Pastor's Blog

Thanking and Praising the Lord - Psalm 111

Notes:

Digging Deeper:

-How do God’s works reveal His character?

-Why is it important that we remember God’s works?  How can we do that?

-What great works has the Lord done for you?  How should you respond (according to this psalm)?

Other Passages to Consider:

 Ex 34:1-10; Prov 1:7; Rom 1:18-25; 3:21-26; Eph 1:3-14; Col 1:11-14.

 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.

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.

When Our Religion Goes Wrong – Matthew 12:1-14

Sermon Notes:

• When we elevate                                               to the level of                                              .
• When we rely on                                                rather than                                                  .                                                                                 
• When we fail to                                                                                                                        .

Digging Deeper: 

•  What was God’s purpose for the Sabbath?  How did all the Pharisees’ rules keep people from experiencing this?
• How is Jesus greater than David and the temple? 
• Are you resting in Christ alone?  What tends to take your focus or dependence off of Christ?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ex 23:12; Dt 5:14; 23:25; 1 Sam 21:1-6; Ps 110:1; Mt 5:13-17; Jn 1:14; 5:39-40; 13:35; Acts 2:22-36; Col 1:15-20; Heb 3:7-4:13; 1 Jn 4:7-21.

Responding to Christ – Matthew 11:20-30

Sermon Notes:

1)      _____________________ – vv20-24

2)      _____________________ – vv25-27

3)      _____________________ – vv28-30

Digging Deeper:

• How are you responding to the truth about Jesus?
• What does this passage teach about coming judgment?
• Why are you a Christian?  How did that come about?
• What burdens does Jesus take away from us?  How?
• What does it mean to be yoked with Christ?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 1:18; 55:1-7; Rom 1:18-25; 1 Cor 1:26-31; 2 Cor 4:3-6; Eph 1:3-7; 2:4-10; Col 1:19-23; Rev 20:11-15.

Unrivaled Devotion - Matthew 10:34-42

Sermon Notes:

1)  Jesus _______________ supreme loyalty.

2)  Jesus _______________ supreme loyalty.

Digging Deeper:

• Why does following Jesus potentially bring division in family relationships?
• What would taking up a cross mean for Jesus’s original hearers?  What is Jesus calling us to do?
• Does Jesus have your ultimate devotion?

Other Passages to Consider:

Micah 7:6; Matt 25:31-40; Mk 10:28-31; Lk 8:19-21; 2 Cor 5:14-15.

Not Ashamed - Matthew 10:26-33

Sermon Notes:

Courage to testify to Christ – vv26-31

1)        

2)       

3)       

Necessity to testify to Christ – vv32-33

Expect Persecution – Matthew 10:16-25

Digging Deeper:

• How did this world treat Jesus?  Why?
• Why should Christians expect persecution?  What is it about the Gospel that this world finds so offensive?
• How does God work through persecution for our good?

Other Passages to Consider:

Mt 5:10-12, 43-45; 13:20-21; Jn 15:18-16:4; 16:33; Acts 4:13-31; 5:40-42; 9:4-5; Rom 8:35; 12:14; 2 Tim 3:12-13; 1 Pet 2:19-25; 4:7-19. 

The Kingdom Advances – Matthew 9:35-10:15

Sermon Notes:

1)  The ___________ of the King – v35

2)  The ___________ of the King – vv36-38

3)  The ___________ of the King – vv1-15

Digging Deeper:

• What qualities of Christ do we see displayed in this passage?
• Were the twelve disciples highly qualified to advance the Kingdom?  What does that say about how God works?
• How were the apostles able to advance the Kingdom?
• Do you believe the fields around you are white for harvest?  What is God calling you to do?

Other Passages to Consider:

Num 27:12-23; Ps 23; Ezek 34:1-16; Mic 5:4; Matt 28:18-20; 1 Cor 1:26-31; 2 Cor 5:16-21.

Jesus Saves – Matthew 9:18-34

Digging Deeper:

• Why was the Messiah predicted to heal the blind, deaf, mute, etc?  How does these miracles point to the salvation He would bring?
• What can we learn about faith that leads to salvation from the ruler, the woman, and the blind men in this passage?
• In what ways does Jesus save us now?  How will He deliver us in the future?

Other Passages to Consider:

2 Sam 7:12-16; Isa 29:18; 35:5-6; Matt 11:5; Rom 8:23-25; Col 1:3-23.

The Shocking, yet Beautiful, Mission of Jesus – Matthew 9:9-13

Digging Deeper:

• What was shocking about the way Jesus was conducting His ministry?
• How was Jesus introducing a brand-new reality?  What changes was His life, death, and resurrection bringing?
• In what ways is the Gospel shocking to people now?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 62:5; Hos 2:19-20; Heb 7-10.

Christ’s Transforming Power – Matthew 8:1-17

Sermon Notes:

Two themes we see:

1)       

2)       

Understanding Christ’s ministry:

The ____________ healing that marked the inbreaking of the Kingdom.

Points toward ↓

The ____________ healing (redemption) accomplished at the cross.

Is a down-payment of ↓

The ____________ healing of resurrection and dwelling with God in the New Creation.

Digging Deeper:

• What evidence do we see in this text that the Kingdom of God has arrived?  How does this point to Jesus being the promised Messiah?
• What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?  May you praise Him and rejoice in Him!
• How has Jesus already begun to reverse the curse of sin?  When and how will He ultimately/completely reverse it?

