions) should you look for in yourself and others? How do we bear fruit? 
Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” and followed with “Feed my sheep” and “Follow me” (John 21:15-19). How can you express your love for Jesus through obedience this week?

Sermon On The Mount: Judging With Love

MESSAGE | Josh Prather
Matthew 7:1-11
See Your Own Speck First
Planks Before Splinters
Pearls of Discernment
Persist in Prayerful Love
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. How can we apply the principle of 'seeing your own speck first' in our daily interactions with others?
2. How can understanding our own need for grace change the way we treat our peers?
3. In what ways can we model the balance of truth and grace that Jesus exemplified, especially in difficult conversations?
4. How can we create an environment in our communities or groups that fosters vulnerability and grace, rather than judgment?

Sermon on the Mount: Upside Down Treasure 7/6/25

Introduction: What Is Truly Safe?
 
I. Earthly Treasure Isn’t Safe (Matt. 6:19-21)
 
II. A Healthy Heart Sees Clearly (Matt. 6:22-23)
 
III. You Can’t Serve Two Masters (Matt. 6:24)
 
IV. Don’t Be Anxious—Seek What’s Safe (Matt. 6:25-34)
 
V. Sowing to the Spirit: Storing Safe Treasure (Gal. 6:8-10)
Small Group Discussion Questions
Notice the word “Therefore” in the passage in verse 25. What is the argument Jesus makes in order to transition into a statement like “therefore, do not be anxious…”? 
 
Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24). What practical steps can you take to ensure you’re serving God over “mammon” in your decisions and lifestyle? 
 
How does seeking God’s kingdom first (Matt. 6:33) help reduce anxiety in your life, and what’s one area where you can trust God more instead of worrying? 
 
The sermon references sowing to the Spirit for eternal treasure (Gal. 6:8-10). What’s one specific way you can “sow” through worship, service, or giving to store up treasure in heaven this week?

Guest Speaker Nate Parks 6/29/25

Nate compares the Gospels of John, Matthew, and Mark, focusing on how each author tells the story of Jesus walking on water. By examining the similarities and unique details in each account, we gain a deeper understanding of the event. The message becomes clear: sometimes Jesus allows us to face struggles, but He is always present with us in the storm.

Sermon On The Mount: True Religion Through Secret Devotion

Introduction: True Righteousness in Secret (6:1) 
1. Giving: Worship, Not Performance (6:2-4)
2. Praying: Sincerity, Not Show (6:5-15)
3. Fasting: For God, Not Pity (6:16-18)
Conclusion: The Secret Place: Where God Meets You (6:6)
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 6:1 aloud. Jesus begins with “Beware.” Why do you think He uses such a strong warning about practicing righteousness to be seen by others? What does this tell us about the importance of motives?
 
The sermon contrasts false righteousness (performative, like the Pharisees) with true righteousness (God-centered, like the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14). How do the examples of giving, praying, and fasting in Matthew 6:1-18 illustrate this contrast?
 
The sermon references the Greek term hypokrites (meaning “actor”). How does thinking of hypocrisy as “playing a role” for human applause change the way you view your spiritual practices?
 
The sermon challenges us to ask, “Am I doing this to be seen, or for God to be seen through me?” How can you incorporate this question into your daily routine (e.g., before giving, praying, or serving)?

Sermon On The Mount: Loving Your Enemies with Unconquerable Love

Pastor Jordan MoodyMatthew 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 5:10-12
I. Unpopular Love 
II. Unconquerable Love 
III. Undivided Love
IV. Ordinary Love vs. Extraordinary Love (5:46-47)
V. Perfect Love (5:48) 
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
How do Bonhoeffer’s, Corrie ten Boom’s, Gracia Burnham's, and Louis Zamperini's examples of loving their enemies challenge you? (Look up their testimonies online to review if you need to.) 
 
