Pastor's Blog

Came to Save; Saved to Serve – Luke 1:67-80

Sermon Notes:

1)  As promised, God ______________________... - vv67-74a, 77-79.

2)  …that we might ______________ without fear in holiness & righteousness – vv74-75.

Digging Deeper:

• What promises does Zechariah refer to the coming of Christ fulfilling?  Why did that cause great rejoicing?
• How do you feel knowing that God keeps his promises?  What other promises from God encourage you?
• What enemies does Jesus save us from?  What attributes of God are displayed the coming of Christ?
• What does this passage teach you about serving God?  Where is God calling you to serve Him now?

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 17:1-8; 2 Sam 7:8-17; Ps 100:1-2; Mark 10:45; Rom 3:23-24; 7:6; Eph 2:1-10; Col 1:13-14; 1 Thess 1:7; Titus 2:11-14; Heb 9:11-14.

Magnify the Lord – Luke 1:46-55

Sermon Notes:

1)  Magnify the Lord because He ______________!

2)  Magnify the Lord because He ______________!

Digging Deeper:

• What is mercy?  How has God shown you mercy?
• How does salvation demonstrate the power of God?
• Why is it important that God is both merciful and mighty?
• How can you magnify the Lord throughout this week?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 34; 103:1; Lam 3:22-24; 1 Sam 2:1-10; Luke 1:26-45; 5:27-32; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 1:26-29; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:3-7; 2:10

Give Praise and Thanks to the LORD! – Psalm 100

Sermon Notes:

Reason #1 – The LORD is ___________!

Reason #2 – The LORD is ___________!

Reason #3 – The LORD is ___________!

Reason #4 – The LORD will ___________!

Reason #5 – The LORD is ___________!

Discussion Questions:

• Why is thankfulness to God important?
• How does thankfulness help us in our Christian lives?
• What are you thankful for?  How/when can you express that to God?
• How can you daily practice thanksgiving to God?

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 17:7-8; Ex 33:17-34:8; Ps 95:1-7; 103:8-19; 118:1-4; Lam 3:22-25; Luke 17:11-19; Rom 1:21; 8:38-39; Col 3:15-17 

The Purpose & Passion of AGC – Colossians 1:28

Sermon Notes:

1)  Our Mission

2)  Our Message 

3)  Our Method 

Discussion Questions:

• In what ways do we proclaim Christ when we gather together?
• What does it look like to become mature in Christ?
• How does being connected and involved in each other’s lives help us carry out Colossians 1:28?
• Imagine what it will be like to be presented to Christ.  How does this future reality motivate you to pursue holiness?

Other Passages to Consider:

Matt 28:18-20; Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 2:2; Eph 4:11-16; 5:25-27; Phil 1:6; 2:12-13; Col 3:9-10,16; 1 Thess 3:11-13; 5:12-13; 23-24; Heb 4:12; 1 Jn 3:2-3; Rev 19:6-10.

King of Kings – Ephesians 1:19-23

Sermon Notes:

1)  Jesus is____________________– vv19-21a

2)  His reign is____________________– v21b

3)  He is exercising his sovereign power for____________________– vv22-23

Discussion Questions:

• Where is Jesus now?  What is He doing?
• How does the resurrection and ascension prove that Jesus is Lord of all?
• What causes us to lose sight of the Lordship of Christ?  What other things do we sometimes place our hope in?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 146:3-4; Acts 1:8-11; 2:32-36; 5:30-32; Phil 2:6-11; Col 3:1; Heb 1:8,13; 4:15; 1 Jn 2:2

Seek and Serve the Lord in Secret – Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Sermon Notes:

Hypocrites practice acts of righteousness…

1. Before others
2. In order to be seen by them
3. Reward = praise of men (no reward from God)

We should practice acts of righteousness…

1. In __________
2. __________ sees
3. Our Father will __________

Digging Deeper:

• Do you pray more with others or alone?
• What should our motive be in pursuing acts of righteousness?
• Do you tend to draw attention to your worship or how much you serve?
• Do you have a regular time of personally seeking the Lord?  If not, establish a time, place, and plan for spending time with the Father. 

Other Passages to Consider:

Deut 15:11; Ps 41:1; 63:1-8; Prov 19:17; Matt 5:20; 6:7-15;Lk 18:1-8; Rom 2:28-29 

Overcome Evil with Good – Matthew 5:38-42

Sermon Notes:

Instead of ______________________, Jesus calls us to be willing to abandon our ______________________.

Four examples:

1)  Turn the other cheek – v39b.

2)  Let him have your cloak – v40.

3)  Go the extra mile – v41.

4)  Give to those who beg & borrow – v42.

Digging Deeper:

• How is God glorified when we choose not to retaliate when we are done wrong?
• In addition to God being glorified, what other results can occur when we return good for evil?
• What attributes of God encourage us to not retaliate?
• How does the example of Christ help you obey this teaching in Matthew 5?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ex 21:22-25; Matt 26:52-54; Rom 12:9-21; 1 Cor 6:7; Phil 2:1-11; 3:20-21; 2 Thess 3:10; 1 Pet 2:18-25.

Be Truthful & Reliable – Matthew 5:33-37

Sermon Notes:

1)  Jewish tradition used oaths to_______________.

2)  Jesus commands us to simply_______________and_______________.

Temptations/Hazards to Avoid

Digging Deeper:

• How are all three members of the Trinity associated with truth?
• Where does lying come from?
• How are others affected when we don’t keep our word?
• How is being truthful and reliable a great opportunity to bring glory to God?

Other Passages to Consider:

Lev 19:12; Num 23:19; Deut 23:21; Ps 15; 51:6; Matt 23:16-22; Jn 8:44; Eph 4:25; Heb 6:18; Jam 5:12

Take Marriage Seriously – Matthew 5:31-32

Sermon Notes:

1)  Man’s Corruption – Easy divorce ______________

2)  God’s Intention – One man and one woman in a ________________ of loving companionship

3)  Christ’s Restoration – ____________ and ____________ to glorify God in your life and marriage

Digging Deeper:

• Why did God create marriage?
• What does marriage display about God and the Gospel?
• If married, what could you do this week to build into your marriage?
• Whether single, married, divorced, or widowed – how does the Gospel speak into your current life situation?

Other Passages to Consider:

Genesis 2:18-25; Isa 1:18; Joel 2:25; Matt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 7:1-16; Eph 5:22-33. 

 Lust and the Fight for Purity – Matthew 5:27-30

Sermon Notes:

1)  Committing of Sin - Lusting is _______________in your heart.

2)  Causes of Sin - We must take _________________ to remove sin from our lives.

3)  Consequences of Sin - Sin ______________and ultimately leads _______________.

Digging Deeper:

• What things consistently cause me to sin?  What can I do to get rid of temptations?
• Are there areas of sin that I am holding on to?  What does that say about my spiritual health?
• Who can I recruit to help me in my pursuit of holiness?
• How does this passage point me to my need for Christ?

Other Passages to Consider:

Proverbs 5; 6:20-35; 7:10-27; Rom 3:21-26; 1 Cor 6:9-20; Col 3:5-6

Holiness of Heart: Anger – Matthew 5:21-26

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 4:17-32

Digging Deeper:

• Am I harboring anger against anyone?  What would God have me do about that?
• How does this passage cause me to be thankful for the work of Christ?
• Is my relationship with God based more on externals, or is it from the heart?  How can I cultivate a heart-felt relationship with God?

Other Passages to Consider:

1 Sam 16:7; Ps 15:1-3; 130:3; Mt 5:17-20; Lk 6:45; Rom 3:20-26; Eph 4:17-32

Like Father, Like sons – Matthew 5:9

Sermon Notes:

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Digging Deeper:

• What is mankind’s most fundamental need?  How does Christ alone meet that need?
• Why is unity in the church so important?
• How does the Gospel enable reconciliation with others?
• What happens as we are conformed to the image of Christ?  What result(s) take place?

Other Passages to Consider:

Prov 6:16-19; 15:1; Isa 9:6-7; 52:7; John 17:20-21; Rom 12:17-21; 2 Cor 5:16-21; Eph 2:12-22; Col 1:18-20; Jam 4:1-3 

Focused on the Lord – Matthew 5:8

Sermon Notes:

Matthew 5:8  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Digging Deeper:

• What sins are clouding your vision of the Lord?  Confess those sins and ask God to help you put them to death by the Spirit.
• Are there other things (maybe not sinful things) that are getting in the way of your devotion to Christ?  How can you keep Jesus as the primary focus of your life?
• What do you see when you gaze upon the beauty of the Lord?  What attributes of God are especially meaningful to you right now?
• How does this verse make you thankful for the finished work of Jesus Christ?

Other Passages to Consider:

1 Sam 16:7; Ps 24:3-4; 51:10; 86:11; Prov 4:23; Ezek 36:25-26; Matt 12:34; 15:18-20; 23:27; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev 22:1-5

Channels of Mercy - Matthew 5:7

Sermon Notes:

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."

