Colossians 1:11-14 What do we know about this Kingdom? 1. THE KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD Mark 1:15 John 18:34-35 John 18:36 Mark 10:42-45 2. THE KINGDOM IS OUR FIRST PURSUIT Matthew 6:10 Matthew 6:31-34 3. THE KINGDOM CHANGES HOW I BEHAVE Matthew 4:23 Matthew 5:3-11...
Nehemiah 13:6-9 Nehemiah 13:15-22 Context - The thirty-second year of Artaxerxes would have been around 433 BC and this is when Nehemiah returned to Persia and was there for some time before he requested he visit Jerusalem. His return visit was around 430 or 429 BC, and he tells us what he found in Jerusalem (vv 6-7). - Tobiah and Eliashib were somehow connected (perhaps related through a marriage). Tobiah was fiercely against the work of the wall (Neh 2:10). - Nehemiah reminded everyone the def...
Nehemiah 12:27-30 Big Idea: We find freedom from conformity through our surrender to transformation. 1. The Humility To Remember Where We Come From 2 Chronicles 36:15-19 Nehemiah 13:17-18 2. The Humility To Be Honest With Where We Are Currently At 3. The Humility To Accept What We Are Called To 1 John 2: 6 Philippians 2:5-8 Response: • Remember where you come from • Acknowledge where you’re at • Empty yourself DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► This week's passages: 1 John 2:15-17 ► Connection questions: 1...
Nehemiah 6:15 Nehemiah 8 Big Idea: Pursuing and Celebrating the Right Thing Brings Fulfillment. Spiritual Renewal - Hunger for God is greater than our hunger for the things of the world 1. Temporarily Satisfied - Spiritually Lacking It doesn’t matter how well rounded you are, If it’s at the expense of being well grounded Mark 8:36 2. Attentiveness Required - Response Voluntary Nehemiah 8:3 Nehemiah 8:6 When we allow the Spirit of God to work through the Word of God Spiritual Renewal takes place....
Nehemiah 5:1-19 Big Idea: Generosity is an outward expression of our love for God and others. Context - Hunger - Famine - Taxes - Slavery - Lending money with interest under these conditions was wrong Exodus 22:25-27 Deuteronomy 23:19-20 1. Generosity should be a mark of His people Credit Card Debt (per person) by generation: Generation Z $3,262 Millennials $6,521 Generation X $9,123 Baby Boomers $6,642 Silent Generation $3,412 2. Trust God with your finances Deuteronomy 8:16-18 Psalm 116:5 Psal...
Nehemiah 4:15-23 Big Idea: Spiritual warfare is prevalent, but we’ve been equipped to prevail. 1. Be all in Nehemiah 4:23 Romans 8:12-14 "The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still." A.W. Tozer Ephesians 6:10-12 2. Armor up James 4:7 3. Work with your weapons Nehemiah 4:17 RESPONSE • Kill the flesh • Speak the Name • Lean into community - Nehemiah 4:19-20 - Proverbs 24:6 - Matthew 4:4 DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► This week's passages: Psalm 199:11, Acts 19:13-16 ► Connection...
John 3:1-15 Big Idea: How do you SATISFY the curiosity of your soul? 1. New Birth John 3:3 2. New Spirit John 3:5-8 3. New Life John 3:12-15 John 7:50-52 John 19:38-39 DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► Connection questions: 1. What are you thankful for? 2. What is a challenge you are facing? 3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement? ► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words ► Individual answers to five questions: 1. What stands out to you? 2. What does thi...
Nehemiah 3:1-5 Big Idea: The restorative work of God in our lives begins with acknowledging we are broken. 1. Fortify the Gates “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk” - John C. Maxwell The devil is on the hunt for the weakest part of your wall 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Confession is not a weakness. It shows the power of grace in breaking down the walls of pride." - Jerry Bridges Matthew 4:1-4 Matthew 3:17 2. Closed for Repairs 2 Corinthians 4:16 Philippians 2:12-13 3. Unity i...
Nehemiah 2:1-20 Big Idea: Have the courage to believe what only God can do. 1. The Courage to Ask “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt Ezra 4:19-21 Nehemiah 1:11 2. The Courage to Be Honest With Reality “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to...
Series Theme: We Rise and Build as we Fall on our Knees and Pray James 4:10 Big Idea: God WANTS to be the Hero in your story. Overview of the Books of Ezra & Nehemiah: Ezra 1-6 Ezra 7-10 Nehemiah 1-7 Nehemiah 8-13 Zerubbabel Ezra Nehemiah Temple Torah/Law Walls Spiritual Renewal King Cyrus King Artaxerxes King Artaxerxes Nehemiah 1:1-11 It’s easy to make Nehemiah the hero He should be commended - He asks about His people - He is not self-absorbed - He leads the rebuilding of the Wall in 52 d...