What’s the difference between “ordinary” love and the “perissos” (more, extraordinary, peculiar) love Jesus calls us to (Matt. 5:46-47)? 
 
The sermon illustrates perfect love (Matthew 5:48) as a fountain that flows freely to others, akin to God’s love flowing through us (1 John 4:12). What “plugs” (such as bitterness, fear, or pride) could be obstructing your ability to let God’s love reach others?
 
Bonhoeffer calls the cross the “extraordinary mark of Christian existence.” How does Jesus’ example of praying for His enemies on the cross (Luke 23:34) shape your understanding of what it means to be a Christian?
 
The sermon asks, “What makes us distinctly Christian?” How can loving your enemies this week reflect the cross and set you apart in a world full of division?

Sermon on the Mount - Meaning What You Say, And Forgiving Anyway

MESSAGE | JORDAN MOODYMatthew 5:33-42
Introduction (Judges 11:29-40) 
I. Meaning What You Say (Matthew 5:33-37)
II. Forgiving Anyway (Matthew 5:38-42)
The Problem: The Cycle of Retribution  
The Solution: Love Over Revenge 
Turn the other cheek (v. 39): Choose humility over retaliation in personal injury.  
Give your cloak (v. 40): Go beyond what’s required in disputes.  
Go the extra mile (v. 41): Serve even under unfair authority.  
Give to those who ask (v. 42): Be generous when able, with discernment.
 
Small Group Discussion Questions
How have you seen manipulative speech (e.g., flippant promises or exaggerated oaths) harm relationships in your life or others’? How can you cultivate more honesty in your words?  
2. Read James 5:12. How does this passage reinforce Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:33-37? Why is simple, truthful speech so important in God’s kingdom?  
 
3. In what areas (e.g., social media, work, church) are you tempted to project a false image? How can you align your words and actions with authenticity?
 
4. Why is the world’s “eye for an eye” approach so appealing, and why does it fail to bring true satisfaction? Share an example of a time you sought “fairness” but it didn’t resolve the issue.  
 
5. How do we balance Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness with the need for justice or safety (e.g., in abusive situations)? Discuss how discernment plays a role.
6. How does knowing God’s love and forgiveness for us (e.g., Jesus on the cross) empower us to forgive others? Reflect on a specific situation where this truth could change your response.  

Sermon on the Mount: Pure in Heart

Sermon On The Mount: Why So Angry?

I. The Heart of the Law (Matthew 5:20–21)
II. Anger: Murder in the Heart (Matthew 5:21–22)
III. Reconciliation: The Heart of Love (Matthew 5:23–26)
IV. Two Kingdoms Contrasted
 Small Group Discussion Questions
Jesus teaches that anger in the heart is as serious as murder (Matt. 5:21–22). Where have you noticed anger or contempt in your own heart recently, whether toward a person, group, or situation? How does recognizing this as “murder” in God’s eyes challenge you to seek His transformation?
 
2. The Samaritan woman’s heart was changed by Jesus’ living water, despite her outward and inward sin (John 4:14). How does her story give you hope that God can transform your heart, even in areas where you feel stuck in anger or sin? What does it look like to trust Jesus daily to make your heart a “spring of living water”?
 
3. In the church example (Matt. 5:23–24), Jesus says to leave your gift at the altar and reconcile before worshiping. How might unresolved anger or grudges affect your ability to worship God authentically? What practical step could you take to ensure your heart is right with others before Sunday service or even before taking communion?
 
4. The sermon contrasts the kingdom of inner goodness (trusting Jesus for heart change) with the kingdom of rule-keeping (external righteousness). Where do you find yourself tempted to rely on “checking boxes” to appear righteous? How can you invite Jesus to transform your heart to love God and neighbor more deeply? 
 
5. God asked Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry?” when he wanted Nineveh judged instead of saved (Jonah 4:4, 9). When have you struggled to love an “enemy” or someone who wronged you? How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:21–26 challenge you to pray for a heart that loves like God does?