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!
We Are Truly Blessed

We Are Truly Blessed! – 1 Peter 1:10-12
Notes:
By God’s grace, we…
1) live in a blessed ______________ - vv10-12a!
a. A time of ______________ - vv10-11.
b. A time of many _______________________ - v12a.
2) experience a blessed ________________ - v12b!
- How do the OT and NT fit together? How does this help us know how to read and apply the OT?
- What blessings do we enjoy by living at this time in redemptive history?
- How does this passage encourage you to praise God the Spirit for all He has done for God’s people?
- What blessings of salvation are you especially thankful for today?
Other passages to consider:
Gen 3:15; 12:1-3; Isa 35; 52-55; Jer 31; Ezek 37; Dan 8:13-14; 9:2; 12:4-13; Mt 11:11; Lk 24:25-27; Acts 2:14-21; 3:21; 1 Pet 1; 2 Pet 1:21.
Praise God for Saving Us!

Praise God for saving us! – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Notes:
1) Grounds of our salvation – v3a
2) Guarantee of our salvation – vv3b-5
- Why can we be certain that our salvation is secure? When will we receive our final salvation (inheritance)?
- How does having hope give us an opportunity to point others to Jesus (see Eph 2:14; 1 Th 4:12; 1 Pt 3:15)
- As you think about your salvation, what attributes of God do you want to praise Him for?
- How should knowing that we have a future incorruptible inheritance affect a Christian’s view of money and possessions?
- How has this passage both excited you about where you are heading, and increased your confidence that you’ll get there?
Other passages to consider:
Ex 34:6; Matt 5:5; 6:19-21; Jn 3:1-6; Rom 8:12-25; 1 Cor 15:50-58; Eph 1:16-18; 2:1-7; Col 3:4; Titus 2:13; 1 Pet 1:3-9,13,23; Rev 21:1-5
Our Salvation Story

Our Salvation Story - Titus 3:3-7
Notes:
1) What we were - v3
2) What God did - vv4-6
3) What we become – v7
• What was not the grounds for our salvation? On what basis does God save us?
• How do you see glimpses of v3 in you through your remaining sin? What might you be like now if God had not saved you?
• What did you used to believe about Jesus? How has your view changed?
• How does this text describe all three members of Godhead active in our salvation?
Other passages to consider:
Isa 9:2; 53:6; Ezk 36:25-27; Lk 19:10; Jn 3:1-8; 8:34-36; Rom 6:17-19; 2 Cor 4:4-6; Eph 2:1-10; Col 3:7; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Jn 4:10.
Jesus Rose from the Dead

Jesus Rose from the Dead – Matthew 27:55-28:15
Notes:
Witnessing Christ’s Resurrection:
1) - vv55-61
2) - vv62-66
3) - vv1-7
4) - vv8-10
Considering Christ’s Resurrection:
- What is significant about eyewitness accounts to Christ’s burial and resurrection?
- What does the resurrection declare about Jesus?
- What all does the resurrection of Christ promise for all Christians?
- How should Christ’s resurrection impact my life today?
Other passages to consider:
Jn 11:25-26; Acts 2:22-41; 4:12; 10:34-43; Rom 4:24-25; 1 Cor 15:3-6,12-20,50-58; Eph 1:18-20; Phil 3:20-21; Col 3:1-4; 1 Pet 1:3-6.
God's Banquet

God's Banquet- Matthew 22:1-14
Notes:
Digging Deeper:
- What does the banquet represent?
- Why do many people today reject the invitation to be saved? For those who respond, how are they able to do that?
Other Passages:
Ps 34:8; Isa 55:1-3; Matt 11:28-30; John 1:12-13; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Eph 1:3-6; Rev 19:6-9; 22:17.
Who Will Be Saved

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.
Who is Jesus

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.
Recognize the Truth

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.
Tell others the good news of Jesus Christ

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.
Captivated by Christ

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.
No Greater Power

No Greater Power - Matthew 8:23-9:8
Digging Deeper:
- What is unique about Jesus Christ?
- In what ways has Jesus already displayed His power?
- Describe various reactions to Jesus’s power. How should believers respond?
- How will Christ demonstrate His power/authority at the end of time?
Other Passages to Consider:
Gen 3:15; Ps 65:5-8; John 1:1-5,9-18; Acts 17:30-31; Col 1:15-20; 2:15; Heb 2:14-15; Rev 20:10
So, you want to be a Christian?

So, you want to be a Christian?
Sermon Notes:
1) Following Jesus ____________________________.
2) Following Jesus ____________________________.
Digging Deeper:
- -Identify something in your life that you find important enough to sacrifice for.
- -Explain this statement: In one sense, our salvation costs us absolutely nothing. In another sense, salvation costs us everything.
- -Why is Jesus worth whatever we are called to sacrifice?
Other Passages to Consider:
Matt 10:37-39; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 14:25-33; John 6:60-69; 12:1-7; Col 1:15-23; 2 Tim 2:1-9.
Christ’s Transforming Power

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.
Saved by Christ

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
Worth Waiting For

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

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.
Came to Save; Saved to Serve

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

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
Joy in the Midst of Pain

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)
The Abounding Grace of Jesus

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
The Dawn of a Great Light

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 Promised Son of Abraham

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

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?
Future Hope Should Affect Present Life
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?
The Paramount Importance of the Resurrection

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

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

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

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?
The Light of Salvation Has Come!

The Light of Salvation Has Come! – John 1:5-13
Preparing your heart for the sermon:
- What does light do to darkness? Why is light so needed in order to live?
- Why did most people not welcome the visit from their Creator?
- Why do some receive Jesus instead of rejecting him like the rest?
Other passages to consider: Gen 1:1-5; Ps 27:1; Isa 9:1-7; 42:1-7; Matt 4:12-17; Luke 1:76-79; 2:29-32; Jn 1:1-13; 3:1-21; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9-10; 12:35-36, 44-50; Acts 26:17-18; 2 Cor 4:1-6; Eph 5:6-16; 1 Pet 2:9; 1 Jn 1:5-10
Digging Deeper:
- How does this passage describe the nearness of Christ’s incarnation? How does this display God’s grace?
- What does it look like to receive Jesus? What happens to those who do that?
- What are the blessings of being a child of God?
- Why do you follow Christ? How should you respond to this truth?
The Life-giving Word
The Life-giving Word- John 1:1-5
Preparing your heart for the sermon:
- What passage of Scripture does vv1-5 remind you of? Why would John write this way?
- What do these verses tell you about the attributes of Jesus?
- Why does John call Jesus the Word? What does this title tell us about Jesus?
Other passages to consider: Gen 1; Ps 33:6; 107:20; Prov 8:22-31; Isa 55:10-11; Jer 1:4; Mic 5:2; Jn 1:1-18; 5:26; 8:12; 9:5; 11:25; 14:6; 17:3-5,20-24; 20:28-31; Col 1:15-20; Heb 1:1-4; 1 Jn 1-10
Digging Deeper:
- How is Jesus uniquely qualified to make God known?
- How can Jesus be both God and with God?
- What is the relationship between creation and salvation?
- Throughout his Gospel, what does John use the terms life and light to describe?
The Gathering of the Local Church
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?