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Current Saturday Sermon Series:
"UNWRITTEN"
Pastor Adam Lewis
September 4 - A Little Man Steps Into a Big Story
Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man
there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he
had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to
see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the
road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
When Jesus came by, he LOOKED UP at Zacchaeus and called him by name.
"Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, COME DOWN! I must be a guest in your home
today."
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excite-
ment and joy. But the people were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of
a notorious sinner," they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, "I will give half my wealth
to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them
back four times as much!"
Jesus responded, "SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOME TODAY, for this
man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came
to seek and save those who are lost."
• What if this is as good as it gets?
• What if my driving, working, and striving gets me nowhere
• How should I respond to Jesus calling me down from my current reality?
Reflection Questions
1. In what ways is your story similar to that of Zacchaeus?
2. Is Jesus calling you to himself, just like he did Zacchaeus?
3. Have you been given the opportunity to "come down" from the pedestal you have
built in your own life and mind and meet Jesus
4. What part of your story is still unwritten?
August 28 - Seeking the Presence of God
"The presence of Jesus always has been and always will be what is most
attractive for hungry people. For long-term success, we must build something
that attracts his presence. When God’s presence becomes a tangible reality in a
community, the church then becomes a catalyst for growth. God’s presence is
more effective than our best church growth methods."
– Rhonda Hughey, Desperate for His Presence, p. 34
John 6: 41 – I am the bread that came down from heaven.
John 6:48, 50-51 – I am the bread of life . . . But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Romans 12:1 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be living and holy sacrifices – the kind he will find acceptable.
"We cannot be hungry for God if we are being satisfied with other things . . .
Before we can be filled, we must be emptied of ourselves."
– Rhonda Hughey, Desperate for His Presence, p. 22
"We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us."
– CS Lewis, Letters to Malcolm
Exodus 34:29 – When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because HE HAD SPOKEN WITH THE LORD.
"People may dream of living a full and exciting Christian life, but deep down they
realize it will cost them something and they are not willing to pay the price.
That’s how we get stuck in our religious routines and live life filled with regrets."
– Rhonda Hughey, Desperate for his Presence, p. 202
Reflection Questions
1. Is the glory of God and His Kingdom the focus of everything we are and do?
2. Have we become desperate and hungry for the presence of Jesus in our midst?
3. Have we shifted our focus or is our focus blurry right now?
4. Are we seeing people through the eyes of the Lord?
5. Have we restored our own righteousness in the temple (the church) before we
minister outside our own city?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"GET SMART"
Pastor Adam Lewis
August 21 - How to Build Something for Your Kids
1. The news!
2. Bringing them home is like opening the box for the first time.
3. Organize the pieces and lay the foundation
Psalm 127:1 – Unless the Lord builds the house the laborer labors in vain.
Here are some of the foundational pieces:
• Church
• Praying for your kids
• Making time for them
• Listening more and talking less
Proverbs 14:26 – He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for
his children it will be a refuge.
4. Build slowly
5. Finish strong
Proverbs 22:6 – Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it.
6. Keep up on the maintenance / Remain the example
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – These commandments I give you today are to be upon
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at
home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you
get up.
7. Welcome a new generation / Welcome the grandkids!
Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are
the pride of their children.
Reflection Questions
1. What fundamental principle does scripture give for building a solid home?
(Psalm 127:1)
2. How does the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27 reinforce this principle?
3. Using the following passages from Proverbs, make at least five observations
about wise conduct in building a godly home. (12:7; 14:1; 15:6; 21:12)
4. Parents are to be an example to their children. How does Proverbs develop
that theme in Proverbs 20:7, 31:28 and 14:26
5. End your time by praying specifically for the families in your group.
August 14 - God Doesn't Like . . .
Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Six Things that God Hates, Seven that He Detests…
1. Haughty eye
John 11:41 - So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said,
"Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
2. Lying tongue
Proverbs 12:19 - Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a
moment.
Proverbs 26:28 - A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth
works ruin.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks
back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 4:28 - He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,
doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share
with those in need.
4. Feet that are quick to rush to evi
Psalm 8:6 - You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything
under his feet.
5. A heart that thinks up wicked plans
6. False witness
7. Dissension
Reflection Questions
1. In Proverbs 6:16-19, it says that God hates certain things. Read this passage
and explain what it means for God to hate something.
2. According to this passage, where does evil originate in human beings?
3. What specific body parts are listed in this week’s passage? List them and then
explain the ways each part becomes a servant to sin.
4. According to Proverbs 6:19, what is the outcome of doing the things that God
hates?
5. What is the remedy that God provides for our sins? (Romans 5:8) What should
our lives look like as a result of accepting God’s love and heart? (Psalm 97:10,
Romans 12:9)
August 7 - Dollars and Cents
"Money, in truth, is one of the most unsatisfying possessions. It takes away some cares, no doubt; but it brings with it quite as many cares as it takes away. There is trouble in the getting of it. There is anxiety in the keeping of it. There are temptations in the use of it. There is guilt in the abuse of it. There is sorrow in the losing of it. There is perplexity in the disposing of it. Two-thirds of all strifes, quarrels, and lawsuits in the world arise from one simple cause – MONEY!"
-JC Ryle, author of Practical Religion
Proverbs 10:15 – The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
Wealth –
Poverty –
• In matters of wealth, put God first.
Proverbs 3:9 – Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all
your crops.
• Have a plan
Proverbs 15:22 – Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers
they succeed.
• Watch out for the damage money can do to relationships
Proverbs 15:16 – Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth
with turmoil.
Psalm 19:9-10 – The fear of the Lord is pure and enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than most pure gold; they are sweeter than honey.
Do you worship God with your money . . . or . . . do you worship money as God?
Reflection Questions
1. Read Proverbs 10:15. Is this proverb a command or a simple observation? Why
does the rich man treat wealth as a fortified city?
2. How important is planning in matters of wealth? In Proverbs 21:5, what character
trait is necessary for planning?
3. Besides planning for ourselves, who else should we plan to include in our use of
wealth according to Proverbs 11:24-25?
4. What is more precious than the most pure gold according to Psalm 19:9-10? Why
does the psalmist have to say this to his audience?
5. Do you worship God with your money, or do you worship money as God?
July 24 - What Good Is Wisdom to Me?
Knowledge:
Wisdom:
Proverbs 2:1-5
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning
your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and If you call out
for insight and cry aloud for understanding; and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the
LORD and find the knowledge of God.
1. Choosing Wisdom – v. 1
IF…THEN…
2. Wisdom Pays Attention – v. 2
James 1:19 - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to
listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
3. Wisdom Hungers for the Lord – v. 3 & 4
Isaiah 64:7 - No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you;
Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they will be filled.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths
straight.
Reflection Questions
1. What does Scripture teach is "good for us?" (Jeremiah 29:11, Hebrews 12:10,
Romans 8:28) How is wisdom good for us?
2. What do the "IF" statements require in Proverbs 2:1-4? What do the "THEN"
statements require in verses 5-11?
3. In what sense is seeking wisdom the same as seeking God? (Proverbs 2:6)
4. We all have a passion for a certain thing. What is that certain thing for you, and
how can you use that same passion in your walk with God?
5. Proverbs 3:1-6 shows wisdom’s direction. Carefully read it, then identify the main
instructions that the father gives his son. What seems to be the key command
which gives unity to all the others?
July 17 - The Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom
and discipline.
Fear of the Lord = sense of awe, respect, and reverence for God
1. Keeps us passionate for the Lord
Proverbs 23:17 – Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for
the fear of the Lord.
2. Prolongs our days
Proverbs 10:27 – The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the
wicked are cut short.
Proverbs 19:23 – The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content,
untouched by trouble.
1 Corinthians 6:20 – You are not your own, you were bought with a price.
Therefore honor God with your body.
Why is knowledge of God not enough?
Reflection Questions
1. What is the main difference between fear of earthly things and the fear of the Lord?
2. What are some other things that the fear of the Lord does for you?
3. Suggest some possible meanings/life experiences for "the beginning of know-
ledge" in verse 7. Why is knowledge of God not enough to be obedient to him?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"SPEAK OF THE DEVIL"
Pastor Adam Lewis
July 10 - Victory Over Temptation
Refocus
2 Corinthians 10:5b – We take captive every thought to make it obedient
to Christ.
Reveal
2 Corinthians 11:14 – For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Resist
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
List three consequences.
Reflect
2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s
glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 4:20 – For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of
power.
Reflection Questions
1. What do you do (or could you do) on a daily basis to wrap the Word of God
around your heart?
2. When Satan attempts to control our wills with pride, what should we do?
(James 4:4-7)
3. In what sense is "prayer" a part of the Christian's defense arsenal against
temptation and Satan?
July 3 - In God We Trust . . .
[Not part of 'Speak of the Devil' series]
June 19 - Satanology, Just Who Is This Devil?
Diablo – "One Who Slanders"
Satan – "The Opposer"
Genesis 1 – Formless and Empty
Genesis 3 – The Talking Serpent
Does the devil have control over God?
Job 1:6 - One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.
Job 1:12 - The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Ezekiel 28:13-17
v. 13 – At creation
v. 14 –Anointed cherub (Angel)
v. 15 – Perfection turned to corruption
v. 16 – Expelled from the mount of God because of pride
v. 17 – Perverted wisdom
Matthew 16:21-23 - "Get behind me, Satan!"
Did Jesus deal with the devil?
