Pastor's Blog

Faith in the Promises of God – Joshua 14:6-15

Notes:

1)      Caleb’s devotion – vv6-8

2)      God’s promise – v9

3)      God’s faithfulness – vv10-11

4)      Caleb’s confidence – vv12-14

Digging Deeper:

• How was Caleb’s faith demonstrated:  …when he was young and sent by Moses as a spy?  …during the 45 years since?  …here in v12?  
• Has your devotion to Christ ever caused you to be shunned?  What sustained you during the time?
• How is faith in the promises of God demonstrated in the Christian’s life?
• Where is God calling you to have a courageous faith?

Other passages to consider:

Num 13:30; 14:6-10; Deut 1:36; Josh 15:13-14; 2 Cor 1:20; 7:1; Eph 3:6; 2 Tim 4:16-17; Heb 10:23; 10:36; 2 Pet 1:3-11. 

Faith in God’s Powerful Promise- Joshua 6 

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• Why does God often use weak or untraditional ways to accomplish His purposes?
   
• What examples of faith do we see in this chapter?  How is that faith demonstrated to be real?  What is the result of these displays of faith?
   
• In what way(s) is God calling you to obey Him in faith?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 15:16; Lev 18:24-25; 27:28; Deut 7:1-5; 20:16-18; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-18; Heb 11:30-31; Jam 2:14-17.

 The Reach of God’s Sovereign Grace – Joshua 2

Notes:

Rahab’s Deception – vv1-7

Rahab’s Faith – vv8-24

                _______________ of her faith – vv8-14

                _____________ of her faith – vv15-21

                _____________ of her faith – vv22-24

Digging Deeper:

-What are the components of true, biblical faith?  How does Rahab demonstrate true faith?

-How is Rahab’s conversion a partial fulfillment of the promise made in God’s covenant with Abraham?  What else is special about Rahab? (think Jesus!)

-How does the account of Rahab encourage you as you follow Christ?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 12:1-3; Ex 14; 15:13-16; Num 13:25-32; 21:21-35; Deut 4:35,39; 7:9; 10:17; Matt 1:5; 1 Cor 5:7; Col 1:5-6; Heb 11:31; Jam 2:25-26.

Look to Christ- Matthew 22:34-36

Notes:

1)      The _____________________ – vv34-40

2)      The _____________ Savior/King – vv41-46

DIgging Deeper:

• What does God command us to do?  Are you able to meet that standard?  What then should you do?
• How can believers grow in their love for God and others?
• Why did Jesus ask the Pharisees these questions in vv42-45?  What did He want them to recognize?
• What is your view of Jesus?  How can you cultivate a more exalted view of Him?

Other passages to consider:

Lev 19:18,34; Deut 6:4-9; 2 Sam 7:12-14; Ps 110:1; Matt 5:16-20; Jn 1:14; 13:34-35; Rom 3:23-25; 5:5; Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:15; Heb 1:1-3.

Jesus is the Only Way to God – Matthew 21:23-46

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

-How is John the Baptist’s authority and message connected to Jesus’s?

-Who were the people of God before Christ came?  After Christ’s death & resurrection, how does one become part of the people of God?

-How did Christ’s rejection become His ultimate victory?

Other passages to consider:

Ps 118:22-24; Isa 5:1-7; Mt 3:1-4; 11:7-19; Acts 4:11; Eph 2:19-22; Heb 1:1-2; 1 Pet 2:4-5. 

 God’s Sovereign Grace – Matthew 20:1-16

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

-What does the parable teach about the master of the house (God)?

-What is the definition of sovereign grace?  Why should God’s grace humble us?

-Why do many Christians react negatively to the doctrines of election and regeneration?

Other passages to consider:

Deut 24:14-15; Luke 15:20-32; Rom 9:10-18; 2 Cor 8:9; Eph 1:3-6; 1 Tim 1:14-17; Jam 4:6.

 Who Will Be Saved?

 Matthew 19:13-30

Notes

1)      To be saved you must…

              a.       Come to Christ in                                                                – vv13-15.

              b.       Follow Christ in                                                                    – vv16-24.

2)      Salvation is completely                                                                     – vv25-26.

3)      Following Christ will                                                                          – vv27-30.

Digging Deeper:

-What kind of heart attitude is necessary for one to be saved? 

-What was Jesus exposing to the rich young man?  What does this teach us about what it means to follow Christ?

-Who or what has first place in your life?

-How does this text encourage Christians that it is worth the cost of following Jesus?

