In Paul’s day, and down to our own, so-called Christian teachers have effectively duped people into thinking that a life of self-indulgence is compatible with the Christian gospel. But in this passage Paul sets the record straight. Because Christians are God’s children, we must walk in love, not in self-indulgence. Sermon Outline:I. Love is Consistent with Your New Identity.II. Self-Indulgence is Inconsistent with Your New Identity.III. Christ Came to Deliver Us from the Wrath Coming on Self-Indulgence.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does being “beloved children” of God influence the way we should live, according to Ephesians 5:1-2? In what specific ways can we imitate God’s kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness in our daily interactions?2. Paul instructs us to “walk in love, as Christ loved us” (Eph. 5:2). What are some practical examples of self-sacrificial love that align with how Christ demonstrated His love for us? 3. Paul contrasts self-indulgence with a life of holiness. How does the message of Ephesians 5:3-4 challenge contemporary views on sexuality and materialism? How does it challenge your own views?4. Ephesians 5:6 warns against being deceived by “empty words.” How can we discern whether teachings or beliefs we encounter align with biblical truth, especially in areas like sexuality, greed, and personal behavior?5. Despite our failings, Christ offers forgiveness and grace. How does understanding this grace influence our approach to repentance and forgiveness, both for ourselves and when we extend it to others? How does understanding the gospel shape our pursuit of holiness?

Lying, gossip, slander, stealing, bitterness, shouting, and negativity. Who wants to be part of a community where those things are the norm? Thankfully, we don’t have to! As new creations in Christ, we are called to put off those ways of living that are associated with our sinful and rebellious nature. Likewise, we must put on the virtues that reflect our new identity in Jesus. As we put off the old and put on the new, we enjoy living in Christian community as God intended it to be.Sermon Outline:I. We Must Put off Falsehood and Put on Truth.II. We Must Put off Uncontrolled Anger and Put on Controlled Anger.III. We Must Put off Stealing and Put on Sharing.IV. We Must Put off Corrupting Talk and Put on Gracious Talk.V. We Must Put off Bitterness and Put on Kindness.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does the story of the Soviet pilot’s transformation into an American citizen help us understand the concept of being a new creation in Christ? What practical changes should we expect in our lives as a result of this transformation?2. Paul emphasizes the importance of putting off falsehood and speaking truth. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to be honest? How can we cultivate a culture of honesty within our homes and Christian community?3. The passage warns against allowing anger to lead to sin. How do you handle anger in your own life without letting it fester or giving the devil a foothold?4. Corrupting talk harms the Christian community, while gracious talk builds it up. How does your speech reflect the change brought about by being born again? What areas of your speech have not been sufficiently transformed yet? 5. Bitterness was described as “hard heartedness that harbors resentment about the past.” Can you share a time when you struggled with bitterness towards someone? How did (or how might) understanding God’s forgiveness in Christ help you move towards forgiving that person? Is there anyone you need to forgive today?

Perhaps the most common hurt in the church today is loved ones who remain in the far country. It is tempting to turn your back or give up hope. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that in Christ, God’s only son, we have hope for the sons and daughters who are in the far country and for those who think they are too good for the grace of God. I. The Younger Son i. The hurtful request ii. The Journey to the Far Country iii. The Journey Back to the Father’s HouseII. The Older BrotherQuestions:1. What aspect of this parable do you find most challenging? Most encouraging?2. Which son do you find yourself identifying more with and why?3. The gospel is on full display in this parable. How do you see the gospel played out in the story?4. Take some time to reflect about your own life. If part of a small group, share about a family member or loved one who you are praying for who is in the far country.6. What aspect of the parable series has struck you the most?

Servants of God are expected to use the abilities and opportunities that God provides for the profit of His kingdom. While those who are useless for the kingdom now may find themselves shut out of it in the future, those who profitably serve will find themselves recognized by the king and sharing in his joy. I. Whatever God entrusts to us, he expects us to use to profit the kingdomII. God does not expect the same amount of fruit from everyone, but he does expect some fruit from everyone.III. The reward for faithful kingdom service is more and greater kingdom service opportunities.IV. Are you willing to work on behalf of the kingdom if your only rewards are more responsibility and a share in the master’s joy?V. If we understood anything of the joy of God, entering into it would occupy our every waking thought and action.Questions:1. What is the difference between living a fruitful life for Christ and working to earn your salvation?2. Do you think that the master was unnecessarily harsh in his condemnation of the third servant? If so, why?3.What abilities do you have that can be used for the kingdom of God?4. Can you identify at least one way in which you serve the kingdom?5. How is God’s joy different from our joy?

The return of Jesus Christ is the great hope of the believer. It will be a great day, the gates of the kingdom opened wide for those who have anticipated it and prepared accordingly. For all others, it will be the worst possible day, when the door is slammed shut in their face and they know definitively that they have no part in the family of God. I. The kingdom of heaven is exclusive.II. You must be ready for Christ’s return… and now is the time to get prepared. III. The appropriate Christian disposition as we anticipate the return of Christ is a combination of readiness and patience.Questions:1. The wise virgins brought flasks of oil with them. In interpreting the parable, what do you think the flasks of oil represent?2. How is it possible that the bridegroom who had invited the women to the wedding feast would, in the end, say to them: “I do not know you?”3. Why do you suppose so many Christians are obsessed with trying to determine the timing of the return of Christ?4. Why are the women not condemned for having fallen asleep when the groom was delayed?5. Isn’t Jesus willing to accept all who come to Him? Why are five of the women not admitted to the feast even though they requested entry?

Facing opposition from the religious authorities, Jesus tells a story that reorganizes the kingdom of God and its citizens around himself. The self-satisfied find themselves on the outside and the invitation is announced widely to any who will come. Do you have a seat at the king’s table? Questions1. What is a parable and why does Jesus use them in his teaching? 2. Who is Jesus’s main audience for this parable?3. Why were the original banquet guests found to be unworthy? 4. What is the King’s response in v 9-10? 5. What is surprising about the end of the parable? 6. How does this parable challenge you? How does it bring you comfort?

God has provided all that we need in this life. But what does he really ask of us? What does it mean to have him as King of our life? What does it mean to be a good tree producing kingdom fruit? Join us this Sunday as we explore the Allegorical Parable of the Tenants. Sermon Outline:I. Gods vineyard a. The tenants b.The son c. The consequenceII. God’s Plan a. Christs rejection b. God’s inclusion c. God’s fruit1. How have you desired God’s “vineyard” (protection and provision) but rejected offering his “fruit”?2. What is the fruit God desires in our lives? What might that look like in our relationships?3. Is there an area of your life you have been unwilling to offer your spiritual fruit to him? Examples (change of job, relationships, sinful habits, something you are to start doing, something you are to stop doing). See also Galatians 5:22-23 4. Discuss among yourselves how we are saved ONLY by grace yet expected to have fruit (works) in our life. (“We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves us will never be alone. It will always be accompanied by good works.)

We all make promises, but how many of us can say we always keep them? What we will find out is there is often a gap in what we promise and what we actually do. The parable of the two sons teach us that our belief should result in obedience, not out of duty but because we are loved.OutlineI. ContextII. The Two SonsIII. A warning to those who proclaim but never actIV. Comfort in an unlikely exampleQuestions1. What does it feel like to have someone make a promise to you and then not keep it? 2. Read Matthew 21 and look for all the fulfillment of prophecies from the Old Testament. How could the religious leaders miss these obvious clues about the Messiah?3. Which is more like your story, the first or second son?4. As you take stock of your life, where is there a gap between what you confess with your mouth and how you live? What is the way to close the gap?5. Why does Jesus point to the prostitutes and the tax collectors as examples of faithfulness? What about their lives is noteworthy compared to Jewish leaders?

Nobody likes a participation trophy. Why? Because it diminishes success and elevates failure. This week we look at the “Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.” We come face to face with our desire to earn God’s favor versus his generous heart to give graciously.OutlineI. SetupII. The Heart of ManIII. The Heart of GodQuestions1. What are your feelings about participation trophies? Examine why you have those thoughts?2. Is this parable meant to describe how businesses ought to pay employees? Why or why not? What is the main point of the parable?3. Read Exodus 15 and Exodus 16. As you examine your own heart, what ways do you see grumbling? Why is that and in what ways does it affect your relationship with Christ?4. Have you ever been envious of God’s work in someone else’s life? Why was that?5. Reflect on God's character in this parable. What words would you use to describe him? What is one practice this week that you will be intentional about to help you not begrudge the generosity of God?