Matthew 4 – Temptation in the desert
What Jesus said about the devil
1. John 10:10 & Mark 4:15 – Thief
2. John 8:44 – Father of lies
3. Matthew 13:39 – Plants weeds in advance of the final harvest
4. John 13:2 – Prompted Judas Iscariot
Victory over temptation
Hebrews 2:14 - Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—
1 John 3:8b - The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
REFLECTION Questions
1. Think about the images of the Devil you remember from early childhood. List
those early impressions and then comment about how they might have changed
in your adult years. Why did they change? What is your current understanding of
the Devil and his relationship to the problem of evil in the world?
2. Read Job 1 and 2. What does Satan’s relationship with God tell us about the way
evil operates in the world?
3. Review the passages from the gospels (under "What Jesus Said about the Devil").
What do we learn about the Devil from the earthly life and ministry of Jesus? Has
anything changed with the Devil today?
4. What reason did Jesus come, according to 1 John 3:8?
5. Read Romans 8:1 and Hebrews 2:14, where do we find victory over the Devil and
his plans to overthrow the children of God?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"HOLIMESS"
Pastor Adam Lewis
June 5 - Final Instructions, Final Promise
Qualifications of an Overseer
1 Timothy 3:1-7
1 Peter 5:1-5
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1. Be Submissive…
1 Peter 5a – Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.
John 21:15-26
2. Clothe yourself with humility
1 Peter 5:5b-7 – All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble
yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due
time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Luke 22:62 – "Wept Bitterly"
I am speaking from experience…..
Reflection Questions
1. What can God do with a willing heart for His kingdom?
2. Why should we be submissive to those that are older? Is there ever a case when
we should NOT be submissive to those who are older?
3. What was significant about Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loved him? What is
the significance then to the command in John 21:17?
4. Peter is speaking from experience when he talks about humility. How was Peter
humbled in Luke 22:62 when he denied Jesus three times?
5. How has one of the items that you wrote in the blanks above contributed to your
holiness in the holimess?
May 29 - Remember Our Example . . .
In the HoliMess, we must not lose our…
1. Desperateness
• Luke 8:42b-44 - As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And
a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no
one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak,
and immediately her bleeding stopped.
• Mark 2:4 - Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they
made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered
the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.
2. Sense of unqualification
• Matthew 4:18-20 - As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two
brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net
into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will
make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
• "Its amazing how few of us believe in the unqualified grace of God. Oh, yes, God
loves us, as long as we’re clean and whole and fixed. But it turns out that what
disqualifies you and me from ‘spirituality’ – the mess of our lives – is what most
qualifies us to be chosen by God." Mike Yaconelli, Messy Spirituality, p. 50.
3. Christ-like attitude
• 1 Peter 4:1 - Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves with
the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
• 1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone speaks he should do it as one speaking the very words
of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that
in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and
power for ever. Amen.
• "Anything less than God will let you down." E. Stanley Jones
Questions for Discussion
1. Why is it hard to admit to God that you are a mess?
2. Imagine telling God the truth about yourself. What would you say?
3. What was the attitude of the people that Peter was writing to in chapter 4?
4. Why does Peter go to great lengths to talk about Christ in relation to their faith
journey?
5. With a new attitude, is it true that we can be "done" with sin?
6. Where do you need an attitude adjustment for Christ?
May 22 - Value-Added Living in a Very Messy World
Pastor Tim Britton
I. RELEASE (sin)
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander
of every kind. (1 Peter 2:1)
II. REPLACE (desire)
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk… (1 Peter 2:2a)
III. RESTORE (humanity)
…so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted
that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2b-3)
Michelangelo on Sculpting:
"I saw an angel in the block of marble, and I just chiseled 'til I set him free."
"Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it."
"The sculptor's hand can only break the spell to free the figures slumbering in the stone."
"Beauty is the purgation of superfluities."
Questions for Discussion
1. What are the things that our world gives approval to but God calls us to rid
ourselves of?
2. What do you think Peter means when he says "crave pure spiritual milk"?
3. What holy desires replace the sinful desires we are called to rid ourselves of?
4. What does it mean to "grow up in your salvation" and how do we go about it?
5. What do you need to allow God to chisel in your life?
May 8 - Preparing for the Intensity of the Mess
1 Peter 2:13a
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.
1 Peter 3:1-7
1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of
them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the
behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives..
7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and
treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the
gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
"Instruction of the wife by Peter, apostle of Christ Jesus, tampered with the preroga-
tive of the husband to instruct his own wife. At the same time, it elevated the woman by affirming her role as moral decision maker, a role normally left to the husband."
Bob Brown, Background notes, p. 10.
1 Peter 2:23-2
23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered,
he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to
sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the
Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Psalm 103:1
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
Reflection Questions
1. What key instruction is presented in 1 Peter 2:13a and is repeated throughout?
2. What guidance does Peter offer his readers in working through the different
"power-based" relationships in which they find themselves?
3. How does submission function differently in 1) households consisting of both
Christian and non-Christian members, and 2) entirely Christian households
4. Households in the first century were "top-down" approach. How would the hus-
band’s or master’s newly-found faith influence his household that consisted
mainly of non-Christians? What new issues would arise?
5. How does that new-found faith apply to our households and families today?
April 24 - Holiness in the HoliMess
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do no conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; "Be holy as I am holy."
1. Roll up your sleeves (prepare your minds) (v.13)
2. Look forward to Christ (v.13)
3. Be as obedient children (v.14)
Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to
offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your
spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you will be
able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect
will.
4. Be holy as I am holy (vv.15-16)
"I cannot, by direct moral effort, give myself new motives. After the first few steps in the Christian life we realize that everything which really needs to be done in our souls can be done only by God.
--C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, p. 165.
"When human beings share in God’s holiness, they separate themselves from things common and devote themselves to things sacred. Yet, they are called upon to do this while still in the midst of the world. Their devotion to God’s purposes is supposed to enhance the world around them. Holiness is not separation from the world, though it does involve separateness from worldly values."
--Bob Brown, Background Notes, p. 10.
Reflection Questions
1. Explore with your group members where they are in their journey with Christ. Are
they where they ought to be?
2. In 1 Peter 1:13, Peter instructs us to "prepare our minds." What specific instruc-
tions does he give in verses 14-16?
3. What important command sets the tone for v. 15? Read and compare to Isaiah
6:3 and Leviticus 11:44-45.
4. In what sense is salvation a process? How is holiness both a crisis and a
process? Read Romans 12:1-2.
April 17 - Welcome to the Messy Life
Who are these people???
Acts 2:9-11; 39-41
1 Peter 1:1-2
To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood.
"God is not passively peering into the future and saying, "Ah, that’s how things will eventually work themselves out." He is personally and actively involved in bringing about His purposes in the world, but He is doing it, not as the "puppet master" pulling strings, but as a personal Savior bringing about the restoration of human beings." – Bob Brown, Background Notes, pg. 12.
"For God to foreknow and predestinate has little to do with His playing favorites but has everything to do with seeking the "good for those who are called according to his purpose." – Bob Brown, Background Notes, pg. 12.
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Reflection Questions
1. Read Acts 2:9-11 and 39-41. Where did the people that Peter was writing to start
their journey with Christ?
2. Peter calls them "God’s elect." What part does God’s foreknowledge play in
selecting someone to come into a relationship with Himself? Is there a line that
should be drawn between God’s foreknowledge and man’s free will?
3. Why is being "good enough" not enough qualification for being a Jesus follower?
4. How close are you with God today? How personal would you say you are with
God in your prayer life and relationship with Him?
"BAPTISM SERVICE"
Pastor Adam Lewis
April 10 - Baptism Service
Can a person truly change?
Romans 6:14 – Sin shall not be your master.
Acts 9:26-30
John 5:6 – When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir", the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Reflection Questions
1. Can people truly change?
2. If people can believe they can change, then why do most people refuse to do so?
3. What was the reaction of the disciples when they first saw Paul?
4. What was the excuse of the man in John 5:6? Why do we make excuses
concerning changing
5. Baptism is a outward symbol declaring that Christ has made a true change
in an individual. Why should we be baptized?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"THE CASE FOR CHRIST"
Pastor Adam Lewis
March 20 - Jesus as Love Redefined
Four Kinds of Love
Storge Eros
Philia Agape
Luke 6:27-36 -But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
1. Our role in this new kind of love – vv. 27-28
• Love and bless those who hate and curse.
2. Our reactions – vv. 29-31
• Show them your good cheek.
• Do to others as you would have them do to you.
3. Explanation of the Command – vv. 32-36
• Luke 23:34 – Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
• Acts 7:60 – Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
John 15:17 – This is my command: LOVE each other.
John 3:16 – For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his one and only Son…
1 Corinthians 13:8 – LOVE never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain; faith, hope and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE.
Have you been able to accept this new kind of love?
We run from love because…
• God sees us best.
• We feel unworthy.
• We feel the closer we get to Him, the more guilt and shame we will feel.
Reflection Questions
1. Give examples of each of the four kinds of love.
2. Why was Jesus’ redefinition of love in Luke 6 so radical?
3. Give 2 more examples of Jesus’ teachings on love and how it was redefined.
(see Luke 18:9-14 and John 4:1-26)
4. Why it is still difficult to live out Jesus’ teachings on LOVE even today
5. Write the name down of one person who you need to forgive because they have
wronged you, recently or in the past. Pray for them silently.
March 13 - Jesus as Teacher
Luke 8 – The Parable of the Sower
A farmer was scattering seed and some fell along the….
1. Path – It was trampled and was eaten by birds.
v.12 – Those along the path are the ones that hear, and then the devil comes
and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and
be saved.