Other passages to consider:

Ex 20:1-17; Mt 5:3; 6:24; 16:24-26; 18:1-3; Jn 3:3-8; Eph 2:1-9; Phil 3:4-9.

Marriage and Divorce – Matthew 19:1-12

Notes

Digging Deeper:

-What is God’s design for marriage?  How is divorce contrary to this design?

-What is incorrect about the Pharisees’ second question (see v7)?

-How can marriage glorify God?  How is singleness an opportunity to bring glory to God?

Other passages to consider:

Gen 1:27; 2:18-25; Deut 24:1-4; Mal 2:16; Matt 5:31-32; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 7:6-16; Eph 5:22-33. 

Responsible for One Another-Matthew 18: 15-20

Notes:

1)                                                                                                            - v15a

2)                                                                                                         - vv15b-17

3)                                                                                                          - vv18-20

Digging Deeper:

• Why is it important that unrepentant sin is dealt with in the church?
• What do you notice about the process laid out in vv15-17?  Who is responsible for carrying out this process?
• How does this passage point to the importance of church membership?
• How am I to be responsible for, and accountable to, my fellow church members?

Other passages to consider:

Lev 19:17; Deut 19:15; Matt 12:49-50; 16:19; 28:20; John 8:17; 16:19; 1 Cor 5; 1 Tim 5:19.

God’s Loving Care for His People

-Matthew 18:10-14

Notes:

1)      He _____________ to minister to them – v10.

2)      He _______________ when they stray – vv12-13.

3)      He____________________________ - v14.

Digging Deeper:

-What examples of God’s loving care for His people do we see in this passage?

-In light of God’s loving care, what is the command Jesus gives His followers?  What is the connection between God’s care and Christ’s command?

-How does this passage encourage you regarding your own relationship with God?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 23; Isa 53:6; Jer 13:17; Ezek 34:11-24; Zech 10:3; 13:7; Jn 10:7-8; 1 Pet 5:2-4

Pursuing Humility and Holiness

Matthew 18:1-9

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

-Why does Jesus say we must become like a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?  Why is humility essential in becoming a Christian?

-In what ways might we cause another believer to stumble into sin?  How can we guard against doing that?

-What things consistently cause me to sin?  What radical action is God calling me to do in order to pursue holiness?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 66:2; Matt 5:3-6; 27-30; 25:40; Luke 18:9-17; Heb 4:12-16; Jam 4.

 Humility for the Sake of the Gospel -Matthew 17:22-27 

Examples of Jesus’s Humility:

1)                                                    to be betrayed and killed by men – vv22-23.

2)                                                    in order to not give offense – vv24-27.

Digging Deeper:

-What is humility?  What does it look like when someone is not humble?

-How does Jesus demonstrate humility in this text?  Why does He?

-In what ways is God calling you to demonstrate humility?  How can Christ help?

Other Passages to Consider:

 Dan 7:13-14; Isa 66:1-2; 1 Cor 9:12,19; Phil 2:1-11; Col 3:12; 1 Pet 5:5.

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.

Focus on Christ                                                        

Matthew 17:1-13

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• What does the transfiguration teach about Jesus?
• How would this experience have helped Peter, James, and John?
• What do you focus on?  How can we behold the glory of Christ?

Other passages to consider:

Ex 24:9-18; 40:35; 1 King 8:10-11; Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1;Jn 1:14; 2 Cor 3:18; 2 Pet 1:16-19. 

Consider the Cost

Matthew 16:21-28

1) The Cost of Salvation – vv21-23.

2) The Cost of Following Christ – vv24-28.

Digging Deeper:

-As you consider what Jesus did for you, what is your response?

-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?

Other Passages to Consider:

 Ps 2; Isa 53; Matt 4:1-11; 10:16-39; 26:30-28:7; Phil 2:5-11; 3:7-9.

Who is Jesus?  Matthew 16:13-20

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• Who do people nowadays say Jesus is? 
• Who do you say Jesus is?  Why?  How did you come to believe that?
• How is a healthy church built?

Other passages to consider:

Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; John 1:1-4,14-18; Acts 2:29-41; Eph 2:1-5,19-22; Col 1:15-20; 2:9; 1 Pet 2:4-8.

Savior for All Nations – Matthew 15:21-39

Notes:

1)                                                     -vv21-28

2)                                                     -vv29-31

3)                                                     -vv32-39

Take Aways:

*

*

*

*

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.

