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Men-

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Coffee & Conversation on Saturday, July 5th. It was a great time of connection and challenge. For those who couldn’t make it, Dan Koval guided us through key themes from Jason Russell’s sermon Wholly in Love. Below are the table questions we wrestled with together:

Questions:

1) Jesus says, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” How does this feel different when you understand teleios as whole instead of flawless?

2) What does it look like to live a teleios (whole and undivided) life in today’s culture? Where do you feel the most tension between outward appearance and inward reality?

3) Why are we tempted to present a filtered version of ourselves, even among the men at BGC? What’s one area of your life where you need to drop the mask?

4) Think of someone who is difficult for you to love. How does remembering God’s love for you as an enemy change how you view them?

5) When have you seen love in action grow your affection for someone?

Mark your calendars...our next Coffee & Conversation will be on Saturday, August 2nd, led by Brandon Page. I’m looking forward to another meaningful morning together.

-Matt Zaun

Men-

Thank you to everyone who attended the Coffee & Conversation event on Saturday, June 7th. For those who could not attend, Isaac Greenslade led our discussion and provided an incredible synopsis of his sermon, “Your Sexuality, God’s Story.” Below are the questions that we processed through at our tables:

1. What do you think are the biggest barriers that keep men from moving from transparency to vulnerability? What are some of the biggest barriers for you personally?

2. Isaac said in his message: “Even in our most twisted and depraved sexual fantasies, there is something underneath it all that is actually good.”

What do you think about that idea? Do you agree or disagree?

3. What do you think it looks like practically to move toward Jesus in your sexual struggles? What are the biggest challenges you feel in doing that?

After Issac shared and we processed through the questions, we had a special guest speaker, Justin Smith, who came and shared his testimony and resources for men. Justin will return to C&C on Saturday, September 6th, to dive even deeper into the concepts he mentioned.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, July 5th, for the next C&C event, which Dan Koval will lead.

-Matt Zaun

Men-
Thank you to everyone who attended the Coffee & Conversation event on Saturday, April 5th. For those who could not make it, we discussed the sermon "The Silence of God." Below are my notes from the sermon and the questions that we discussed.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, May 3rd, for the next C&C event.
-Matt Zaun

April 5th C&C

"The Silence of God" by Ronnie Martin

Key Points of the Sermon:

The Reality of Feeling Like God Is Silent

Ronnie’s sermon addresses the deep and personal struggle of feeling like God has gone silent in our lives. Psalm 13 highlights David’s raw emotions, his questioning of God, and his experience of what seems like divine absence.

The Freedom to Bring Honest Complaints to God

David complains to God, almost accusatory in tone:

How long will You forget me?
How long will You hide your face from me?
How long will You let my enemies be elevated over me?
The Psalms teach us that we don’t have to pretend before God; we can be honest, raw, and unfiltered in our prayers.

God’s Perceived Silence May Be a Wake-Up Call

The sermon points out that we often ignore God until we need Him, then get angry when He seems silent.
Silence can be a tool to strip away distractions and idols, leading us to rely more deeply on God's Word and presence.
In verses 5-6 of Psalm 13, David makes an unexpected shift from despair to trust:
- "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."
- This shift isn’t because David's circumstances have changed; it’s because his perspective has changed.

Questions:
-How do you typically respond when you feel abandoned or unheard by God? Do you find it challenging to bring raw, unfiltered prayers before Him?
-What distractions or idols might make God’s voice seem distant in your life right now?-David shifts from despair to trust in Psalm 13:5-6, even though his circumstances didn’t change. What does this teach us about faith?

Bonus Questions:
-What difference does it make to know that Jesus Himself felt abandoned on the cross?
-How can we remind ourselves daily that God is always present, even when He feels far away?

Men-

Thank you to everyone who attended the Coffee & Conversation event on Saturday, March 1st. For those who could not make it, we discussed the sermon "Jesus Revealed." Below are my notes from the sermon and the questions that we discussed.

-Matt Zaun

March 1st C&C
“Jesus Revealed” by Kenny Lynch

Key Points of the Sermon:
The Son obeys – Jesus submits to baptism as an act of righteousness.
The Spirit anoints – The Holy Spirit descends like a dove, affirming Christ’s mission.
The Father speaks – God the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
This moment mirrors creation (Genesis), where the Trinity says, “Let us make man,” and now, in the gospel, the Trinity declares, “Let us save man.” It underscores that salvation comes through Christ alone.
The Urgency of Mission – Sharing the Gospel Matters!
Kenny challenges us to take Jesus’ identity and mission seriously and to live with gospel urgency. If Jesus identifies with sinners, we are called to do the same by sharing the good news. Kenny’s final quote in his sermon was a compelling way to reinforce this idea:
“How great an injustice it is to know about hell and not help a single soul go to heaven.”
This is a call to boldness in evangelism, recognizing that to remain silent about Jesus is to be indifferent to the eternal fate of others. We are encouraged to live on a mission, not as an obligation but as an act of love and obedience to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Questions:
-How many people did you share Christ with and/or invite to church in 2024?
-What fears or obstacles prevent you from sharing your faith more openly?
-What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally share Christ with someone? *Do you have someone’s name in mind?
Bonus:
-Share a time that you discussed Christ with an unbeliever, and it went better than you expected.