2. Rock – It withered because when it grew it had no moisture.
v. 13 – Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they
hear it, but they have no root.
3. Thorns – It was choked by the other plants when it grew.
v. 14 – The seed among the thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on
their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do
not mature.
4. Good soil – It yielded a crop a hundred times more than what was sown
v. 15 – But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart,
who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
John 13:12-15
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you? He asked them. "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
Reflection Questions
1. What is a parable, and why did Jesus use them?
2. How does the parable in Luke 8 reveal some of the important aims of Jesus?
3. Consider Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, as recorded in John 13:13-15.
How did Jesus want his followers to view his role as teacher?
4. Is it possible for a person to truly change? Can a person go from seed on the
path to seed on good soil? What would be the evidence of this change?
March 6 - Jesus as Son of Man
Son of God -
Son of Man -
The Humanity of Jesus
Born – Luke 2
Family line – Luke 3:21-38
Hungry – Matthew 4:2
Physically weak – Matthew 4:11
Angry – Luke 19: 45-48
Thirsty – John 19:28
Died – Luke 23:46
What can we learn from Jesus and his humanness?
1. He was tempted yet without sin.
• Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize
with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way,
just as we are — yet was without sin.
• Matthew 4
2. He was disciplined.
• Mark 1:35 - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left
the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
3. He was humble.
• Philippians 2:5-8 - Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something
to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he
humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
• Romans 12:3-4 - For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not
think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with
sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
4. He pursued the Father
• John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment
is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
How do we pursue the Father?
• Submit to Jesu
• Receive guidance from the Holy Spirit
Reflection Questions
1. What reasons could you give to someone who asks "Why did God need to
become human?" Read Hebrews 2:10-18.
2. Why was the humanity of Jesus essential to our salvation?
3. What is the main difference between Jesus as the "Son of God" and the
"Son of Man"?
4. What trait from Jesus’ humanity most applies to you? Which one can you most
relate with? Why?
February 27 - Jesus as Son of God
Pastor Tim Britton
I. God Affirms Jesus is His Son
- Luke 3:21-22
II. Satan Battles the Son
- Luke 4:1-13
III. Jesus’ Claims About Himself
a. I’m not just a good guy (Mark 10:17-18)
b. I perform miracles (Mark 4:41)
c. I came down from Heaven (John 6:38, 41-46)
d. I am the only way to Heaven (John 14:6)
e. I forgive sin (Luke 5:20-21, 7:48-49)
f. I AM God (John 14:8-11, John 10:22-39)
IV. Religious Leaders Accuse Him
- Mark 14:61-64
- Matthew 26:63-66
V. Paul Preaches It
- Acts 9:20
- Romans 9:5
VI. The New Testament Proclaims It
- Hebrews 1:2, 5, 8; 3:6; 4:14; 5:5, 8; 6:6; 7:3, 28; 10:29
- 1 John 1:3, 7; 2:22-24; 3:8, 4:9-10, 14-15; 5:5, 9-13, 20
VII. What About You?
- Matthew 16:13-16
"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:5
"We have to ask ‘Why is there no other first century Jew who has millions of followers today? Why isn’t there a John the Baptist movement? Why, of all the first century figures, including Roman emperors, is Jesus still worshiped today while all the others have crumbled into the dust of history?’
It’s because Jesus - the historical Jesus - is also the living Lord. That’s why. It’s because he’s still around, while the others are long gone." (Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ, p.189)
"Knowing that Jesus is God’s Son comes by participation in God’s will. We do not have the luxury of standing on the sidelines and poking at Jesus as if he were a specimen in a laboratory. He invites us to step inside the circle he has drawn around himself and God and then place the full weight of our lives on him." (Bob Brown, Background Notes, p. 17)
Reflection Questions
1. Why do many people admire Christ but have trouble accepting he is the
Son of God?
2. Is it possible to accept Jesus as a wise teacher and good person but reject him
as the divine Son of God? Why or why not?
3. Why was Jesus crucified? (Mark 14:61-64
4. What evidence is most helpful for you as you consider the divinity of Jesus as
God's Son?
February 20 - Jesus as Expected One
An eyewitness had to…
1. Have integrity
2. Have honesty
3. Have nothing to gain
Luke 4:16-21 – Jesus in the Synagogue
1. Luke 4:18a – "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed
me to preach good news to the poor.
2. Luke 4:18b - He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and
recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
3. Luke 4:19 - to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Leviticus 25:8-17 – The year of jubilee
Luke 4:20-21 – Then he rolled up the scroll gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
"Peter W. Stoner computed the probability of fulfilling 48 prophecies was one chance in a trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion. Our minds can’t comprehend a number that big. (Case for Christ, 183)
Reflection Questions
1. What evidence do we have the Luke was a careful historian (Luke 1:1-4 and
Acts 1:1-3).
2. Where does Luke’s genealogy begin and where does it end? How does it
answer the question, "whose Son is Jesus?"
3. Under what circumstances does Jesus introduce himself in Luke 4:14-21?
Why is this significant?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"HOT TOPICS"
Pastor Adam Lewis
February 13 - Marriage and Divorce
What is a holy marriage suppose to be like?
1. Commitment
a. Ephesians 5:22-28
b. Proverbs 12:4 – A wife of noble character is her husbands crown, but a
disgraceful wife is like decay to his bones.
c. Proverbs 21:19 – Better to live in the desert than with a quarrelsome and
ill-tempered wife.
d. 1 Peter 3 – Husbands be considerate as you live with your wives and treat
them with respect.
2. Built on a foundation
a. Genesis 2
b. Beware of intruders in your marriage
3. Permanent
The Divorce rate today
According to the US census source
41% of first marriages end in divorce
60% of second marriages end in divorce
73% of third marriages end in divorce
George Barna research…
1. 11% of the adult population is currently divorced
2. 25% of adults have had at least one divorce during their lifetime.
Divorce rates among conservative Christians were significantly higher than for other faith groups, and much higher than atheists and agnostics.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
Matthew 19:1-9
Four things to continue in strong marriages:
1. Permanence
2. Perception
3. Protection
4. Praise
Reflection Questions
1. From your own observations, what are the common causes for divorce? Are
Christians more or less likely to experience divorce today?
2. Under what circumstances is divorce permissible? What about remarriage after
divorce?
3. Ready 1 John 4:7-16 and 1 Corinthians 13 and identify several ways that this
love is especially necessary for a strong marriage, based on reading those
passages
4. What are the four things to continue in strong marriages? Give examples from
your own life from times when you experienced each one with your spouse.
February 6 - Sex
Song of Songs 4:1-4
When does sex become something else?
1. When "they" becomes "we"
John 8:7 - If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone
at her.
John 8:10 - Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they?
Has no one condemned you?"
2. When we objectify God’s creation
Matthew 5:27-30 - "You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out
and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your
whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut
it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for
your whole body to go into hell."
3. When we seek pleasure too quickly
Song of Songs 3:5 - Do not awaken love until it so desires.
Genesis 2:25 - The man and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame.
Ephesians 5:25-29
1 Corinthians 7:5-
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Reflection Questions
1. Look at 1 Corinthians 6:13-20. What main theme does Paul develop? What does
he say about recreational sex?
2. Using Galatians 6 as a guide, what should be the Christian heterosexual’s
approach to a homosexual?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. What guidance does Paul offer about sex within
marriage?
4. According to Ephesians 5:21-30, how is marriage a safe and nurturing context
for the experience of human sexuality? By contrast, how is sex outside of
marriage especially risky?
January 30 - Abortion & Euthanasia
Isaiah 46:3-4
Listen to me, o house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you; I have made you and will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
1. Listen to me (v. 3)
2. God has cared for, carried, and sustained us. (vs. 3-4)
How has God cared for us?
• God has had something to do with everything in our lives.
• Matthew 10:30 – even the hairs on your head are numbered
• God leads us to truth.
• John 14:6 – I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father
except through me.
• Jesus shows us the cost of being a true disciple.
• Luke 14:25-35
• God makes all things happen for the good of his Kingdom
• Romans 8:28-29
• 1 Corinthians 3:1
3. God has sustained us from conception to old age. (vs. 3-4)
Euthanasia
The act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Reflection Questions
1. Read Genesis 1:26-28. What specific language in this passage gives human
life its special sacredness?
2. In what ways does our vocation begin before we were born, and what relevance
does that have to this week’s topic?
3. In the midst of suffering and its effect on our view of life’s sacredness, what
should we do: 1 Peter 4:19?
January 23 - Alcohol & Gambling
"The addict experiences a sense of alienation, estrangement, loneliness, unloveability, and hopelessness, often felt as a sense of being different from or less than others. In the face of this pain of living, the addict accepts a host of false and negative beliefs about him or her self, about the world, and about God."
-Bob Brown, Hot Topics Background notes, January 23/24, 2010
How do I know if I am addicted to something?
1. Are your behaviors secret?
2. Has your behavior become abusive to you or others?
3. Is your behavior used to deaden painful feelings or emotions
4. Does your behavior preoccupy your thoughts and cause you to hurry through
or neglect tasks of your daily life?
Numbers 6:1-8 – The Nazarite Vow
The Nazarite would not…
• Eat or drink grapes from the vine.
• Cut his hair
• Go near a dead body.
Fermented and Unfermented Wine in the Bible
Jesus changes water into wine – John 2:1-11
The Lord’s Supper
1. Matthew 26:29
2. Mark 14:2
3. Luke 22:18
Romans 6:8-10 - Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Reflection Questions
1. How do we know if we are involved in addictive behavior? What would be some of
the signs?