In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant Jesus shows how great a debt we have been forgiven and how the forgiveness that we have received will serve as motivation to forgive others. This does not mean that forgiveness is easy. The pathway to forgiveness is a bloodstained and complicated journey but it will become part of the spiritual life of the Christian when we begin to grasp just how much God has forgiven us through the work of his Son Jesus Christ. 1. Understanding Forgiveness: - Peter asked Jesus if forgiving someone up to seven times was sufficient. Jesus responded with a parable emphasizing unlimited forgiveness. How does this teaching challenge our natural inclinations about forgiveness, and how can we align our hearts with Jesus' command?2. Recognizing Our Debt: - In the parable, the servant owed an unpayable debt to the king. How does this illustrate our own spiritual debt to God? Discuss how recognizing the magnitude of our forgiven debt can impact our willingness to forgive others.3. Living Out Forgiveness: - Jesus teaches that we must forgive from the heart. What does it mean to forgive someone "from the heart," and how can we cultivate this attitude in our daily lives, especially in the face of repeated offenses?4. Obstacles to Forgiveness: - What are some common "what about-isms" or excuses we use to withhold forgiveness from others? How can we address these obstacles in light of Jesus' teaching and the parable of the unforgiving servant?5. Grace and Mercy: - Compare and contrast the behavior of the king and the unforgiving servant. How does this parable illustrate the importance of extending the same grace and mercy we have received from God to others?6. Seven Times Seventy in Daily Life: - The concept of seven times seventy applies not just to forgiveness but to all areas of our spiritual lives. How can we apply this principle to our prayer life, evangelism, encouragement, and other aspects of our faith practice? Share practical examples of how adopting a seven times seventy mindset can transform our church community.

The parable of the lost sheep describes the bountiful mercy of God, who sent his Son on a rescue mission to save the lost and unworthy. This mercy is scandalous to the self-righteous, but good news to those who receive it with child-like faith. I. We must guard our hearts against the destructive pride that can result from the pursuit of a more ‘sophisticated’ grasp of the Christian faith. II. There are few things as intolerable as mercy.III. Those who recognize that they were once lost do not resent the sheep found, but share in the joy that results from its rescue. Questions:1. Do you think it is responsible of a shepherd to leave 99 to seek after one?2. Jesus said that you must become like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to “become like a child?”3.What are some ways in which we ‘despise’ little ones in our midst?4. Why do we love justice but despise mercy?5. Is it fair that the father rejoices more over the straying sheep found than over the ones who never strayed at all?

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven offer important insights into the nature of the growth of the kingdom of heaven. If we have ears to hear, these insights offer the believer not only hope, but principles for faithful serviceto that kingdom. I. The mustard seed principle offers reassurance and hope to those who have faith in Christ. II. The leaven principle reminds us of the increasing dominion of Christ over all. III. The reality of how the kingdom of heaven expands requires patience on the part of its citizens. The mustard seed and leaven principles should be reflected in our ministry and witness. Sermon Questions:1. What are some examples from the Gospels of Jesus’ followers’ impatience with the progress of the Kingdom? 2. Do you have any examples in your own life of the mustard seed growth of the Kingdom? 3. If you understand the principle of the mustard seed and leaven, how does that change your approach to ministry? 4. Do you have examples of things that you only came to understand after you placed your faith in Christ? 5. What are some off the shortcuts we take in our efforts to advance the Kingdom?

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus reveals the different types of responses that people have to the Gospel and invites listeners to consider the condition of their heart to receive and believe the message. The good soil is not manifested by pious words or behavior modification; rather, the evidence of a receptive heart is kingdom fruitfulness. Outline:I. Four kinds of heart: 1. The hardened heart 2. The fickle heart 3. The encumbered heart 4. The responsive heartII. Fruit is a kingdom expectation and the only sure evidence of an understanding and embrace of the Gospel message.III. A fruitless Christian is an oxymoron.Questions:1. When Jesus refers to ‘the word of the kingdom,’ what is he talking about? Could you explain it to someone who knows nothing about it?2. What are the ‘cares of the world’ that you find most distract you from the things of God’s kingdom?3. What would consider evidence of fruit in the life of the believer?4. In what sense are riches ‘deceitful?’5. Having heard about four types of soil, which type do you think you most closely resemble?

As we embark on our summer series going through the parables of Jesus, we are confronted with many values that are hard to grasp for both those inside and outside the church. In fact, we see the kingdom of heaven valuing the exact opposite of what the world values. Come join us as we begin this journey together where we will experience the spiritual abudnace of the Lord through his word. I. Parables reveal the mystery of the kingdom of heaven i. The kingdom of heaven expects humility ii. The kingdom of heaven expects fruitfulnessII. Parables reveal the disposition of the hearer’s heartSermon Questions1. How familiar are you with the parables of Jesus? If so, what parable have you been drawn to?2. Have you ever thought about the parables of being purposefully confusing to those whose minds are darkened by sin? What are your thoughts regarding that idea?3. Are you tempted towards the sin of pride through either self-pity or self-righteousness? How does this passage remind you of God’s grace in the face of pride?4. Many of the parables expect fruitfulness as a response to Christ, how would you measure your fruitfulness in this season? What should change and what should remain the same?5. What is the state of your heart right now?

Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out.” What is your why? Why were you born? Why are you on this earth? Most people drift aimlessly on seas of uncertainty, oarless, rudderless, without map, compass, or a port to call home. Our ancestors navigated by fixed stars, but too many folks today chase after the lights of passing ships. St. Paul had a purpose statement in Philippians 3:10&11. It gave direction, the fuel to get there, and a way to measure his progress. I. Do you have a purpose statement of two or three lines that you could state at a moment’s notice?II. What are the marks of a purpose that is worthy of both today and eternity?III. What do you or others pursue that won’t go beyond the grave?IV. Is the purpose statement of Paul good enough for you to take as your own”V. What action steps do you need to take going forward?

When you look at your life in light of God’s Word, does it reflect the reality of the transformation Christ has done in you? Do you still see many aspects of your life before Christ intermixed with some changed elements? Join us to discover more about standing firm in our new identity in Christ.Sermon Outline:I. Because we are new creations in Christ, we must no longer live like we used to do. i. Apart from Christ, we live in the dark. ii. Apart from Christ, we are dead to God. iii. Apart from Christ, we are calloused in conscience.II. Because we are new creations in Christ, we must live like Christians. i. Christians must live in light of truth. ii. Christians must live in the reality of our new identity. iii. Christians must live in the process of continual renewal.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What we believe shapes how we experience reality. Can you think of examples from your own life where your beliefs significantly impacted your experiences or perceptions?2. It is possible to callous our consciences by repeatedly ignoring moral convictions. What are some ways you have experienced or seen this happening in your own life or others’ lives?3. Paul uses the imagery of “putting off” the old self and “putting on” the new self in Christ. Having put off the old self at our conversion, what practical steps can we take to continually put to death the remnants of our old nature?4. Christians are to be continually “renewed in the spirit of our minds” as we live out our new identity in Christ. What spiritual disciplines or practices are particularly helpful in renewing your mind? How would you describe your intentionality in being renewed in the spirit of your mind?5. If someone close to you looked at your life, would they see evidence that you have truly “put on” a new identity in Christ? What old attitudes or practices betray your new identity? In what areas do you want to be more intentional about living out your new identity?

The church is comprised of many disparate parts and yet called to function together as one body. When each member does its part, we grow up into the fullness of what God is creating us to be. What is your part? Sermon outline:I. The Gift GiverII. The Gifts He GivesIII. The Goal of the GiftsSermon Discussion Questions:1. What stuck out to you most from the sermon about the variety of spiritual gifts given to the church? How have you seen different gifts at work within our church body?2. The gifts are given to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ. What avenues for ministry and service are you currently involved in or feel equipped to get involved in?3. Why is it important that we strive for maturity and not remain spiritual “children” easily swayed by false teachings or deceitful schemes? How can we grow in discernment?4. Paul writes that we are to “speak the truth in love.” Why is maintaining both truth and love crucial? How do you tend to prioritize one over the other personally?5. What is your attitude towards the role and responsibilities God has given you within the church? How can we foster an appropriate eagerness to do our part in the body of Christ?

The Lord has brought each one of us into this fellowship from a different place and background: we’re different ages, we speak different languages, we have a variety of theological and political views, and we often have our own ideas of how things should be done. Occasionally these issues erupt because living in unity with other sinful people is difficult. But if the gospel is true, and it is, then living in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ is imperative. Sermon outline:I. The Call to Christian UnityII. The Qualities of Christian UnityIII. The Foundation of Christian UnitySermon Discussion Questions:1. Humility, gentleness, and patience are important virtues for maintaining unity in the church. Which of these do you find most challenging to live out? Why? How can we grow in these areas?2. Do you have relationships in your life currently that require you to “put up with one another in love”? If so, how is it going? If not, why might that be the case?3. How does remembering the “one hope” we have in Christ’s return and making all things new help us to live at peace with one another amidst our differences and disagreements?4. The sermon highlights the foundational unity we have as Christians—one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and Father. Which of these resonates most with you as an important basis for our unity? Why?5. What are some ways we can intentionally cultivate being “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit” in our church family? What might this look like practically in how we relate to one another?

