Study Questions: 1. To be an “apsotle” means to be “sent out” or to be a messenger. In what ways do you believe you have been “sent out?” 2. In what ways did some of the New Testament apostles come up against resistance? In what ways did they handle it? 3. Do you believe in general local churches are as missional as they were called to be? And to expound on this rhetorical question, what are some of the greatest obstacles to missions? 4. Discuss some of the ways your Small Group can be “sent out...
Oct 20, 2013
Study Questions: 1. What does it mean to be a “learner” of Jesus? How do you know if you are one? 2. Is it possible to be a Christian but not a disciple of Jesus? Why or why not? 3. Read and meditate 2 Timothy 2:2. How would that play itself out today in our church?…in your life? 4. How are going to decorate your trunk for trunk or treat?? Additional Scripture References: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; 1 Corinthians 14:20; 2 Timothy 2:7; Matthew 11; Luke 9:23-27; Hebrews 5:7-14; 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:6...
Oct 13, 2013
Study Questions: 1. How does “community” lend itself to worship? 2. Is “worship” primarily a corporate issue or an individual issue? Thoughts on this? 3. Read and meditate on Romans 12:1. Why is it necessary that Paul would insert the phrase “by the mercies of God”? How is it possible to be a “living sacrifice”?…or to live sacrificially? 4. How will the small groups in our church exemplify the concept of “living sacrifice” both to the church body as well as to the world outside? Additional Scrip...
Oct 06, 2013
Study Questions: 1. What does the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit teach us about community? 2. Read and meditate on Acts 2:42-47. Is this what the “Church” looks like today? Why or why not? What concept(s) within this text is/are most difficult for the church to carry out today? 3. In 1 Peter 2:5 what does he mean when he says we are being built up us a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices? 4. As a small group, how will...
Sep 29, 2013
The only conviction of the reliability of scripture that will lead to an actual taking up of one’s cross and denying one’s self is a conviction that miraculously comes from the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ! Study Questions: 1. What does it practically mean that scripture is the final authority in the testing of all claims about what is true and right? 2. What kind of “reward” is David speaking of in verse 11? 3. What keeps people from viewing scripture a...
Sep 22, 2013
So when we say that it is our desire that Christ be ultimate in the affections of the church, we mean that it is our desire that Christ would be seen as the most valuable possession, gift, relationship, reward possible for His people. Study Questions: 1. How is the concept of “faith” and the concept of “laying aside every weight and sin” connected? What is meant by the fact that it “clings so closely? 2. How is faith related to running the “race with endurance”? What does it mean that the race h...
Sep 15, 2013
God’s divine plan of redemption didn't end with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In some sense it had just begun. Because all authority in heaven and on earth belong to Christ He has determined that His Church should glorify Him through making disciples of Him in all nations. Additional Scripture References: Luke 24:25; Matthew 28:17; James 5:19-20; Psalm 51:13; Daniel 12:3; Malachi 2:6; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:9-11; 1 Cor. 1:21, 24, 29, 31; 1 Cor. 2:10,12; James 2:19; 1 Cor. 1...
Sep 08, 2013
Christ destroyed death when He was raised to life on the third day. ALL OF LIFE can have purpose and meaning knowing how this story ends. The resurrection of Christ is THE REALITY that underlies the human longing for a happy ending and for good to triumph over evil. It ensures that this present age will give way to a perfect and glorious one. We WILL wait patiently for it! Additional Scripture References: Genesis 24:7; Exodus 23:20; Philippians 1:6; Deuteronomy 5:29; Zephaniah 3:7; Jeremiah 32:4...
Sep 01, 2013
In this hour of utter darkness, Christ, from the cross, points us to a Psalm of David that speaks of suffering and despair that ultimately ends in triumph. The beauty of it all is that in the darkness God finds us. Additional Scripture References: John 17:11, 22; John 17:1; Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 2:10-11; Ephesians 2:18-22; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Hebrews 10:14-23; Psalm 22; Romans 10:20
Aug 25, 2013
In this most significant moment in history, as Jesus is being tortured and humiliated, mocked and reviled, it is Mark’s desire to help the reader to understand that God is in complete control, all sovereign, and THE all powerful King. It is only through His sovereign, merciful, grace that we would be able to look upon the cross and believe. Additional Scripture References: Romans 16:13; James 1:12; Hebrews 2:9; Mark 14:25; Matthew 5:37; Psalm 15:4b; Psalm 22; John 6:60-65...
