Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
January 25, 2026
Church: What Should a Church Be Doing?
Let’s look again at the timeline graphic from last week’s sermon. What does this timeline help you understand?
Matthew 28:18-20
[18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
What is the central command in this paragraph?
In 21st century America, why do you think the word “disciple” might be a better word to use to describe ourselves than just the word “Christian”?
A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, is fully committed to his glory, and is a member of a local church.
Baptism is an amazing gift from God. Let’s discuss briefly what baptism represents.
Why do we baptize people publicly in front of the entire church?
Why is it God’s plan for disciples of Jesus to become members of local churches?
Ephesians 4:4-6
[4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
How do these verses influence your perspective about Kernan?
What do disciples in a church do?
1. Worship Jesus
What normally comes to mind when you hear the word “worship”?
What does worship actually include?
Hebrews 12:28
[18] For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest
What does this verse say should be our motivation for worship?
2. Walk with Jesus
Romans 6:4
[4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Why do you think the word “walk” is used very often in the New Testament to refer to our relationship with God?
This concept of “walking” with Jesus is never described as a “solo-project”. It is always in the context of the community of the church. Why do we need each other to walk with Jesus?
3. Witness for Jesus
Acts 1:8
[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Where are we called to be witnesses for Jesus?
How does it make you feel to know you are Christ’s representative on this earth?
