Discussion Questions from Adoption Q and A Series Sermon #3

Yesterday morning, I was able to preach on the topic of spiritual warfare as it relates to adoption. The title was "If Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World, Why are there 147 Million Orphans? (The Fall, Satan, and Demonic Hatred of Little Babies)." You can listen to and/or watch the message here.

Some questions for further reflection:

1. How does Planned Parenthood exude the spirit of Satan in their agenda?

2. How might that same spirit permeate evangelical Christians and their outlook toward children? Toward orphans?

3. Of the Scriptures read and mentioned by Bro. Matt, which was the most compelling?

4. How did Joseph demonstrate the Spirit of Christ in his actions? How would doing the expected and convenient thing been Satanic in his case?

5. How did Jesus demonstrate His willingness to be 'inconvenienced' for the good and life of others?

6. What is your life most marked by: the Spirit of God or the spirit of Satan? Why do you answer the way you do?

Discussion Questions from Adoption Q and A Series Sermon #2

So sorry for the delay of these questions, but this has been a very busy week! This past Sunday, I preached the second in a series of messages on Adoption. The title of the message was, "Is Transracial Adoption Wrong? (Red and Yellow, Black and White - Are They Precious in Our Sight?"). You can watch and/or listen to the message here.

After you watch/listen to the message, ask these questions with yourself and others to further think through these truths:

1. Of the Scripture passages read or mentioned, which one (in your opinion) is the most convincing regarding God's plan for forming a group of people from around the world as a 'family'?

2. How might adopting a child of another race/ethnicity mirror the plan of God?

3. Are you okay with Jesus, the man you worship and have as an older brother, being Jewish? What if He were of African descent? What's the difference?

4. What are some ways society trumps what Scripture teaches regarding interracial adoption, families, etc.? What are some excuses you have heard as to why not to adopt of another race?

5. Why is it good news that God is not concerned with race or status or geographic location or religion, etc.?

Adoption, Race, and the Family of God

From Chapter 2 in Russell Moore's Adopted for Life:

"Our adoption means, though, that we find a different kind of unity. In Christ, we find Christ. We don't have our old identities based on race or class or life situation. The Spirit drives us from Babel to Pentecost, which is why 'the works of the flesh' Paul warns about include 'enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy' and so forth (Gal. 5:19-21). When we find our identity anywhere other than Christ, our churches will be made up of warring partisans rather than loving siblings. And we'll picture to the world an autopsied Body of Christ, with a little bit of Jesus for everyone, all on our own terms (1 Cor. 1:12-13).

What would it mean, though, if we took the radical notion of being brothers and sisters seriously? What would happen if your church saw an elderly woman no one would ever confuse with 'cool' on her knees at the front of the church praying with a body-pierced fifteen year-old anorexic girl? What would happen if your church saw a white millionaire corporate vice president being mentored by a Latino wage-earning janitor because both know the janitor is more mature in the things of Christ?

Here's where, I think the nub of hte whole issue lies. Adoption would become a priority in our churches if our churches themselves saw our brotherhood and sisterhood in the church itself rather than in our fleshly identities. For some Christians - maybe for you - it's hard to imagine how an African-American could love a white Ukrainian baby, how a Haitian teenager could call Swedish parents 'Mom' and 'Dad.' Of course that's hard to imagine, when so many of our churches can't even get over differences as trivial as musical style.

If we had fewer 'white' churches and 'black' churches, few 'blue-collar' churches and 'white collar' churches, maybe we'd see better what Jesus tells us when he says we've come into a new household with one Spirit, one Father, one Christ. In fact, maybe the reason we wonder whether 'adopted' children can 'really' be brothers and sisters is because we rarely see it displayed in our pews.

If this will ever happen, though, we have to learn to discover who we really are, together, as the adopted children of God. That isn't easy because our identity is constantly questioned-by our circumstances, by our consciences, by the accusing powers in the air around us."