1)  Mercy Defined

2)  Mercy Needed (our __________________)

3)  Mercy Given (riches of God’s kindness ________)

4)  Mercy Required (Christ calls us to _______________)

Discussion Questions:

• What was your condition like apart from Christ?
• How has God shown you mercy?
• What might your life be like now if God had not saved you?
• What are some practical ways that you can show mercy right now to those who are hurting?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 40:11; 103:1-5; Lam 3:22-23; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:8; Eph 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-8; 1 Pet 1:3-7; 2:10; Jude 21.

Hunger for Holiness - Matthew 5:6

Sermon Notes:

1)         

2)        

3)         

Digging Deeper:

• What is your focused pursuit in life?  If it is not what it should be, then ask God to help you have the right desires.
• Why should we pursue holiness in our lives?  How could it draw us closer to God?
• What is one area of your life God would like you to bring in conformity to His Word?  What steps can you take to grow in this area?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 42:1-4; 63:1-8; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 3:17-19; 5:1-21; 1 Peter 1:12-2:9; 1 Jn 1:5-10

Blessed are the Mourners and the Meek – Matthew 5:4-5

Sermon Notes:

v4  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

v5  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Digging Deeper:

• What is sin?  How can we remember how serious sin is?
• Why should Christians be grieved over sin?
• How does Jesus provide comfort to those mourning over sin?
• What does it look like to be meek?  Does that describe you today?
• How can you cultivate regular grief over your sin?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 37:7-11; 51:1-17; Isa 42:2-3; 57:14-21; 61:1-3; Mt 11:28-30; Jam 4:7-10; Rev 7:17; 21:4

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit/Those who Mourn

– Matthew 5:3-4

Sermon Notes:

Introduction to Beatitudes:

v3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

v4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Digging Deeper:

• What does blessed describe here in Matthew 5?
• What does it mean to be poor in spirit?  What should recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy cause us to do?
• How can believers cultivate an ongoing attitude of being poor in spirit?
• What should cause us as Christians to mourn?  How does God bring comfort?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 1; 32:1-2; 51; Isa 6:1-7; 61:1-3; Matt 5:1-12; Luke 18:9-14; Phil 3:3-9  

Intro to the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 4:23-5:2

Digging Deeper:

• Who is the Sermon on the Mount for?  What is its purpose?
• What in Matthew’s account shows that this was one historical event (rather than a compilation of Jesus’s teachings)?
• As believers, what is our relationship to the world?  To what kingdom do we belong?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 61:1-2; Matt 12:28;  Mark 10:23-30; Luke 4:18-19; John 3:3-15; Col 1:13-14; 1 Pet 2:9-12 

Trust in the LORD - Proverbs 3:5-6

Sermon Notes:

How we are to trust God

Why we can trust God

Digging Deeper:

• What about God makes Him absolutely trustworthy?
• What happens when we don’t trust God?  What blessings come from trusting in the Lord?
• What does it look like in your life to trust God on a daily basis?
• In what situations do you find it difficult to trust God?  Admit that to God and ask for grace to trust Him more.

Other passages to consider:

Job 42:2; Ps 115:3; 147:5; Prov 21:1; Jer 17:5-8; Rom 8:28-39; 11:33-34; Phil 1:6; 4:4-9; 1 Jn 4:9-10

Living as a Stranger on the Earth - Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16

Sermon Notes:

1)       

2)       

3)       

Discussion Questions:

• How is God’s call of Abraham a picture of God’s sovereign grace?
• What is significant about Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob living in tents throughout their lives?
• In what ways do we tend to forget that we are strangers in this world?
• What can fuel our faith and longing to be with God?

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 12:1-3; Josh 24:2; John 15:18-19; 17:15-18; Phil 3:20; 1 Pet 1:17-19; 2:11-12; Heb 12:28; 13:14; 1 Jn 2:15-17; Rev 21:1-7 

What Faith Is and Does – Hebrews 11:1-3

Sermon Notes:

Object of Faith –

Description of Faith – v1

                1a – Faith is the ________________ of things hoped for.

                1b – Faith __________________________________ of what God has promised.

                2a – Faith is the _______________ of things not seen.

                2b – Faith _______________ that what God promises will happen.

Result of Faith – _________________________ – v2

Outworking of Faith

Digging Deeper:

• Is biblical faith a blind faith?  Explain your answer.
• What is our faith based on?  How then can our faith be strengthened?
• What is the connection between faith and what God has promised?
• How does faith enable us to follow Christ in obedience?

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 1-2; John 1:18; 14:1-3; Rom 1:16-20; 8:23-25; 2 Cor 5:1-7; Gal 2:20; Heb 1:1-3.  

Strength to Endure – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Sermon Notes:

1)  _________ of Comfort – v3

2)  _________ of Comfort – v4,7

3)  _________ of Comfort – vv4-6

4)  _________ of Comfort – v7

Digging Deeper:

• How does your soul respond to the titles for God in v3?
• What does the word “comfort” describe in our text?
• In what ways does God comfort His people in affliction?
• How have others helped you in times of trial?
• What have you learned during affliction that could help others?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 46:1-3; 103:6-14; 121:1-2; Isa 51:12-16; 66:13; Col 1:24

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Matthew 28

Sermon Notes:

1)   What happened? – vv1-10, 16-17

2)   What does it mean? – vv18-20

a)   Jesus is Lord of all – v18

b)   Jesus is the Savior of all who believe – v19

c)   Jesus is with us – v20

Discussion Questions:

• What does the resurrection declare about Jesus?
• What all does the resurrection of Christ promise for all Christians?
• Where is Jesus now?  How is He with us?
• How does the Lordship and presence of Christ encourage you?

Other Passages to Consider:

Acts 2:22-41; 4:12; 10:34-43; Rom 4:24-25; 1 Cor 15:12-20 Eph 1:18-20; 1 Pet 1:3-6

Joy in the Midst of Pain – 1 Peter 1:6-9

Reason #1 – The grounds for our joy is our ______________________.

Reason #2 – God has a __________________ for our temporary pain.

                Purpose #1 – Assuring us of our ______________ of our salvation/inheritance

                                                (proving the genuineness of our faith)

                Purpose #2 – Increasing our ________________ of our salvation.

                                                (purifying the quality of our faith)

Digging Deeper:

• What is the danger of tying our joy to our circumstances?
• Why is the joy of the Christian unshakable – even in the midst of pain?
• How does God use trials in our lives?
• Do you tend to grow closer to God in times of difficulty?  Why?
• What (or better, who) is our ultimate inheritance?  (see Rom 8:17, Matt 5:8)

Other Passages to Consider:

Matt 5:10-12; John 16:33; 20:29; Rom 8:16-18; Phil 3:10-11; Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pet 4:12-13)

Blessings Secured For Us By Christ – Romans 4:24-5:2

Digging Deeper:

• What is justification?  How does Jesus secure it?  How do we receive it?
• By nature, why do we need peace with God?  Describe the blessing of knowing you are at peace with God.
• What does it look like to have access to God? 
• What is biblical hope?  What will the believer’s future be like?
• What from the text assures you these blessings are secure?

Other Passages to Consider:

Rom 4:24-5:11; 8:18-30; Phil 3:20-21; Heb 4:14-16; 10:19-25; 1 Pet 1:3-9

Psalm 86 – Desperate, but Confident

Digging Deeper:

• Why is David so desperate in this psalm?
• What gives David confidence that God hears him and will help him?
• Why should we have a desperate dependence on God?  What does that look like on a daily basis?
• What about God and the Gospel gives you confidence to draw near to Him again and again?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ex 34:6-7; Matt 7:7-11; Luke 18:9-14; Eph 3:14-19; 6:10-20; Heb 4:14-16; 1 Jn 4:9-10  

Psalm 131 - Peace in the Presence of God

Digging Deeper:

• How does a mother with her child picture God’s care for us? – Isa 66:12-13
• What is the child experiencing in v2?
• Why does the Bible teach that we must have a child-like faith?  What does that mean? - Matt 18:1-4; 19:13-15
• Was David’s life free from trouble and pain?  How had he come to experience peace? – Ps 27:11; 23:1-4; 86:1-5
• How do we enter into the presence of God?  What attitudes and actions are necessary for you to do that?

Other Passages to Consider:

Prov 3:5-6; Phil 4:6-13; Luke 10:38-47

The Abounding Grace of Jesus – 1 Timothy 1:14-17

Digging Deeper:

• What is Christ’s mission?  How does Paul underscore it in this text?
• What does Christ’s mission tell us about God?
• How did God’s sovereign grace overcome Paul’s unbelief?  What did God’s grace provide?
• How did Paul’s testimony encourage others to believe in Christ?
• Even though we are forgiven, why is it appropriate to remember our former life without Christ?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 86:12-13; Mark 10:45; Luke 5:31-32; Acts 9:1-19; 26:9-18; Eph 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7; Luke 19:10

Christ’s Galilean Ministry – Matthew 4:18-25

Digging Deeper:

• Why did Jesus call disciples at the beginning of His ministry instead of simply ministering alone?
• What do you notice about Christ’s call and the disciples’ response?
• How does “fisher of men” describe what Christ has come to do?
• Will this popularity of Jesus continue through His ministry?  Why not?
• What can you praise Jesus for from this text?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isaiah 35; 61; Matt 8:18-22; 28-34; 9:1-8; 10:21-22; 34-37; 12:46-50; 17:14-21; 1 Cor 1:26-31

The Dawn of a Great Light – Matthew 4:12-17

Digging Deeper:

• What was significant about the place where Jesus chose to minister?  What does this say about the Gospel?
• Think about the Bible’s use of the term “darkness” to describe a person without Christ.  What all does this say about their condition?
• Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12).  What does this tell us about His saving work? (Hint: What does light do to darkness?)
• How does a person go from darkness to light?  What does God do?  What is man’s response?
• Who can you pray for who is in darkness?  How might God use you to shine the light of Christ into their lives?