How would your life be different if you could comprehend the power of God and the love of God for you? Join us to find out!Sermon Outline:I. Strengthened for IndwellingII. Strengthened for ComprehensionIII. Strengthened for God’s GlorySermon Discussion Questions:1. It can be difficult for some of us to receive love, even God's love. Why do you think that is? What fears or hesitations might someone have in fully accepting God's love?2. Paul talks about being “rooted and grounded” in God's love. What are some practical ways we can go deeper in understanding and experiencing God’s love for us?3. Paul prays that believers would comprehend the vast dimensions of God’s power and love. Why is it important to grasp the immensity of God’s power and love? How might that change the way we live?4. The statement was made: “We will not live as God's holy ones until we know that we are God's beloved ones.” Do you find it difficult to see yourself as God's beloved? Why or why not?5. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” What are some areas of your life or family where you need to ask God to work in powerful ways beyond what you can imagine? Take some time to ask him now.

The Gospel of Luke begins and ends with worship reflecting the “great joy” that entered the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This great joy, distinct from mere happiness, becomes accessible to us when we receive the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Sermon Outline:I. The source material of great joy are the things of Jesus. II. Great joy marvels at the work of Jesus. III. Great joy is seeing that all the Scriptures point to Jesus. IV. Great joy leads to continual worship of Jesus. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How do you distinguish between happiness and joy? Have you ever known a person who exuded great joy? What were some of their unique characteristics? 2. John Calvin wrote that we are all partly unbelievers until we die and see Jesus. When you have gone through seasons or moments of disbelief or doubt what was it that helped your faith strengthen? 3. Do you still find yourself in awe of Jesus and His work in your life? If so, how do you cultivate that sense of wonder?4. Can you think of examples in your life when you “disbelieved for joy”? 5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus throughout Scripture. How can we deepen our understanding of how the entire Bible points to Jesus? Are there specific passages or stories that have helped you see Jesus more clearly in Scripture?6. If you were to share your faith with a non-believer what proofs of the resurrection would you use to help convince them that Jesus is alive?7. The Gospel of Luke concludes in the same way that it opened: with great joy through worship. How does the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection impact your worship? In what ways can we foster a spirit of worship characterized by great joy in our lives?

The effectiveness of Jesus’ death on the cross only stands if Jesus was raised from the dead. The eyewitnesses say he is risen. But are they credible witnesses? Join us to see how their initial response of unbelief provides more support for our belief.Sermon Outline:I. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was unexpected, even though it had been predicted.II. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not initially believed, even though it was reported by reliable eyewitnesses.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Where do you personally fall on the spectrum of skepticism/belief regarding Jesus' resurrection? What factors contribute to your perspective?2. The two main points highlight how the resurrection was unexpected and initially not believed, even by Jesus’ closest followers. Why do you think the disciples struggled to accept the resurrection reports at first? 3. Peter’s reaction models for us a willingness to “go and look” at the evidence for ourselves. What experiences or influences have shaped your journey of examining the resurrection accounts? What questions still remain for you?4. For those who do believe in the resurrection, how does this truth impact your daily life? In what ways have you experienced the joy and hope the sermon describes?

It’s not news that many Americans have left and are leaving the church. Some of them even have pretty good reasons. So why should we stand firm in the church? Join us to find out. Sermon Outline:I. The Mystery of the ChurchII. The Message of the ChurchIII. The Mediator of the Church Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Americans are leaving the church in large numbers these days for various reasons (hypocrisy, moral failures, busyness with activities, etc.). What reasons resonate with you or those you know who have left the church? Why haven’t you left?2. Paul saw his ministry and calling as a gift of grace from God, not something he earned or deserved. How does viewing our service in the church this way change our attitudes and motivations? 3. The mystery revealed to Paul was that Gentiles are included as full heirs and members of God’s family, the body of Christ. Why was this so revolutionary and difficult for early Jewish Christians to accept? Where do you see the sharpest divisions among followers of Jesus in the church today?4. A united, diverse church proclaims Christ’s victory over spiritual powers. How well are we displaying this vibrant unity amidst diversity of every sort? What steps could we take to better embody this counter-cultural reality?5. Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment and persecution for the sake of the gospel reaching the Gentiles. What can we learn from Paul's example about having the right perspective on suffering for the gospel?

Over and over in scripture we see God bring his people safely through frightening ordeals. But rather than bringing them into a life of comfort and complacency, the people frequently seem to land somewhere far outside their comfort zone, with a mission to claim the victory God has already guaranteed. This dynamic continues in our lives and churches today. God gives the church the sacrament of baptism to tell Christians we are safe, loved, redeemed and released into a life of mission for Christ. Questions:1. In Isaiah 43:1-4 how many reasons does God give us to “fear not”? What are they? 2. How does the love of God propel Christians into a lifestyle of mission? 3 .Where in your own life do you see the temptation to complacency? Consumerism? 4 .What might happen if Christians don’t respond to the call to plant churches? What might happen if we do? 5. Acts 9:31 describes comfort from God in the midst of church planting mission. How do we reconcile this with Jesus’s call to “take up your cross”? 6. Will you prayerfully consider how God may be calling you out of your comfort zone to support the church plant?

When the enemy is crouching at your door, who do you turn to and how do you win the battle? God had a very interesting “battle” plan for his people that included a really loud choir. In this passage we will see what utter dependence on God looks like in the middle of the battle as he has the victory. Outline: 1. The Context 2. The Peril 3. The Prayer 4. The PraiseSermon Questions: 1. Read Ephesians 6:10-18a and Zec 4:6-7. How do those verses relate to the passage in 2 Chronicles? 2. The people of Judah were probably expecting a different battle plan when the Jahaziel stood up to speak the word of the LORD. What were the expectations of the Jewish people for a messiah and how to Jesus confound those expectations as the true messiah? 3. When you have faced peril in your life, who or what do you typically turn to? What are some of things you have told yourself that haven’t been helpful? What has been helpful? 4. What is the difference between “maybe prayers” and “because prayers”? How would you describe your prayer life? 5. Charles Spurgeon said “When a man searches for arguments for a thing it is because he attaches importance to that which he is seeking.” Where do you see man searching for arguments and to what is being ascribed importance?

Dividing walls sometimes exist among God’s people. In this week’s passage, Paul addresses the original dividing wall separating Jewish and Gentile believers. He shows us that because Christ’s reconciling work on the cross has broken down every dividing wall between Christians, we must live as one people reconciled to God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Sermon Outline:I. The Way We WereII. The Way We AreSermon Discussion Questions:1. What are some modern day dividing walls that exist among Christians today?2. Why do you think divisions and hostility can easily develop between groups of Christians today? How can we combat those tendencies and live out the unity Christ purchased?3. Do you currently have any relationships with fellow believers that are broken or divided? What walls exist between you and how can you start tearing them down this week through repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation?4. What practical steps can you take this week to build relationships with believers different than you (racially, politically, generationally, etc.) to demonstrate the unity of the church?5. How should the truth that the church is the dwelling place of God impact how we view, speak about, and interact with our local church? Does this reality motivate you to greater commitment to the church?

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received with the empty hands of faith which results in a life devoted to doing good. Join us to discover the amazing grace of God revealed in these verses. Sermon Outline: I. How Are We Saved?II. Who Saves Us?III. For What Purpose Are We Saved? Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think it was essential for our salvation to be based on God’s grace rather than our own merits? When does salvation by grace alone actually become good news for people?2. Saving faith is more than just believing facts about Jesus in our minds. There’s a difference between intellectual agreement and true, saving trust. How can we evaluate whether our own faith is genuine rather than just intellectual assent? What’s the difference?3. How does a proper understanding of salvation exclude all possibility of boasting? 4. We’re saved not just from something but also for something: good works. What are some ways you can be doing good as part of your normal day-to-day life?5. If you believed in the depths of your soul that you did nothing to earn or deserve the salvation you have received, how would that change the way you see the non-Christian people around you? How would you think differently about people who appear to be “lost causes”?