Men-
Thank you to everyone who attended the Coffee & Conversation event on Saturday, February 1st. For those who could not make it, we discussed the sermon, "New Year's Joy Amidst Worldly Pain." Below are my notes from the sermon and the questions that we discussed.
Kind Regards,
Matt Zaun

“New Year’s Joy Amidst Worldly Pain” by Kenny Lynch

1. Jesus as the Deliverer:

Kenny’s sermon emphasizes that Jesus is a miraculous deliverer. He fulfills Old Testament promises and brings salvation to His people. Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, Jesus delivered us from the bondage of sin.
Why does this matter? No trial, difficulty, or worldly pain can thwart Jesus’ work to save and sustain His people. When Jesus is your everything, you can handle anything.

2. Hope in the Midst of Pain:

The book of Matthew ties the painful events of Jesus’ early life to prophecies like Jeremiah’s, which speak of both deep sorrow and hope for the future. Even amidst mourning and tragedy, Jesus is the source of enduring hope.
Why does this matter? Jesus is present in our suffering and promises that pain will not last forever. Trusting Him allows us to find joy even in the midst of worldly pain.

3. Obedience as a Response to Faith:

Joseph’s immediate and consistent obedience is highlighted as a model for trusting God. His actions, even in challenging circumstances, demonstrate a faith deeply rooted in reliance on God’s word.
Why does this matter? Genuine faith is expressed through obedience. Inconsistent obedience can weaken the assurance of our relationship with God, while consistently trusting and following His word can bring confidence and joy.

Questions:

Deliverance
Jesus is our deliverer who frees us from bondage. What specific areas of your life has Jesus delivered you from? How does this truth give you hope for ongoing struggles?

Obedience
Joseph demonstrated immediate and consistent obedience, even in inconvenient and difficult circumstances. What area of your life might God be calling you to respond with obedience? How can the men in your Fight Club and/or 313 Group hold you accountable to this?

Trust
The book of Matthew is clear that trials and difficulties are inevitable. How have you seen God’s sovereignty at work in the challenging moments of your life? How can you prepare your heart and trust Him for unexpected trials that will come your way?

Men-
Thank you to everyone who attended the Coffee & Conversation event on Saturday, January 4th. For those who could not make it, we discussed what will transform men's lives the most in 2025—moving away from trying to live the Christian life in isolation to walking with Christ connected to a strong community of men. We delved into a 90-minute mastermind session on how to make this happen, from sharing best practices to starting and sustaining a Fight Club to the importance of the 313 Groups and C&C events. We will continue to have conversations like this throughout the year. Below are my notes from the sermon and verse we unpacked, as well as discussion questions.
Kind Regards,
Matt Zaun

"Walking in the Light" by Kenny Lynch

Walking in the Light: The sermon emphasizes the importance of "walking in the light" as a fundamental Christian practice. This means living honestly and transparently with God and others, acknowledging our sins rather than hiding them. Walking in the light leads to fellowship with one another and continual cleansing through the blood of Jesus.

Consequences of Walking in Darkness: John warns against claiming to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness. Walking in darkness involves habitual sin and moral indifference. Such a lifestyle indicates self-deception and lying about one's relationship with God. This serves as a sobering reminder that genuine faith involves a transformative process that rejects sin.

Communal and Personal Honesty: The sermon highlights that walking in the light is not just an individual practice but involves a strong community. Christians are called to be honest about their struggles and failures within their faith communities. This mutual transparency fosters deeper fellowship and spiritual growth, reinforcing that Christianity is lived out in community, not isolation.

Discussion questions:

1 John 1:5-9 emphasizes that walking in the light is a communal practice, not just an individual one.

1. What commitment (or recommitment) can you make today regarding how you'll connect with men at BGC in 2025? Example: you'll start a Fight Club, you'll commit to going to C&C events, and/or commit to joining a 313 Group.