Other Verses to Consider:

Isa 9:1-2,6-7; Matt 5:14-16; 28:19; John 1:1-14; 3:19; 8:12; 12:46; 2 Cor 4:6; Eph 5:8; Col 1:13; 1 Pet 2:9

The Baptism & Anointing of Jesus – Matthew 3:13-17

Digging Deeper:

• Since He was without sin, why was Jesus baptized?
• How does Jesus’s baptism point to His sacrifice on the cross?
• What does the Spirit resting on Jesus signify?
• Given the Father’s declaration, if a person opposes Jesus, who are they ultimately opposing?
• What is the doctrine of the Trinity?  How is it seen in this passage?
• Describe the Father’s relationship with His Son.  Now think about what happened at the cross.  Glory that now in Christ, we are loved by the Father with the same love! (John 17:23).

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 1:2; 8:8-12; 22:2; Ps 2:7; Isa 11:1-5; 42:1; 53:11-12; 62:1-2; 64:1; John 1:32-34; 5:31-39; 8:17-18; Phil 2:5-11; 2 Cor 5:21; 8:9

Protection & Fulfillment – Matthew 2:13-23

Digging Deeper:

• How does this chapter demonstrate God’s sovereignty over evil?  In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of this?
• What did the exodus of God’s people from slavery in Egypt point to in the NT?
• How does seeing God’s word fulfilled encourage you?
• What truths about Jesus did this passage remind you of?  How can you respond?

Other Passages to Consider: 

Ex 1:1-2:10; Ps 22; 69; Isa 53; 51:9-11; Jer 16:14-15; 31:15-34 (Heb 8:8-13); Hos 11:1-11; Rom 6:1-14; 8:28-30; Col 1:13-14

Abiding in Christ - John 15:4-11 

Digging Deeper: 

• What would it look like for you to stay close to Jesus this week? 
• What things pull you away from Christ or get in the way of you staying close to Christ? 
• How does sin disrupt our experience of Christ’s love and joy? 
• How is living for God’s glory connected with our joy being full? 

Other passages to consider: 

Matt 4:4; John 6:53-69; 15:1-16; 17:17-26; Gal 2:20; 5:22-24; Eph 3:7-21; Heb 12:1-2   

Vital Connection - John 15:1-6

Digging Deeper:

• How do we know if a branch is alive and healthy?  
• What are examples of fruit in a Christian’s life?  Do you see fruit in your life?
• How does the vine and branches metaphor teach the need for ongoing connection with Christ?
• What does it look like to abide in Christ?  How can you grow in abiding in Christ?

Other passages to consider:

Isa 5:1-7; Matt 4:4; 7:15-20; John 6:53-69; 13:21-30; 15:1-17; Gal 5:22-24; Col 1:3-8; Heb 12:5-11  

Going Low to Serve Others - John 13:1-20

Digging Deeper:

• What was shocking about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet?  How does the timing and inclusion of Judas make Christ’s action even more amazing?
• How does Jesus use this event to point to his sacrifice on the cross?
• What is the example that Jesus expects his disciples to emulate?
• How does the Gospel equip us to serve others in love and humility?
• How is God calling me to humbly serve those around me?

Other passages to consider:

Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:34-35; 15:12-17; 1 Cor 6:11; Phil 2:1-11; 1 John 4:10-11 

A Brand New Life

Digging Deeper:

• Why did Jesus command that his disciples be baptized?
• How does baptism symbolize repentance?
• Why is repentance necessary in order to become a disciple?
• What truths are pictured by baptism?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 1:18; Matt 4:4; 28:18-20; Acts 2:22-41; Rom 6:1-7; 1 Cor 12:12-13; 2 Cor 5:17; Titus 3:3-7; Heb 10:22

All to Jesus, I Surrender - Luke 14:33

Digging Deeper:

• What does renounce mean?  How does this relate to being a disciple?
• Why can Jesus lay claim to all that I am and have?
• How can relationships and possessions get in the way of following Christ?
• What is a steward?
• How does being a steward affect my use of possessions?
• How can you be using what God has entrusted to you for His glory?
• Does Christ have first place in your life?  If not, what is getting in the way?

Other passages to consider: Job 1:20-22; Matt 6:19-34; 13:44; Mark 4:18-19; Luke 12:13-21; 14:25-34; Acts 4:32-37; 2 Cor 9:6-11; Phil 3:7-11; Col 1:15-20; 1 Tim 6:6-10,17-19

Loving Jesus More - Luke 14:25-26; Matthew 10:37

Digging Deeper:

• What do you love/treasure?
• Why does Jesus demand that He be our most important relationship?
• How are any of us able to love Jesus?
• What can you do to grow in your love for Jesus?
• What do you find particularly lovely about Jesus?

Other passages to consider: Deut 6:4-9; Matthew 10:34-39; 13:44-46; Luke 7:36-50; 14:25-33; 18:18-30; John 12:20-26;  1 Cor 16:22; Jam 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:23-2:3; 1 John 3:16; 4:9-21 

Following Christ - Mark 8:34-9:1

Preparing for the sermon:

• What does Jesus say is required to follow him?
• What things hinder a person from following Jesus?
• Why is it wrong to water down or omit completely the requirements for following Christ?

Other passages to consider: Daniel 7:9-14; John 6:60-69; Rom 6:1-6; Gal 2:20; 2 Thess 1:5-10

Digging deeper:

• How does the call to follow Christ still go out?  Who could you call to follow Christ?
• Are the requirements to follow Christ a one-time decision or ongoing or both?
• In what areas do you need God’s help to deny yourself and come under Christ’s authority?

God Saved Me - Titus 3:3-7
 

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• In v3, which verbs are active and which are passive?  What does this show?
• What was not the grounds for our salvation?  On what basis does God save us?
• What are we saved from?

Other passages to consider: Ezek 36:25-27; Luke 19:10; John 3:1-8; Rom 6:17-19; 2 Cor 4:4-6; Eph 2:1-10; Col 3:7; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 4:14; 

Digging Deeper:

• What were you like before God saved you?  How have you changed?
• How does God save us?
• What is true of you now that God has saved you?
• How does this passage give you hope that God can save unbelievers around you?

Pray with Confident Desperation – Ps 27:7-14

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is David’s tone in vv7-12?  Why?
• What is David asking for in his prayer?
• What effect did David’s prayer have on him?

Other passages to consider: Ps 25:4-5; Isa 40:25-31; Luke 18:1-8; Eph 3:14-21; 6:18; Phil 4:4-7; Heb 4:14-16; Jam 5:13-18

Digging Deeper:

• Why don’t we pray?
• How should knowing God is for us motivate us to pray?
• Are you ever desperate in your prayers?  Why or why not?
• What is God asking you to wait for in your life?  What truths can you preach to yourself while you wait?

Joy and Peace, Even When Life is Hard – Psalm 27

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How does David describe the dangers he is facing?  What emotions is David experiencing in the midst of this trouble?
• What is David’s passion in life?  How does he pursue that passion?
• Why should confidence in God lead to seeking the Lord all the more?

Other passages to consider: Ex 34:5-8; Ps 13; 17; 23; 42:1-2; Isa 40:28-31; Luke 10:38-42; Eph 6:10-20; Heb 1:1-3

Digging Deeper:

• What is your #1 pursuit in life?  What should it be?
• What does it look like for you to seek God’s face?  How can you grow in this?
• Why can you have peace even in the midst of trials? 
• What are you waiting on the Lord for right now?  How does this Psalm help you to wait?

Love Christ and His Church

1 Corinthians 16:15-24

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why did the Corinthians need to be reminded to be subject to every fellow worker?
• Does Paul’s statement in v22 shock you?  Why?  What can you learn from it?
• Why would Paul take the time to include all the different ones who send greetings to the Corinthians?

Other passages to consider: Gen 12:1-3; Ps 2; Mark 12:28-34; John 17:20-26; 1 Cor 12:12-13:7; Eph 4:1-6; 2 Tim 4:6-18; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1-5; Philemon v4-7

Digging Deeper:

• How have other believers refreshed your spirit?  How could you do that for others?
• What is our modern-day equivalent of greet one-another with a holy kiss?  Why is such a practice important?
• How is leadership in the church to be exercised?  What should be our attitude toward our servant-leaders?
• Despite all the headaches and issues Paul has had to address with the Corinthians, look at the last sentence of his letter.  What does his example teach us about loving and bearing with one another?