Paul tells us in this passage that we were dead in our sin and floating down the stream of our sinful desires carried along by the power of Satan himself. What is a more hopeless situation than being dead? But this passage also contains the best news: Though we were dead in sin, God in His great mercy and love made us alive in Christ, raised us up with Him, and seated us securely with Him in the heavenly places.Sermon Outline:I. Our Need for SalvationII. God’s Action for SalvationIII. Our Future in SalvationSermon Discussion Questions:1. Ephesians 2:1 describes humanity as “dead in trespasses and sins.” In what ways have you seen or experienced the reality of spiritual death prior to knowing Christ? If you are a Christian, how would you describe the difference in the influence of the world, the flesh, and the devil on your life after Christ saved you?2. The apostle Paul emphasizes that God saves us purely out of mercy and love, not because of our works. Why is salvation by grace alone so important to understand? What problems can result from forgetting this truth?3. Reflecting on your own faith journey, when have you experienced the “immeasurable riches of God's grace” (Eph 2:7)? How might remembering his grace and kindness make it easier to share the gospel with others?4. Discuss the significance of being “made alive together with Christ” and being “seated with Him in the heavenly places.” How does this impact our perspective on present challenges and the assurance of our future?5. Reflect on the analogy of different lifeguard rescue techniques in the sermon. How does the extreme nature of our spiritual condition impact the way we understand God's salvation? What are the implications for our evangelistic efforts?

On account of sin, the eyes of our hearts have become cloudy and we no longer see or know as we ought to see and know. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God opens our spiritual eyes to fully grasp the hope we have in Christ, our value to God, and the immeasurable greatness of His power for us as His church.Sermon Outline:I. How We Can KnowII. What We Should KnowIII. Why We Must KnowSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you suppose faith in Jesus and love for fellow Christians are both necessary evidence of true Christianity? In what ways have you seen your faith in Jesus and love for other Christians grow recently? 2. Can you tell of a time when you had an “eye-opening” experience where a spiritual truth became clearer? How did it impact you? 3. Of the three things Paul prays the Church would know more fully (our future hope, our value to God, and God’s power in us), which one stood out most to you and why? How would your life be different if you saw this reality even more clearly?4. The sermon described four demonstrations of God's power. Which one most encourages or challenges you right now and why?5. We are Christ's body, called to carry out His mission in the world. How do you sense God calling you or our church to participate more fully in spreading the gospel locally and globally? What next steps can we take?

The Acts 8 episode of Philip and the Ethiopian official is the story of a divine appointment. It was not by chance that they met on the Gaza road – God arranged the encounter. While this is an extraordinary event, it is not unprecedented. God is even today in the business of arranging divine appointments – for those who are qualified, prepared, and willing to answer them. I. Philip was both qualified, prepared, and willing to lead a man to conversion. II. The normative mode of Gospel transmission is by speaking and hearing… and one-on-one is the ideal.III. Those Christians who are qualified, prepared, and willing can expect divine appointments like the one Philip received.Discussion points:1. The Ethiopian man was, for more than one reason, excluded from ‘the assembly of the Lord.’ What is the reason for this exclusion?2. Why do you suppose God chose Philip for this assignment?3. Why do you think God chose the Ethiopian to receive this extraordinary messenger and message?4.Working from the same passage (Is. 53) that the Ethiopian official read, make the connection between the prophet’s words and Christ the Messiah. 5. Reflect on your own conversion. How were you guided into an understanding of the Scripture and the Gospel message?6. Have you ever been on either the going or receiving end of a divine appointment? How do you know that is what it was?

As we journey through life, we experience times of flourishing and struggle. We notice times when we're growing in our faith and other times where we seem to be going backwards, times when God feels closer than our breath an other times where he seems altogether absent.We may wonder how this is going to end. This passage reminds us that God's plan for the universe is not in doubt, and neither is his plan for your life.Sermon Outline:I. You Are Sealed With The Spirit for an Inheritance.II. You are Sealed with the Spirit According to God's Plan.III. You are Sealed with the Spirit for God's Glory.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does knowing that you have an eternal inheritance waiting for you change your perspective on the struggles that you face in this life?2. We heard that "becoming a Christian is not about something you do. Becoming a Christian is out believing a message about what God has already done for you." How might this truth help someone who is struggling to earn their salvation through good works?3. Do you find comfort or concern in the idea of God's sovereignty -- that he works all things according to the counsel of his will? Why?4. How does the sealing of the Holy Spirit serve as a guarantee of our future inheritance? Have you experienced the Spirit's presence in your life in a way that gives you confidence in God's promises?5. What specific ways can you live out God's purpose for your life, which is to glorify Him, this week? How can we encourage each other in this purpose?

Divisions and tensions in society and even within the church threaten to tear Christians apart and distract us from our core identity in Christ. In this message, we are invited to stand firm in our identity as loved, chosen, and adopted children of God so we would give praise to God and walk with grace and humility. Sermon Outline:I. Stand Firm Because the Father Has Blessed You.II. Stand Firm Because the Father has Chosen You.III. Stand Firm Because the Father Has Predestined You.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. In what ways have you found other identities competing with or even superseding your Christian identity? How can we keep our identity in Christ foremost?2. What stood out to you most about the blessings we have in Christ (v. 3)? Which of these blessings do you most need to be reminded of?3. How does understanding election and predestination as acts of God's love and grace (rather than cold, fatalistic forces) change your perspective on these doctrines?4. Why do you think God chose to adopt us as his children (v. 5)? What are the implications of being adopted into God's family?5. How can remembering we are chosen and predestined by God's love (not anything in us) help us relate to one another in the church with more grace, humility and unity? How should it affect the way we view and treat unbelievers?

Divisions and tensions in society and even within the church threaten to tear Christians apart and distract us from our core identity in Christ. In this message, we are invited to stand firm in our identity as loved, chosen, and adopted children of God so we would give praise to God and walk with grace and humility. Sermon Outline:I. Stand Firm Because the Father Has Blessed You.II. Stand Firm Because the Father has Chosen You.III. Stand Firm Because the Father Has Predestined You.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. In what ways have you found other identities competing with or even superseding your Christian identity? How can we keep our identity in Christ foremost?2. What stood out to you most about the blessings we have in Christ (v. 3)? Which of these blessings do you most need to be reminded of?3. How does understanding election and predestination as acts of God's love and grace (rather than cold, fatalistic forces) change your perspective on these doctrines?4. Why do you think God chose to adopt us as his children (v. 5)? What are the implications of being adopted into God's family?5. How can remembering we are chosen and predestined by God's love (not anything in us) help us relate to one another in the church with more grace, humility and unity? How should it affect the way we view and treat unbelievers?

Sermon Questions1. What was wrong with the woman in Luke 13:10-17 and how did Jesus respond to her?2. What do you find encouraging about this story and why?3. Augustine described humanity as being curved inward on itself. What do you think he meant and how have you seen it to be true in your own life?4. In what areas of your life have you experienced freedom? How did that happen?5. How have you been discouraged in your own sanctification?6. What areas of your life do you still want Jesus to heal? How can you bring those areas into His presence for healing?7. How does a vision of what you will one day become impact your current struggle?

All of us are waiting in hope. We all have experienced painful and difficult circumstances that cause us to question God’s care, involvement, and love for us. What does it mean to wait in hope? How does God comfort us when we can’t see him working in our life. Come join us as we answer these questions and more found in the book of Ruth. Sermon Discussion questions: 1. When are you most tempted to believe that God’s providence is not orchestrating the events of your life? Why do you think that is?2. Discuss the connection between God’s sovereignty and human decisions. What problems arise if have a misunderstanding of the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human will?3. When have you experienced God’s care and love through community?4. Brainstorm with your group how you might (individually or as a Small Group) love and welcome the outcast or foreigner in in your community by answering a,b,c below. a. Love inquiries : Where and how might you personally interact with the outcast, poor, and unwanted? b. Love protects: What specific steps can we take to protect the vulnerable? c.Love is generous: How might God be calling you to display generous love to someone undeserving? What unbelieving neighbor or outcast can you invite to your dinner table this week? 5. How are we like Naomi and Ruth in God’s field?

Advent is a time of longing and waiting for the return of our Redeemer. Hardship, grief and sorrow can make that waiting difficult, but there is hope for those who come to Christ. Discussion Questions 1. When are you most likely to feel pressure to act happier and cheerier than you really feel, or to conceal sorrow and grief? Why? 2. Is Naomi’s attitude a sign of unfaithfulness? Why or why not? 3. How does the gospel give us freedom to lament in difficult times? 4. Why is it sometimes hard to see clues of God’s grace at work in our world and lives? Where do you see his grace in your life today? 5. Naomi experiences the kindness of God in the kindness of Ruth, Moabitess. Why is this surprising? Where in your life are you experiencing God’s kindness through the kindness of a non-Christian? 6. Does hardship make it easier or more difficult to remain close to Jesus? Why? 7. Why isn’t the notion of “waiting” a more prominent spiritual discipline for Christians?

