Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith | Romans 1:1-7 | Chris Meade | February 8,, 2026
This opening message in Romans invites us to examine how we define and present our identity, using Paul’s introduction in Romans 1 to show that who we belong to matters more than what we do or what we’ve achieved. Paul identifies himself first as a bondservant—one who willingly belongs to and lives under the authority of Jesus—because he knows he has been purchased by Christ’s sacrifice. From that identity flows his calling, purpose, and mission. The gospel Paul proclaims is not new or merely personal, but rooted in God’s long redemptive story revealed through Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus. As believers, we are reminded that our deepest identity is that we belong to Jesus, are loved by God, and are set apart by grace to live in obedience that flows from faith, shaping how we think, love, and live in the world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: What is Your Identity? Read Romans 1:1-7
o When you introduce yourself to others—formally or informally—what do you tend to lead with? Accomplishments, roles, interests, failures, or relationships?
o Where are you most tempted to find your worth outside of Christ right now? Career success, family roles, reputation, independence, spiritual performance, or even what you are not anymore?
3. Paul introduces himself first as “a servant (doulos) of Christ Jesus.”
o What emotions or resistance surface when you think about describing yourself as someone who belongs to Jesus rather than someone who is self-directed?
4. Paul willingly places himself under Jesus’ authority because he knows he has been bought at a price. What would it practically look like this week to live as though your time, decisions, money, and relationships belong to Jesus?
5. The gospel Paul proclaims is not just personal—it is historical, communal, and rooted in God’s long redemptive story.
How does knowing your faith is part of something ancient, global, and ongoing shape how you see the Church and your role within it?
6. If your “bio” were rewritten today with Jesus as the first defining line, how might it change the way you think, love, and live?
o Take time to rewrite your bio—write down your life as a follower of Jesus first, and then the priorities of your life that follow. What is the order of your other roles and identities?
o What might need to shift so that following Jesus truly shapes everything that follows?
Church Defined: HOW will We Do It?
What is Church? | Acts 2 | Chris Meade | February 1, 2026
In Ephesians 4 Paul teaches that unity does not happen automatically but must be pursued through humility, gentleness, and patience—kingdom values that run counter to the world’s divisive, tribal spirit. The sermon addressed how cultural, political, and personal differences often fracture the church, reminding believers that disagreement is inevitable, but Christlike conduct in disagreement is essential. Unity does not erase diversity; rather, God gives different gifts by grace so that every believer can contribute. Christ has designed the church as an “all-in” body where leaders equip the saints for works of service, and the church grows in maturity as each person does their part.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: Read Ephesians 4:1-6
o Humility: Chris’ message described humility as having a “right assessment of self” and staying curious rather than asserting your view. In what areas of your life (relationships, church, politics, family) do you find it hardest to practice humility—and why?
o Gentleness: Gentleness is strength under control, especially when emotions run high. Think of a recent conversation or disagreement—how did you respond? How might gentleness have changed the tone or outcome?
o Patience: Paul’s call to patience includes enduring frustration and bearing with difficult people without bitterness. Who is God asking you to be more patient with right now, and what is one Spirit-led step you can take toward them?
o Unity in Diversity: Mountainview values unity without uniformity—different gifts, perspectives, and backgrounds, but one body. How do you typically respond to people in the church who think, vote, or live differently than you? What would it look like to see them first as a brother or sister in Christ?
3. From Attender to Contributor: Read Ephesians 4:11-16
The sermon challenged us to move from “guest” to “family”—from enjoying “what is in the fridge” to “helping with the dishes”. Serving is more than receiving in community—it is taking an active role to make something happen.
o Where are you currently serving and what do you love about it? If not, what might be holding you back from taking a step into works of service? (https://www.mtnvw.org/volunteer/)
o If you are not serving, is there something that would hinder you from 1 hour a month per month/1 Sunday per month? Or during the week? If you are serving somewhere, would you be willing to take the “next step” and help lead there?
4. Read Each Part Doing Its Work:
o Paul says the body grows as each part does its work. What S.H.A.P.E or Spiritual gift, Ability, Passion, or Experience do you believe God has given you, and how could that be used to help build up the Church and advance God’s Kingdom at Mountainview?