Core Commands for the Battle – 1 Corinthians 16:12-14

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What sins and temptations did the Corinthians need to be alert for?
• In the Bible what activity is linked to being watchful?  Why?
• How would love take care of most of the problems plaguing the Corinthian church?

Other passages to consider: Josh 1:1-9; John 15:1-20; Acts 20:24-32; 1 Thess 5:1-11; 2 Thess 2:13-15; 1 Cor 4:10-14; 10:31; 13:1-3; Eph 5:15-17; 6:10-20; Col 4:2-6; 1 Pet 5:6-11; Heb 10:19-25

Digging Deeper:

• What dangers do Christians need to be alert to in this present world?
• Why do Christians need courage?  What frightening circumstances may we face?
• Where do courage, perseverance, and love come from?  How do we tap into that?
• What dangers/temptations/distractions are your currently facing?  Where can you find help?

Participating in the Gospel – 1 Corinthians 16:1-11

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• -What is the Gospel?  How are we to respond to the Gospel?
• -How did the Corinthians’ giving to the Jews serve as a picture of the Gospel?
• -How does the Gospel advance?  In what ways can you help with the progress of the Gospel?

Other passages to consider: Mal 1:11; Acts 4:32-5:11; Rom 15:22-33; 1 Cor 4:17; 2 Cor 8-9; Eph 2:11-22; 4:32-5:2; Col 1:3-13; 4:2-4;

Digging Deeper:

• -How might God be calling you to provide for Gospel ministry?
• -How do you respond when someone brings a biblical word of correction?
• -What principles of financial giving do we learn from this passage?
• -What opportunities around you do you have to live out the Gospel?

God’s Final Victory Over Death - 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is a mystery in the NT?  What is the mystery that Paul is making known to the Corinthians?
• How does this mystery answer the question the Corinthians were struggling with?
• What is the connection b/w knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain and our resurrection?

Other passages to consider: Isa 25:8; 27:13; Joel 2:1; Hosea 13:14; Matt 24:31; Rom 5:12-21; 7:7-8:30; 1 Cor 3:8-14; 9:17-18; 15; 2 Cor 5:1-4; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Heb 1:11-12

Digging Deeper:

• What things can hinder me from being steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord?
• How was this victory over death secured?  Whose victory is it?  How do we come to share in it?
• How should the truth of resurrection and eradication of death impact our lives now?

A New Way of Life - 1 Corinthians 15:44-49

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What was Adam’s life marked by?  Now compare/contrast that with the risen Christ.  How do Adam and Christ serve as representatives of large groups of people?
• How did Adam become alive?  Does Christ receive life or give life?  Explain.
• What does it mean to be in the image of God?  How has sin affected this?

Other passages to consider: Gen 1:26-31; 2:7; 5:1-3; 9:6; Ezek 37:1-14; Rom 8:9-11,18-30; 1 Cor 2:14-16; 3:18-4:6; 4:16-5:10; Phil 3:20-21; Rev 21:1-6

Digging Deeper:

• What is this world marked by?  How do our present lives reflect that?
• What will characterize the new heaven and new earth?  How will our resurrected lives reflect that?
• What will it be like to bear the image of the risen Christ?  How will that fully restore the image of God in us?
• How would your life be different if you were fully directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit?

Radically Different (Better) Physical Bodies

1 Corinthians 15:35-44

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What were the Corinthians asking?  What were they really doubting?
• How does a seed growing into a plant/tree relate to bodily resurrection?
• What do we learn about God’s creative power by observing the different earthly and heavenly bodies?

Other passages to consider: Gen 1; Ps 8; Rom 8:18-30; 1 Cor 1:18 -2:16; 2 Cor 4:16-5:10; Phil 3:21; Rev 21:1-6

Digging Deeper:

• How do you envision your future resurrection body?  Do you grasp how different and awesome it will be?
• In what areas are you tempted to doubt God’s power or wisdom?  What shall you do?
• How does remembering our hope help us follow Christ now?
• What will it be life to worship Christ with no weakness or sin?

Shepherding the Flock

Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1-4; Heb 13:17

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How did the church come to be?  How is the church described in the NT?
• What does a shepherd do for sheep?  How does that describe how elders are to serve the church?
• What does it look like for elders to pay careful attention to all the flock and exercise oversight?  What does that entail?

Other passages to consider: Ezek 34:1-10; John 10:7-18, 22-30; Acts 20:17-32; Col 1:28-29; 1 Thess 2:1-12; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Heb 13:7-9, 12-21

Digging Deeper:

• How does a man become an elder?  Who puts him in that position?
• How, practically speaking, can elders keep watch over the souls of the church?
• Given God’s design, what responsibility do Christians have to the church and to elders?
• What should motivate elders to diligently care for the flock?  What should not motivate them?

Future Hope Should Affect Present Life

1 Corinthians 15:29-34

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How did Paul's life reflect his belief in the truth of the Gospel?
• What is a Christian's hope?
• How should Christians live differently from unbelievers?  Why?

Other passages to consider: Isa 22:13; Matt 5:13-16; Rom 6:3-13; 8:35; 1 Cor 15:1-28; 2 Cor 1:8-10; 4:7-12; 6:4-10; 11:23-29; Phil 1:21

Digging Deeper:

• How can unbelievers have a negative influence on us?
• What effect is my future hope having on my life now?
• In what ways am I being influenced by the world?  What steps do I need to take?
• How can my actions/commitments point others to faith in Christ?

God's Sovereignty Ensures Our Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:23-28

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Where is Jesus now? How did He get there?
• How is Jesus like Adam? How does Jesus succeed where Adam failed?
• What will happen when Christ returns?

Other passages to consider: Gen 1:26-31; 3:1-19; Ps 8; 110:1; Matt 28; Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:15-23; Col 1:15-20; Rev 19:11-21:5

Digging deeper:

• How much authority does Jesus have? Where did it come from?
• What is the final goal of history?
• How does the truth that Christ reigns encourage you today?
• Why does it often not look like Christ is reigning?

First of Many – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why do people die? 
• How has Paul already in this chapter pointed to the certainty of Christ’s resurrection?
• What are firstfruits?  What does it mean that Christ is our firstfruits?

Other passages to consider: Gen 1; 3; Lev 23:10; Luke 23:32-24:12; John 11:25; Rom 5:12-21; 8:18-30; Phil 3:21; 1 Pet 1:3-9

Digging Deeper:

• What two groups/representatives do you see in this passage?  How do you get into those groups?
• What can we learn about our future resurrection by looking at Christ’s?
• How does knowing my future affect how I live in the present?
• What does the resurrection tell us about Christ?

The Paramount Importance of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What are the essential components of the Gospel?
• What is the connection between Christ’s resurrection and our future resurrection?
• Is it that big of a deal if someone denies the resurrection of the dead?  What is at stake?

Other passages to consider: Ps 19:7-11; Rom 4:25; 1 Cor 6:14; 15:1-20; 2 Cor 4:14; 5:8; Phil 1:21,23; 1 Thess 4:13-18

Digging Deeper:

• Why is it so important that the Bible is without error?
• How does our salvation depend on Christ’s resurrection?
• How does our sure hope of a future resurrection impact our lives in the present?

God’s Amazing and Powerful Grace

1 Corinthians 15:8-11

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is an apostle?  What are the qualifications of an apostle?
• Why does Paul call himself the least of the apostles? 
• What is grace?  What role does grace play in our justification and sanctification?

Other passages to consider: Acts 7:54-8:3; 9:1-22; 22:3-16; 26:9-18; Rom 3:10-12, 21-26; 1 Cor 1:26-31; 6:9-11; Eph 2:1-10; Phil 2:12-13; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-8; 1 Pet 1:13-23; 2:9-12

Digging Deeper:

• Why could Paul say God’s grace to him was not in vain?  How had Paul’s life changed?
• What difference is God’s grace making in your life?
• How is God’s grace evident in every person’s salvation no matter their background?
• How can you speak of God’s grace in your testimony?  Pray for an opportunity to share that this week.

Scripture-based Confidence in Christ’s Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:4-8

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What does Paul mean when he says Christ was raised on the third day “according to the Scriptures”?
• Why are the appearances of Christ’s resurrection important?  How do we know about them?
• Why is the resurrection part of what Paul calls “of first importance”?

Other passages to consider: Job 19:25-26; Ps 16:8-11; 22:21b-31; 110:1; Isa 53:10b-12; Matt 12:40; Luke 1:1-4; 24; John 5:39; Acts 2:22-36; 3:14-26; 4:10-12; 5:30-32; 9:3-6; 13:27-39; 17:31; 26:6-18; Rom 4:23-25; 1 Pet 1:3

Digging Deeper:

• Why should we have confidence that Christ has been raised?
• What is an apostle?  What is their connection to the recording of the NT?
• What is your view of Scripture?  What role does is play in your daily walk with Christ?
• How does the resurrection of Christ impact your daily life?

Christ Died for our Sins According to the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:3

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What does Paul mean we he says Christ death and resurrection is “according to the Scriptures”?
• Why is it important for Christians to know the Old Testament?
• How does the NT shed more light on the OT?  What role does the death/resurrection of Christ play?

