Pastor's Blog

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 - 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 – 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}- 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?

 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?  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 – 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 –

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

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 - 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?

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 – 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 – 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 – 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. 

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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?

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

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?

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?