Aug 18, 2013
Despised and Rejected Additional Scripture References: John 18:28-19:16; Mark 8:31-38; Mark 7:1-7; Mark 10:33-34; John 14:6; Romans 3:10-11; John 13:34-35; Col. 1:15-17; Psalm 22:1,6-8, 14-18; 1 Peter 2:23; Isaiah 53
Aug 11, 2013
As we approach the cross we can begin to see why it would end up being a stumbling block and offensive to so many. We see why it would never seem like a practical solution to any problem much less the problem of evil. Why would God choose the death of His Son on a cross to be the climax of His grand story? Additional Scripture References: Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 7:6; Luke 21:15; James 1:19; John 8:58; Leviticus 24:16
Aug 04, 2013
As we approach the cross we can begin to see why it would end up being a stumbling block and offensive to so many. We see why it would never seem like a practical solution to any problem much less the problem of evil. Why would God choose the death of His Son on a cross to be the climax of His grand story? Additional Scripture References: Psalm 37:4; 1 Corinthians 1:20-25; Luke 6:20-26
Jul 28, 2013
What we learn from Jesus’ human frailty. Additional Scripture References: Hebrews 5:7; 4:15-16; Matthew 6; Luke 6:20-26
Jul 21, 2013
Jesus had an incredible message for His disciples when He was telling them of their future failure. Because they were all trapped on the vicious cycle of trying to morally outdo one another they were blinded. God graciously ordains failure in our life in order to show us this incredibly freeing truth of His grace. Additional Scripture References: Zechariah 13:7-9; Isaiah 53:5
Jul 14, 2013
Observing the Lord’s Supper or Communion is remembering the high price that was paid in order to offer a free gift of infinite worth. Let us feel the humility, the gratitude, and the hope that comes with the observance of WHAT was purchased through Christ’s blood on the cross: A BETTER COVENANT WITH BETTER PROMISES. Additional Scripture References: Isaiah 53:5; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 8:6-12; Exodus 19:5-8; Titus 3:4-7; Jeremiah 31:31-33; 32:38-40; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27; Hebrews 13:20-21; Revelat...
Jul 07, 2013
God is making His appeal in and through those whom He has claimed for Himself! If you are in Christ then you have been raised up for a purpose. Additional Scripture References: Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:20; 23-25; Colossians 213-15; Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
Jun 30, 2013
Last week you have this “beautiful thing…” done by a woman and we celebrate it as being a part of the preparations of the death of Christ. This week we see a horrific thing and yet we are to celebrate it as being a part of the preparations of the death of Christ. If you are boasting in the cross of Christ then you are celebrating God and His sovereign hand that brought ALL of it to pass. Additional Scripture References: Ephesians 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Exodus 21; Isaiah 14:24-27; 46:9-11; Job 2...
Jun 23, 2013
The turning point of all of history was days away. Jesus, the Passover Lamb, would have his body, the unleavened bread, broken for our sins. While in Bethany, Mary (Martha’s sister) prepares Jesus for burial in advance by pouring an outrageous amount of expensive perfume over his head. Judas, along with other onlookers, condemn her for the waste. But how could preparing the God of the universe for the most important event in all of history be a waste, even if it cost a year of wages? Additional ...
Jun 16, 2013
Oh how bad the curse we feel. Oh the glories His coming will reveal. He’s coming back and He has commanded us to stay awake and be ready for His return. Are you ready? Additional Scripture References: Isaiah 14:12-13; 24:18-22; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Isaiah 25:6-9; John 6:63; Deuteronomy 32:47; John 4:34; 6:38; John 17:1; Philippians 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 9:27
Jun 09, 2013
When Christianity is literally life and death there is no room for gray areas. It is in these times when it is clearest who the “sheep” are that Jesus speaks of in John 10. Additional Scripture References: John 10:25-30; Romans 8:6-10; Galatians 6:17
Jun 02, 2013
Jesus is wanting to encourage His disciples to equate "the end" with running harder than ever, striving after His word and His promises, and pursuing righteousness like never before. Ultimately, Christ is calling on us to rest in the bitter-sweetness of our insufficiency that brings to light God's gracious, sovereignty. Additional Scripture References: Mark 9:35; 12;36; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-15: 2 Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 1:5-6; Ephesians 1:4; 13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Corinthians 1:22...