In this passage, James tells us that wandering from the truth is a real possibility in the Christian community. How do we respond when we see a brother or sister going the wrong way? How would we like them to respond to us? As part of the community of Christ, James calls us to bring back those wandering away from the truth. Sermon Outline:I. Wandering from the Truth is a Real Possibility.II. Rescuing the Wanderer is a Community Responsibility.III. Restoring the Wanderer is a Worthwhile Endeavor.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What are some reasons you think we may “wander from the truth” in our doctrine or behavior? What cultural factors may contribute to this?2. Why do you think we're often tempted to talk about someone else's sin or wandering rather than personally going to them? What fears hold us back?3. Of the three elements needed in the heart to bring back wanderers, (conviction, compassion, courage), where do you feel strongest and where do you feel weakest?4. Tell about a time someone lovingly confronted you when you were straying in some way. How did you respond initially and what fruit came from it? Who might need to hear the truth in love from you?5. What are some practical things we can do as a small group to cultivate authentic community where we support and exhort one another if someone starts to wander? How can we cultivate courage, care, and truth-telling among ourselves?

In this passage, James shoots down the underlying assumptions of our prayerlessness by showing us that we do not have life under control and that prayer actually works. Sermon Outline:I. Prayer Sometimes Leads to Healing.II. Healing is Sometimes Connected to Forgiveness.III. The Prayer of the Righteous is Always Powerful. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Do you agree that we often don’t pray because we feel self-sufficient? What makes you feel you don’t need prayer in your life?2. When you are sick or suffering, do you take that as a prompt to pray? If not, what tends to be your typical response?3. Have you ever experienced a time when confessing sin led to spiritual or even physical healing? What was that like?4. James suggests a connection between sickness and sin. How do you reconcile this connection in today’s context? How can we recognize sin as a potential cause of illness without overspiritualizing every sickness?5. Do you think of prayer as actually changing outcomes in real ways? Why or why not? How might this passage shift your assumptions?

Student Discipleship Director Brian Campbell brings a Thanksgiving message.

It is easy to see people living in ease and self-indulgence and to begin to wish we had their lives. But in this passage, James makes it clear that judgment is coming on the unrighteous rich and we should neither envy them nor emulate them. What is it that the unrighteous rich do that warrant God’s judgment?Sermon Outline:I. The Unrighteous Rich Hoard and Accumulate.II. The Unrighteous Rich Use Power to Abuse.III. The Unrighteous Rich Live in Luxury and Self-Indulgence.IV. How Then Should We Live? Sermon Discussion Questions:1. James condemns the unrighteous rich for hoarding their wealth. In what ways are you tempted to hoard or accumulate more than you need? How can you be more generous with what God has given you?2. James says the unrighteous rich use their power to abuse others, like withholding wages from workers. How should followers of Jesus ensure they are treating employees, contractors, etc. fairly and justly?3. The unrighteous rich live in luxury and self-indulgence. How can we evaluate whether our own lifestyle trends in this direction? What are some practical ways to limit self-indulgence?4. What stood out to you most from the positive instructions Paul gives in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 for how the rich should live? How can you apply one of those principles this week? 5. Do you find it difficult to trust God's promise that releasing our riches to generously meet needs will actually increase our joy more than hoarding those riches for ourselves? What is one step of faith you can take this week to test God's promise?

We frequently make our plans as though we have total control over our lives and the world. Sometimes it’s sheer forgetfulness. But more perniciously we may find in our hearts an exalted view of ourselves rooted in pride and arrogance. One of the side effects of this view is that we become incredibly anxious people because we spend our efforts trying to control things that we have no control over. Here in this passage James teaches us that: God is in control; we are not, therefore we should humbly acknowledge our dependence on his will. Sermon Outline:I. Recognize Our Arrogant Assumptions.II. Replace Arrogant Assumptions with Humble Submission Sermon Discussion Questions:1. We often make plans with arrogant assumptions that we are in control. In what ways have you been guilty of this in your own life? How does a humble heart change our approach to planning?2. James says we are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. How does remembering the brevity of life help put our plans and ambitions in proper perspective?3. James teaches us to preface our plans with “If the Lord wills.” How can practically applying this adjust our attitude and reliance on God? What's the difference between planning with vs. without God at the center?4. Reflecting on the hymn “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right,” what resonates with you? How can clinging to God’s sovereignty bring peace amid unclear outcomes?5. How does our culture promote self-reliance and what impact can this have on our spiritual lives? How can we balance responsibility with a humble recognition of God's sovereignty in our plans?6. Leaving good undone that we know we should do is sin. What might be some “good things” God is calling you to that require humble obedience and trust, despite unknowns?

We live in a world that is very eager to tell the truth about others. It can be common for us to feel like the world we live in is eager to give each of us a star rating as well. As human beings created in God’s image, we are designed to care about our reputation, we long to be approved, and we have an empty space in our souls until our reputation is settled and secure. That hole in our souls can only be filled by God’s approval, which we can receive by the free grace of God through Jesus Christ. This gospel truth equips and empowers us to resist the temptation to slander another, and to withstand when we are slandered by others. Sermon Outline:I. The Definition of Slander II. The Disaster it Causes.III. The One Divine JudgeIV. The One Way to LiveSermon Discussion Questions:1. How important is your reputation to you? 2. If someone wrote an online review about you, what would you hope people would notice about you? What would you hope people would forgive and overlook about you?3. How is slander harmful to us and to our community, not just when others do it, but also when we do it?4. When think of God looking at you, what is the expression on his face? What if anything could you do to change that? 5. If you more fully believed that your reputation in the Father’s eyes because of Christ was perfect, righteous, and secure (and truly unaffected by whether you have the approval of others) how would your daily life look different?

Beneath our otherwise calm and polite exteriors rages the source of so many of our conflicts: a relentless desire to have my way, to pursue my pleasure, and to proudly put myself first. But such a posture is incompatible with real relationships, with God or one another. In this passage James puts the spotlight on our selfish pride that brings opposition from God himself and invites us to the humble way of Jesus where grace abounds. Sermon Outline:I. The Problem: Our sinful and selfish desires alienate us from one another and God. II. The Provision: God gives grace to the humble to live at peace with him and one another. III. The Path: Humble submission to God through true repentance is the only path to the exaltation we seek. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. James points out that our sinful and selfish desires sow discord and create conflicts in our relationships. How have you seen this in your own life and in the lives of those around you? 2. James reiterates the biblical principle that God gives grace to the humble. Can you share a personal experience where you felt God's grace in your life when you humbled yourself or confessed your sins? Why does it feel so difficult to humble ourselves?3. In the passage, James describes several aspects of humble repentance. Which of these steps of humbling yourself (submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing your hands and purifying your hearts, experiencing godly grief over sin) do you find most challenging and why? Which feels most needful right now? 4. The world's idea of exaltation is the opposite of what the Bible teaches. How can we apply the principle of “the way up is down” in our daily lives and interactions with others? Share practical examples of what taking a humble posture looks like in our personal relationships.5. The sermon concludes with an invitation to draw near to God, confess our sins, and experience His grace. How can your small group encourage and support each other in the process of humbling yourselves before the Lord? Share your thoughts and ideas for fostering a community of humility and grace.

Earthly ‘wisdom’ and heavenly wisdom are diametrically opposed. The one yields chaos and evil, the other the blessings of righteousness and peace. How is the believer to recognize and pursue the wisdom that is from above? Look to the character of Jesus Christ, Himself the very wisdom of God. I. Heavenly wisdom is demonstrated not primarily by words but by works. II. The jealous and factious spirit of the age produces ‘wisdom’ whose source is not God, but Satan.III. Earthly ‘wisdom,’ fueled by envy and rivalry, results in chaos and wickedness.IV. Since Christ is the very wisdom of God, the qualities of heavenly wisdom align perfectly with the character of Jesus. Questions:1. What are some examples of commonly held ‘wisdom’ in our day that are clearly contradictory to Godly wisdom?2. What is the connection between works and wisdom?3. Why does James call the wisdom that does not come from heaven ‘demonic?’ Why can’t there be a category of wisdom that is neutral, neither from God nor from Satan?4. Compare the characteristics of the wise man to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. 5. What is the relationship between righteousness and peacemaking? Shouldn’t the believer always be fighting for the cause of righteousness?