Other passages to consider: Ex 12; Lev 16:1-22; Num 21:4-9; Psalm 22; Isa 53; Luke 24:25-27; John 3:14-18; 5:39,46; Acts 2:23; 4:23-28; 7:51-52; 13:23-29; 1 Cor 5:7; Heb 9:24-10:25; 13:10-15

Digging Deeper:

• How does the OT help us to understand more fully what Christ accomplished on the cross?
• Why is it helpful to see how the Apostles use the OT?
• What is encouraging about the fact that Christ death was according to the definite plan of God?
• In what ways could you become more familiar with the OT?

Keeping the Gospel Central – 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is the Gospel?  Who is focus of the Gospel?  Where do we find the Gospel?
• Why is it important for Paul to remind the Corinthians about the Gospel?
• How did the Gospel come to the Corinthians?  Where did Paul get it from?  How does the Gospel spread today?

Other passages to consider: Matt 10:22; John 3:16-18; 10:26-29; Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:17-25; 11:23; Phil 1:6; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:12-15

Digging Deeper:

• What should our response/relationship to the Gospel look like?
• In what ways can a church get distracted from the Gospel?
• Why do Christians never outgrow the Gospel?  How can I keep the Gospel central in my life?
• How is our salvation completed and also still in process?

By His Wounds You Have Been Healed 

1 Peter 2:21-25

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How does Peter describe our condition before Christ?
• What did Jesus do for us?  How would you describe his sacrifice?
• What is the result of Christ’s sacrifice for us?

Other passages to consider: Ps 23; Isa 40:11-12; 53; Luke 15:1-7; Jn 10; Eph 2:1-10

Digging Deeper:

• From what have we been healed?  Is there more healing to come?  What will that entail?
• Knowing the Lord is our Shepherd, what does this tell us about our relationship with him?
• How does Christ provide shepherding and oversight? (Hint: where else does Peter talk about these things in his letter?)
• In what area can you be living to righteousness?

God’s Design for Women Participating in the Church

1 Corinthians 14:33-40

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why is it important that the church gathering is conducted in an orderly way?
• In what areas of life has God designed an ordering of roles?  What does this look like?
• What does Paul give as support for his commands to women?  Where in the Law is he probably referring?

Other passages to consider: Gen 1:26-27; 2:18-23; Eccl 3:7; Isa 53:4-7; 1 Cor 11:2-16; 14:26-40; 1 Tim 2:11-14; 1 Pet 2:21-3:2

Digging Deeper:

• How does being silent through submission point us to Christ in the Gospel?
• Does Paul ever expect a woman to speak when the church gathers?  How does her silence give her a platform to speak later?
• Are Paul’s commands to women still applicable today or were they simply based on culture?  Why or why not?
• Who else is this context is commanded to submit and be silent?  When might we be called to respond that way?

Let Us Worship in a Fitting and Orderly Way

1 Corinthians 14:26-33,39-40

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What reasons does Paul give for our worship to be fitting and orderly?
• In vv27-35, Paul gives commands regarding three groups of people – who are these different groups?
• For these three groups, the commands have to do with what kind of activity in the church?  What kinds of attitudes/actions are needed from everyone involved?

Other passages to consider: Ps 29:1-2; 96:1-9; 1 Cor 11; 14:1-5; 1 Thess 5:12-22; Heb 12:18-29; 1 Pet 5:5-7; 1 Jn 4:1-6

Digging Deeper:

• How does disorder in the gatherings hinder the church being built up?
• Are there ways the gatherings of AGC could better demonstrate order and humility?
• How does disorder in church gatherings reflect poorly on God?  What other traits would fail to glorify God?
• What qualities should our services be marked by to reflect the character/glory of God?

God Works through His Word

1 Corinthians 14:20-25

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How does Paul say the Corinthians were thinking?  Did his assessment match how they viewed themselves?  How can I mature in my thinking?
• What event is Paul referring to in v21?  What effect did the foreign tongues have on God’s people in that case?
• What are the two scenarios described in vv23-25?  What are the results?

Other passages to consider: Deut 28:49-50; Ps 19:7-11; Isa 28:1-13; Jn 3:1-8; 1 Pet 1:23-2:3; Rom 10:9-17; 2 Tim 3:14-4:5; Heb 4:7-13

Digging Deeper:

• How does God use His Word in the hearts of people?
• Why would the way the Corinthians were practicing tongues further alienate unbelievers?
• To what do churches look instead of the Word of God to bring life and change?
• What would it look like for the gift of prophecy to be prevalent at AGC?

Gatherings that Build up the Church –

1 Corinthians 14:6-19

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why was the gift of tongues not edifying the church in Corinth?
• How is the gift of prophecy much more valuable than tongues in building up the church?
• How is God glorified by the church being built up?

Other passages to consider: Ps 34:1-10; 96; 105:1-6; 118:1-4; Eph 4:7-16; Col 3:12-17; 1 Pet 2:9-10; Rev 7:9-12.

Digging Deeper:

• What could we do to make our worship services more understandable?
• What would help you stay focused during our gatherings?
• How can you build up others in their faith?
• What can you be doing to prepare and seek to build up the church?

Growing Together into Christ

Ephesians 4:11-16

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What picture does Paul give for the church in this passage?  What parts of the body are identified?
• How many times does the text speak of the body growing or being built up?  Why would God mention it so often?
• What does growth in the church look like?  What is it contrasted with?

Other passages to consider: Matt 16:13-18; John 15:1-17; Acts 20:28-32; 1 Cor 12:12-13:7; Eph 2:11-22; 3:20-4:16; Col 1:15-20; 1 Pet 4:7-11

Digging Deeper:

• How does God intend the church to grow?
• How does the text emphasize corporate growth rather than just individual?  What does this say about the importance of involvement in the life of the church?
• What does it mean to grow up into Christ?
• Does your current commitment to the church match God’s intention?  How can you be more connected to the body?

Undeserved Treatment – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• In v21, who is acting on behalf of whom?
• What does it mean for Christ to be made sin?
• v21 says we become the righteousness of God.  How can this be?  Where does this righteousness come from?

Other passages to consider: Ps 103:10-12; Isa 53:4-12; Mark 10:45; Rom 3:21-26; 4:6-8; Rom 5:1, 6-8, 18; 2 Cor 5:14-21; Gal 3:13-14; Phil 3:9; Heb 4:15; 10:11-14; 1 Pet 2:24

Digging Deeper:

• This passage speaks of reconciliation with God.  What does the word reconciliation tell us about the nature of God and our sin?
• What needed to be true of Christ in order for him to be our substitute?
• How do we benefit from Christ’s atoning work?  Where in v21 is that pointed out?
• What applications of this great truth do you see in the immediate context of v21?

The Supremacy of Love – 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How does Paul contrast love with spiritual gifts?
• V10 says “but when the perfect come…” – what is Paul referring to?
• Having argued for the supremacy of love in chapter 13, how does Paul immediately exhort the Corinthians?

Other passages to consider: Num 12:6-8; Deut 6:4-9; 34:10; Isa 65:17; John 13:31-35; 15:1-17; 17:20-26; Rom 13:8-10 1 Cor 13:1-14:1; 1 Tim 1:5; 1 John 2:28-3:3; 4:7-21 

Digging Deeper:

• Why is love superior to spiritual gifts?
• Why would spiritual gifts no longer be needed when Christ returns?
• How is love superior to even faith and hope?
• How can you grow in loving God and loving others?

Love Doesn’t Give Up: Loving in light of the power and promise of God  -1 Corinthians 13:7

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What does it look like to love according to v7?
• How could v7 be misunderstood or misapplied?
• How can I possibly love like this?

Other passages to consider: Ps 103; Rom 5:1-8; 8:22-39; 1 Cor 13:1-7; Phil 1:9-11; 2 Tim 2:8-10; 1 Pet 1:3-9; 1 John 4:7-12  

Digging Deeper:

• How does God’s providence help you patiently love those around you?
• As a believer in Christ, what is your inheritance?  How does this living hope empower you to take risks in loving others?
• Who in your life are you tempted to give up loving?  What can you do to help you persevere in love?
• How does this kind of love in v7 bring glory to God?

Love Doesn’t Do That – 1 Corinthians 13:4b-6

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How have the Corinthians acted in the unloving ways described in vv4b-6?
• What do these unloving actions do to the health of a church and its ability to glorify God?
• How do these unloving actions manifest themselves in congregations today?  How can a church put off these actions?

Other passages to consider: Mark 10:45; John 3:30; Rom 12:21; 1 Cor 1:26-31; 3:1-4; 4:6-7; 5:6-8; 6:6-8; 10:23-24; 11:21-22; 12:14-27; 2 Cor 5:19; Gal 2:20; 1 Tim 2:5-6

Digging Deeper:

• How would you summarize these negative actions?
• How could love help prevent you from sinning in these areas?
• Are you acting in any of these unloving ways?  If so, what do you need to do?
• What would be the effect of a church that didn’t treat each other this way, but instead truly served one another in love?

