Pastor's Blog

A Failure of Faith-

Matthew17:14-20

Notes:

1.) Failure_______________________________________________ – vv14-16

2.) Failure_______________________________________________ – vv17-18

3.) Failure_______________________________________________ – vv19-20

Digging Deeper:

-Why did the disciples fail to cast out the demon?

-What does strong faith look like?

-How can we cultivate our relationship with God?

-Other passages to consider: 

Deut 32:5,20; Matt 6:30; 8:26; 10:1,8; 14:31; 16:8; Mark 9:29; Jn 15:4-5; 2 Cor 5:7.

Recognize the Truth – Matthew 16:1-12

Notes:

1)      Failure to recognize that _____________________________ - vv1-4.

Cause –

2)      Failure to recognize the _____________________________ - vv5-12.

Cause –

Digging Deeper:

-Was it lack of signs that caused the Pharisees and Sadducees to reject Jesus?  If not, what was it?

-How can we cultivate a responsive heart to Christ?

-As Christians, what do we need to beware of today?

Other passages to consider:

Ps 1-2; Matt 12:38-42; 13:18-23; Jn 6:25-40; Acts 2:32-39; 17:29-31; Eph 6:10-20; 2 Tim 3:15-4:4; 2 Pet 2:1-2; 1 Jn 2:15-17.

Savior for All Nations – Matthew 15:21-39

Notes:

1)                                                     -vv21-28

2)                                                     -vv29-31

3)                                                     -vv32-39

Take Aways:

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Digging Deeper:

-In v28, Jesus commended the Canaanite woman’s faith.  How did she demonstrate great faith?

-What do vv21-39 teach us about the mission of Jesus?

-How does being a Gentile Christian make us even more thankful for God’s grace and mercy?

Other passages to consider: 

Gen 17:1-8; Isa 35:5-6; 42:1-7; 49:6; 66:18-20; Acts 10; 13:46; Rom 1:16; Eph 2:11-22; Rev 7:9-12.

God’s Truth Rejected by the World – Matthew 13:53-14:12

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• Why did the people at Nazareth reject Jesus as the Messiah?
• Should we expect people to reject God’s Word?  Why or why not?
• Why do people respond to God’s truth with anger?
• What did Christ’s rejection accomplish?

Other passages to consider:

Ps 2; Isa 53; John 1:9-14; 3:16-21; Acts 7:52; 2 Tim 3:1-8; 4:3-4; 1 Pet 2:4-10.

The Gift of God’s Word-2 Timothy 3:15-4:4

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

-How is the Bible a gift from God?

-How should the Bible be used in the local church and in the individual lives of Christians?

-What role does the Word of God have in my daily life?  What is one new habit I can pursue regarding the Bible?

Other passages to consider:

Ps 19:7-14; 119; 138:1-2; Matt 4:1-11; Col 3:16; 1 Pet 1:23-2:3; 2 Pet 1:3-4, 21.

Responses to the Word – Matthew 13:1-23

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

Why did Jesus speak in parables?

What do the different types of soils represent in this parable?

Why do some people profess faith, come to church, but then later fall away and quit following Christ?

How is anyone able to respond to the Word in persevering faith?

Other passages to consider:

 Isa 6:1-10; Matt 10:22; Jn 3:1-8; 6:25-71; 2 Cor 2:14-17; Eph 2:1-10; 1 Pet 1:3-12; 1 Jn 2:19.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ- 2 Peter 3:18

Sermon Notes:

• What does it mean?

1. Grow in your _____________ and _____________ of God’s favor toward you in Christ.
   
   
    
2. Grow in your _____________ of and _____________ with Christ.
   
    

• How do we do it?

Digging Deeper:

• In order to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, what must first be true in your life?
• What is grace?  What does it mean to grow in grace?
• How is knowing Christ experienced in your daily life?  What habits could you form to know Christ more intimately?

Other Passages to Consider:

1 Cor 3:1-3; Eph 2:4; Phil 3:7-16; Heb 5:12-14; 1 Pet 1:22-2:3; 2 Pet 1:2-11. 

Church Growth – Ephesians 4:11-16

Sermon Notes:

1. Source – Our life & growth ____________________________________ - vv11,16.
   
   
   
   
   
    
2. Goal – To grow up into ________________________________________ - vv13-14.
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
3. Process

• Pastors/teachers _____________________________________________ - vv11-12
   
• Members _____________________________________________________ - vv15-16.

Digging Deeper:

• What does growth in the church look like?  What is it contrasted with?
• How does God use members to help the Body grow?
• How can you encourage others with the truth?  Who can you invite into your life to encourage you?

Other Passages to Consider:

Matt 16:13-18; Jn 15:1-17; 1 Cor 12:12-13:7; Eph 3:14-4:7; Col 2:6-10; 1 Th 5:8-11; Heb 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Pet 4:10

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.