2. Under what circumstances might anything become an addiction? Is it possible to
know in advance that some things are plainly addictive and to be avoided? What
makes the decisions difficult?
3. According to Romans 6:8-10, what has God done to free us from our addictions?
January 9 - Creation and Evolution
1. Genesis 1
| Day 1 - Heaven and Earth |
Day 4 - Lights of Day and Night |
| Day 2 - Sky and Seas |
Day 5 - Sea Creatures and Winged
Creatures |
| Day 3 - Dry Land and Vegetation |
Day 6 - Land Animals and Humankind |
|
Day 7 - Sabbath |
2. God created "ex nihilo"
3. Consider the creation of . . .
Earth -
Water -
The human brain -
4. ISMs of God that have to do with His relation to His creation
Atheism -
Agnosticism -
Pantheism -
Panentheism -
Deism -
Psalm 100:3
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.
Reflection Questions
1. Define the word "creation" as you understand it from reading Genesis 1 & 2.
2. How important is it to affirm that God is the creator of all things? Have you ever
tried to mesh the views of creation and evolution? What were your discoveries?
3. What should we say to someone who displays the beliefs of one of the above
"isms"?
4. What should be our response to our Maker, according to Psalm 100:3?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING"
Pastor Adam Lewis
January 2 - The Hidden God Revealed
Exodus 33:12-23
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.
Jesus as fully human
God became flesh—John 1:14
Jesus was born—Luke 2:7
He grew—Luke 2:40
He grew tired—John 4:6
He got thirsty—John 19:28
He got hungry—Matthew 4:2
He became physically weak—Matthew 4:11
He died—Luke 23:4
He had a real human body after his resurrection—Luke 24:39
Jesus as fully divine
The Word was God—John 1:1
Unless you believe in Him, you shall die in your sins—John 5
He was sinless—Hebrews 2:1
The fullness of deity dwells in bodily form—Colossians 2:9
Colossians 1:15-20 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Reflection Questions
1. What is so real about the conversation between God and Moses? When was the
last time you had a conversation with God like that?
2. Why couldn’t Moses see the face of God? What did God have to do so that we
could see His full glory
3. Read Colossians 1:15-20. What does this verse have to say about the indwelling
of God in Jesus? What about Jesus’ relation to creation? What about Jesus’
relation to the church?
December 5 - The Prelude
Malachi 3:1 – See I will send a messenger who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple, the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire will come, says the Lord almighty.
John 1:6-9 – There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light, he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
What do we know about John the Baptist?
1. His mother and father, Zechariah and Elizabeth – Luke 1
2. Was excited in the womb – Luke 1:41
3. His weird diet and wardrobe – Matthew 3:4-5
4. Had an effective ministry – Matthew 3:
5. Was put to death by Herod Antipas – Mark 6
Why did John the Baptist have to come BEFORE Jesus?
John 1:8 – He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
John 1:23 – John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of the one calling in the desert. Make straight the way for the Lord."
Luke 1:76-79 – And you, my child, will be called a prophet, of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the know-ledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sin, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Reflection Questions
1. What were the people expecting when they saw the Messiah?
2. How did John’s arrival change their perceptions?
3. Why might some people have mistaken John the Baptist for the coming Messiah?
4. What is significant about John the Baptist’s ministry?
5. In Luke 1, why does God close the mouth of John’s father, Zechariah? How is this
significant to us today?
6. Which character in Luke 1 do you best identify with?
November 28 - Word & Wisdom
John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
"Light" in the Scripture
• His countenance is light (Psalm 4:6)
• Even the Darkness is not darkness to God (Psalm 139:12)
• In the beginning, God says, "Let their be light." (Genesis 1:3)
• Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)
• The emissary of God, who is light (1 John 1:15
• Jesus calls people out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)
"Worship happens when the creature realizes he is not the creator and bows down before and adores the one who is." -Ben Witherington III
Proverbs 8:22-36
Reflection Questions
1. In verse 1, it says that the Word (logos) was with God and the Word was God. To
whom is the Word referring?
2. If Jesus was with God in the beginning, how should we handle some of the more
frightening Old Testament passages?
3. John refers to "life" more than 35 times in his gospel. What is the relation between
light and life?
4. What was John preparing his readers for in John chapter 1:1-18?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"NO ONE KNOWS"
Pastor Adam Lewis
November 14 - The Eternal Party
THE NEW JERUSALEM – Revelation 21
Revelation 21:1-4 – The Holy City
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:5-8 – The Alpha and Omega
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
Revelation 21:22-27 – Nothing Impure Will Ever Enter It
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Reflection Questions
1. What was so surprising about the new heaven and the new earth being in the
form of a city?
2. What impresses you most about the New Jerusalem and its central figure?
3. Read Exodus 25:8 and contrast to Revelation 21:3. How are these verses similar?
4. Hell is a reality that we often don’t talk about. What attributes do those who will
not inherit the holy city possess?
5. When in the past have you needed a vision of a Holy City?
October 24 - Who's in Charge and What's Happening?
Text: Revelation 1
Ways to Interpret Revelation
Preterist A person who views the prophecies in Revelation as being fulfilled in
the time of the Roman Empire, except for Revelation 19-22 which are
still to be fulfilled.
Historical A view of Revelation as a prophetic forecast that sweeps through
church history from John’s day to the end of the age.
Idealist A person who views the book of Revelation as symbolism of timeless
spiritual principles of good and evil, without reference to actual events.
Futurist A person who views Revelation 4-22 as prophecy that will occur only
at the end of the age.
Rev. 1:1-3
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Rev. 1:8
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Rev. 1:9; 17-18
v. 9 - I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
vv. 17-18 - When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Reflection Questions
1. What are some things that you have heard over the years about the second
coming of Christ?
2. What are some things you have read from the Bible that helped shape your
view of the second coming of Christ?
3. What were the seven churches dealing with when John was instructed to
write the letter of Revelation to them?
4. John took on the role of a prophet in the book of Revelation. What is the
underlying message to the churches in the book, and how do you think
they responded?
5. In what ways have you felt as though you are on an "island" in your own life?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"ON A MISSION FROM GOD"
Pastor Adam Lewis
October 3 - from Isolated to Connected
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
3 Common Dinner Table Questions From Skeptics
Isn’t the church full of hypocrites?
Matthew 23:1-4 – Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The
teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey
them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do
not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s
shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them."
"The perspective of hypocrisy also emerges when we start fighting the culture
war – meaning we attack people’s behavioral patterns rather than love them as
people. Or we lobby to legislate morality. In Las Vegas, where I live, the culture
war is over. We lost. Let me repeat: WE LOST! Now our calling is to love and
accept people one on one, caring for them where they are."
– Jud Wilhite, UnChristian, pp.61-62
Why is there suffering? Isn’t that proof that there is no loving God? (2 Kings 25:7-12)
To give us insight into God’s nature – Romans 8:14-15
To help our prayer life – Isaiah 26:16
To prepare us for greater ministry – John 12:24
How do I know that I am saved?
Psalm 3:5 - I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
Psalm 4:7 - You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain
and new wine abound
1 Corinthians 9:27 - I beat my body and make it a slave so that after I have
preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for
the prize.
To _________ I became like ________to win _________ for the sake of the gospel.
Reflection Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "I became a Jew to win the Jew, like one
living under the law to win them, to the weak I became weak to win the weak."?
What does each situation mean for Paul and his ministry?
2. Fill in the blanks in the following sentence to fit your own life: "To ___________
I became like _________ to win ______________ for the sake of the gospel."
3. Why do we have trouble stepping out of our comfort communities and being a
witness for Christ?
4. Why is it important to embrace the doubts and objections that people have about
Christ, and what should the response of God’s people be?
5. What can the community of Christ do to help you be more connected to the
mission of Christ?
September 26 - from Dormant to Fruitful
In the beginning…there was this tree
Genesis 2:15-17
Genesis 3:17-19
Barren: Deuteronomy 11:14-17
Uprooted
Matthew 7:15-20
John 15:1-14
"The disciples of Jesus abide in him as the branches in a vine and thereby abide in love. The fruit which hangs from the branches is the life God offers to the world. Through faith, mission and witness the disciples of Jesus become the transforming fruit-bearers of God’s new creation."
---Bob Brown: Background Notes
ReRooted
Galatians 5:22-23
"With Jesus’ imminent departure from the world, his followers will need to supply that deficit, and they will do so by bearing fruit in the world. When human beings look at the followers of Jesus, they ought to see evidences that God is achieving something wonderful and permanent through their work and the fruit they bear."
---Bob Brown: Background Notes
Revelation 21:5
"This is the true nature of mission: to be the means by which God’s grace reaches His whole creation. A failure to become fruitful doesn’t affect only the church it affects the world. When the church is off its game, the rest of creation suffers."
---Bob Brown: Background Notes
Another Tree
Revelation 22:1-5
September 19 - from Fearful to Courageous
What Americans really believe about God and Spirituality.*
1. It doesn’t matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same
lessons. (38%)
2. The primary purpose of life is enjoyment and fulfillment. (58%)
3. The Bible is not totally accurate in all that it teaches. (34%)
4. Satan is not a living being but is just a symbol of evil. (60%)
5. There are some sins that not even God can forgive (34%)
*Omnipoll done by George Barna in preparation for the book The Second Coming of the Church, 1998.
Who is Christ?
John 3:35, The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
What is the Mission?
Matthew 28:16-20, Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
How do we get the Mission done?