2. Once you commit, what specific action steps will you take to make it happen this week?

3. Share specific examples and success stories regarding Fight Clubs, 313 Groups and/or C&C wins.

Praise God for Gabe Mahalik and his willingness to share a powerful message with us at C&C. Talk about ending the year strong! Wow.

I've included my notes from the sermon we discussed, along with the discussion questions Gabe guided us through, below. I hope you find them helpful.

Looking ahead, please make sure to mark your calendars for our first C&C of 2025, which will take place on Sat, Jan 4th, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at BGC. We'll delve into what many Christian men do at the beginning of each year that leads to failure and how to avoid it.

Pray for wisdom and that God opens our hearts regarding what will be discussed.

-Matt Zaun

The Assurance of Christ in You by Gabe Mahalik

Gospel Permeation and Assurance of Salvation: Gabe highlights the importance of assurance in faith, particularly addressing the common question: "How can I be sure that I'm a Christian?" This assurance comes through the witness of the Holy Spirit, which is essential for knowing we are God's children. “Take it to the bank.”

Role of the Holy Spirit: Gabe encourages us to recognize the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, noting that the Christian life is impossible to live without His empowerment. The evidence of the Holy Spirit's work can be seen in the lives of believers through love, joy, and acts of kindness.

Living Out God’s Love: Gabe’s sermon stresses that God’s love should be perfected in us and reflected through us. Love is not just a feeling; it is demonstrated through our actions towards others. Gabe challenges BGC Partners to embody this love daily, drawing on biblical principles like those found in 1 Corinthians 13. True love, as defined in the Scriptures, involves patience, kindness, and selflessness, which can only be lived out through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions:

What are some things in your life that you saw the Holy Spirit initialing his name next to in the past year?

Is there an area of your life that does not agree with God? What is your attitude toward that area of your life?

Is there a specific way the Holy Spirit calls you to embody his love to others?

Is there someone in this room who has embodied the love of Christ to you?

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Men-
Thank you to all who attended C&C on November 2nd. For those who couldn't make it, we delved into Jason Russell's impactful sermon on love.
I've included my notes from the sermon and the discussion questions we explored below. I hope you find them insightful and helpful.
Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for our final Coffee & Conversations of 2024, led by Gabe Mahalik! This event will occur on Saturday, December 7th, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Commons.
As the end of the year approaches and we prepare for 2025, let us pray for wisdom and that God gives us clarity on what to focus on next.
Kind Regards,
Matt Zaun

Notes from Nov 2nd C&C:

"Real Faith" by Jason Russell

The Distinguishing Mark of a Christian is Love: The core message of Jason's sermon is that the defining characteristic or "tag" of a genuine Christian is love. This love is not just a feeling but is demonstrated through actions reflecting Christ's sacrificial love. Just as different artists, directors, or craftsmen leave a mark on their work, Christians are called to be marked by love, which sets them apart as God's children. Jason's sermon emphasizes that love is the fruit of a transformed heart and life, driven by the understanding of God's love for us through the gospel.

The Contrast Between Love and Hatred: Jason uses the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate the characteristics of a child of God with a child of the devil. Cain's hatred, which led to the murder of his brother, is used to symbolize the nature of evil that exists between those aligned with Satan and those who are God's children. John (the Apostle) is straightforward in saying that if our lives are marked by hatred, conflict, and a lack of love for others, we are not living as children of God. On the other hand, a life marked by sacrificial love, like Christ's, is the true indicator of being a child of God.

Questions discussed:

-The sermon highlights that Christians should have a "tag" or mark of love that identifies them as God's children. As we approach the election, how can we ensure that our political discussions and choices reflect this mark of love?

-What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against harboring anger towards those with different political views at BGC and in the world?

-What strategies can we adopt to genuinely love those who hold opposing views?

-How does knowing that God chose you, despite your flaws, influence how you view and treat others, especially in a political context?

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Men-
I want to thank Brandon Page for facilitating our guy's Coffee & Conversations event on Saturday, October 5th. It was a fantastic opportunity to gather and reflect on Isaac Greenslade's most recent sermon.

I've included my notes from the sermon along with the discussion questions Brandon guided us through below. I hope you find them helpful.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our pre-election session, which will take place on Saturday, November 2nd, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in room 207.

Pray for wisdom and that God opens our hearts regarding this topic. I’ll share part of my story about my career in politics and what I learned. Then, I’ll challenge you to view this upcoming election from a Christian point of view.
-Matt Zaun

NOTES FROM OCT 5TH C&C:

“Righteous does as righteous is” by Isaac Greenslade

The Deception of Sin and the Call to Obedience: John warns against the deception of sin, which can lead believers to take God's grace for granted and use it as an excuse for ongoing sinful behavior. Isaac’s sermon stresses the need for believers to continually examine their lives, resist the temptations of sin, and pursue holiness, reflecting their true identity as children of God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit and Community: Isaac’s sermon highlights the essential role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers grow in holiness and overcome sin. Additionally, it underscores the importance of having strong, supportive Christian men with whom you can be honest about your struggles and receive encouragement and accountability to live out your identity in Christ.