Love Exercises Patience and Kindness – 1 Corinthians 13:4

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is love?  How does the world’s definition of love differ from the Bible’s?
• How does Paul portray love in vv4-7?  What do you observe about his description?
• Has/is God patient and kind with you?  In what ways?

Other passages to consider: Ex 34:5-8; Ps 103; Matt 18:21-35; Luke 10:25-27; Rom 2:4; 8:31-39; Eph 4:31-5:2; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Pet 2:20-25; 2 Pet 3:8-10

Digging Deeper:

• How do we see Jesus model patience and kindness?
• What opportunities have you had today to exercise patience and kindness?
• How are we able to show patience and kindness?  What can I do to help me grow in this area?
• Think of people around you who exercise patience and kindness.  How does their behavior bring glory to God?

An Essential Element of our Church – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What are the essential elements of a church?
• How does Chapter 13 relate to Chapters 12 and 14?
• What examples have we seen so far of the Corinthians being unloving toward each other?

Other passages to consider: Matt 22:34-40; John 13:31-35; 15:1-17; Rom 5:1-8; 8:31-39; 1 Cor 13; Gal 2:20; Eph 3:14-21; 4:11-17; 4:30-5:2; Col 3:12-14; 2 Thess 1:3; 1 Tim 1:5; 1 Jn 4:7-21

Digging Deeper:

• Can service be given without love?
• Which is more important: giftedness or love?  Why?
• What are signs of a lack of love in a church?
• Where does love come from?  How can I grow in love?

Every Member of Christ’s Body is Needed –

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What wrong views of fellow believers was happening at Corinth?
• What are some small, unnoticeable parts of your body that are very important?
• How is the church hindered when its members aren’t present or participating?

Other passages to consider: Isa 32:15; 44:3; Ezek 39:29; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17; 1 Cor 10:17; Gal 3:27-28; Eph 2:13-22; 4:1-16

Digging Deeper:

• How are you affected when one of your body parts is injured or missing?
• What might be your function in the Body of Christ?
• How do the truths of this passage relate to committing to church membership?
• How can we exercise care for one another in the Body of Christ?

Sermon – What is a spiritual person? –

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• What is true spirituality?  How does the world miss the mark on this?
• In what ways is Christianity confused about true spirituality?
• How is the ministry of the Holy Spirit related to Christ?

Other passages to consider:     Deut 11:13-21; Ps 115:1-11; Isa 41:22-42:9; Matt 7:21-27; John 15:26-16:15; Acts 2:36-41; 9:1-5; Rom 1:1-4; 1 Cor 8:4-6; 12:1-14:40; Eph 2:1-5; Titus 3:1-7; 1 John 4

Digging Deeper:

• Why does the Bible say that no one can confess that Jesus is Lord without the Holy Spirit?
• Apart from Christ, we were all ignorant about spiritual things.  In what ways was your ignorance manifested?
• How do vv1-3 prepare us for a discussion about spiritual gifts?
• What does it look like to follow Jesus as Lord?  Can Jesus be your Savior without being your Lord?

Communion Calamity - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How was the Corinthian church sinning in their celebration of the Lord’s Table?
• What does Paul mean in v20 that the Corinthians are not eating the Lord’s Table?
• Why did Christ institute the Lord’s Table?

Other passages to consider – Ex 12:1-28; 24:7-8; Ps 133; Isa 53; Jer 31:31-34; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 22:7-30; 1 Cor 10:14-22; Phil 2:1-11; Rev 19:6-10

Digging Deeper:

• Why is the Lord’s Table meant to be a corporate celebration?
• How did the Corinthians’ behavior strike at the very heart of the intended purpose for the Lord’s Supper?
• We are told to examine ourselves before we take the Lord’s Supper.  What should we be looking for?
• What steps can we take to ensure that God is glorified and the Body strengthened through our celebration of the Lord’s Table?

Embrace God's Design for Gender Distinctions & Roles

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What does the Trinity teach us about roles?
• How does Creation point to God's design for authority in the church and home?
• What happens when churches and homes do not follow God's design for gender roles?

Other passages to consider - Gen 1:26-27; 2:18-23; Gen 3:16; Ps 8; Rom 1:24-27; 1 Cor 15:28,49; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 1:22-23; 4:15-16; 5:23; Col 1:18; 2:19; 1 Tim 2:11-14

Digging Deeper:

• How does Creation point to men and women's interdependence?
• In what ways might a church fail to maintain gender distinctions & roles?
• How does embracing God's design for gender bring glory to his name?
• What unique gifts and strengths do women bring to a church and home? 

Sermon – Gathering to Worship God – 1 Peter 2:4-12

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What does it mean to worship God?  How are we able to approach God?
• Why does Peter say that we are being built into a spiritual building?
• What activities does the Bible say we should be doing when we gather to worship?

Other passages to consider: Ex 19:3-6; 2 Ch 6:12-21; Ps 96; Isa 43:1-7; Acts 2:42-47; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 14:24-26; Eph 5:19-20; Phil 4:18; Col 3:16; 1 Tim 2:8; 4:13; Heb 10:19-25; 12:18-29; 13:15-16; Rev 8:3.

Digging Deeper:

• How can our society’s consumer mindsight distort gathering to worship?
• Is worship optional?  Why or why not?
• How can we prepare our hearts to gather to worship?
• In what ways does gathering corporately help us to worship God?

Sermon – The Gathering of the Local Church – 1 Peter 2:4-8

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why do we gather as a local church?
• What image does Peter give for the church?  What do we learn about the church from this picture?
• How is Christ’s relationship to the church described?

Other passages to consider: Ex 19:3-6; Ps 96; 118:22-24; Isa 8:11-15; 28:14-16; 43:1-7; Matt 16:13-20; 21:42-46; Acts 4:8-12; 1 Cor 3:16-17; 14:24-25; Eph 2:13-22.

Digging Deeper:

• What does it mean to worship God?  How can we do this?
• In what ways does gathering corporately help us worship God and bring glory to him?
• Should church services be geared toward unbelievers?  If not, how could God still use the gathering to bring salvation to the lost?
• What should people learn about God from attending a gathering of AGC?

Sermon – Seeking the Good of Others to the Glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• Why does Paul quote Psalm 24:1 as support for eating meat?
• How do Paul’s instructions on when not to eat meat illustrate seeking the good of others?
• How did Jesus seek the good of others to the glory of God?

Other passages to consider – Ps 24:1-2; Isa 53:3-12; Mark 10:45; Rom 14:13-15:7; 1 Cor 6:12-13; 8:1-13; 9:19-23; 13:4-5; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 5:13-14; Phil 2:3-11; 1 Tim 4:1-5

Digging Deeper:

• In what ways can I regularly seek the good of others and not my own?
• How is God glorified by me seeking the good of others?
• How can I find the ability to daily die to self and serve others?
• Who are some Christ-like examples around me that I could pattern my life after?

Sermon - Singular Devotion - 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• How is Paul’s command to flee from idolatry different that what the Corinthians were currently doing?
• What is God jealous for?  Why is this right and good?
• What happens when we take the Lord’s Supper?

Other passages to consider – Ex 20:1-6; Deut 32:15-24; Joshua 24:12-24; Ps 86:8-13; Matt 22:34-40; 1 Cor 8-10; Eph 6:10-20; 2 Cor 4:3-6; 6:14-7:1; James 4:1-10; 1 Jn 2: 15-17

Digging Deeper:

• Am I worshipping Christ alone or have I tried to blend in other beliefs and practices?
• What in my life is hindering my devotion to Christ?  What changes do I need to make?
• How should the reality of demonic activity affect how I live?
• The Corinthians learned that eating idol food was serious and dangerous.  Am I participating in anything that is evil or unwise?

Sermon – Control Your Desires or Face Spiritual Ruin – 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• What do Christians have in common with the Israelites who were brought out of Egypt?
• What was the fate of the Israelites who came out of Egypt?  Why did that happen?
• How does Israel serve as an example to the Corinthians and to us?

Other passages to consider – Ex 13:17-14:31; 16:1-17:7; 32:1-6; Num 14:1-35; 16:41-50; 20:2-13; 21:4-9; Ps 78:1-43; 106; Heb 3:7-4:13; 1 Pet 1:10-12

Digging Deeper:

• How does God use examples in our lives?
• What was the root issue with the Israelites?  How are the Corinthians showing they are in the same danger?
• In what areas do I need to exercise more self-control?  How can I grow in self-control?
• How does v13 encourage us as we seek to be self-controlled?

Sermon – Run to Win - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• Why did Paul use the picture of a runner and boxer with the Corinthians?
• What can we learn from athletes to help us in our Christian life?
• What contributed to the failure of the Israelites that Paul discusses in the next chapter?

Other passages to consider – Gen 39:1-12; Dan 1:8-20; 1 Cor 10:1-13; Phil 3:8-21; 1 Tim 4:7-9; 6:6-12; 2 Tim 4:6-8; Heb 12:1-16

Digging Deeper:

• Are you living with a singular focus in life?  What is it?  What should it be?  How could you be more intentional in how you live?
• What areas of self-denial and self-restraint will help you the most in your Christian life?
• How can you glorify God in your body?  How could discipline would help you do that?
• How do our actions and pattern of life relate to our salvation?