Ephesians 4:11-13, It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Apostles –
Prophets –
Evangelists –
Pastors –
Teachers –
*I want to be able to define my role in the mission, think of ways to carry it out among my family and friends, and trust Christ in the process.
Reflection Questions
1. Name one or two things that you have to overcome a fear of.
2. What steps did you have to take to get there?
3. When it comes to sharing your faith, are you afraid or would you say that you are
confident?
4. What would you say your role is on this mission from God
5. Brainstorm three or four ways to carry that role out.
September 12 - from Confused to Focused
The Co-Mission Statement: The mission of my church is to develop fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ who love God and others. The vision of my church is to intentionally connect people in my community with Christ. I accept God’s call to be His missionary to my world and to help carry out this mission and vision through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen
Our Role in the Co-Mission:
Preparation for the Mission: Psalm 51:1-18
Three questions we must answer
Who is God? (Psalm 51:1, 6)
What does He want me to be? (Psalm 51:7-12, Ezekiel 36:26-28
What does He want me to do? (Psalm 51:13-18)
"The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ and to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all cathedrals, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became a man for no other purpose."
—CS Lewis
"The question is not a non-church going community but a non-going church."
—A. Scott Matheson, 1893
"To think that the church exists only to provide a pew for you is to forget the mission of the Bible."
—Leonard Sweet, "So Beautiful", p. 56
Reflection Questions
1. Describe your spiritual discipline habits (e.g. prayer life, Bible study attendance,
relationship with Christ).
2. Would you say you have grown spiritually this past year?
3. What is your personal mission?
4. Do you feel adequate enough to share your faith with someone?
5. What holds you back most times
6. Do you feel that sharing your faith is important? Why or why not?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"NAZAREMIX"
Pastor Adam Lewis
August 29 - We Are Open to All
Two Accounts // Two Son
1. The Younger son
Luke 15:13-17
"Christ is not only what love is, but Christ is also where you get it. To get crocodiles, you have to go to where crocodiles are. To get wet, you must go to where water is. To get sunlight, you must go out into the sunlight. That’s all. To those tired and thirsty for love He says, "come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). This is the simplest and most perfect formula for becoming a saint; go to Him."
-Peter Kreeft, The Philosophy of Jesus
2. The Older Son
Luke 15:25-30
The older son is saying…
1. I you were keeping score, then I would be winning
2. I don’t really trust God…
"To truly become Christians we must also repent of the reasons we ever did anything right. Pharisees only repent of their sins, but Christians repent for the very roots of their righteousness, too. We must learn how to repent of the sin under all of our other sins and under all our righteousness – the sin of seeking to be our own Savior and Lord…It’s called the new birth because it’s so radical." -Tim Keller, The Prodigal God
Luke 15:31 – My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
Reflection Questions:
1. What would you have done if you had been the father in the Bible story when the
son asked for his inheritance?
2. If you were the father in this story and had an idea of where the son had gone,
would you have gone after him?
3. In all three parables, something is lost (sheep, coin, son). In the first two, Jesus
tells of someone searching for the lost subject. However, in the story of the
prodigal, the Father stays put. Why did the Father not go looking for his lost son?
4. What is so revealing about the older son and his attitude
5. As a Christian, how is your relationship with God right now?
August 15 - We Are Bible Based
Other descriptions of the Bible…
• A mirror – James 1:23-25
• Water – Ephesians 5:26
• A sword – Hebrews 4:12
• Hammer – Jeremiah 23:29
• Fire – Jeremiah 20:9
A. Psalm 119:103-105
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain
understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word
is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
B. 2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith,
patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things
happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.
Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live
a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors
will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you,
continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because
you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have
known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man
of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
C. Isaiah 40:
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
"We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith."
IV. The Holy Scriptures – Article 4 – Manual, Church of the Nazarene
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"WHAT IF"
Pastor Adam Lewis
July 25 - . . . We, the Church, Can't Get Along?
"All moving objects encounter resistance. The only objects that don’t encounter resistance are those that stay stationary." -Dan Southerland, Transitioning.
"The reality is that criticism and opposition will drive you somewhere. Let it drive you closer to God and you will become better, let it drive you away from God and you will become bitter." –Dan Southerland, Transitioning.
Three Speeches to the Council:
Peter – Acts 15:7-11
a. Peter’s main point: The ground at the cross is level
Paul and Barnabas – Acts 15:12
a. Signs and wonders documented in Acts 13 and 14
John 20:24 &25 – Now Thomas one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples
when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord."
v.25b - But he said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my
finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
v. 27 – Then he said to Thomas, "Out your finger here; see my hands. Reach
out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.
v. 29 – Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed
are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
James – Acts 15:13-2
a. James’ main point: Salvation wasn’t meant to be difficult
Mark 16:6-7
Don’t be alarmed, he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they had laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him just as he told you."
June 20 - . . . We Invite ALL to Follow Jesus?
Acts 10:1-48 - Peter at the house of Cornelius
The Holy Spirit goes beyond us and our thought limitations.
1. We have to talk to God on a regular basis.
The Bible urges believers to…
• Continue faithfully in prayer (Romans 12:12)
• Pray always (Luke 18:1)
• Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Pray everywhere (1 Timothy 2:8)
• Pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers (Ephesians 6:18)
• Persevere in prayer (Colossians 4:2)
• Pray powerfully (James 5:16)
Acts 10:2 – He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave
generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Acts 10:9 – About noon the following day as they were on their journey
and approached the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
2. We have to conform to His instructions.
Matthew 16:21-23
John 13:6-8
Acts 10:14-16
3. We have to make room in our hearts for more.
Acts 10:34 – Then Peter begin to speak: I now realize how true it is that
God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who
fear him and do what is right
Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.
Challenge: Ask the Holy Spirit through prayer to help you keep the movement going.
June 6 - . . . You Were Knocked Off Your Horse?
Acts 9:3-5
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
"We might say that Saul was on his own danger trip, perhaps the make or break trip of his religious career. If he could pull off Damascus, he’d no doubt get credit for having stopped a whole movement and having saved Judaism from within." — Bob Brown, Background Notes, pg. 7
Paul was genuinely converted.
1. Conversion says…I go from one form of religious duty to another.
Galatians 5:22-26 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the
sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us
keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and
envying each other.
2. Conversion says…I won’t live the new life in the shell of the old.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the
old has gone, the new has come!
3. Conversion says… I have changed and have become like a child.
Matthew 18:3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become
like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Acts 9:8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see
nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus
1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should
be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does
not know us is that it did not know him.
May 23 - . . . We Believed That Deeply?
The Stoning of Stephen
1. Helper - displayed love - appointed deacon in the church
2. Accused of false teaching - Acts 6:11
3. Seized and brought before the Sanhedrin - Acts 6:12
4. Spoke to the Sanhedrin - Acts 7:1-5
5. Stoned outside of the city - Acts 7:57-58
His Faith Was a Deep Faith
1. Loving - Acts 6:8
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
2. Knew the reality of life with Christ - Acts 6:9, 11
*When people accept Christ into their lives, they believe that all their problems
and conflict will vanish.
3. Passionate without apology - Acts 7:48, 51-53
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"KNOWING JESUS"
Pastor Adam Lewis
March 21 - Will You Share Like Jesus?
I have to see this for myself…
John 4:4-42
vv. 7-9
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jews and Samaritans
1. Samaritans were a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles.
2. Samaritans believed that their Pentateuch was the one directly from Moses
3. Samaritans believed that they were the true Israel since they claimed
descent from Jacob.
vv. 13-19
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.
vv. 39-42
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Exodus 19:6 – You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Reflection Questions
1. Was it God’s providential plan for Jesus to go through Samaria or was it
the shortest distance?
2. What was said to the woman to humble her and make her realize that
Jesus was a prophet?
3. What was so unusual about the Samaritans welcoming Jesus the way
they did in verse 40?
4. In Exodus 19, what is the role of the people of God?
March 14 - Does Jesus Change You?
John 3:1-21
A Conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus . . .
Nicodemus: "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no
one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were
not with him." (v.2)
Jesus: "I tell you the truth; no one else can see the kingdom of God unless
he is born again." (v.3)
Nicodemus: "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be
born!" (v.4)
Jesus: I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is
born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit
gives birth to spirt. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You
must be born again.’ (v.5-7)
Nicodemus: "How can this be?" (v.9
Jesus: "You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?"
(v.10)
Jesus: "For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For
God did not come into THE WORLD to condemn THE WORLD, but
to save THE WORLD through him." (v.16-17)
Reflection Questions
1. How important is it to be clear in communication? What is at stake when talking
about spiritual things to others?
2. What is unusual about a guy like Nicodemus coming to Jesus after dark?
3. Why did Jesus have to ask him, "You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not under-
stand these things?"
4. How did Jesus make the gospel simpler for Nicodemus?
5. Has the life and salvation of Jesus changed you? How?
March 7 - Can You Relate to Jesus?
Matthew 4:1-4
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:5-7
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’" Jesus answered him, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’"
Matthew 4:8-11
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Practical ways to fight temptation:
1. Know the scripture
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin
against you.
2. Be aware that sin promises something that it can’t deliver.
3. Find someone to help keep you accountable.
4. Remember that Jesus has been there – Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a
high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin
5. Resist the devil – James 4:7-8 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Reflection Questions
1. How would you define temptation?
2. How do we experience temptation in our world?
3. What are the three temptations that Jesus faced? What is their significance?
4. In what ways do we face the same temptations?
5. What are some more practical ways that we can fight temptation?
February 28 - How Well Do You Know Him?