Discussion Questions:

John warns us about the deceitfulness of sin and the danger of taking God's grace for granted. Can you identify areas in your life where you might be tempted to make small compromises? How can we guard against these deceptions?
How does the Holy Spirit play a role in helping you grow in obedience and holiness? Can you share an experience where you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you in your journey towards greater righteousness?
Isaac suggests that we should not walk this journey of obedience alone. Who in your life can you be radically honest with about your struggles? How can you foster deeper relationships with men at BGC?

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Men-
Big shout-out and thank you to Shelby Abbott for leading the Guy's Coffee & Conversations event on Sat, Sept 7th. It was great to come together and process through Paul Tripp's sermon. Below are my sermon notes, followed by the questions that Shelby had us discuss.

I hope to see you at the next C&C on Saturday, October 5th, which Brandon Page will lead.
-Matt Zaun

“The Grace of Being Known” by Paul Tripp

The Dual Nature of the Gospel: Knowing and Being Known by God: The sermon emphasizes the dual aspects of the gospel. Firstly, it is about God making Himself known to us, highlighting His desire to be known and understood. Secondly, and equally important, is that the gospel is about being known by God. This means acknowledging that God understands us better than we understand ourselves and recognizing that our own self-knowledge is flawed and incomplete due to sin. This duality is crucial for a deep, transformative relationship with God.

The Impact of Sin on Self-Knowledge and Relationships: The sermon underscores how sin blinds and deceives us, making us unaware of our own faults and weaknesses. This lack of self-awareness hinders our relationships, including marriages and parenting. Paul Tripp stresses the importance of confession and forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships and warns against the delusion of believing that we know ourselves best. Instead, we must accept God's knowledge of us to truly understand ourselves and grow spiritually.

Christ's Sacrificial Love and the Call for Confession: The sermon describes Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing that He endured suffering and death because He knew the depths of our brokenness and sinfulness. His actions were substitutionary, done in our place because we could not save ourselves. Paul Tripp calls on us to embrace this truth, make confessions where necessary, and seek God's grace repeatedly. This acknowledgment leads to a transformative experience of God’s grace, which is described as "grace upon grace," highlighting the continuous need for God's grace in our lives.

Discussion Questions:

Why is it essential to recognize that God knows us better than we know ourselves? How can this realization shape our actions and decisions?

Reflecting on the sermon’s call for confessions, are there any areas in your life where you need to seek forgiveness or make a confession? How can you take steps towards reconciliation and healing in these areas?

Men-

Big shout-out and thank you to Deron Witmer for leading the Guy's Coffee & Conversations event on Sat, Aug 3rd. It was great to come together and process through two sermons. Below are my sermon notes, followed by the questions that Deron had us discuss.

Hope to see you for the next one on Sat, Sept 7th.

-Matt Zaun

06/09/24 Sermon - “Walking in the Light” by Kenny Lynch

Walking in the Light: The sermon emphasizes the importance of "walking in the light" as a fundamental Christian practice. This means living honestly and transparently with God and others, acknowledging our sins rather than hiding them. Walking in the light leads to fellowship with one another and continual cleansing through the blood of Jesus.

Consequences of Walking in Darkness: John warns against claiming to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness. Walking in darkness involves habitual sin and moral indifference. Such a lifestyle indicates self-deception and lying about one's relationship with God. This serves as a sobering reminder that genuine faith involves a transformative process that rejects sin.

Communal and Personal Honesty: The sermon highlights that walking in the light is not just an individual practice but involves the community. Christians are called to be honest about their struggles and failures within their faith communities. This mutual transparency fosters deeper fellowship and spiritual growth, reinforcing that Christianity is lived out in community, not isolation.

Questions:
Take 5 minutes to pray. Be honest with yourself and God. Ask God to remind you about a "pet" sin—a lion that you've tolerated in your life that's growing. Once you've had 5 minutes, I'll open it up for everyone to discuss.

06/16/24 Sermon - “Getting Honest with God About Sin” by Jason Russell

Honesty About Sin Proves a True Relationship with God:
John emphasizes that honesty about our sins is crucial to prove that we genuinely know God. Without this transparency and acknowledgment, a real intimate relationship with God cannot exist. He contrasts those who falsely claim to know God while denying their sin with those who truly know God and confess their sins.