There are so many ways we can go wrong with our tongues, sometimes it seems we would do well just to keep our mouths shut. But therein lies the problem James highlights in this passage. Who can tame the tongue? Join us to find out!Sermon Outline:I. The Tongue’s Restraint Reflects its Maturity.II. The Tongue’s Size Betrays its Power.III. The Tongue’s Output Reveals its Source. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. James says that not many should become teachers because teachers will be judged more strictly (v. 1). Why do you think teachers face stricter judgment? What are some ways teachers can be faithful in handling God's word? 2. James compares the tongue to a bit in a horse’s mouth and a rudder on a ship (vv. 3-5). What do these comparisons teach us about the power of our words? Share an example of how a small word made a big impact, either positively or negatively. 3. James says no human can tame the tongue (v. 8). Why do you think it’s so hard to control what we say? What are some practical ways we can exercise self-control with our speech? 4. James points out the contradiction of blessing God while cursing others (vv. 9-10). When are you most tempted to be guilty of this inconsistency? What does it reveal about the condition of your heart? 5. According to this passage, what is the root issue behind sins of the tongue? How can we experience heart transformation that impacts the way we speak? What role does confession and repentance play?

Can faith be seen? Isn’t faith just an abstract theological concept, an idea, some nebulous indefinable religious mumbo-jumbo? James teaches us that real faith is seen, and faith that cannot be seen is not biblical faith at all. Is your faith visible? Sermon Outline:I. Three QuestionsII. Two ExamplesIII. One ConclusionSermon Discussion Questions:1. How can you tell what a person really believes? How much do their words matter as compared to their deeds?2. Think of the four men’s determination to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus, even to the point of tearing through the roof. Can you share a personal experience where you’ve witnessed someone’s faith through their actions? What impact did it have on you?3. James raises the question of whether faith without works can save a person. How do you interpret his answer to this question? What is the relationship between faith and works?4. True faith is not just intellectual assent but produces actions that align with God's commands. If we do not see those actions, what is the problem? What is the solution? 5. Think about your life this week and the circles of your family, friends, and the general public: where does your faith need to become more visible? What might that look like?

We don’t often think that partiality has big consequences. Is it really that big of a deal if I have a judgmental thought? Our passage for Sunday, James 2:1-13, will challenge those assumptions by reminding us what kind of kingdom the Lord reigns over.OutlineTitle: The Sin of Partiality I. The Problem of Partiality II. The Hope in the midst of partiality Questions1. What was your understanding of partiality and how did it change based on James 2:1-132. Which problem of partiality resonated with you the most? Why? 3. Look up different passages about partiality. What are some themes that you see develop? Read the context if needed. Deuteronomy 16:19, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Job 13:10, Psalm 82, Proverbs 24:24, Proverbs 28:21, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9, 1 Timothy 5:214. What are ways that you see partiality take root in your own heart? Socially, politically, financially, ethnically? What hope do you have in Christ?

None of us wants to be considered religious, but none of us can stop being religious. James 1:26-27 invites us to self examination as it describes the difference between fake religion and the real thing. 1. Do you think of when you hear the word "religion"? 2. Why is our use of words an important indicator of the authenticity of our faith? 3. When you think of your own spiritual maturity, do you tend to emphasize personal holiness or the practice of justice and mercy? What happens to us when we neglect one or the other? 4. For Christians who know salvation is by faith not works, how might these verses be unsettling? How do we reconcile this? 5. How do warnings against worthless religion show the grace of God for people in the Church? 6. What do these warnings communicate about God to skeptics and unchurched people?

Through the Scriptures, we have access to the very voice of God directing us in His ways. Yet how often do we treat the Bible as mere information rather than life-giving good news? In this passage, James calls us beyond simply hearing the word to actually doing what it says. Sermon Outline:I. Those who only hear the word are self-deceived.II. Those who only hear the word are foolish.III. Those who only hear the word forfeit the blessing. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Can you think of a specific area in your life where you’ve struggled to apply God’s Word in practice? What obstacles or challenges have you encountered, and how can you overcome them to become a doer of the Word in that area?2. How do you think merely hearing but not obeying God’s Word can be a form of self-deception? Have you experienced this in your own life?3. Think back to the ways people look at a mirror. How do you typically react when you read or hear God's Word? Do you find yourself more inclined to ignore your shortcomings or to dwell on them? How can you develop a healthier perspective on self-examination through God's Word?4. James refers to “the law of liberty.” How does the gospel enable us to cultivate a mindset that views obedience as a source of joy and fulfillment rather than as a burdensome duty?5. What is one specific way you feel challenged to not just hear, but do what Scripture teaches? What practical step of obedience will you take this week?

Think about the last time you became really angry? What was the fruit of that anger? Would you say it was the righteousness that should characterize a person who loves and serves God? Probably for most of us it wasn’t. Anger can produce many things, but it does not produce the one thing we Christians want the most in our lives: the righteousness of God. But what the anger of man cannot produce, the word of God can. Join us to find out how.Sermon Outline:I. We Must Be Slow to Anger.II. We Must Put Away Our Sin.III. We Must Humbly Receive the Word.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How has anger, whether justified or not, impacted your life or relationships? Can you think of specific instances where anger led to negative consequences?2. According to the sermon, what are the dangers of being quick to speak and quick to anger? How might these behaviors hinder effective communication and relationships?3. James writes that we need to receive the word of God with meekness. How can you personally cultivate a posture of humility in your life, especially when faced with difficult circumstances or disagreements?4. Can you share an example from your own life where you witnessed the transforming power of the gospel's message? How did receiving the gospel with meekness impact your behavior and attitudes?5. In today’s culture, where anger often seems pervasive, what practical steps can we take as individuals and as a community of believers to be “slow to anger” and better reflect the righteousness of God?

Christians worship an unchanging God, who does not associate with or tempt us to sin. Therefore, we may have great confidence and hope that the new life he has birthed in us is but the firstfruits of His plan to renew all creation and vanquish sin, Satan, and death. Sermon Outline:I.The only way to obey the command: ‘do not be deceived,’ is to know the truth.II. Our faith in God and confidence in His word are predicated on His immutability (changelessness).III. Your new birth in Christ is neither a random act nor a consequence of your initiative. It is a work of God: the product of His perfect will accomplished through the message of the Gospel.Questions:1. In what ways does the spirit of our age attempt to deceive us concerning God or His word?2. What are the good and perfect gifts that James references in this passage?3. How is the immutability (changelessness) of God a source of comfort to the believer?4. What is meant that by the firstfruits of God’s creatures?5. Compare God’s work in creation with his work in the new birth of believers. (Gen. 1:26; 1 Peter 1:23;

John Owen wrote back in the 1600’s about what temptation does: “It will lay the reins on the neck of a lust, and put spurs to the sides of it, that it may rush forward like a horse into the battle.” We all know what that feels like, because temptation is common to all of us. But where do our temptations come from, where do they lead, and how can we resist them? Join us this Sunday to find out.Sermon Outline:I. The Source of TemptationII. The Lifecycle of TemptationIII. The Strength to Endure TemptationSermon Discussion Questions:1. How does the concept of trial intersect with temptation? Can you think of any personal experiences where a trial led to a temptation?2. Where does temptation not come from? Why is it important to recognize this? 3. What is the role of our desire in temptation as James describes it?4. Consider the distinction between God testing His people and Satan tempting them. How can this understanding affect the way you perceive and respond to challenges in your life?5. How does love for God counteract the power of temptation? How can we cultivate and strengthen our love for God?

In this passage, James confronts us with the challenge of evaluating the worth of a person, even our own worth. On the one hand, what you think makes you valuable actually works against you. On the other hand, what you think makes you worthless actually highlights your true value. So, what are you worth? Join us to find out! Sermon Outline:I. The Lowly Can Boast.II. The Wealthy Can Be Humble. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does the concept of valuing antiques on “Antiques Roadshow” relate to the way we often evaluate the worth of individuals in our society? 2. What are some common categories or factors that people use to evaluate the worth of others? How does this passage challenge those worldly evaluations?3. In verse 9, the lowly are called to boast in their exaltation. What does this mean, and how does it connect to the concept of humility and dependence on God?4. How do verses 10-11 describe the fleeting nature of riches and the temporal condition of humanity? How should this perspective shape our attitude towards our “wealth” whatever form it takes?5. How does the passage challenge us to reframe our understanding of our own worth and identity? How does it encourage us to treat others, regardless of their social status?

Trials not only reveal and refine our faith, but our trials also reveal where our character is lacking and needs to be completed. And one of the things we frequently lack which keeps us from having joy in our trials is wisdom. The good news is that God promises to give that wisdom to all who ask for it in faith. Join us this week to discover why we need wisdom and how to get it. Sermon Outline:I. The Need for WisdomII. The Promise of WisdomIII. The Condition of Wisdom Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Describe a time in your life when you keenly felt the need for wisdom? 2. Why do we need wisdom to be able to “count it all joy” in the midst of our trials?3. Do you ever feel reluctant to ask God for wisdom (or anything else)? Why do you feel that way, and does this passage correct your thinking at all?4. What does it mean to be double-minded versus single-minded? What is the remedy for our double-mindedness?

