Table Talk | November 8-9

Kyle Patrick   -   November 12, 2025

Series: The Gospel (Week 1 of 4)

Main Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 10:9-13

Opening Prayer & Ice Breaker

Ice Breaker Question:

• What’s one thing you believed as a child that you later discovered wasn’t true? How did you feel when you realized it?

Sermon Summary

This message explored the foundational truth of the gospel through three key steps:

1. Admit that you’re a sinner in need of a savior
2. Believe that Jesus is the only savior available
3. Choose to put your faith in the gospel

We learned that we are born spiritually dead on arrival, unable to respond to God until the Holy Spirit awakens us. The gospel is unique because it’s based on grace—God’s gift—not our efforts to earn salvation.

Discussion Questions

Part 1: Understanding Our Condition

1. Read Ephesians 2:1-3. Pastor Todd described humanity as “spiritually dead on arrival.” What does this metaphor mean to you? How does it change your perspective on people who haven’t responded to the gospel?

2. The sermon mentioned that we’re not “bad people who need to behave” but “dead people who need to come alive.” How does this distinction change the way we approach our faith and spiritual growth?

3. Pastor Todd shared that his prayer shifted from thinking people were “dumb” for not accepting the gospel to understanding they were “dead.” How might this perspective change the way you pray for unbelievers in your life?

Part 2: The Uniqueness of Grace

4. Read Romans 3:21-26. C.S. Lewis said that grace is what makes Christianity unique from all other world religions. Why is the concept of grace so difficult for people to accept? Why do we naturally want to earn our salvation?

5. Pastor Todd stated: “Religious efforts to try to become right with God based on being good enough are not consistent with the gospel.” Where do you see this mindset (trying to earn God’s favor) showing up in your own life or in the church?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. How would you explain the gospel in your own words to someone who has never heard it?

Part 3: Active Belief and Response

7. Pastor Todd explained that biblical belief is different from cultural belief—it requires action, like sitting in a chair rather than just believing it will hold you. How does this understanding challenge or clarify your view of faith?

8. Read Romans 10:9-13. What does it mean to “declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord'”? Why is public confession an important part of responding to the gospel?

9. Pastor Todd ended with a question: “What happens when you can’t figure out how to be the kind of kid that pleases your heavenly father?” How would you answer that question right now? (Note: We’ll explore this more in next week’s sermon!)

Key Takeaways

• We are born spiritually dead and cannot respond to God until the Holy Spirit awakens us
• The gospel is unique because it’s based on grace (God’s gift), not human effort
• Biblical belief requires action—putting our full trust and confidence in Jesus
• The gospel is meant to be shared through relationships (our “oikos”)

Practical Applications

For Personal Reflection:

1. If you haven’t responded to the gospel: Consider the ABCs this week. Text “ABC” to 64567 to receive a helpful PDF guide. Talk to your small group leader or a trusted Christian friend about your questions.

2. If you have responded to the gospel: Spend time this week in gratitude. Journal about or pray through what God has done for you. Allow yourself to be moved to a heart of thanksgiving.

For Relational Engagement:

3. Review your Oikos card (your 8-15 people). Write down the names of people who haven’t responded to the gospel yet. Commit to praying this specific prayer for them this week: “God, would you wake them up?”

4. Practice sharing the gospel. Use one of the passages from the sermon (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Titus 3:3-7, or Romans 10:9-13) and practice explaining it in your own words with someone in your group.

5. Plan an invitation. Who could you invite to church or to your small group in the next month? Make a specific plan this week.

Scripture Memory Verse

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Closing Prayer

Pray for:

• Gratitude for the gospel and what Jesus has done
• The Holy Spirit to awaken those in your oikos who haven’t responded
• Boldness to share the gospel with clarity and love
• Anticipation for next week’s message about why it’s so hard to obey

Before Next Week

• Text “ABC” to 64567 if you want the gospel resource
• Pray daily for one person in your oikos by name
• Read Romans 6:1-14 in preparation for next week’s message
• Share with your group next week: Did you have any gospel conversations this week?