Two Great Articles over at Desiring God

I would encourage anyone needing a challenge and some encouragement to read the following two articles posted at Desiring God during recent days:

1. An article by Michael Oh entitled "The Grace of God in Our Circumstances"

A portion of Oh's post:

"But even more important is the response of sharing spiritual blessing with the unreached peoples of the world. If you were born into a fundamentalist Islamic family what would you want Christians in America to do? If you were born into a family of a Shinto priest, how would you want Christians in America to respond? Knowing what you know today, certainly you would want them to share with you about eternal life through the Savior of the world Jesus Christ. Certainly you would want them to bring the Gospel to their nation and teach them about salvation for their souls and about eternal life. Certainly you would want churches and Christians in other nations to sacrifice financially to send missionaries to teach you the Bible, God's Word to this world."

2. An article by Paul Tripp entitled "The Shortest Distance Between Two Points"

Tripp's closing paragraph:

"So, David's prayer is an important request for all of us. All of us step off God's path in some way and all of us need restoring grace. Have you gotten off God’s straight path? Have you given yourself reason to take side-paths? How about praying, once again today, “Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path”? Thankfully, our Savior Guide doesn't leave us to our wandering. He relentlessly seeks us and places us back on His straight path and for that every son and daughter, still on the journey, should be deeply thankful."

New Book on Adoption Coming Out January 1, 2011

Click here to see the cover and read an excerpt from a new book called Reclaiming Adoption. Contributors include: Dan Cruver, John Piper, Scotty Smith, Jason Kovacs, and Rick Phillips.

A portion of chapter 1:

"I believe that a biblical understanding of God’s Fatherhood will cause us to be better able to look outside ourselves in service to others. If we are not confident of His love, our eyes will turn inward, and our primary concerns will be our needs, our lack, our disappointment, rather than the needs of those around us. As a result, we’ll be afraid to take risks or do the hard things even if they are necessary. Or we will do the externals of missional living as an attempt to earn God’s acceptance or to keep Him and our fellow-Christians off our backs. We will relate to Him as if we are wage-earners rather than as His dearly beloved children, the ones in whom He delights."

Great Resource on Adoption

This book by Russell Moore is by far the best book on Adoption that I have ever read.

I would strongly encourage you, whether you feel led to adopt or not, to get your hands on a copy of Adopted for Life and read it. It will enlighten you on the Scriptures and encourage and challenge your heart regarding the ministry of adoption.

Discussion Questions from "Adoption Q and A" Sermon #1

Yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of beginning a 4 week series on adoption called "Adoption Q and A." My plan is to ask and answer the following 4 questions related to adoption:

November 28th, 2010 - "Why Should Believers Pursue Adoption"

December 5th, 2010 - "What About Transracial Adoption?"

December 12th, 2010 - "If God Loves the Little Children, Why are there 147 Million Orphans in the World?"

December 19th, 2010 - "Was Jesus Adopted and Why Does it Matter?"

Later today, you can watch and/or listen to yesterday's message here.

Below are some follow-up questions for your personal application and/or group discussion:

1. If you were asked whether or not you have been adopted, how would you respond? Why?

2. Of the following Scripture passages, which one(s) are the most compelling regarding your joyful obligation to care for the orphan? Why?

Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:17, 19-21; Deuteronomy 26:12-13; Deuteronomy 27:19; Psalm 82:3-4; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3; Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5; Ephesians 5:1 (See Psalm 10:14, 68:5, 146:9); James 1:27

3. Bro. Matt gave three reasons why genuine believers in Jesus should pursue the ministry of adoption. Of the three reasons given, which was the most compelling? Why?

4. How did/do each member of the Trinity participate in your adoption as a child of God?

See Ephesians 1:3-6; Galatians 4:4-7; Romans 8:15; John 14:16-18

5. What are some truths about our spiritual adoption you learned from the sermon?

6. Based on the truth(s) presented in the message, how can Bro. Matt claim that every genuine believer MUST be passionate about adoption?

7. How is God leading you and your family to participate in the ministry of adoption?

Discussion Questions from 11/21/2010 Sermons at WBC

It was great to be back behind the WBC pulpit yesterday. Yesterday morning my aim was to motivate the Wynne Baptist body to give sacrificially to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

My text was Acts 20:35 where Paul quotes Jesus saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." You can watch or listen to the message here.