No one likes to face trials in this life. Yet, in this passage, James calls us to “Count it all joy” when we encounter trials. What is it about the Christian faith that turns the hardest things that happen to us in this life into occasions for joy? Join us to find out as we kick off our new sermon series in the book of James! Sermon Outline:I. The Counterintuitive Response to TrialsII. What We Know in the Midst of TrialsIII. The Ultimate Goal of All Our Trials Sermon Discussion Questions:1. As you think about your life and the ways you have suffered, would you take an eraser and remove it if you could? Why or why not?2. Where in your life have you seen suffering produce steadfastness and ultimately Christian character in you? Where have you seen suffering expose your need for growth in Christian character?3. How might we use the teaching of this passage to comfort a Christian friend or family member who is suffering a trial? How could an improper use of this passage hurt those who are suffering?4. Why is it important to get clarity on what we most want in life? If what we most want is to be like Jesus, how does this shape our perspective on the trials we suffer?5. How does the gospel give us confidence that God is worthy to be trusted even when we are suffering?

How can anyone know if they are living life rightly before it is over? Some might argue that it’s being presumptuous to say that there is a “right” way to live. But how to live life rightly amid all the chaos, confusion, and ambiguity of our existence under the sun is what Ecclesiastes is all about. Join us for the final message in this series as we put it all together.Sermon Outline:I. The Communication of WisdomII. The Source of WisdomIII. The End of WisdomSermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever wrestled with the question of whether you were “living it right”? What was (or is) that experience like?2. The text says that the “words of the wise are like goads.” How has the study of Ecclesiastes been like a goad to you? Where have you been pushed, challenged, or made uncomfortable?3. In the sermon you heard brief answers to six worldview questions. Discuss how different groups of people (eg. a secularist, a Muslim, someone who has made a religion out of political conservatism or liberalism) might answer those six questions and how those different answers would lead to very different approaches to living.4. Ecclesiastes calls us to “Fear God and keep his commandments.” How does this simplify life in an often complicated world? How is the message of the gospel essential to obeying this simple command?5. Reflecting on the concept of judgment presented in the sermon, how does the idea of God's judgment influence your daily decisions and actions? If you believed at the core of your being that God was going to commend you for every act of loving obedience, would it change anything about how you’re living?

Life is short. Decay and death comes for all of us. The book of Ecclesiastes shows us how to live life in light of these sobering truths. Chapter 11 and 12 are particularly relevant for young people and those of us who are no longer young should pay special attention to what the book says. The clock is ticking. Discussion Questions: 1. As you think of aging, which do you fear losing the most: a youthful mind, a youthful body, a youthful heart? 2. What prevents us from enjoying the years we are presently in? 3. How does remembering "the days of darkness" affect our attitude towards life and aging? 4. What joys has God provided for you in your current stage of life? 5. What are some benefits of remembering our Creator while we are young? How about when we are no longer young? 6. Where do we see the grace of God at work for us in these verses?

The fear of uncertainty can keep us from pursuing a dream, from venturing into a relationship, from taking a step of faith, from starting that business or ministry, from reaching out to someone, or from using our gifts. How you respond to the uncertainties of life will either expand your life or reduce it. Join us to discover how and why we can live boldly for God’s glory in the face of uncertainty. Sermon Outline:I. Live Boldly Now Because You Do Not Know What Disaster May Happen.II. Live Boldly Now Because You Don’t Know When the Time is Right.III. Live Boldly Now Because You Don’t Know What God Will Do Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Can you share a personal experience of a time when you faced a significant uncertainty? How did it impact you?2. Our response to life's uncertainties can either expand or diminish our life. Can you share a time when your response to uncertainty led to growth and fruitfulness or, conversely, held you back?3. In what ways have you been “observing the wind” or “regarding the clouds” (v.4) in your life, effectively hesitating to take action due to perceived uncertainties or risks? How might you move past these hesitations?4. How does the gospel free us to take risks for the glory of God in the face of uncertainty or potential failure? Where do you need to apply the gospel in your life today to live boldly for the glory of God?

How many businesses have been ruined by one person’s folly? How many marriages through one foolish decision? How many nations, and how many churches, have been undone through the folly of its leaders? Wisdom and folly are not abstract ideas, but realities that impact the lives of everyone under the sun. Join us to consider the power of wisdom and folly! Sermon Outline:I. Value the Saving Power of Wisdom.II. Heed the Destructive Power of Folly. 1. A Little Folly Ruins Much Good. 2. Folly Overturns Order. 3. Folly Brings Self-Destruction i. Through Careless Action. ii. Through Careless Inaction. iii. Through Careless Words.III. Choose Wisdom Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you experienced or observed a situation where one person's foolish decision impacted a larger group or organization?2. Wisdom is often taken for granted and less valued than power. Can you think of any examples in your life where wisdom was overlooked or not appreciated?3. How can we better value and celebrate wisdom in our communities, especially in the light of the biblical principle that “wisdom is better than might”?4. The sermon cites a proverb, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” How can this wisdom be applied to contemporary conflicts or discussions, particularly on digital platforms like social media?5. We have seen the dangers of both careless action and careless inaction. Reflecting on your own life, can you identify moments where either of these types of carelessness led to unforeseen consequences? Is there any part of your life where you are acting carelessly now that you need to stop? Is there any part where you are carelessly not acting that you need to begin?

You do not know when your time is coming, but it is coming regardless of how you live. To live your life wisely is to live like you are dying. Join us to find out how!Sermon Outline:I. Embrace Reality: You Are Dying.II. Enjoy the Life You Are Living.III. Be Ready When the Time Comes.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How would you live differently if you were to live like you were dying?2. If looking at the circumstances of our life is not a good way to determine whether God loves us, how can we know that he loves us?3. How does being confident in God’s love allow us to enjoy the simple pleasures of life? For those who are married, how much would you say you are enjoying your marriage? What are some things you can do to increase that enjoyment?4. The Preacher says that “man does not know his time” and so we should be prepared to die. How can we prepare to die? Are you ready?5. What would be distinctively different about a Christian who is living like they are dying versus a person who does not know Christ living like they are dying?

Human leadership abuses power and the wicked are celebrated by the world. How are we to live when life is so dangerous and unfair? Ecclesiastes 8 gives us clues, though not as many as we might wish. Join us as we explore the necessity and limitations of wisdom for life. Outline:I. How do we live in a world that is dangerous and unfair? II. Trust God. III. Have JoyQuestions:1. When has life seemed most unfair to you? 2. When has wisdom helped you navigate difficult interactions with authority? 3. When has wisdom failed to help you in a difficult situation? 4. Has the injustice or suffering in life ever tempted you to disbelieve in God or to abandon your faith in him? 5. How does the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 8 resolve this tension? 6. How does Jesus provide a way forward for us?

What does the bible mean when it says, “do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise”. Why do seemingly good people sometimes perish and wicked people live long lives? Does everyone sin? Why? Come join us as we tackle some of the hard passages of Ecclesiastes 7. Sermon Outline:I. We are not to be overly righteous nor overly wicked. a. Take hold of this truth.II. None are righteous, all sin. a.The proof you sinIII. Full wisdom is unobtainable.IV. The scheme of all thingsSermon Discussion Questions:1. What should you do when you encounter cryptic or difficult passages of scripture?2. How does being overly righteous fail to miss the gospel? Why or how is it sometimes used to wrongly “manipulate” or “force God’s hand”? 3. What is the fear of the Lord. How does a proper understanding of it help us in our Christian life?4. Why is the Doctrine of Original Sin important in the understanding that everyone sins? What happens when you remove the understanding that people are not morally neutral?5. What is personification and how is it used throughout the Wisdom Literate in categories such as Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly? How did it apply to our passage on Sunday regarding the temptress?

Who knows what is good for man? In our limited vision and wisdom, we cannot see or know what is good for man. There are things in our lives we would not choose that are precisely the things God has given us to make us wise. Do you want to be a wise person? Join us to discover how.Sermon Outline:I. Sorrow is better than laughter.II. Hard words are better than pleasing words.III. Growing in patience is better than growing in pride.IV. Wisdom is better than wealth.V. It is better to trust the God who knows what is good for man than to dispute with him.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How have you seen the story of the farmer and his horse play out in your own life? (Was there a time when you thought something was bad that turned out good or vice versa.)2. Why is it said that sorrow is better than laughter? Why is it important that we attend funerals if we want to be wise?3. Do you believe that God has put a crook in everyone’s lot? Does this conflict with his attributes of being good and loving? Why or why not?4. How do our failures, struggles, and crooks teach us patience? In what ways are they better for us than our successes?5. In what ways can you practically incorporate the wisdom of this passage into your day-to-day life? (Think about how you might respond when your crook is causing you pain, when you are facing adversity, when someone criticizes you, when you’re tempted to pine about the ‘good old days,’ or when you’re feeling impatient with some aspect of life.)6. When we do not know what is good for us, how does the message of the gospel enable us to trust the one who does?