Divinity of Jesus
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the
Word was God
Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize
with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted In every way,
just as we are yet was without sin.
Humanity of Jesus
Luke 2:39-40 – Jesus grew up to be strong and filled with wisdom.
Matthew 4:2 – After fasting 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry.
John 19:28 – Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the
Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."
John 4:6 – Jesus, as tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well
John 11:35- Jesus wept.
Dual nature
1 Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God and one mediator between God and
man, the man Jesus Christ
Colossians 1:19-20 – For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in
him and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth
or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Matthew 3:13-1
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But
John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you
come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this
to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was
baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And
a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well
pleased."
Reflection Questions
1. How well would you say you know Jesus? What are some experiences you
share together?
2. What did Jesus mean when he said, "It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all
righteousness."?
3. Who would you like to hear say, "With you I am well pleased."
4. How can we get to know Jesus better through prayer? Through the Word?
Through life experiences?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"TRANSFORMERS"
Pastor Adam Lewis
February 21 - Transformer!
Series Recap
Week 1 Transformed? Have you been personally transformed by Christ?
Week 2 Power Source – Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit?
Week 3 Power Grid – Your list of people who need to hear about Christ
Week 4 Wired? All about your spiritual gifts
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
v. 11 – Since then we know what it is like to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
v.14 – For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
v. 16&17 – So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come.
Mark 3:4 – He looked around at them in anger and was deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts…
• What makes you sick
• What do you dream about?
We are the arms and legs and voice and hands of God in our world. I am to be His personal ambassador – I am to speak for God! I am to take His transformation done in my life and become an agent of transformation to others.
Sample repentance prayer: Dear God, I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness. I accept that Jesus’ death on the cross was for me. I invite Jesus Christ, your Son, into my heart and life as my personal Savior. I commit to live my life for you. Amen.
Ambassadors don’t always win; they don’t always convince; they don’t always succeed with the other entity, but they are still an ambassador!
Reflection Questions
1. When did you come to the place in your life when the old self was gone and
new self had arrived?
2. What do you fear the most about being an ambassador for Christ? What
removes that fear?
3. Do you have your story written out in the format that Pastor Baillie has taught
us over the last 4 weeks?
4. Are you sharing your story with others who need to hear it?
February 14 - Wired?
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
v. 27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Paul lists 8 leadership roles that are valuable in the life of the church…
1. Apostles
2. Prophets
3. Teachers
4. Workers of miracles
5. Gifts of healing
6. Helping others
7. Administratio
8. Speaking in different kinds of tongues
Have you discovered your spiritual gifts yet? Take the S.H.A.P.E. assessment on this website. Click here to go to the Ministry Assessments.
Reflection Questions
1. Out of all of your senses, which one is the most important?
2. What talent do you have that others may not know about?
3. Paul gives an exhaustive list of callings in verses 28-30. Do you feel that
this order has any significance today?
4. How connected are you to the church? How can you better help the Body
of Christ function?
5. If you knew that you would not fail, what is one thing that you would like
to do for the Kingdom?
February 7 - Power Grid
Pastor Tim Britton
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:1-12
A. The True Vine
B. Bearing Fruit
"The reason the quality of our witness is not what it should be is that the quality of our life isn’t that much different than anyone else’s."
"Most people will come to love us long before they come to love our Savior"
C. Loving as we are loved
"Love talked about is easily ignored. Love demonstrated is irresistible." Cal Thomas
REFLECTION
1. What is the significance and meaning of Jesus stating, "I am the true vine"?
2. What does it mean for our lives to "bear fruit"?
3. What does it mean to abide in Christ and how do we do it?
4. Who are the people that were influential in your decision to follow Christ?
5. How are you influencing and impacting others for the Kingdom and mission
of God?
January 31 - Power Source
“The Scriptures are the story of God’s relationship with us. He continues, “Humans can’t help but tell stories. In everything we do – science, music, architecture, literature – we tell stories, even the same story over and over. We tell stories because we are created by God, and God is a storyteller.”
--Leonard Sweet, author of Out of the Question…Into the Mystery
Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Acts 1:4-8
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judeaand Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
“Without a confident relationship with Christ and a right perspective of who we are in Christ, we will tend to be fearful of what others think and do.”
--Oscar Thompson, author of Concentric Circles of Concern
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Acts 9:17
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 19:30
Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.
Reflection Questions
1. List several things that the Holy Spirit does for us.
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what does the Spirit do for us?
3. Talk about a time when you were reluctant to share a triumph in your life with
someone.
4. Now that you have received the Holy Spirit in your life, who is the first person you
plan to talk to?
January 24 - Are You Transformed?
A. The Way We Are – John 9:1
As Jesus was walking, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him,
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?" Neither
this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work
of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3
B. Being Transformed John 9:6-7
Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put
it on the man’s eyes. Go, he told him, wash in the pool of Siloam. So the man
went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:6-7
"It is not that the power of Jesus grows less, or that his light grows dim; it is
that if we put off the great decision we become ever less able to accept it as
the years go on. Now is the time!"
E.D.Starbuck, The Pyschology of Religion.
C. From Transformed to Transformer – John 9:25
Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind
but now I see! John 9:25
"Even when a man cannot understand with his intellect, he can still feel with
his heart."
-William Barclay
Reflection Questions
1. How were you before you experienced the light?
2. How did you come to know Him?
3. How has He changed your life
4. How can you now tell others?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"WHERE'S JOY?"
Pastor Adam Lewis
January 17 - Joy's Choice
Philippians 4:4-9 -Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Singing (v.6)
Meditating (vv.8-9)
Anxious (vv.6-7)
Rejoicing (v.4)
Thankful (v.6)
Speaking to others (v.9)
Philippians 1:12-15 - Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Reflection Questions
1. What has kept you from rejoicing this week?
2. How hard is it to forget to be thankful to God?
3. If joy is a choice, then why don’t we choose it more
4. What do Paul’s trials in Philippians 1:12-15 cause him to do more?
January 10 - Joy's Journey
"Joy is...a sense of contentment that comes from the assurance of and delight in God’s presence in one’s life regardless of circumstance." (Ben Witherington, III)
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS?
1. Latch on to each other.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering,
you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
2. Try to gain perspective.
John 16:20-22
I tell you the truth; you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You
will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child
has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she
forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will
rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
3. Rejoice
Philippians 4:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
"Put joy in charge of your trials."
Reflection Questions
1. Speak of a time when things were tough, God pulled you through, and you
were still able to experience joy.
2. How hard is it to rejoice always? What is your natural tendency when facing
difficult times?
3. How did Jesus put things into perspective in John 16:20-22?
4. Do you think its possible to "rejoice always" all week this week?
January 3 - Reasons for Joy
"Joy is a technical term that must be distinguished from happiness and pleasure."
~C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy.
Reasons for Joy
1. We have been set free. John 8:36, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
2. God has given us purpose. Psalm 16:11
3. God has given us each other. Philippians 4:10-13
4. God can make something out of nothing. Isaiah 35:1-
5. It is the ultimate imitation of Christ. Hebrews 12:2
We run from the one who brings joy because…
1. He sees us the best. Psalm 90:8
2. We are reminded of our own unworthiness
3. We think that the closer we are to Him, the more guilt and shame we will feel.
It is insanity to run from God and search for Joy.
Reflection Questions
1. According the Isaiah 35:1-2, God makes the desert a place of abundant
blessings. Talk about a time in your life when things seemed gloomy but
God used them for the good.
2. What does Hebrews 12:2 tell us about Jesus and joy?
3. Why is Paul grateful to the Philippians (v.10 & 14)? What did he tell them
about his current situation?
4. In Philippians 4:4, he tells them to rejoice not once, but twice. Why did
Paul have to say it twice
5. Joy is something that remains in us no matter the circumstances. Why
do we put on masks when we go out and when we come to church?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"PRESENTS VS. PRESENCE"
Pastor Adam Lewis
December 6 - What Are You Trusting?
Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What would this child do?
§ Minister to Galilee (v. 1)
§ Bring salvation and hope (v. 2)
§ Make the Community of God bigger (v. 3
§ Bring peace by delivering His people from oppression (vv. 4-5)
Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called . . .
§ Wonderful Counselor
§ Mighty God
§ Everlasting Fathe
§ Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:7 - Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
What are you trusting?
Reflection Questions
1. Compare the gifts that we give at Christmas time to what we have already
been given. How does the stuff that we give pale in comparison?
2. What was the main stressor for the people of Judah while this was being
written to them?
3. Why was this message to the people of Judah timely for them? What were
they leery of trusting?
4. Which name of the coming Son most applies to your life
5. What is the zeal of the Lord going to do for His Kingdom?
November 29 - What Are You Expecting?
Isaiah 9:1-2
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
9:1a – Those in distress…
9:1b – He humbled Zebulun and Naphtali
Matthew 4:13-15
13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.
9:2 – A light has dawned
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
What would the world do without Jesus?
Reflection Questions
1. What is one thing that has become better for you in the last year?
2. How long did you have to wait for it?
3. What is the significance of the humbling of Zebulun and Nephtali?
4. How is this prophecy fulfilled? (Matthew 4:13-15)
5. What are you trusting in right now to make things better for you?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"MAD MONEY"
Pastor Adam Lewis
November 15 - Return to Sender
Tithe – Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Deuteronomy 14:22
Offering – The LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give." Exodus 25:1-2
4 Principles For Generous Giving
1. More things won’t satisfy you.
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never
satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do
those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to
feast his eyes on them? Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
2. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the
weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed
to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
3. Giving is a spiritual discipline that we should all be growing in.
4. Jesus is the kind giver.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has
decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves
a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in
all things at all times; having all that you need, you will abound in every good
work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his right-
eousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread
for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the
harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you
can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result
in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Reflection Questions
1. What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. Why is giving a spiritual discipline really no different from
the discipline of prayer, fasting, study, silence, etc.
