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Check here each week for information to prepare your heart for the upcoming sermon and follow-up questions you can use after the sermon to dig deeper and disciple your family!

Posts Tagged "Love"

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Posts Tagged "Love"

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

July 08, 2022
By Thomas McEntee

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment-James 2: 1-13

 

Notes:

James' four-part charge for you to love your neighbor as yourself:

1) He gives an                          that commands (v 1)

 

2) He presents an                               that clarifies  (vs 2–7)

 

3) He lays out in-depth                                 that convicts (vs 8–11)

 

4) He summarizes with a                              that crystallizes (v 12,13)

Look to Christ

May 07, 2022
By Pastor Jathan

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.

 

Forgive as God in Christ Forgave You

February 18, 2022
By Pastor Jathan

 Forgive as God in Christ Forgave You

 Matthew 18:21-35

 

Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digging Deeper:

  • Describe how God has forgiven you in Christ.  How should this forgiveness affect you?
  • Does God forgive unconditionally?  If not, what are the conditions?  How does that inform our responsibility to forgive?
     
  • If we are unwilling to forgive, what does that indicate about our heart?

Other Passages to Consider:

 Ps 32:1-2; 103:1-5,11-12; Isa 1:18; Matt 6:12-14; Luke 17:3-4; Eph 1:7; 4:32; Col 2:13-14; Heb 9:22.

 

God’s Loving Care for His People

January 29, 2022
By Pastor Jathan

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

Consider the Cost

December 17, 2021
By Pastor Jathan

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.

The Shocking, yet Beautiful, Mission of Jesus

May 07, 2021
By Pastor Jathan

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.

Saved by Christ

April 01, 2021
By Pastor Jathan

Saved by Christ – Romans 5:6-11

Digging Deeper:

  • Note the four ways we are described in this passage.  How does this highlight the greatness of God’s love?
  • What present results of our salvation have we already experienced?  What aspects of our salvation do we await in the future?
  • How does our present salvation guarantee our future?  How are both our present and future salvation connected to the work of Christ?
  • How should the assurance of both our present and future salvation affect our lives?

Other Passages to Consider:

Jn 3:3-6; 3:16; 15:13; Rom 1:18; 3:10-26; 4:24-25; 5:1-5; 6:5; 8:30 1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 5:19-20; Eph 2:1-5; Col 1:21-23; 1 Thess 1:10; 1 Jn 4:10

How Disciples are to Treat Others

March 07, 2021
By Pastor Jathan

How Disciples are to Treat Others – Matthew 7:12

Sermon Notes:

1)       

2)       

3)       

4)       

Digging Deeper:

  • How Is Jesus’s standard more demanding than other ancient versions that stated this command in the negative – “Do not do to your neighbor what is hateful to you.”?
  • How is this command related to “Loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?”
  • What hope do we have of obeying this command?
  • How do you like to be treated?  What will it look like for you to treat those around you like that?

Other Passages to Consider:

Deut 6:4-5; Mic 6:8; Matt 5:13-17; 22:24-40; Jn 13:34-35; Rom 13:8-10; 2 Cor 9:8; Gal 5:13-14; Jam 2:8; 1 Pet 1:22. 

Love Your Enemies

October 24, 2020
By Pastor Jathan

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

October 16, 2020
By Pastor Jathan

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.

Psalm 86 – Desperate, but Confident

March 06, 2020
By Pastor Jathan

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  

The Promised King Has Come!

November 28, 2019
By Pastor Jathan

The Promised King Has Come! – Matthew 1:1

 

Digging Deeper:

  • Have you ever waited a long time for something?  How did you feel when finally the wait was over?  How can you rejoice in the coming of Christ this Christmas season?
  • Do you rejoice often about being rescued by Jesus?  How can you regularly remember what Christ has done for you?
  • What does Christ’s rule look like in your life?  What areas do you need to bring under His Lordship?
  • Because God sent the promised Messiah we know that God will keep the rest of His promises.  What promises of God encourage you today?
  • How will we experience Christ’s rescue and rule when He returns?

Other passages to consider: 

2 Sam. 7:1-17; Isa 9:6-7; 11:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Amos 9:11; Acts 2:29-40; Eph 2:1-7; Col 1:13-14; 1 Thess 4:13-5:11; Heb 2:14-15

Love One Another

November 08, 2019
By Pastor Jathan

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

Abide in My Love

November 02, 2019
By Pastor Newton

Abide in My Love - John 15:9-11  

 

Digging Deeper: 

  • To what does Jesus compare his love for us? 
  • How would you describe the Father’s love for Jesus? 
  • What does it look like to abide in Christ’s love?  Are you doing that? 
  • How does sin affect our enjoyment of Christ’s love and joy? 
  • How do we experience Christ’s joy? 
  • What is the relationship between our joy (v11) and God’s glory (v8)? 

Other passages to consider:

John 3:35; 4:34; 5:19-21; 8:29,55; 10:17-18; 12:27-28; 13:1; 14:31; 17:24-26; Eph 3:14-21; Gal 2:20; Heb 12:2; 1 John 1:4-2:6; Rom 8:31-39

Going Low to Serve Others

October 11, 2019
By Pastor Jathan

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 

 

Loving Jesus More

September 13, 2019
By Pastor Jathan

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 

Love Christ and His Church

July 05, 2019
By Pastor Jathan

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

June 21, 2019
By Pastor Jathan

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?

The Supremacy of Love

November 21, 2018
By Pastor Jathan

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

November 16, 2018
By Pastor Jathan

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

November 08, 2018
By Pastor Jathan

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

November 01, 2018
By Pastor Jathan

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

October 25, 2018
By Pastor Jathan

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?

Loving my Brother More than my Rights

June 23, 2018
By Pastor Jathan

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?

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