Other Passages to Consider:

Isa 25:6-9; 53:1-6; 61:1-3; 65:17-25; Mk 1:21-45; Lk 7:1-5; Eph 2:1-9; Rev 19:1-10; 21:1-8.

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.

Fear Not 

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think the Bible so often exhorts us to not be afraid?
• What should we do when we are afraid?
• What from the sermon was most helpful to you?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 23; 56:3; Isa 43:1-7; Matt 6:25-34; 1 Pet 3:15

Love Your Enemies – Matthew 5:43-48

Sermon Notes:

1)  World’s Standard – Only love those _____________.  _____________your enemies.

2)  Christ’s Command – Love_____________, including_____________.

3)  God’s Character – Loving your enemies demonstrates you are_____________.

Discussion Questions:

• How did God show love to you when you were His enemy?
• What does it look like to love our enemies?  What examples does Jesus give in this text?
• How does Jesus enable us to keep this command?
• What “enemies” could you begin praying for?

Other Passages to Consider:

Lev 19:1-18; Mt 5:10-12; Lk 10:25-37; 23:34; Acts 7:60; Rom 5:1-11; 12:14-21; Eph 4:29-5:2; 1 Jn 4:7-12

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.

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.

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 

Staying Faithful to our God - Psalm 115

Sermon Notes:

1)  Our Focus - _________________ - vv1-2

2)  Our Confidence - _________________ - vv3-8

3)  Our Charge - _________________ - vv9-11

4)  Our Assurance - _________________ - vv12-16

5)  Our Commitment - _________________ - vv17-18

Digging Deeper:

• What attributes of God do you see in this psalm?  Praise Him for that!
• How has God blessed us and remained faithful to us?  How does He promise to bless us in the future?
• What does it look like to stay faithful to God?  What are signs/indicators that a person’s faithfulness is waning?
• How does this psalm help you trust in the LORD?
• In what areas are you especially needing to trust God now?  Take some time to express your trust in God and to ask for grace to trust Him more.

Other Passages to Consider:

Psalm 33:12-22; Isaiah 43:1-7; 44:9-20; 46:9-10; Hab 3:17-19; Eph 1:3-11; 1 John 4:8-10 

Testimony of God’s Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Sermon Notes:

1)

2) 

3)

4)

Digging Deeper:

• Why does Paul want the Corinthians to know that God delivered him from a severe affliction?
• Why is it important that Christians learn to rely on God and not themselves?
• What gave Paul confidence of God’s ongoing deliverance?
• How can we pray for those going through trials?

Other Passages to Consider:

Ps 121:1-2; 2 Cor 4:7-12; 11:24-28; 12:7-10; Eph 6:18-20; 2 Tim 4:16-18; Jam 5:16; 2 Pet 2:9 

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

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

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 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

God Has Come to Rule and Save – Matthew 3:1-12

Digging Deeper:

• What did John’s location, clothing, and diet point to?
• How did John prepare people for Jesus’s ministry?
• What is repentance?  Why does John emphasize bearing fruit with repentance?
• Why was John baptizing people?  What was new about his baptism?
• What is the kingdom of heaven (God)?  How is it present already?
• What role should repentance have in the life of a Christian?

Other Passages to Consider:

1 Kings 17:3-7; 2 Kings 1:7-8; Isa 4:4; 10:33-34; 30:27-28; 32:25; 40:1-11; Ezek 36:26-27; Joel 3:1-2; Zech 13:4,9; Hos 2:14-15; Mal 3:2-4; 4:5-6; Matt 11:14; 17:17:11-13; John 8:39-44; Rom 4:11-18; 9:6-8

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

The Nations Shall Worship King Jesus! – Matthew 2:1-12

Digging Deeper:

• What is significant about magi from the east worshipping Jesus?
• Contrast the worship of the magi with the response of Herod and Jerusalem.  How does this foreshadow what will happen to Jesus? (John 1:11)
• What is significant about Jesus being born in Bethlehem?
• How can you worship Jesus this Christmas season?
• What effect does the promise that all nations will worship Jesus have on you?
• How can you partner with gospel ministry to the nations?

Other Passages to Consider:

Gen 12:3; Num 24:17; 1 Kings 10:1-10; Ps 2:8; 45:17; 72; 86:8-10; Isa 60:1-6; Matt 8:11; 12:42; John 1:1-14

God Became One of Us to Save Us – Matthew 1:18-25

Digging Deeper:

• Why was it important for Joseph to take Jesus as his own son?
• What does the virgin birth communicate about Jesus?
• Why did the eternal Son of God take on a human nature?
• How does Jesus save his people from sin?  How can I personally be rescued by Jesus?
• What encouragement do you draw from the name Immanuel?  How is Jesus still with us?

Other Passages to Consider:

Rom 3:23; Ps 130; Isa 7:10-17; 9:2-7; Matt 1:18-25; 28:20; Luke 1:26-37; John 1:1-14; 1 Tim 1:15; Heb 2:14-18

Love One Another – John 15:12-17; 13:34-35

Digging Deeper:

• How has Christ loved us?  What does it look like to love one another this way?
• How can we possibly keep this command?
• Why is our love for one another a powerful testimony?

Other passages to consider:

Matt 22:34-40; John 13:1-15; 15:1-11; Rom 15:1-7; Col 3:12-14; Eph 4:32-5:2; 1 John 3:16-18; 4:7-21

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 

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 – 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?