Denial of Sin vs. Confession of Sin:
Denying sin means claiming that one's actions, thoughts, or behaviors do not affect one’s relationship with God, which leads to self-deception. On the other hand, confession involves owning up to one's sins, taking responsibility, and admitting them to God. This act of confession brings one into a deeper experiential knowledge of God's faithfulness and justice.

The Invitation and Promise of God's Forgiveness:
The sermon highlights the invitation from God to be honest about our sins, assuring that He is faithful and just to forgive us. Confession is portrayed not as something to dread but as an opportunity to experience God's grace, forgiveness, and cleansing. This honesty leads to a blessed state described in Psalm 32, where confessing our transgressions results in forgiveness, joy, and a close relationship with God.

Questions:
Have you ever experienced a season of walking in darkness? What got you there, and how did you get out? What practical steps can you take to walk in the light and avoid falling back into the darkness of hidden sins? How can men at BGC support you?

July 6, 2024

Men-
I received some messages from guys telling me they missed our C&C meeting on July 6th due to summer vacation. It was requested that I send out a summary of our meeting, so here are my notes.

— Matt Z.

On Saturday, July 6th, we processed two sermons in the 1 John Series, “Joy” and “Foundational Facts and Everyday Living.”

05/26/24 Sermon -“Joy” by Kenny Lynch

The Nature of True Joy:
- The sermon emphasizes that true joy is found in Jesus Christ alone. This joy is different from worldly happiness or superficial pleasures. It is a deep, abiding satisfaction that comes from a relationship with Jesus. True joy is not just about feeling good in the moment but is about being completely satisfied in all aspects—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Greatest Difficulty in Conversion and After:
- The sermon outlines two significant challenges related to joy in the Christian life. The first is finding joy in Christ alone at the moment of conversion. The second and ongoing challenge is maintaining and keeping that joy amidst the trials and tribulations of life. John writes to ensure that believers not only find their joy in Christ but also hold onto it.
Elements of True Joy:
- The sermon breaks down true joy into three key elements:
  - Satisfaction: Being completely satisfied in Jesus, where both the mind and heart are fully engaged and content.
  - Exultation: A deep-seated joy that goes beyond mere happiness, leading to a spirit of worship and rejoicing.
  - Motivation: True joy empowers and strengthens believers, giving them the resilience to face adversities and the ability to be joyful in the face of challenges. This joy is described as a powerful force that defies the troubles of the world.

Questions to process:

Can you share a time when you experienced true joy in your relationship with Christ? What was that like for you?

What scripture verses encourage you during difficult times?

06/02/24 Sermon -“Foundational Facts and Everyday Living” by Kenny Lynch

Foundational Facts of the Gospel:
- The sermon emphasizes three key foundational facts about the gospel.
  1. The gospel is found in Jesus, the Word of Life.
  2. The gospel is an announcement that must be proclaimed.
  3. The gospel is authoritative, coming from the eyewitness testimony of the apostles.
Role of Christians as Witnesses and Ambassadors:
- Christians are called to be witnesses and ambassadors for Christ, responsible for proclaiming the gospel.
- An ambassador’s responsibilities include getting the message right, not changing the message, and ensuring the message is delivered.
Intended Effects of the Gospel:
- The proclamation of the gospel's foundational facts is not an end in itself but is intended to permeate every aspect of believers’ lives.
- The gospel transforms our thinking, living, and loving to reflect Jesus. The intended effect of this permeation is fellowship and complete joy among believers, as stated by John in his letter.

Question to process:

Reflecting on the responsibility to deliver the gospel message, what practical steps can you take to ensure you do not leave the message undelivered to those around you?

June 1, 2024

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Dear BGC Men,

I wanted to take a moment to recap our Saturday Coffee & Conversations meeting. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and deep discussion.

We pulled themes from Kenny’s sermons on May 12th & 19th:

1) Incorrect Responses to the World: We explored the three common responses (Bubble Wrap, Bathe In It, Better It) and shared which one we struggle with most. It was enlightening to see how each of us identified with different responses and how recognizing these can help us grow.

2) Cycle of Faith: We highlighted a faith cycle that involves starting with truth, being shaken, returning to truth, and finding renewed strength. Many of us resonated with this cycle and shared personal experiences of navigating through it, finding comfort in the shared journey.

3) Deepening Understanding of 1 John: We discussed steps to deepen our understanding of the book of 1 John, emphasizing the importance of letting its teachings permeate every aspect of our lives.

Thank you all for your participation and thoughtful discussion. Looking forward to our next gathering on Sat, July 6th.

— Matt Zaun