3. What makes Jesus the generous giver?
November 8 - Deflating the Dollar
What is the purpose of a budget?
1. To help us control our money and not let our money control us
2. To help us stop spending when the money is running out
Luke 14:28-30 - Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first
sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete
it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees
it will ridicule him, saying, "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish."
3. To stop us from spending blindly
4. To start us on the course of getting out of debt
Romans 13:4 - Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to
love one another.
5. To prevent overdrafts and poor money management
6. To help us save for our rainy day fund
Genesis 41:48 - Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years
of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food
grown in the fields surrounding it.
7. To make us aware of wasted income and wasted opportunities
• We are stewards (managers of God’s riches).
• We owe our Firstfruits to God.
Leviticus 23:14 - You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain,
until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a
lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.
Deuteronomy 26:1-3 - When you have entered the land the Lord your
God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it
and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from
the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and place them in a
basket
Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with your firstfruits of
all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats
will brim over with wine.
Where is God in your budget?
Reflection Questions
1. How much of financial worry comes from "hoping" and "winging it" every
month?
2. What will you have to sacrifice if you get on a strict budget?
3. Read the rest of Deuteronomy 26. What does it say about firstfruits
4. What would be some examples of firstfruits in our lives today? Would it
only have to do with money?
November 1 - Mad About Money
"Money, in truth, is one of the most unsatisfying of possessions. It takes away some cares, no doubt; but it brings with it quite as many cares as it takes away. There is trouble in the getting of it. There is anxiety in the keeping of it. There are temptations in the use of it. There is guilt in the abuse of it. There is sorrow in the losing of it. There is perplexity in the disposing of it. Two-thirds of all the strife’s, quarrels, and lawsuits in the world arise from one simple cause – MONEY!"
-Bishop J.C. Ryle, author of "Practical Religion"
Matthew 6:19-24
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Treasures in heaven (vv.19-21)
• Our goal should not be wealth
The Whole Body (vv. 22-23)
• Our lack of contentment can make it difficult to live with…
- ourselves
- each other
- God
No one can serve two masters (v.24
• Who owns everything?
"The flow of money in a family represents the value system within which that family operates. Where your money goes tells everyone what is important to you. Set your priorities with your money. Agreeing on your value system will bring a sense of unity to your relationship that you cannot get any other way."
-Dave Ramsey – Financial Peace University
Reflection Questions
1. Is money your master? If so, in what way?
2. Jesus taught 25% of the time on finances. Why do you think he did this?
3. How much of the wealth given to us does God own?
4. How does money (or lack of it) hurt family relationships, marriage
relationships, and friendships?
5. Do you have unity in your family about where your money goes or does
money cause many fights and arguments?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"BREAKING THE LAW"
Pastor Adam Lewis
October 18 - Free to Be a New Creation
Unity in the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Galatians 6:1-10
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
|
Community |
Individual |
| 6:1 Restoration |
6:1 Be on your guard |
| 6:2 Bearing one another’s burdens |
6:3-5 Being yourself/load bearing |
| 6:6 Sharing with your teachers |
6:7-8 Reap what you sow |
| 6:9-10 Doing good to all |
|
Galatians 6:11-17
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
We are a new creation…
Reflection Questions
1. As "brothers" in Christ, what responsibilities for each other do we have as
outlined in this passage?
2. Why are we also accountable to ourselves?
3. Why does circumcision NOT do for anyone who has accepted the grace
of Christ?
4. Paul has many scars for the sake of being an apostle of Christ. Why does
he call attention to these?
5. What has meant the most to you throughout the book of Galatians?
October 11 - GPS - Moving Toward Christ-Likeness
|
The acts of the sinful nature are
obvious . . . |
The Fruit of the Spirit is . . . |
|
Sexual immorality |
Love |
|
Impurity |
Joy |
|
Debauchery |
Peace |
|
Idolatry and witchcraft |
Patience |
|
Hatred |
Kindness |
|
Discord |
Goodness |
|
Jealousy |
Faithfulness |
|
Fits of rage |
Gentleness |
|
Selfish ambition |
Self-control |
|
Dissension |
|
|
Factions and envy |
|
|
Drunkenness, orgies, and the like |
|
Reflection Questions
1. According to verses 16-18, how are the sinful nature and the Spirit in conflict?
2. What will happen to the person who lives by the acts of the sinful nature?
3. Paul shows his passion for their spiritual lives by giving them a list of things
that are from the Spirit and those contrary to the Spirit. Did this help them
or make them angrier
4. Paul contrasts the acts of the sinful nature with the fruit of the Spirit. Which
fruit of the Spirit would you say you need to work on the most?
5. How can we keep in step with the Spirit?
October 4 - Free to Submit
Galatians 5:1-6
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:7-12
7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. 11Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Galatians 5:13-15
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Our Submission to God is…
1. Deepening
2. Intensifying
3. Shedding
4. Repeating
5. Emptying – Mark 8:3
6. Uplifting – Galatians 5:1-2
Reflection Questions
1. What does Paul mean by "yoke" of slavery?
2. Since our own efforts and achievements aren’t the way to God, what is? (v.5-6)
3. Why does Paul use a running analogy to describe their journey of faith?
4. Ironically, when we are freed from slavery, what kind of servants do we become?
5. If we don’t submit to God and to each other (Mark 12), what will happen to us?
Give specific examples
6. Is your heart sold-out to God and to others?
September 27 - Free to Belong
Galatians 3:26-29
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4:1-5
1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
Galatians 4:6-7
6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
What does it look like to be a child of God?
1. My anxiety level would go down. I would have a settled trust that my life is
perfectly at rest in the hands of God.
2. I would not be tormented by my own personal inadequacy.
3. I would not be as hurried as I am now. I might be busy; I might have many
things to do, but I would have an inner calmness and poise that comes
from being in the presence of God.
4. I would not say all the foolish things I do now because I would think before
I talk.
5. I would not be defeated by my own guilt.
6. I would trust God enough to risk obeying him. Worry makes me focus on
myself. It robs me of joy, energy, compassion, and life.
(Ortberg. Love Beyond Reason. 170-171)
7. I will start to look like God more and more each day
8. I have the assurance that one day I will see my God and inherit His Kingdom.
Reflection Questions
1. Did Paul have the right to be so upset about the Galatians and their
spiritual condition?
2. What is Paul’s desire for the churches in Galatia from chapter 3:26-29?
3. Does the church struggle with being ONE today in our culture?
4. Why was Paul so quick to use himself as an example? Do you think that
he did this the first time he spoke to the churches in Galatia?
5. What are two or three extra things that you can add to the list of "what it
looks like to be a child of God?"
September 20 - Freedom from Guilt
Pastor Tim Britton
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 3:2-3
Sola Gratia Sola Fides - By grace alone. By faith alone.
Loving God vs. Obeying God
Deuteronomy 6:5 / Mark 12:30
John 14:23-24
LOVE GOD – OBEY GOD = Hypocrisy
OBEY GOD – LOVE GOD = Legalism
4 Chairs
#1 Don’t want it, don’t have it #2 Don’t have it, want it.
#3 Have it, don’t want it. #4 Have it, want it.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to say that salvation is by grace alone and by faith alone?
Why do we have a hard time accepting this and living in light of it?
2. What are the dangers of an approach to following Christ that loves him but
does not obey his teachings and commands? Do you think this is really
Christian faith at all?
3. Why do so many people believe that following God is about our performance
or doing good works? Where does this thinking come from? What are the
dangers of this approach to God?
4. What is your motivation in following Christ today? Has it ever been something
else? Maybe fear, guilt, tradition or a sense of obligation?
5. What does it mean to truly fall in love with God? What would the life of a
person look like whose entire life was given to radical love for Christ who
"redeemed us from the curse f the law by becoming a curse for us…".
(Galatians 3:13a)
September 13 - Free from Religion
Galatians 2:5. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain in you.
Galatians 2:13. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
Galatians 2:19-21
v. 19. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.
John 10:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they
may have life, and have it to the full.
Romans 4:25
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our
justification.
v. 20. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
"Sometimes people do not want to be Christians because either they know they are nothing like the people who claim to be Christians or they don’t want to be like the ones they see. Many Christians are trying to act as they think they are "supposed to act" rather than how they really are. They do not believe God values their unique personality
-Stephen Arterburn; More Jesus, Less Religion. p. 24.
v. 21. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
The Law…
• Never allowed someone to live a holy life. It couldn’t.
• Grants us the power to compare our "spiritual performance" with someone else's.
• Rules cannot bring freedom – only conviction can.
Reflection Questions
1. What is one rule that you had in school / at home that you would often
disobey?
2. How did that rule help you?
3. What was the reason Paul and Barnabas didn’t give in to the "leaders"
when they went to preach to them?
4. Was it right for Paul to confront Peter in front of everyone?
5. Was it powerful for Paul to say to the Galatians, "I have been crucified
with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me?" What did that
mean to Paul personally? What does it mean to you?
September 6 - Free to Change
Galatians 1:6-10
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men,
I would not be a servant of Christ.
Lukewarm Christians
• Don’t want to be saved from their sin.
• Give Jesus a part, but only a part.