Romans 10:1-17 Big Idea: A gospel of depth leads to declaration. 1. The Good News Isaiah 52:7 Romans 1:2-7 (The Message Translation) The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God’s Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to othe...
Mark 2:1-12 Big Idea: Individuals in your traffic pattern depend on you to introduce them to Jesus. Context • There was an understanding that sickness was caused by sin. John 9:1-3 • Jesus preached the word Mark 1:14–15 Who are you in the story? 1. The Crowd “Stop trying to change non-believers’ behaviors towards your morals” - Pastor Ryan “New Dad” O’Neill 2. The Faithful 1 Corinthians 12:12–14 3. The Broken 4. The Savior “Jesus does not say, ‘See what you did to me,’ but ‘See what I did for yo...
Where you call home matters. 1 Peter 2:11 Jeremiah 29:4-14 Big Idea: Your community is a gift from God, treat it as such. 1. Pray for the Transformation of your Community Jeremiah 29:7 You can love where you live, but can you love where you left? Matthew 5:43-44 2. Embrace God's Truth Jeremiah 29:8-9 What grounds you, grows you. “A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to a person that isn't.” - Charles Spurgeon Ephesians 4:14-15 3. Trust that God's in Control Jeremiah 29:11 “There is no pa...
Esther 4:12-16 Big Idea: You have a “such a time as this” role in your community. 1. Don’t ignore/suppress reality If you are not moved by anything You are most likely distracted by everything Luke 4:18 2. Find Strength in the Lord Isaiah 40:31 3. Pursue the Wisdom & Favor from the Lord 2 Chronicles 20:12 Isaiah 58:6-9 Proverbs 19:2 James 1:5 4. Do something! Esther 4:16 RESPONSE • Acknowledge your own “such a time as this” • Pray to be moved by the needs of others - spiritual, physical, men...
Big Idea: The church pursues full purpose when it extends past its property. Luke 19:1-10 1. See Mark 12:29-31 2. Seek Romans 10:14-15 3. Sacrifice 1 John 2:6 4. Save Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13 RESPONSE • Know Your Why - Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. • Be Bold - Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, ...
Big Idea: God has a mission for us Matthew 28:16-20 1. The discipleship journey starts with the Gospel 2. God asks us to join Him on this mission 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 3. We make disciples when we live out the G.O. principle G - Intimacy with God O - Investing in others Mark 5:19 Matthew 5:14-16 A - Admit B - Believe C - Choose Response • Look for people in your traffic pattern who are far from God • Pray for opportunities to have God conversations and Gospel conversations • Live in community an...
Acts 2:42-47 You that are members of the church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us. - C. H. Spurgeon Big Idea: The closest ...
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” - Brennan Manning What cancer is to the body, hypocrisy is to the church. Big Idea: Living authentically means committing to transparency that reflects God's truth and love. Romans 2:1-16 1. Love the sinner, Hate YOUR sin Romans 2:1 Matthew 23:3-4 Matthew 23:13 “Of all bad m...
Matthew 18:21-35 BIG IDEA: Forgiveness is hard, yet freeing. “Stop beating yourself up because of your past bad decisions. No one's past is spotless. Learn from your past and start over. God's mercies are endless." -Terraine Francois 1. Forgiveness is a Priority Ephesians 4:31-32 Everyone has the right to be bitter, but none of us can afford to be bitter. Matthew 6:12 2. With Forgiveness Comes Freedom Matthew 6:14-15 “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the...
Big Idea: The Church: Ordained by God, messed up by man, still God’s plan. Matthew 16:13-18 1 - The Church is different from any other organization or organism. The Church originated with Christ. "Church" comes from the word "ekklesia" meaning “Called out ones” Christ is The Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22) Christ is Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18) The Church has both eternal & present purposes Matthew 28:19-20 Acts 2:42-45 2 - The Church has its flaws and it is YOU and ME The Church is ...
Lamentations 5 Big Idea: As anointed people, we still fall to the pitfalls of sin. 1. Anointed, and still afflicted Lamentations 4:20 Psalm 20:6 Psalm 28:8 1 John 2:20 Romans 8:11 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 2. History repeats, His story redeems Lamentations 5:19-22 Proverbs 26:11 Proverbs 16:6 3. Hidden hope John 10:28 John 5:24 2 Chronicles 7:14 Lamentations 3:22-26 Psalm 30:5 Response: 1. Live into your anointing 2. Live into the proper body 3. Live into hope DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► Connection ques...