Confidence in Christ-Matthew 13:13-33

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• What does the feeding of the 5000 teach about Jesus?
• How has the disciples’ understanding of Jesus’s identity progressed from Matthew 8:27?
• Why do we fail to trust God?  How can we grow in this area?

Other passages to consider:

Ex 3:14; 16:4; 2 Kings 4:42-44; Job 9:8; Ps 18:16; 31:14-17; 69:1-3; 77:19; 144:7; Isa 43:10,16; 51:12; Matt 8:27; Jn 6:35,49-58; Rom 8:31-32; Col 1:15-20; James 1:2-8.

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.

God’s Grace to Us in Christ

Notes:

1)  Grace that __________________ – Romans 3:23-25

2)  Grace that ___________________ – Titus 2:11-14

3)  Grace that ______________________________ – 2 Cor 1:3-5

Digging Deeper:

*Does God love you more when you are doing well in the Christian life?  What is the basis for how God treats us?

*Why is training usually not easy or comfortable?  What all does God us to train us?

*What does it mean to preach the Gospel to Yourself?  Why is it important for Christians to do that often?

Other passages to consider:

Rom 3:21-26; 5:18-6:2; 8:1; Eph 1:3-14; Heb 9:14; 10:19-23; 12:6; 2 Tim 2:1.

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.

Tell others the good news of Jesus Christ –

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

• What is the gospel?
• Why should we evangelize?
• What should our evangelism look like?

Other Passages to consider :

Matt 12:34; 28:18-20; Jn 13:34-35; Acts 8:1-4; 11:19-21; Rom 10:1-17; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 2 Cor 2:14-17; 5:10-21; Col 4:3-6; 1 Pet 3:15.

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

Captivated by Christ

Digging Deeper

• How did Matthew see Jesus fulfilling the Isaiah prophecy about the Servant of the Lord?
• What does God do with faith that is weak?  How have you seen this in your life?
• Who or what captivates your heart?  How can you grow in being enthralled by Jesus?

Other Passages to Consider:

 Isa 42:1-9; 53; Mt 3:13-17; 9:35-36; 11:28-30; 17:1-5; Lk 7:36-50; Rev 7:9-13. 

Worth Waiting For – Luke 2:22-38

Digging Deeper:

• What similarities do you see between Simeon and Anna?
• What did Simeon declare about Jesus?
• What does it look like for a believer to be waiting for the second coming of Christ?
• What about Jesus is worth waiting for?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 130; Rom 8:18-30; 1 Thess 1:9-10; Titus 2:11-14; Heb 9:27-28; 1 Pet 1:8-9; 2 Pet 3:11-14; Jude 20-21.

Precious Gift of Peace – Luke 2:8-14

Sermon Notes:

1)  What you have been given –

2)  Why it could be given –

3)  Why it was given to you –

Digging Deeper:

• By nature, why do we need peace with God?
• How does Jesus Christ make peace between sinners and God?  How should this peace affect our lives?
• Why do you have faith in Christ while others don’t?  What is your response to such grace?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 9:6; John 6:35-40,44,65; Acts 16:14; Rom 1:18; 5:1-10; Phil 1:29; Eph 2:4-9; Col 1:19-23. 

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.  

From Fear to Faith — Psalm 56

Sermon Notes:

1)   Trials – vv1-2, 5-7

2)   Truth – vv8-9

3)   Trust – vv3-4, 10-13

Discussion Questions:

• Will Christians ever become afraid?  What should we do when we are afraid?
• How does the Bible help us to trust God?
• What truths should I preach to myself when I am afraid?
• What fruit is evident in the life of a person who is trusting God?

Other Passages to Consider:

1 Samuel 21; Ps 34; 138:2; Prov 3:5-6; Isa 49:14-16; John 16:33; Rom 8:31-39; Heb 13:5-6; Matt 6:25-34; 10:28-31

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 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 Promised Son of Abraham – Matthew 1:1-17

Digging Deeper:

• Why did Matthew highlight that Jesus is the son of Abraham?
• What promises did God make to Abraham?
• How are these promises ultimately fulfilled in Christ?
• What is significant about the four women referenced in vv3-6?
• How is God glorified by saving people from all nations?
• Think about God’s grace in saving you and respond in praise.

Other Passages to Consider: 

Gen 12:1-3; 15:1-6; 17:1-8; 22:18; Ps 86:8-10; Matt 4:15 (from Isa 9:1); 12:15-21 (from Isa 42:1-4); 15:22; 28:18-20; Rom 4:13-25; 2 Cor 1:19-20; Gal 3:7-18

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?

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?