This blog is based on Rev. Kim Salo's sermon on Sunday Feb. 23, "God is Our Refuge."

1. Read Psalm 91. 
What does the Psalmist say about God as refuge? From what? In this psalm, how does God protect us?

2. Read Isaiah 25:4-9.
In verses 4-5, who needs refuge? From verses 6-8, name the promises God makes.

3. Read Revelation 7:9-17.
Is this vision fulfilled in the past, the present, or the future? How does this vision of worship in the heavenly realm help Christians under duress now?

4. Read John 17:6-19.
From verses 6-12, by noticing the verbs in each sentence, list all the actions of the Son and the Father. From these same verses, briefly sum up Christ's actions for us.
Read verses 13-19. What key thing is Christ praying for us? Why do you need that right now, in your present situation?

5. Is the church a refuge? If so, how exactly?

This blog is based on Rev. Susan's sermon of February 16th.

1. The narrative of God's love story (the Bible) with His people has many highs and lows.
a) What are some of the highs and lows that stand out for you?
b) What do you consider to be the highest point, and the lowest point in God's story?
c) Have you experienced highs and lows in your own relationship with God?  What got you through the lows?

2. Why is "being nice, or being kind" not sufficient to get us into heaven?

3. Read Romans 8:31-39.
a) What are the seven questions Paul asks in this passage?
b) What are the things listed that cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus?
c) Verse 34 says that Jesus is at God's right hand interceding for us.  What does this mean for you?

These questions are based on the sermon Drawing Near, from Sunday Feb 2/25.
 
1) Thinking about the encounters with Jesus – as in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 -- in His earliest years, and learning of His life in the Gospels, how do we draw near to God in His extraordinary doings?
 
2) What do Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna have to teach us about Jesus?
 
3) Have we had a longing to draw near to Him, just to be held by Him, no need to talk or present a list of asks; just to be in His presence, dimly aware that He has drawn near to us because He loves us and wants us near Him?  What can we do to address that longing?

​This blog is based on Rev Kim Salo's sermon from January 26th.

Read John 4:4-26
1. Read v.4-9. Why does it matter that that this encounter happens in Samaria? Do social or ethnic or religious barriers matter to Jesus? Why or why not?

2. Read v.10-18. Why did Jesus abruptly change the conversation to her "personal" life?

3. Read v.19-20. Why did the woman change the conversation to a religious controversy?

4. What is your honest opinion of this woman?

5. Read v.21-24. What does Jesus mean by telling her that God is seeking those who will worship him in Spirit and in truth?

6. What are some reasons that a relationship with Jesus Christ can't be strictly private, between "me and Jesus"?

These questions are a follow- up from the Sermon on January 19th. ​

Read Luke 5: 27-32

1. What did Jesus say to Levi? What actions did Levi take upon hearing Jesus’ invitation to follow Him? Have you answered Jesus’ call to be in a continuous relationship with Him?
2. What was Levi’s first action as a new follower of Jesus? Whom did Levi invite to his “good-bye” party? What has been most difficult for you to say good-bye to from your old life? Is Jesus the guest of honour in all aspects of your life?
3. What did Jesus mean by saying that He came to call sinners to repentance and not to call the righteous? How does this understanding help you define your relationship with God?
4. Throughout our current sermon series, what is the main area that you would like to grow in your relationship with God? 

​This blog is based on Rev. Kim's sermon on "The Day of the Lord", preached on Dec. 1st.

Read 2 Peter 3:3-10

1. Why does Peter say that with God, 1000 years is like one day and one day is like 1000 years? What is Peter trying to get us to understand?

2. When you were young, what was it like to be told that you have to wait for your birthday/Christmas/graduation/when you move out from home?

3. At Revelation 21:1, the apostle John says that in his vision he "saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the new earth had passed away." Why will God do that?

4. How much warning will everyone on earth have of Christ's return?

5. According to 2 Peter 3:3-10, what is the best way to be ready for Christ's return?

Bonus Question:
What is the problem with these two approaches to the return of Christ:
A. Churches that barely mention it?
B. Churches that talk about little else?

Below are the scriptures and questions that were discussed at Cafe Church this past Sunday (November 17th). 

1. 1 John 3: 1-10: How does embracing your identity as a Child of God help you live in the world today? What practices, have helped you live out your Christian identity as a Child of God?
2. 1 John 3: 11-24: What barriers do you face that prevent you from growing closer with your brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we as a family of believers at St Aidan’s, overcome these obstacles?
3. John 15: 1-11: How does the image of pruning help you understand what God’s intent is when allowing us to go through new or unfamiliar seasons? How does this image help us understand the season we are undergoing at St. Aidan’s?
4. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11: Why is the church’s gathering of worship the ideal time to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit? What are some ways that St. Aidan’s can provide more opportunity to exercise our spiritual gifts?

If you have any additional insights to these questions, please share with Rev. Chris.
 

This blog is based on issues arising from Rev. Kim's sermon on Nov. 10th, Remembrance Sunday.

Read Romans 13:1-5

1. Nero Caesar reigned from 54 to 63 A.D. Paul wrote his letter to the churches of Rome in 57 or 58 A.D., probably before Nero's persecution of them. Why do you suppose Paul raised the issue of submission to civic authorities in his letter to the Roman Christians? (Hint: look at 2 Timothy 2:1-4, Titus 3:1-2, I Peter 2:13-17, Proverbs 8:15-16, Mark 12:17)

2. Do you think each and every civic authority is instituted by God? Does God grant unlimited or limited authority to earthly governments? 

3. How is Romans 13:3-5 helpful for a Christian in the armed forces or a police force, who is concerned about being judged for breaking the commandment "Thou shalt not kill"?

4. Why did Jesus say, at Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"?

​November 6th – Based on a sermon given November 3rd by Les Kovacs
 
My sermon this past Sunday focused on being missional Children of God as exemplified by the saints throughout the ages.  Like many of our brothers and sisters, we may want to share our faith with others but feel unsure of ourselves, seeing several obstacles that can make it challenging. I’ve listed a few below for you to consider.
1. Fear of Rejection or Judgement

• Many of us worry about how others will react, or we fear being rejected, ridiculed, or even alienated.  This can lead to hesitancy in openly sharing our beliefs.

2. Feeling Unqualified or Unprepared

• Sometimes we may hold back because we feel a lack of knowledge about the Bible or feel we may not have the "right" answers.  We may worry that tough questions will come up, and we won’t be able to respond.

3. Cultural Sensitivity and Fear of Offense

• Today’s pluralistic society places high value on respecting diverse beliefs, and we may fear offending others or being perceived as being pushy or intolerant.

4. Personal Doubts or Spiritual Struggles

• We may even be struggling with doubts, questions, or a sense of spiritual inadequacy ourselves and feel unprepared to share a faith we feel we haven’t fully mastered or embodied.

5. Pressure to "Convert" Rather Than Connect

• We may feel responsible for convincing or converting someone.  This can make faith-sharing feel like a performance or goal, rather than a natural expression of our belief.  

7. Lack of Practice and Confidence

• Like any skill, sharing one’s faith requires practice.  Without prior experience or mentorship, we may lack the confidence and skill to initiate these conversations comfortably.

8. Concern About Relationship Dynamics

• Many of us worry that sharing faith could strain relationships, particularly with family, friends, or colleagues who might view it as a sensitive or divisive topic.

When considering these obstacles, do you recognize any that may apply to you, and if so what practical steps can you take to overcome them?  Learning to share faith with compassion, patience, and authenticity can help overcome many of these barriers.