Blog Posts

"Faith that Seeks Love"

11/2/2025

Speaker: Dr. Mihamm Kim-Rauchholz

Discussion Questions:

Describe a time when you received an undeserved act of kindness or forgiveness.
The sermon contrasts the Deed-Consequence Principle (“you reap what you sow”) with God's grace that breaks the chain of cause and effect. How has the tension between these two truths shown up in your own life? When have you struggled to believe that grace can truly interrupt the consequences of sin?
The story of Cleopatra and her servant illustrated how forgiveness alone doesn't automatically produce love. Why do you think forgiveness sometimes fails to awaken love in us?
Read Luke 7:40-47. Do you see more of yourself in Simon or in the woman? How do you think your awareness (or lack of awareness) of your own sin shapes our capacity to love God and others?
Jesus’ question to Simon, “Which of them will love him more?” reframes the heart of religion around love rather than obedience or sacrifice. How does this challenge our usual ways of thinking about our faith?
Dr. Mihamm Kim-Rauchholz asked whether we truly believe that “God justifies the ungodly.” Why is it so hard to believe that God is still for us even when we knowingly sin? What might change in your relationship with God if you could fully trust that this is true?
The message ends by calling for a faith that seeks love rather than mere understanding. In what areas of your life do you feel your faith has become more about knowing than loving? What would it look like for you, practically, to pursue a faith that seeks love this week?

What We Value: ""Hospitality and Vulnerability"

10/26/2025

Speaker: Steve Lee

We value the power of opening our lives to one another through a spirit of both hospitality and vulnerability.

Discussion Questions:

What do you find easier—hosting people in your home or opening up about your personal struggles?
Jesus continually broke down social barriers and welcomed the marginalized. What groups of people at ICC Jesus intentionally seek out and welcome?
Our identity in Christ is more fundamental than any other bond. What would it look like for ICC to live out that truth in practical ways?
Both longtime members and newcomers at ICC have felt like outsiders. What do you think contributes to that dynamic and what steps could help change it?
What are some small, tangible ways our small group can practice hospitality—both within the group and toward those outside it?
Why do you think we’re so prone to hide our struggles or weaknesses, even in Christian community? What would it take for ICC (or your small group) to become a place where people feel safe to be honest?
Read James 5:16. What do you think is the connection between confession and healing?
Imagine ICC fully living out this value—where homes, hearts, and lives are open, and people are both safe and known. What are some ways that we can move closer to this goal?

What We Value: "The Table and True Fellowship"

10/19/2025

Speaker: Steve Lee

We value the Lord’s Supper not only as a reminder of the reconciliation with God that Jesus secured for us through his death, but also as a call to extend friendship, forgiveness, and welcome to one another as brothers and sisters in God’s family.

Discussion Questions:

What's one smell, taste, or sound that comes to mind when you think of "home," making you feel safe and loved?
In Genesis 2:25, Adam and Eve were “naked and felt no shame.” What does that reveal about God’s original design for human relationships? How does sin distort that kind of openness today?
Do you feel your small group has created a culture where it is safe to be honest and vulnerable with one another, sharing struggles and weaknesses? What steps could help further cultivate that kind of trust and openness in your group?
Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-22. Paul rebuked the Corinthian church because their Communion gatherings caused more harm than good. What modern parallels do you see in the church today, where people are divided or excluded?
John Ortberg said, "You can’t do community in a hurry." What adjustments might you need to make in your schedule or habits to pursue deeper relationships? What are some creative ways ICC could help its members slow down and prioritize relationships without adding more programs?
Who are the ones who are likely to feel “on the margins” at ICC? What is one practical way you could make space for them at the table?
Once the new building opens with its fellowship halls and café, what kinds of meals and gatherings could help those spaces become places where friendships can grow?

What We Value: "Scripture as Foundational Authority"

10/12/2025

Speaker: Steve Lee

We value Scripture as the ultimate authority for our lives, trusting that only by applying God’s wisdom and truth to every part of life can we experience the abundant living that Jesus promises.

Dicussion Questions:

Is there a Bible verse or passage that’s especially meaningful to you—one that has deeply ministered to you on a personal level?
Why do you think so many people today struggle with the idea of authority—especially when it comes to the Bible? How have you personally wrestled with or grown in submitting to Scripture’s authority?
Pastor Steve said that submitting to Scripture isn’t about fear or obligation, but trusting that God knows how life best works. In what areas of your life is it hardest to trust God’s wisdom over your own understanding?
Jesus says the wise person is the one who “hears these words of mine and puts them into practice.” What does it look like in your life to build on the rock of his teaching? Can you think of a time when a storm revealed what your foundation was built on?
Elijah’s story reminds us that our minds are often shaped by false or destructive thoughts. What are some lies you find yourself believing about yourself, others, or God and what truths from Scripture could replace those lies?
Colossians 3:16 calls believers to let “the message of Christ dwell among you richly” by teaching and admonishing one another. What might it look like for our conversations as a small group to include more spiritual encouragement and truth?
What more could ICC do to become a community where Scripture truly functions as our foundational authority? What’s one step you personally can take to contribute to that kind of culture?

What We Value: "Christ-Centered Formation"

10/5/2025

Speaker: Steve Lee

At ICC we value the inner transformation of our hearts through the work of the Spirit and the practice of spiritual disciplines which lead us into greater dependence on God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How does a church's values/culture differ from its mission and vision?
What are some "unspoken rules" that exist in your workplace? Your family? ICC?
In what practical ways can each of us actively help reshape the culture of ICC?
Read Acts 9:1-5. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for specific sins—it’s recognizing that our whole life is heading in a different direction than what God desires. When have you experienced such a moment of recognition in your own life?
Read 2 Peter 1:3–7. What resources has God given us to be transformed into his likeness, and what role are we called to play in that process?
OPTIONAL: Watch this EXTENDED VIDEO CLIP of John Ortberg's Soul Keeping that was shown during the sermon (5 minutes). What are your thoughts on what Ortberg shares?

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"Faith that Seeks Love"

Speaker: Dr. Mihamm Kim-Rauchholz

What We Value: ""Hospitality and Vulnerability"

Speaker: Steve Lee

What We Value: "The Table and True Fellowship"

Speaker: Steve Lee

What We Value: "Scripture as Foundational Authority"

Speaker: Steve Lee

What We Value: "Christ-Centered Formation"

Speaker: Steve Lee

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