Sermon – Laying Aside My Rights for the Good of Others - 1 Corinthians 9:1-23

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• What right is Paul explaining that he has?
• Why did Paul not exercise this right?
• Why does Paul discuss this here?  How does this relate to the context in the letter?

Other passages to consider – Matt 20:20-28; Luke 10:1-12; John 13:1-15; Eph 4:1-3; Phil 2:1-11; 2 Cor 4:1-15; 1 Tim 5:17-20; 1 Pet 5:5-7.

Digging Deeper:

• Why do we often feel like we must demand our rights?  What will help us be willing to let go of them?
• How did Jesus model laying aside rights for the good of others?
• What does it look like to become all things to all people (v22) for the sake of the gospel?
• What “rights” could I currently set aside to help bring the gospel to others?

Sermon – Loving my Brother More than my Rights – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• What is more important: theological knowledge or love?  Why?
• Some believers in Corinth were exercising their right to eat food that had been offered to idols.  What was the result?
• What value did Paul place on his brother in Christ?  How do we know from this text?

Other passages to consider – Deut 6:4-5; Matt 18:1-6; Acts 15:19-29; Rom 14:13-23; 1 Cor 13; Gal 5:13-15; Phil 2:1-11.

Digging Deeper:

• How can I grow in knowledge without becoming filled with pride?
• What responsibilities do I have to my brother for his spiritual growth?
• How does getting to know my brother (including his background), help me to love him better?
• What are some rights that I may be free to do as a Christian, but should be willing to give up if they cause my brother to sin?

Sermon – 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 – Singleness Commended, but not Commanded

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• What reasons does Paul give in this passage for a believer remaining single?
• How does a spouse and children help in glorifying the Lord?  How could they be a hindrance to serving Christ?
• Does marriage and family make it harder or easier to endure calamities and persecution?  Explain.

Other passages to consider – Ps 145:13; Matt 6:19-33; 22:30; 24:36-51; Jn 16:33; Philippians 3:12-4:1; 1 Jn 2:15-17

Digging Deeper:

• What are the right reasons to get married?  What should a believer look for in a spouse?
• What temporary things of this world often distract me from investing in Christ’s eternal kingdom?
• Do I have the right balance between family time and serving the Lord?  How could we serve as a family?
• Where might God be calling me to serve during this season of my life?  Am I willing?

Sermon – 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 – Serve Christ Where God Has Placed You

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• Why does Paul bring up circumcision and slavery in a chapter on marriage?  How does the point of this passage relate to what Paul has been saying about marriage and singleness?
• Think about how radical a statement v19 was for Paul, a Jew and former Pharisee, to make. (see also Gal 5:6)
• How should God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness impact my attitude about my current situation?

Other passages to consider – Acts 17:24-26; Rom 8:28-29; 1 Cor 6:19-20; 9:17-23; 12:1-20; 2 Cor 4:5-6; Gal 3:27-29; Titus 2:11-1; 1 Pet 2:9-10;

Digging Deeper:

• How can I serve Christ right now where God has placed me?
• What particular experiences or qualities has God given me that could be used to bring Him glory?
• Why does God make up the church with diverse people?
• How do I know when I should seek to change my situation?

Sermon – 1 Corinthians 7:8-16 – Trusting/Obeying/Serving God Whether Single or Married

Preparing my heart for the sermon:

• What is marriage?  Why did God design marriage to be life-long?
• How would a change in marital status affect your service to the Lord?
• Why might an unbeliever leave his/her Christian spouse?

Other passages to consider – Gen 2:18-25; Ps 37; Prov 3:5-6; Matt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; Eph 5:22-33; 1 Pet 3:1-12

Digging Deeper:

• What are the right reasons to get married?  What are the wrong ones?
• Describe the impact Christians can have on the rest of the family.
• If I am single and long to be married, what should I focus on right now?
• How can I trust God and be a blessing in my marriage?

Sermon – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Thinking Biblically about Pastors & Teachers

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is servant-leadership?  Give some biblical examples.
• What are some wrong views or expectations of pastors?
• How can we guard against being people-pleasers?

Other passages to consider – Ps 17:3; 26:2; 44:21; 139:23; Jn 5:44; 1 Cor 3:5-15; 2 Cor 1:14; 2:17-3:4; 5:1-10; Phil 2:16; 1 Th 2:19-20; James 3:1

Digging Deeper:

• How should we view pastors & teachers?
• How does this text help us define a “successful ministry”?
• Why should we fear God and not man?
• What does this passage teach about the Judgment Seat of Christ?

Sermon – God’s Church, God’s Glory – 1 Corinthians 3:5-17

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is the Church?  What makes up the Church?
• What metaphors does Paul use in this text to describe the Church?
• Why does God point out that the Holy Spirit dwells in them corporately?

Other passages to consider – 1 Chron 29; Matt 16:13-20; 1 Cor 1:10-18; Eph 4:1-16; Col 3:5-17; 1 Tim 3:14-15; 1 Pet 2:4-12

Digging Deeper:

• Why should we not put Christian leaders on “a pedestal”?
• What standard will God use in judging how His Church was built?
• What does this passage have to do with divisions in the church?
• How does this text impact your view of Gospel ministry & the church?

Sermon – Time to Grow Up – 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why do we not feed babies steak?  Why is it inappropriate for adults to live on baby formula?
• Does Christian growth happen automatically over the passage of time?  Why or why not?
• What does Christian growth look like?  What things get mistaken for growth?

Other passages to consider – Ps 51; Rom 8:1-9; Gal 5:16-26; Eph 4:11-16; Col 1:28; 2:6-7; Titus 2:11-13; 3:3-9; Heb 5:11-6:1a; Jam 1:19-22; 1 Pet 1:23-2:3

Digging Deeper:

• Am I growing in spiritual maturity?  How can I tell?
• What is the Holy Spirit’s role in our Christian growth?  What is our role?
• What in my life is hindering my Christian growth?
• How is God glorified when His people grow?

Sermon – The Wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What has Paul been teaching the wisdom of God is?
• How is God’s wisdom secret?
• Who are the spiritual in this passage?

Other passages to consider – Dan 2:19-23; John 3:1-8; 15:18-27; Rom 8:1-9; 11:33-36; 16:25-27; 1 Cor 1:18-25; 2 Cor 4:3-6; Eph 1:8-10; Phil 3:17-21; 1 John 2:15-17

Digging Deeper:

• How does the gospel display the wisdom of God?
• In what ways are we blessed to live on this side of the cross? (in the New Covenant)
• Why must we have the Spirit of God if we are to understand the gospel?
• How does this passage impact your proclamation of the gospel?

Sermon – Amazed and Humbled by God’s Grace - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What qualities does the world value?  How might these run counter to the Gospel and what God deems important?
• What does unconditional election mean?  How does this truth humble us and highlight God’s grace?
• In what other things/people am I tempted to boast rather than the Lord?

Other passages to consider: Deut 7:6-11; 10:12-22; 1 Sam 2:1-11; Jer 9:23-24; Matt 11:25-30; Eph 1:3-10; 4:1-7; James 3:13-4:10; 1 Pet 2:9-12 

Digging Deeper:

• Why does God often save and work through the “nobodies” of this world?
• How did you come to be saved?  Who should get all the credit for that?
• What does v30 teach you about your salvation?
• How can we boast in the Lord this coming week?

Sermon – Christ: The Power & Wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why is pride incongruent with the Gospel?
• How does the method of preaching bring glory to God?
• What two camps does this passage divide all of humanity into?

Other passages to consider: Isa 29:13-21; 2 Cor 4:1-7; James 3:13-17; 1 John 2:15-17.

Digging Deeper:

• How did the Corinthians exaltation of human leaders contradict the Gospel?
• Why is the Gospel foolish to unbelievers?
• How has God through the Gospel made foolish the wisdom of the world?
• What values of the world might I be adopting that are contrary to the Gospel?

Sermon – United Around Christ – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17a

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Where does the believers’ unity come from?
• What are common sources of division within the church?
• What should unity look like in the church?

Other passages to consider: Ps 133; Matt 5:21-24; 7:1-5; 18:15; John 17; Rom 13:8-15:7; 1 Cor 12:12-13:13; Eph 4:1-6; Philippians 2:1-11.

Digging Deeper:

• Why is unity important in the church? What is this unity centered on?
• What within Christendom can divert our focus away from Christ?
• How does the Gospel help us maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?
• Are there any people within the Body of Christ that I need to be reconciled to?

Sermon – Remember God’s Blessings to Us in Christ – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Compare 1:1-9 with the introductions to Paul’s other letters. What is similar and different about this one to the Corinthians?
• Three times in this passage, Paul speaks about “called by God”. What is significant about this verb?
• What do you learn about the church from this text?