May 26, 2013
After Jesus silences the crowd with His answers He goes on the offensive by proving that the Messiah was much more than David’s son. He then gives a warning in regards to the hearts of men, and then finishes with an exhortation to sacrifice. Additional Scripture References: 2 Samuel 7:16; Jeremiah 33:14-16; Isaiah 11; Philippians 2:9-10; James 3:1; Hebrews 13; James 2:18-19; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; 2 Corinthians 8:8-11
May 19, 2013
It was the Scribe’s commendable effort to manage and sort and prioritize the commandments of God that kept him from truly understanding their purpose. Additional Scripture References: Matthew 5:19; 23:23; Deuteronomy 6; 1 John 5:19-21; Isaiah 45:5; Leviticus 19:18; Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 1:12-17; Romans 3:2; 9; 19-20; Galatians 6:18
May 12, 2013
The Sadducees make their attempt to trap Jesus up in asking a hypothetical question about marriage and the resurrection. What we find is that "knowing" the word and "knowing" the power of God means EVERYTHING. Additional Scripture References: Deuteronomy 25:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:26; John 8:44; 2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:21; Ephesians 1:16-20; Genesis 1,2,6,19; Exodus 6-12, 14; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Hebrews 12:1
May 05, 2013
It is quite possible that God’s answers to our questions are meant to lead us to the correct questions that truly need to be answered. Additional Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 11:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18-21; Isaiah 29:14; Isaiah 5:21; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 26:12; Psalm 51:16-17
Apr 28, 2013
It is clear that the Elders and the Chief Priests felt like Christ was speaking about them in this parable as those who destroyed the servants which would certainly serve a purpose. I wonder, however, if Jesus was really speaking to those who would receive the vineyard because of the actions of the tenants. Additional Scripture References: Luke 7:8; Mark 4:11; Luke 11:47; Matthew 23:31; Acts 7:52; Matthew 23:37; Romans 11:3; Romans 11:1-2; Genesis 20:6; Psalm 119:37; Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesia...
Apr 21, 2013
Jesus tells his disciples of things that will “come to pass” for those who believe. He even goes so far as to tell them that whatever they ask for in prayer will be theirs if they believe they have received it. Because there are several ways this can be interpreted for us living in a different culture and with a different mindset, it can be important for us to look at context and other texts to understand what Jesus meant. And like so many other parts in Scripture, having the things of God revea...
Apr 14, 2013
A look at the most famous verse in the Bible. Attributes of God: Independence – (Acts 17:24-25; Job 41:11; Ps. 50:10-12) Unchangeableness – (Ps. 102:25-27) Eternality – (Ps 90:2; Job 36:26; Rev. 1:8; Ps. 90:4; Gal. 4:4-5) Omnipresent – (Gen. 1:1; Deut. 10:14; Ps. 139:7-10) Wisdom – (Romans 16:27; Ps. 104:24; Romans 8:28) Truth – (Jer. 10:10-11; John 17:3; Num. 23:19) Goodness – (Luke 18:19; Ps. 106:1; Ps. 34:8) Love – (1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:10) Holiness – (Ps. 24:3; Is. 6:3; Ps. 99:9; Lev. 19:2) ...
Mar 31, 2013
God selected His people not so that they could be a private club, but so that they would turn and bless the rest of the world. Christ's church has been given the Gospel for the same purpose. When we forget about the Gospel, the church loses her mission and becomes a burden to the rest of the world as well as those inside. Additional Scripture References: James 1:19-22; Romans 9:21-23; 2 Timothy 2:20-21: Genesis 12:1-3
Mar 24, 2013
