faith questions Archives - Roland Park Presbyterian Church https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/tag/faith-questions/ A warm, welcoming community of faith in Northern Baltimore City Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:46:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Sermon Discussion Guide: Rest on Every Side https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/sermon-discussion-guide-rest-on-every-side/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:46:30 +0000 https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/?p=8790 This week’s sermon discussion guide invites you to reflect on sacred space, personal transformation, and God’s presence in the everyday. Whether in a group or on your own, these questions will deepen your engagement with Solomon’s story—and your own.

The post Sermon Discussion Guide: Rest on Every Side appeared first on Roland Park Presbyterian Church.

]]> Scripture: 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13
Main Themes: Sacred space, control vs. surrender, transformation over time, God’s presence in the human heart

Discussion Questions:

  1. Building and Becoming:
  • The temple took seven years to build. In that time, how have you seen yourself spiritually or emotionally grow over long stretches of time?
  • Solomon’s identity evolved through the project—from self-serving ambition to spiritual insight. How do you relate to the idea of becoming someone new through extended effort or transformation?
  1. Where God Dwells:
  • The sermon emphasizes that God never asked for a temple, preferring to dwell among the people. What does that say about our modern ideas of “sacred space”?
  • How can we make space for God to “dwell” in our lives today—at work, at home, in community?
  1. Control and Containment:
  • Pastor Mark said, “We want God to stay put. To be tame.” In what ways do we try to limit God to fit our preferences or agendas?
  • When have you experienced God surprising you—breaking out of boxes you tried to place God in?
  1. Legacy and Purpose:
  • Solomon may have been building a temple to secure his legacy. What legacy are you hoping to leave? How does your faith guide that vision?
  • How can we, like Solomon eventually did, shift from building monuments to fostering movements rooted in God’s love?
  1. The True Temple:
  • The sermon ends with a powerful reminder: “The only dwelling place God wants… is the sanctuary of the human heart.” What practices help you become more aware of God’s presence within?
  • What would it look like for our church to be more focused on building the “temple of the heart” than the physical building?

The post Sermon Discussion Guide: Rest on Every Side appeared first on Roland Park Presbyterian Church.

]]>