Sermons

"Known Beyond Your Barren Places" -1 Samuel 1:1-18

5/10/2026

Speaker: Jong Park

Hannah's story is the story of all of us; we are people who are tempted to build our identity on what we produce or possess, only to find it isn't enough. Through the gospel, we learn that our empty places are not a verdict against us, but an invitation from God to discover who we really are because of His love.

Discussion Questions:

Hannah allowed her emptiness to define her identity. What kinds of “empty spaces” are people today tempted to let define them?
We can choose to be impressive or choose to be known. Why is it often easier to pursue being impressive rather than known?
Elkanah genuinely loved Hannah, yet he could not heal the deeper ache inside her. What does this teach us about the limits of human relationships and the danger of idolatry?
Both Hannah and Peninnah were trying to build their identity around something fragile. How do you see this dynamic play out in modern life, even in religious ways?
What are your thoughts on Pastor Jong’s statement: “Our empty spaces are not a referendum on who we are, but a divinely designed invitation from God for something deeper.”
Before prayer, Hannah saw God as a means to get a son, but afterward God himself became the end. How can we tell when we are using God merely to obtain something else?
The domino illustration described Jesus as the one who stopped and reversed the collapse of humanity. What aspect of that image most connects with you personally?
Parents and spiritual mentors do not need to be impressive but honest and rooted in God. Why is authenticity often more spiritually formative than perfection?
Psalm 1 describes a blessed person as someone who delights in the Lord and becomes like a fruitful tree. What practices help cultivate genuine delight in God rather than mere religious obligation?

"Because You Are Willing" -1 Peter 5:1-5

5/3/2026

Speaker: Steve Lee

The danger of leadership is that we can drift into many ulterior motives for serving God, but Jesus gives us the ultimate example of what it means to shepherd others out of genuine love for them.

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever taken on a leadership role that you were initially excited about but later found draining? What changed?
Who is a leader (in church, work, or life) that you deeply respect? What makes their leadership compelling to you?
In your own experience, what makes it easier or harder to follow someone’s leadership?
A plurality of elders offers protection to the church. Where have you seen the dangers of too much authority in one person or the benefits of shared leadership?
How does the idea of the “priesthood of all believers” challenge the way you think about your own role in caring for others in the church?
Peter emphasizes serving “because you are willing.” What are some signs that your motivation in serving (at church, work, or home) has shifted away from genuine willingness?
In what ways are you most tempted to seek “something in return” for your service (recognition, appreciation, control, etc.)?
Peter makes a contrast between “lording it over” and “leading by example.” When you think about your own leadership (or influence over others), where are you most tempted to control outcomes rather than trust others? What are subtle ways “lording it over” can show up even when it’s not so obvious or aggressive?
The congregation also has a role in supporting leaders. Practically, what does it look like for you to make leadership “a joy and not a burden” at ICC?

"Hearing God" -Deuteronomy 6:1-9

4/26/2026

Speaker: Dave Lee

God has blessed the ICC church family with a new home, and we will spend many years hearing the Word of God proclaimed in this house. But it is important to know that simply hearing the words is not what it means to hear the voice of God. We will explore Deuteronomy 6:1-9, one of the most foundational passages for the Jewish people, and consider what it truly means to hear God, and how that requires an embodied response to what He has spoken.

Discussion Questions:

What is one sound, voice, or phrase from childhood that you can still vividly remember?
Have you ever heard something live (in a concert, sermon, conversation, or event) that felt different from simply hearing it later online?
What is one place where you find it easier to slow down and think?
Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9. “We miss 100% of the words we’re not there to receive.” How does this truth challenge the way you think about worship, small group, or Scripture reading?
What are some ways spiritual malnutrition might show up in a our lives?
What helps you become more receptive rather than defensive when God’s word confronts or challenges you?
Pastor Dave described our strange relationship with time, wasting it on devices while also feeling like we never have enough. Where do you see that tension in your own life?
What is one practical step you could take to create more silence, space, or solitude for hearing God?
Why is it incomplete, biblically, to say we have “heard” God if we do not respond in obedience?
Jesus says in John 14:21 that those who keep his commands are the ones who love him, and that he will show himself to them. How have you experienced obedience making Jesus feel more real and present in your life?

"A Blessed Family of God's New Humanity" -Psalm 133

4/19/2026

Speaker: Peter Cha

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever had an unexpected sense of connection or unity with people you didn’t previously know?
Growing up, what shaped your understanding of family and how has that influenced how you view the church?
Read Psalm 133. This psalm uses family language rather than simply describing people as fellow travelers. How does viewing the church as family change the way we relate to one another?
Read Ephesians 2:14-19. Paul speaks of Jesus breaking down the “dividing wall of hostility.” What kinds of walls still exist in churches today and how can we address them?
Read Psalm 133. In referencing the anointing of a priest, this psalm is making a connection between unity and being set apart for ministry. How can unity flow out of our shared calling to serve God as his priesthood?
In John 17, Jesus prays that our unity would be a witness to the world. How might greater unity in your church or small group impact those outside the faith?

"A Place in God's Story" -John 21

4/15/2026

Speaker: Steve Lee

Jesus lovingly restored Peter after what must have felt like a disqualifying failure, revealing the depth of his mercy to welcome even the most broken people into his story.

Discussion Questions:

Can you think of a time when you were publicly embarrassed?
What do you think Peter was feeling as he approached the charcoal fire with Jesus?
Why was it important that Peter’s restoration happened publicly in front of the other disciples?
What do you notice in the specific way that Jesus restored Peter? How does Jesus’ restoration of Peter challenge the way you think about your own past mistakes?
How can ICC become a place where people feel safe to be fully known and fully restored?
Is there an area of your life where you need to receive God’s restoration?
Describe the personalities of both Peter and John. Which one do you relate to more? How can we grow in accepting one another’s differences?
In what ways are you tempted to compare your story with someone else’s, like Peter did with John? What do we learn from Jesus’ response to Peter?

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"Known Beyond Your Barren Places" -1 Samuel 1:1-18

Speaker: Jong Park

"Because You Are Willing" -1 Peter 5:1-5

Speaker: Steve Lee

"Hearing God" -Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Speaker: Dave Lee

"A Blessed Family of God's New Humanity" -Psalm 133

Speaker: Peter Cha

"A Place in God's Story" -John 21

Speaker: Steve Lee

Sermon Series