BIG IDEA: No matter our circumstances, we can, in Christ, live with hope Lamentations 3:25-33, 40-42 1. God wants us to Live with Hope in Him Psalm 130:1-2 Depths without hope can lead to despair Depths with Jesus can lead to hope 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Life is: Never so good - it couldn’t be better Never so bad - it couldn’t be worse 3 Quick Steps to Help Nurture Hope • Reflect on the goodness of God • Limit your junk food intake • IV yourself with the promises of God 2. God wants us to seek H...
Lamentations 3:22-26 Big Idea: Through honest lament and unwavering trust, we find hope in the midst of suffering. The pain and suffering of the individual does not go unnoticed by God. 1. Acknowledge Your Pain Lamentations 3:1-3 Lamentations 3:17-18 2. Talk Yourself into It Lamentations 3:21 Jeremiah 17:9-10 We move in the direction of our predominant thoughts. Lamentations 3:22-23 "Great is Your faithfulness" was a declaration not based on what he felt; it was based on what he knew. "Ten thous...
Big Idea: God’s judgment of sin becomes the seedbed of our hope. Lamentations 2:10-19 1. Sin has consequences 2 Kings 21:1-2, 9 Romans 6:23 2. Do not be led astray Jeremiah 14:13-14 Galatians 5:19-21 3. Be broken for the broken Lamentations 2:11-13 4. Pour yourself out to God and change your mind Romans 7:21-25 Romans 8:1-2 Lamentations 3:22-26 Response • Confess your sin to God and resolve to walk in new life with Jesus • Receive God’s love and forgiveness DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ► Study passage:...
Big Idea: Lament Introduces Purpose out of Pain. 1. WHAT’S HAPPENING? Lamentations 1:1-11 Hebrews 5:7 2. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Colossians 3:17 “We live in a world that is beyond our control, and life is in a constant flux of change. So we have a decision to make: keep trying to control a storm that is not going to go away or start learning how to live within the rain.” - Glenn Pemberton, Hurting with God James 1:2 Psalm 88:1-2 3. GOD PROMISES, AND GOD REDEEMS Jeremiah 7:3-11 Jeremiah 6:10 Genesis...
If you don’t first live in God’s revealed will, then you can't possibly hope to understand His concealed will. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Big Idea: God’s will cannot be discovered by seeking IT, it unfolds as you seek HIM. Fix Your Eyes Forward Galatians 5:1 Live for the name on the front "Play for the name on the front of the shirt and they will remember the name on the back." - Tony Adams Proverbs 3:5-6 Proverbs 16:3 Be Reconciled Psalms 37:4 “Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul train...
Romans 11:33-36 Big Idea: We discern God’s will when we submit our whole being before Him as an offering. Romans 12 Be a people of love and mercy Romans 12: • “Let love be genuine” (v 9) • “Contribute to the needs of the saints” (v 13) • “Bless those who persecute you” (v 14) • “Weep with those who weep” (v 15) • “Associate with the lowly” (v 16) • “Repay no one evil for evil” (v 17) • “Never avenge yourselves” (v 19) • “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to ...
John 20:1-18 Big Idea: Redemption began and is fulfilled in the Garden. John 20:30-31 Angels and the Entrance John 20:11-12 Genesis 3:23-24 John 20:1 "The tomb that sealed the body of Jesus became the womb of our salvation." -Max Lucado Face-to-face with the Gardener John 20:15 Genesis 3:8-9 Genesis 2:22-23 "Easter tells us that every ending is a new beginning." - Anne Graham Lotz Folded and Finished John 20:6-7 Hebrews 1:8-12 "The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine...
Big Idea: God’s great plan for salvation provokes a response in all of us. Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-11 The Temple Ezekiel 10:18-19 Ezekiel 43:1-5 Messiah from the line of David 1 Kings 1:32-35 2 Samuel 7:11-13 Zechariah 9:9 Palm Branches (Independence) John 12:12-15 Hosanna (Save, we pray) Matthew 21:9 Psalm 118:22-26 Who are you becoming in this story? Religious Leaders Matthew 23:1-7 “We tend to draw conservative, buttoned-down, moralistic people. The licentious and liberated or the broken...
Philippians 4:4-13 Big Idea: Life carries worry, but Jesus carries peace. 1. Worry Won’t Win Philippians 4:4-7 “You cannot stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair” - Martin Luther Jeremiah 23:23-24 Proverbs 4:23 Matthew 22:37-40 2. Invest in the Whatevers Philippians 4:8-9 Psalm 139:23-24 Matthew 28:19-20 3. God Doesn’t Like Secrets Philippians 4:10-13 Matthew 19:26 Romans 8:31 2 Timothy 2:20-21 Response: • Trust the Lord to grant peace ...