• Like to play it safe.
• Attend church fairly regularly
• Try to keep themselves from feeling guilty.
Francis Chan; Crazy Love. 2008
Paul uses his own story…
Galatians 1:11-17
I want you to know, brothers that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
What happened as a result of his change…
Galatians 1:22-24
I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of me.
Paul reminding them of their change…
Galatians 1:9
As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
Reflection Questions
1. Why was Paul disappointed in the first part of his letter?
2. What are some things today that "throw us into confusion" in terms of knowing
and living out the Gospel?
3. Why would Paul use his own story? Do you think that it was effective?
4. How effective has your story been to others who have "swayed" from the faith
5. How can Paul’s call to change be relevant in your own life?
Previous Saturday Sermon Series:
"ONE68"
Pastor Adam Lewis
August 16 - Sabbath
Pastor Tim Britton
A less than exhaustive chronological examination of scripture
I. In the Beginning (Genesis 2:2-3)
II. No Longer Slaves (Deuteronomy 5:12-15)
III. Celebrating the Sabbath in the Psalms (try saying that really fast)
-Psalm 46:10
-Psalm 62:1-12
IV. A Blessing, Not a Curse (Mark 2:23-3:6
V. Yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Are you tired?
Worn out?
Burned out on religion?
Come to me.
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly."
The Message
August 9 - Fellowship and Accountability
Acts 2:42-47
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This was a _________________________________ church . . .
1. Fellowshipping Church
2. Compassionate Church
3. Small Group Church
What would the church look like with NO accountability?
Acts 2:38-39
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Small Group Questions
1. Why was Peter so bold in Acts 2:38-39?
2. What would we do without the fellowship of the church?
3. What would church look like with no accountability?
4. What other things did the Holy Spirit allow the people in the first church to do?
(Acts 2:42-47)
5. What have you not allowed the Holy Spirit to do in you
6. What difference could this make for the Kingdom of God today?
July 26 - Prayer and Confession
Write a prayer / sentence that . . .
Acknowledges God as God.
Embraces His holiness.
Affirms that He knows what’s best for you.
Confesses ways in which you have missed the mark.
Helps you forgive those who have hurt you or need forgiveness.
Thanks God for giving you the gift of salvation.
Gives praise to God.
Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven -
hallowed by your name -
Your kingdom come -
Your will be done -
on earth as it is in heaven -
Give us today our daily bread -
forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors -
and lead us not into temptation -
but deliver us from the evil one -
Why should we pray?
• It reflects our dependence on God.
• It restores our relationship with God.
• It’s better than complaining.
Reflection Questions
1. How often do you pray throughout the week?
2. How do you feel when you don’t pray for a long time?
3. Why was it beneficial for Jesus to give us this template for prayer?
4. What is something that you pray for on a regular basis?
5. What do you have to be thankful for today? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
July 19 - Bible Study
1 Timothy 2:9-15 (NIV)
9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Break the verse, book, or section of Scripture down.
• Structurally
• Verbally
• Culturally
• Theologicall
• Homiletically
Suggestions for Personal Devotional Time
1. Start with prayer.
2. Read the Word or devotional material.
3. Journal about what you have learned
4. End with prayer.
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path.
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
July 12 - Solitude and Silence
Mark 14:32-36
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." 35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
1. Narrowing the focus of sharing (vv. 32-34)
2. Jesus sharing from his heart (v. 34)
3. Jesus experiencing solitude (vv. 35-36)
John 10:4-5
4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."
July 5 - Mustard ... Official Sponsor of the Kingdom of God
Acts 16:16-34
• The freedom of Paul and Sila
• The jailor’s freedom
What do we have to do to achieve this freedom?
Matthew 17:20
Mustard Seeds
1. Mustard Seeds are small.
2. Mustard Seeds were used for healing.
3. A Mustard Seed's power was unleashed when it was crushed.
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
John 12:24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it will produce many seeds.
Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
June 28 - From All Things Unholy - Turn, Turn, Turn
Pastor Adam Lewis & Pastor Jill Crew
Key Verse: If we admit that we have sinned, He will forgive us our sins. 1 John 1:9
1. David’s Fall (2 Samuel 11)
David’s sin was hurting his relationship with God.
2. Nathan and David (2 Samuel 12)
Nathan had the courage to show David in a loving way that he was sinning and
challenge him to repent.
3. Turning to God
• Cleanse the inside (Matthew 23:25)
• Confess to God and receive His grace (1 John 1:9)
• Turn from sin to God
4. Getting Right with Others
Your relationship with God is confirmed in your actions.
• In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27
• Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
• Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with
every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31
How do we deal with conflict? Matthew 18:15-17
• Go straight to the person (no gossip).
• Speak the truth in love.
• Bring a friend to help.
• Ask the church for help.
• Let it be.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (These resources can all be purchased at www.amazon.com)
• Kids Topics to Go
• Kid Talk Conversation Cards
• Table Talk Conversation Cards
• Table Topics Couples Edition
• Table Topics Family Editio
• Table Topics Teen Edition
Free devotional resource - Connect Devotions found above the elementary kids’ nametags
June 21 - "I'm Not a Machine" - Sabbath
Genesis 2:1-3 "God Created Rest"
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done
Mark 2:23-28
Then (Jesus) said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
Genesis 33:13-14
But Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are tender and that I must care for the ewes and cows that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard just one day, all the animals will die. So let my lord go on ahead of his servant, while I move along slowly at the pace of the droves before me and that of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.
Sabbath is a day when…
• I realize I did not make the world, and that it will run without my efforts.
• My work is done…even when it isn’t.
• I am fully available to myself and/or to my family.
• I produce nothing.
• I remind myself that I am not a machine
• My phone is turned off. I don’t check my email. And you can’t get hold
of me.
(Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis. pp.117-119)
June 14 - "Daddy Loves You" Obedience to the Father
1. Encourage Your Family – 1 Chronicles 28:4-8
4Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over
Israel forever. He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah he chose
my family, and from my father's sons he was pleased to make me king over all
Israel. 5Of all my sons—and the LORD has given me many—he has chosen my
son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. 6He
said to me: 'Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts,
for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 7I will establish his
kingdom forever if he is unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws, as is
being done at this time.' 8So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the
assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the
commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass
it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.
2. Humiliate Yourself? - Luke 15:11-3
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on
him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf
and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and
is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
3. Understand God’s Perspective - Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them
rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all
the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION
1. How are you encouraging to your family? In what ways has God been
encouraging to you this past week?
2. Why is it hard for fathers to "humiliate" themselves in front of their kids
3. What investments are you making in your family / kids?
4. What should you pray for this week?
June 7 - Secret Sacrifice - Impression Management
TEXT: Matthew 6:1-18
1. Giving – When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets like the
hypocrites do in the synagogues on the streets, to be honored by men .(vs. 2)
2. Prayer – And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. (vs. 5)
3. Forgiveness - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly
father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father
will not forgive your sins. (v.14
4. Fasting – When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they
disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. (v.16).
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Why is Jesus so concerned with the "where" and "how" we give, pray, forgive,
and fast?
2. Why is Jesus so hard on the hypocrites? What is the origin of that word?
3. In the Lord’s Prayer, what seems most important to you?
4. If you went on a prayer and fasting retreat, where would you go and what would
you pray for?
5. How can you be lifted up in prayer this week?
May 31 - Individual Worship
TEXT: Exodus 24:1-1
1. Have a right heart (vv. 1-8)
Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly as you
teach and admonish each other with your wisdom,
and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16
2. Taste the presence of God (vv. 9-18)
3. The Result of Worship
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
GROUP QUESTIONS
1. Name three things that Moses did to prepare himself and the Israelites for the
presence of God.
2. What is your definition of worship? What is not a good definition of worship?
3. In what ways can you worship beside singing?
4. Talk about a time when you worshipped God other than in church.
5. In what ways can you be prayed for this week to increase your acts of worship?
May 24 - Fully Devoted
Pastor Kevin Ulmet
2008 – The Year of Deeper Connections – with God and with each other!
ONE68 = 168 hours in a week. We all have the same amount of hours and the same opportunity for choices. How are you living your ONE68?
TODAY’S CHALLENGE: To evaluate my life "between the weekends" and consider how God would want me to change in order to live above spiritual mediocrity.
Our Church’s Mission – "To develop fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who love God and others."
BECOME FULLY DEVOTED
1And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2, NLT)
"Give to God every aspect of one’s life. . . Body = soma (Greek) = actions, habits, orientation, including speech." Background Notes
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)
LIVE FULLY DEVOTED (Colossians 3:1-17)
1. New Vision
• new focus (verse 1)
• new thinking (verse 2
• new reality (verse 3)
2. New Living
• kill the distractions (verses 5-7
• accept a new nature (verses 8-10)
3. New Society
• Verses 11-17
Colossians 3:17 (NIV) - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
GROUP QUESTIONS
1. Read Romans 12:1-2. What is the most difficult of the commands in these two
verses for you to do? Why?
2. Discuss the connection between the last sentence of Romans 12:2 and the
sentences that go before it in verses 1-2. Why is it so difficult for many of us to
"find God’s will?" How often do you seek God’s will in your life’s decisions?
3. Think of the hours you spend each week doing each major category of life:
sleeping, eating, working, commuting, playing, etc. How much actual "time" does
God get in your life? Why is it so "hard" to make time for God?
4. Colossians 3 challenges us to a whole new way of living. Discuss: a) the connec-
tion between Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:2; b) the connection between
Romans 12:1 and Colossians 3:5-10.
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