Sermons by Ron Sylvester (Page 2)
God, What Do You Want From Me? | Malachi 3:6-12
Listen to this message from Pastor Ron as we explore the topic of giving as presented in Malachi. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. Do you think believers today suffer repercussions for “withholding from God? 2. What do you think are some reasons believers don’t give more to God and His work? 3. What kind of blessings can we expect if we are giving God His “due”? Why? 4. If believers gave an amount based upon “what they decided in their…
Does God Care? | Malachi 2:17 – 3:6
Our view of justice may not always align with God’s justice. Listen to this message as Pastor Ron continues his series in Malachi. Watch here Discussion Questions 1. Are there ways and times when we “project” our attitudes and viewpoint upon God? How can we avoid this? 2. Do we sometimes confuse satisfaction with justice? 3. How do we know from this passage that God’s love for us precedes His exacting justice for breaking covenant with Him?
Lack of Leadership | Malachi 2:1-9
In this message from Malachi 2, Pastor Ron explores the great responsibility that comes with biblical leadership. Discussion Questions 1. In light of Malachi 2:1-9 and James 3:1; why are pastor/teachers judged with greater strictness? 2. How can we lend to effective (successful) ministry rather than failure by our pastor? 3. What are the essential responsibilities of a pastor? 4. Why do so many pastors either fail or leave the ministry?
No Respect | Malachi 1:6-14
Israel was confronted regarding their apathy in Malachi. So Pastor Ron helps us to see how we can confront our own apathy in this message called “No Respect”. Discussion Questions 1. What was Malachi referring to when he said the priests despised or showed contempt for God’s name? 2. How do we fall into “ritualistic” worship? 3. How do our accommodations to culture impact our offerings to God? 4. Do you think the closing of so many churches today relates…
Doubting God’s Love | Malachi 1:1-5
Pastor Ron begins a new series as we explore the book of Malachi, and we see what we can learn from the apathy in Israel. Discussion Questions 1. Why in the “rub” of daily life is it so hard to understand or accept that God loves us as He said? Are there ways He has shown us His love? If so why is that not enough to keep us convinced of it? 2. Jesus commands us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:43,44).…
Not Yet New, But Pressing On | Phillipians 3:12-21
As we look forward to a new year, let’s not dwell on the past but press on. Pastor Ron reminds us that we are a new creation in Christ. Our past can be a lesson or an anchor. Watch Here
What Happened and What’s Happening | Luke 2:1-20
On this Christmas Eve, Pastor Ron helps us to experience the wonder of the shepherds. The shepherds participated in God’s work long ago and we can do the same today. Watch Here
What is this Love? | Matthew 1:18-25, 1 John 4:7-12
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Pastor Ron shared with us about God’s perfect love. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. Why is our love, generally, not bad, but imperfect? 2. Have you ever been faced with Joseph’s dilemma between doing what is right and what is loving? How did you reconcile the two? 3. How are the components of – initiative, sacrifice, and purpose – evident in our experience of God’s love? (note: 1 John 4:9-12) 4. Can we cite…
Christmas Peace | Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 2:8-15
Discover what it means to have true peace, “Christmas Peace”, as Pastor Ron shares on this second Sunday of Advent. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. “Why is “Christmas peace” a perfect peace? 2. What is necessary to receive this peace? 3. Can we have peace with God and not have the peace of God? Why or why not?
Hope’s Accomplishments | Isaiah 11:1-9
On this first Sunday of Advent, Pastor Ron shares with us a message of Hope. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. What is christian hope? 2. What affects does hope have on believers? 3. What are some ways God has awakened or stirred your hope? 4. Why is Christmas critical to our hope?
Sacrifice | Luke 9:1-6, 10-27
Do we live lives marked by sacrifice? Pastor Ron challenges us with this message on sacrifice. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. Do you think sacrifice is the distinguishing mark between a “believer” and a “disciple”? 2. What does “sacrificial living” involve for you? 3. Why does Jesus say take up your cross daily?
The Power of Jesus’ Compassion | Luke 8:26-56
Jesus demonstrates compassion throughout his ministry. Listen as Pastor Ron shares about the power of Jesus’ compassion. Discussion Questions 1. Can you think of a time (and share it) when Jesus’ conpassion delivered you from temptation (evil), or brought you peace from suffering (alleviated it), or brought hope for renewed life (gave you new life)? 2. As a church or individuals what can we/I learn from these instances in Jesus’ ministry?