Some discussion questions to help you further apply the truth(s) of the message:

1. Would your spending reflect that you believe the truth that it is more blessed to give for Gospel causes around the world than it is to receive more for yourself?

2. What are some reasons Bro. Matt mentioned that make the need so imperative that Southern Baptists give sacrificially NOW to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?

3. Of the four reasons Bro. Matt gave for why it is more blessed to give than to receive, which one of them spoke the loudest to your soul? Why?

4. Have you prayed about how much to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering? Would you be willing to give at least as much as you spend on Christmas gifts this year? How can you budget for 2011 to give even more this time next year?

On Sunday night, preached from Isaiah 54:1-8. The message was titled "Don't Waste the Gospel" and it ended the series through Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-12; 54:1-8 (what I challenged WBC to memorize this year).

A few discussion questions for your application:

1. Of the four implications mentioned that result from one who trusts in the Gospel, which one do you most readily apply to your life? Why do you say that?

2. Which of the four implications do you most neglect (waste)? Why? What can you intentionally do to began applying it to your life today?

3. Which of the four implications thrills your soul the most? Why?

4. In verse 2, regarding evangelism and missions, God commands His people (through Isaiah) to "not hold back" in taking the Gospel to the world. What are some ways you can aggressively take the Gospel to the world? Be specific and dream big!

Discussion Questions from 11/07/2010 PM Sermon

Last night I had the wonderful privilege of wrapping up our annual Global Impact Conference. My goal was simple: To call WBC to "Kick it Up a Notch" in what we are doing for world missions and evangelization.

The message should be up later today here.

I read Romans 15:20-21; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-15; Hebrews 6:1; and John 17:18-20 to emphasize the point that genuine believers are never to "stay where they are" in their relationship with Jesus, but always be moving on to other levels of intimacy and devotion and Christlikeness.

Below is a summary of what I challenged everyone there to consider. My discussion question(s) is simply this: "Why not?"

Some of you have never been on a short-term international trip before. I want to call you, if you have never been, to commit tonight to go on one in 2011. Commit now to do that. God will show you where. God will direct you where. God will provide the resources to get you there.
Why Not?

Others of you have been on a short-term trip or two, but it has been a while. Perhaps you are thinking you have done your time and don’t need that anymore. I want to call you to think again. If it has been a while since you have been on a short-term international trip, can I call you tonight to commit to go again in 2011? God does unique things when you go overseas. He shows you His power beforehand by prompting your heart to go to a specific place. He shows you His power by providing for your financial needs. He shows you while you are there all that He is doing around the world. He shows you His power when you get back as to how He will use your testimony in others’ lives. Commit tonight to go in 2011, tell the Lord you will. Ask Him to show you where and how. He will do it.
Why not?

Still others of you have gone on at least one trip a year for the last several years. Before you commit to go on another trip, which is good, I want to call you to pray about whether or not God would have you serve long-term overseas somewhere. Seriously pray about it. Seriously seek the face of the Lord regarding it. Maybe a two-year stint. Maybe a four-year deal. Maybe the rest of your life. Move on to a deeper faith walk with Christ. There’s nothing wrong with going on another trip. I hope you will. But seriously seek the face and will of the Lord regarding your future. Where does He want you and your family to serve Him?
Why not?


Still others of you have sought the Lord and know that He has called you here, to this place, in Wynne, AR. But I still want to call you to a deeper faith walk with Christ, moving on from one degree of glory to another…
- Perhaps God wants you and your family to adopt a child internationally. Why not?

- Perhaps God wants you and your family to adopt a child here in the U.S. Why not?

- Perhaps God wants you and your family to open up your home to some foster children here in the U.S. who have no family? Why not?

- Perhaps God wants you to be intentional about building a relationship with a lost person in Wynne who you know needs Jesus? Why not?

- Perhaps God wants you to be intentional about building a relationship with a lost international in Wynne who you know needs Jesus?
Cambodians at Daylight Donuts?
Chinese Buddhists at Bin’s or China Express?
Spanish Catholics at Don Jose or Ameca?
Hindu Indians at Subway?
Islam Turks at the Gas Station here at the end of our street?
Japanese at businesses like Eakas?
Why not?