Other passages to consider: John 10:1-10; Acts 9:1-19; 18:1-17; Rom 8:29-30; Eph 1:1-14; 3:10, 21; 5:25-27; Phil 1:6

Digging Deeper:

• How does remembering God’s blessings help us not sin?
• To whom does the church belong? Why does the church exist?
• What does this passage teach us about what the Christian life entails?
• How do God’s blessings come to us? Explain.

Sermon – All that We Need – 2 Peter 1:1-4

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is my greatest need? How can that need be met?
• Why is the Word of God so important in the Christian life?
• What is God doing in the lives of His people? How?

Other passages to consider – Ps 103; John 3:1-8; 14:15-26; Rom 6:1-14; 2 Cor 5:14-21; Eph 1:15-23; 2:1-10; Heb 8:6-13

Digging Deeper:

• How does Christ make us right with God?
• What does the Holy Spirit do in the life of a Christian?
• How do the promises of the Gospel help us grow in godliness?
• What does Christian growth look like? How does this bring glory to God?

Sermon - A Prophet Like Moses – Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How does Jesus reveal God to us?
• What are the different ways God makes Himself known? Is there a progression?
• What was the role of a prophet in the OT? How did one become a prophet?

Other passages to consider: Deut 34:10-12; Matt 17:1-8; John 1:1-14; 3:31-36; 6:14; 7:16; 8:28; 14:8-11, 23-24; 17:6-8; Acts 11-26; 7:37; Heb 1:1-4; 3:1, 3-6.

Digging Deeper:

• Why are the words of God essential to our relationship with God?
• What do we learn about Jesus from the Transfiguration?
• How is the New Covenant superior to the Old?
• Do I listen to Jesus? How can I grow in this area?

Sermon – Promised Seed of Abraham – Galatians 3:6-19

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What promises did God make to Abraham?
• How do these promises point forward to Christ?
• Who are the true children of Abraham?

Other passages to consider: Gen 12:1-7; 15:1-21; 17:1-8; Matt 1:1; Luke 1:55,73; John 8:39-59; Rom 4; 2 Cor 1:20; Gal 3:6-29.   

Digging Deeper:

• Why does Matthew begin his Gospel by calling Jesus the son of Abraham?
• How were God’s promises to Abraham initially fulfilled?  How are they ultimately fulfilled?
• How does a person inherit these promises?
• What does the Scripture say about the certainty of these promises?  How does the incarnation of Christ also give us confidence in God’s promises?
• What effect should sharing in this inheritance have in our present lives?

Sermon – Promised Defeat of Satan – Genesis 3:15

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Notice the context in which the promise of Genesis 3:15 is given. Why is this significant?
• How do we see the prophesied enmity between the offspring of the woman and the serpent manifested in Scripture?
• Who brings the ultimate defeat of the serpent? What does Gen 3:15 tell us about this victory?

Other passages to consider: Gen 3-4; Matt 4:1-11; John 15:18-27; Rom 5:18-21; 16:20; Col 2:13-15; Heb 2:14-18; 1 Jn 3:1-18; Rev 12:1-16; 20:1-10

Digging Deeper:

• Why does the world hate believers? How does Gen 3:15 remind us that God is sovereign over this evil?
• How did Christ defeat Satan? How did Genesis 3:15’s description of that victory prove true?
• How can we live in light of Christ’s victory now in this present evil world?
• When will our final deliverance from evil take place?

Sermon – Marriage and Family to the Glory of God – Genesis 2:18-25

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Who created marriage?  For what purpose?
• Where did sexual desire come from?  Why do we have it?
• How is our society’s view of children different from the Bible’s?

Other passages to consider: Ps 78:1-8; 127:3-5; Song of Songs (entire book); 1 Cor 7:1-5; Eph 5:22-33

Digging Deeper:

• How did the view of marriage and family change during the Protestant Reformation?
• Husbands, ask your wife – “Do you feel more like a wife or a mother?”  Find out how you can build into her as your wife.
• What steps could you take to pursue companionship and romance with your spouse?
• What is our vision for how we would like to see our kids following Christ by the time they leave our home?
• Recognizing it is God who changes hearts, what should we be doing now as a family in order for that to happen? 

Sermon – Serving Christ where God has called me – 1 Cor. 7:17; Col. 3:23-24

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Where did “work” come from? What does this say about the nature/value of work?
• Why is it important for a Christian to do good works?
• What does it look like to do all things to the glory of God?

Other passages to consider: Gen 2:15; Ps 90:12-17; 1 Cor 7:17-24; 10:31; Eph 4:1; 1 Peter 2:4-12; Rom 12:1; Jam 1:17.

Digging Deeper:

• How should I view my “job/work”?
• What are good reasons for wanting to change jobs? What are bad reasons?
• Why is being a garbage man just as much a service to Christ as being a pastor?
• How does God often provide for us?

Sermon – Reforming to the glory of God in our Worship – 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Eph 5:18-20

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What does the word “worship” mean?
• Why is corporate worship important?
• What should our corporate worship look like? How do we know?

Other passages to consider: Ps 95; John 3:1-8; 4:24; Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 11:23-29; Eph 5:18; Col 3:16-17; 1 Tim 4:13.

Digging Deeper:

• Why do we need to be “always reforming”?
• How can I prepare (and help my family prepare) for corporate worship?
• Why should worship remain simple? What kinds of things could make it too complex?
• What role does the Holy Spirit play in our worship?

Sermon – Glory to God Alone – Romans 11:33-36

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How do the first four solas we studied relate to “Glory to God Alone”?
• In what ways might the church rob God of His glory?
• What is God’s ultimate purpose in saving sinners?

Other passages to consider: Ps 19; Isa 43:1-7; 46:5-13; 48:11; Jonah 2:9; 1 Cor 10:31; Eph 1:3-14; Col 1:15-20

Digging Deeper:

•  How is God-glorified through all His creation?
• What is the difference between a man-centered Gospel and a God-centered one?
• What does it look like to do all things to the glory of God?
• What other reforms to corporate and individual life flow out of the five solas?

Sermon – Faith Alone – Romans 3:21-28

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is biblical faith?
• How can God declare us righteous when we are sinners?
• What do you need to know in order to be saved?

Other passages to consider: Gen. 15:1-6; Gal 2:15-21; James 2:14-26; Rom 4:1-5:2; 8:28-30

Digging Deeper:

• How are works related to our salvation?
• How should we respond to someone who claims that all that matters is that you have some kind of faith?
• What is the difference between justification, sanctification, and glorification?
• How does the doctrine of faith alone magnify Christ?

Sermon – Christ Alone – Romans 4:24-5:11

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• How is Jesus Christ uniquely qualified to reconcile sinners to God?
• Why did Jesus live for 30+ years before dying on the cross?
• What is significant about Jesus saying “It is finished” on the cross?

Other passages to consider: Isa. 53:4-5; Acts 4:12; Rom. 5:18-21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; Phil 3:9; Heb 10:10-14; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Tim 2:5

Digging Deeper:

• How does the resurrection of Christ give the believer confidence?
• In addition to having my sins forgiven, why do I also need perfect righteousness credited to me? Where does this righteousness come from?
• What does it mean that Christ is our mediator?
• What else do people look to besides Christ to be accepted by God?

Sermon – Grace Alone – Ephesians 1:3-2:10

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is the grace of God? What does it do?
• How does the Bible describe man’s condition by nature?
• Is God obligated to show grace? Why or why not?

Other passages to consider: Isa 6:1-7; 1 Pet 1:1-12; Titus 2:11-3:7; Rom 3:21-25; 5:1-21

Digging Deeper:

• What would be true of you were it not for the grace of God?
• What distortions or substitutes of grace should I guard against?
• How has the grace of God been manifested in your life?
• Why should grace humble us and also encourage us?

Sermon – We are in this together! – Colossians 4:7-18

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• Why does Paul close his letter by mentioning so many people by name?
• What do the metaphors for the Church teach us about what our church life should look like?
• Why do we refer to the outreach and missions of AGC as “Ministry Partners”?

Other passages to consider: Jn. 17; Col. 1:24-2:3; 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph. 4:1-16; 1 Th. 2:1-8

Digging Deeper:

• How does the Gospel empower us to love and serve one another? – Phil 1:27-2:11
• How is God glorified as we do the “one-another’s” of Scripture?
• Why are we often hesitant to share our lives with each other?
• How is God calling me to serve the Body? Who could I invite to serve with me?

Sermon – Reaching the Lost – Colossians 4:5-6

Preparing your heart for the sermon:

• What is biblical wisdom? How do I grow in wisdom?
• What interactions have I had with unbelievers this week? Did I make the most of those    opportunities?
• What makes the Gospel attractive to unbelievers? What turns people off to the Gospel?
• What role does prayer have in our evangelism?

Other passages to consider – Luke 6:43-45; Proverbs 4:23; Ephesians 5:1-21; Colossians  1:9-12; Philippians 2:12-16; 1 Peter 3:8-18

Digging deeper after the sermon:

• What does it look like for me to live wisely before unbelievers?
• How does my personal walk with Christ impact my evangelism?
• How do “canned” gospel presentations help us in evangelism? How can they hinder us?
• What steps can I take to guard & purify my heart?
• How can I be intentional about interacting with unbelievers?