MAY 3, 2026

Dr. Nathan Lorick

Executive Director of the Southern Baptists of

Texas Convention

WATCH THIS WEEK'S SERMON


Respond Guide is a flexible guide for our church to use all week long, in personal study, with family, and in community groups. Its questions are designed for everyone and can be used multiple times, often leading to different conversations and fresh insight in each setting. The same guide can shape three distinct experiences as God meets you personally, in your home, and in biblical community.

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Summary

On Sunday, guest preacher Dr. Nathan Lorick, Executive Director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, joined us and preached from Romans 9.

He called us to be more than bothered by the lostness around us. He called us to be burdened for those who do not know Jesus. We experienced a true movement of the Spirit as many flooded the altar to cry out for the lost people in their lives. God is stirring our church to pray, share, and live with urgency for the sake of the gospel.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with grateful hearts for the privilege of gathering together in Your name. We thank You for Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace that brings us into Your presence. Lord, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be receptive to Your Holy Spirit's leading and to hear clearly what You desire for each of us to receive from our time together. May we not leave unchanged, but may You transform us through Your Word and Your presence. We pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing that happened this week that made you smile or brought you joy?

Key Verses

Romans 9:1-3

Romans 10:1

Luke 19:10

Questions

  • When was the last time your heart truly hurt for someone who doesn't know Christ or is running from God?
  • What's the difference between being 'bothered' by someone's spiritual condition versus being
    'burdened' for them?
  • Paul said he would give up his salvation if it meant his people could be saved. What does this level of burden look like in practical terms for us today?
  • Who is that 'impossible' person in your life that you feel could never come to faith in Christ?How can we move from just knowing what we're supposed to do (share the gospel) to actually being broken and burdened enough to act?
    What role did prayer play in the speaker's own salvation story, and how does that encourage you about praying for others?
  • Charles Spurgeon said, 'If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies.' What do you think he meant by this, and how does it challenge you?
  • How can we as a group support each other in praying for and reaching out to the lost people in our lives

Life Application

This week, identify one specific person in your life who doesn't know Christ or is running from God. Commit to praying for them daily, asking God to break your heart for their spiritual condition and to burden you with their need for salvation. Consider writing their name down and placing it somewhere you'll see it regularly as a reminder to pray. Also, look for opportunities to show Christ's love to them through your actions and words.

Key Takeaways

  • To see a movement of God, we must align our hearts with God's heart for the lost
  • We must be broken for the lost - experiencing genuine sorrow and anguish for those who don't know Christ
  • We must be burdened for the lost - moving beyond being merely bothered to being compelled to action
  • We must beg God and believe God for the salvation of those we love through persistent prayer

READ

Lord, we thank You for the time we've spent together in Your presence. As we go our separate ways, may we carry the lessons we've learned into our daily lives. Help us to remain open to Your Spirit and to encourage one another in our walk with You. We pray for Your guidance and strength in the week ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.



CONSIDER


Read this week's text aloud as a group. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together.

1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from Sunday?

2. How would you describe stifling the Spirit?

3. How can daily spiritual practices help keep our hearts fertile for God's Word?

4. Have you ever experienced a moment where a sermon or conversation felt like it was meant just for you? Share your experience.

5. Do you have an experience where you "tested" something spiritual against the Word of God?

6. How can we encourage each other to be more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our church community?

7. What role does prophecy play in the church today, and how can we discern true prophetic words?

8. In what ways can we actively participate in the church to foster a sense of biblical community?

9. What steps can we take this week to ensure we are not quenching the Spirit in our personal lives?



KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Do not stifle the Holy Spirit; be open to His work.

  • Daily spiritual practices are essential for maintaining a fertile heart.

  • Prophecy is a valuable gift for the church, but it must be tested against Scripture.

  • Engagement in biblical community strengthens our faith and readiness for Christ's return.

  • Expect and invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through you for the common good.





NEXT STEPS

This week, commit to spending at least 15 minutes each day in prayer and Bible reading. Reflect on how this practice impacts your openness to the Holy Spirit's work in your life.

PRAY

Lord, we thank You for the men in our church and for the unique ways You have called each of them to serve and lead. We ask that You strengthen them to walk in the wisdom of Your Word, just as Paul encouraged: to be patient, to encourage the fainthearted, and to support those in need. Help them to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in every situation, no matter the challenges. Let their lives reflect Your love and truth in a way that draws others to You, building up our church family and inspiring us all to grow closer to Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

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