Still others in this room may not have the capacity to go or be as ‘radically’ intentional as you would like to be, but can send others and/or provide for others to be able to do this. All of us need to analyze our financial situation and ask how we can ‘kick it up a notch’ in our giving for the lost to know Christ.
- Some of you cannot go overseas, but can provide the means for some to go. Why not?
- Some of you cannot adopt a child, but can help provide financially for those who are. Why not?
- All of us can step up a notch toward our Lottie Moon giving compared to what we gave last year. Why not?

Two New GREAT Resources for Children and Families

Crossway has just introduced their new ESV "Seek and Find" Bible for Families and Children.

Click here for a description, video, and a sample PDF posted by Justin Taylor.

Also, Westminster books has recently released Long Story Short: Ten Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family Back to God. Click here to check out Justin Taylor's description and here to order it directly from Westminster books.

Platt on the New Edition of 'Operation World'

David Platt posts as a guest on Justin Taylor's blog today. His post deals with his excitement and recommendation of of the new edition of Operation World.

Click here to read what he has to say.

Al Mohler's Opinion of Yesterday's Election

Over on his blog, Al Mohler writes a very helpful article for evangelical Christians to help make sense of what happened yesterday in the United States and what to look for in the near future.

Click here to read the entire post.

His summary:

"Evangelicals tend to swing between extremes when it comes to politics and elections. We are too easily elated and too readily depressed. Make no mistake. The election results of 2010 will lead to big changes in Washington and far beyond. That in itself is good news. But all this must be put in a truly Christian context.

"Christians are supposed to be the people who know the dangers of investing either too much, or too little, confidence in the political system. The election is over. Now is the time for Christians to pray for those who were elected and for the government they will serve. Things are going to get interesting fast."

Operation World

Last night I mentioned Operation World as being for sale at our bookstore this weekend during Global Impact.

Click here and/or here to read more about it and/or order it.

Click here for other related items.

I highly, highly, highly recommend the book for your soul and for the glory of God around the world.

Links to Further Your Knowledge/Awareness of the Persecuted Church

Last night I led the church to pray for three different areas. I based the prayer time on 1 Timothy 2:1-6. After a time of thanking God for the fact that the city of Wynne allows and encourages us to worship on Sunday (morning's and evening's!), we spent some time praying for those around the world who are forbidden to worship in the open at the threat of their lives. I mentioned that I would post a couple of links to further your knowledge and awareness of the persecuted church. Below are a few:

The Voice of the Martyrs Site

Open Doors

Download the World Watch List

Pray for the Persecuted

Discussion Questions from 10/31/2010 Morning Sermon

Yesterday morning I preached from Ephesians 6:10-20. The sermon was entitled "The Armor of God: The Original Under Armor." You can watch or listen to the sermon here later today.

In honor of Reformation Sunday, I made 9.5 Observations (instead of 95 theses!) from the text.

The observations were:

#1. The Context of Ephesians Warrants the Call to Fight.
#2. Prayer is the Closet Where the Armor is Put On.
#3. Successful Fighting Means Constantly Wearing.
#4. The Call Here is to be Standing Not to Just Stand.
#5. The Enemy is Much More Powerful than We Are.
#6. Paul Stresses the Whole Armor, Not Just Parts.
#7. The Order of the Armor is Intentional, Not Vital.
#8. The Pieces of the Armor are Intentional, Not Random.
#9.5. The Key to Enemy Endurance is Confidence in Gospel Truth and
Consumption of Gospel Implications.

Some questions to help your further understanding and application:

1. What were the three areas mentioned from the context of Ephesians that Satan loves to attack believers in?

2. Where is Satan currently attacking you the most?

3. Why are there no armor pieces mentioned for the back?

4. Why is the 'belt of truth' mentioned first and the 'sword of the Spirit' mentioned last?

5. What do you think Bro. Matt meant by prayer being the closet where the armor is put on?

6. Write out observation 9.5 in your own words and expound on what Bro. Matt meant by this.

7. Which observation ministered to you the most? Why?

8. Which area do you most need to focus on? Why?