This week as we resume our series in Ecclesiastes, I ask you to consider: Are you operating right now under the belief that more money will make you happier and more satisfied with life? Are you making decisions based on that assumption? Who told you that was true? Ecclesiastes shows us that wealth may be given by God, but satisfaction comes separately. Rather than wasting our lives toiling for satisfaction from wealth, we should trust God for our provision and rejoice in his gifts.Sermon Outline:I. Do Not Toil for Satisfaction in WealthII. Trust God for His Provision and Rejoice in His GiftsIII. Recognize that the Ability to Enjoy Gifts is a GiftSermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever fell into thinking that if you just had more money, you could be truly happy? Is there any truth to that idea? What’s wrong with the idea?2. Why can money and possessions not satisfy the desire of our hearts? How can we remind ourselves of this when we are so prone to forget?3. How does God’s gift of his Son Jesus Christ enable us to enjoy God’s other gifts?4. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 the apostle Paul warns against the love of money. What additional insight does this passage shed on what we have seen in Ecclesiastes?5. What do you need to confess to the Lord today and repent of? What gifts do you need to give him thanks for and enjoy?

In our last I AM statement sermon, we consider the exclusive claim that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. How could someone so exclusive bring peace to our troubled hearts? We will see Christ caring for his disciples at the end of his life by pointing to the only source of peace, himself.I. In Christ, your future is secureII. In Christ alone is salvation for a troubled heart Questions1. This passage is often quoted in evangelistic conversations. Given the biblical context, why is John 14:6 appropriate for evangelism and why is it inappropriate?2.Look back on your life. When have you had a troubled heart? How did you see God give you a hope and a future in the midst of your troubles? What currently are you still longing to see God do?3. Jesus makes an exclusive claim to bring peace to a troubled heart. Where have you turned before to look for peace? How did it work out?4. Peter wanted to take Jesus’ place and die for him. What was wrong with that? How do we do that still today?5. Phillip wanted just a little bit more from Jesus instead of trusting him at his word.In what areas have just wanted a little bit more from Jesus, instead of trusting him as the sufficient savior and comforter?

Jesus is the source of true spiritual life and only those abiding in him can produce the fruit that the Father seeks. Are you bearing the fruit the Father is seeking? How do you know? If not, how can you? These are the issues Jesus puts before us when he says, “I am the true vine." Sermon Outline:I. The Vine Gives Life to the Branches.II. The Vinedresser Tends to the Branches.III. The Branches Bear the Fruit. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever tended a vine or a garden? How does your experience with that inform your understanding of what Jesus teaches in this passage?2. Pruning is a painful process for us typically. How do Jesus’ words about our Father being the vinedresser comfort us in those times when it feels like good things in our lives are being cut away?3. What kinds of fruit are evidence of a life vitally connected to Jesus? What should we do if we do not see evidence of this fruit in our own lives (or others’ lives)?4. What is the difference between obeying God’s commands to gain his love and obeying God’s commands to abide in his love? How is obedience essential to abiding in his love?5. Read Isaiah 27:1-6. How does this prophecy ultimately find its fulfillment through the ministry of Jesus Christ and his church? (*hint: Leviathan and the dragon are identified with our adversary Satan) If verse 6 is being fulfilled through Jesus and the church.

Many of us have heard Psalm 23 at one point in our lives, whether in church or perhaps at a funeral. Perhaps we’ve seen a painting depicting Jesus as a shepherd, and that painting brought us comfort. When Jesus made the claim to be The Good Shepherd, he was offering words of comfort to many, but they were also words of consternation and blasphemy to others. Jesus’ words can divide, but ultimately they will bring people together from all over the world and all throughout history. Sermon Outline:I. Who Jesus says he isII. Why Jesus says he came to usIII. How Jesus shepherds us IV. How Jesus knows usV. Who Jesus came forVI. How Jesus loves usSermon Discussion Questions:1. What comes to mind when you think of Jesus being your shepherd?2. In what ways did the religious leaders of his day act like wolves? 3. How can we avoid/repent of ways we have been wolf-like towards others in the Church?4. Do you believe the Good Shepherd is for you? 5. In what ways do you feel the Good Shepherd nudging you gently, prodding you, or even grabbing hold of you in some area of your life? 6. What does it mean to you that

Jesus confronts the religious leaders of his day for their negligent shepherding of the people of Israel. He picks up where they failed and reveals Himself as the gate – the only door - to the sheepfold, where those who enter find salvation, protection, and life abundant.I. Those who belong to Christ can distinguish between true and false teachingII. The Door is the exclusive entry point to salvation III. To go in by the door is to embrace Christ by faithComing in through the door not only secures salvation, but also the promise of protection and the means to prosperQuestions:1. What is the connection between Jesus ‘I Am’ statement here and the episode of the blind man healed in the previous chapter?2. Who is the gatekeeper that Jesus references in verse three?3. It has been observed that sheepfolds in the ancient Near East did not typically have a door, but the shepherd served as a door in the night. What light might this shed on Jesus' statement?4. What are some of the ways that people try to enter into the sheepfold?5. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Who is the thief?6. What does the abundant life look like for the believer?

The world is a dark place and our lives frequently are as well. Jesus said “I am the light of the world”. Join us as we consider what Jesus meant and how his light speaks to our deepest needs. Jesus is the light of the world. I. Jesus is the light of life. II. Jesus is the light of wisdom.III. Jesus is the light of joy. Discussion Questions:1. Where are you currently experiencing darkness in your own life?2. If you are a Christian, how are you seeing the light of Christ most clearly in your life today? 3. For Christians, how is following Jesus like following a light in a dark place?4. If you are not a Christian, what personal risks and benefits might be involved in deciding to following Jesus?

In the passage we are considering today, Jesus Christ tells us the second thing we need to know about him when he says, “I am the bread of life.” What does that mean, and what does it mean for us? We can sum it up this way: Because Jesus Christ is the bread of life, he alone offers the satisfaction we seek. Join us to consider three implications of the fact that Jesus is the bread of life.Sermon Outline:I. Because Jesus Christ is the bread of life, we must seek him.II. Because Jesus Christ is the bread of life, we must come to him.III. Because Jesus Christ is the bread of life, we must feed on him.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Do you think there are an increasing number of people who are unhappy and dissatisfied or do you think it has been pretty constant over time? Explain your answer.2. Why do you suppose that people who seem to have it all (money, success, respect, etc.) are sometimes the most miserable people?3. What does Jesus mean in verse 27 when he says, “Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you”? What is the practical application of that for you in your life today?4. How can Jesus call people to come to him and also say “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him”? What does this say about our spiritual condition apart from God’s work of grace in our hearts?5. What is the difference between Jesus saying, “There is the bread of life, go out and get it” and “I am the bread of life, come to me”?

Many people have ideas about who Jesus is, and some people define him as they think it is best. But in this new series, we are not going to impose upon Jesus our own ideas about who he is. Instead, we are going to let Jesus define himself through a series of statements in which he tells us definitively who he is. On this Easter Sunday, he tells us the first thing we need to know about him in a world full of death: “I am the resurrection and the life.”Sermon Outline:I. Jesus is Confident in the Face of Death.II. Jesus is Outraged in the Presence of Death.III. Jesus is Victorious Over the Power of Death.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Jesus’ actions in response to the sisters’ plea to come and help their brother are puzzling. Why does Jesus wait until Lazarus is already dead to come and visit?2. Have you ever felt puzzled by God’s actions, or his seeming lack of action? How does this story comfort us?3. Why is it significant that when Jesus stood outside of Lazarus’ tomb, he wept?4. Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life? If so, what difference does that make for you today? What difference does that make when you die?

Dr. Sinclair FergusonSermon Discussion Questions:1. Palm Sunday was not Jesus’ first trip to Jerusalem. Why was he greeted with such fanfare upon his arrival this time?2. Jesus was treated like a true king when he entered Jerusalem but died friendless days later. Why did the enthusiasm for Christ’s promised reign fail to generate enduring faith or courageous loyalty to Him?3. On at least three occasions in John’s Gospel (2:4, 7:30, 8:20) we are told that Jesus’ ‘hour’ has not yet come. In 12:23, Christ announces that the ‘hour’ has come. What does this mean?4. What is it about Christians that will convince the world to believe in Christ?5. How do we know that the prayer of Christ in chapter 17 is not only for his apostles but for us as well?

How seriously do you take your words? How seriously do you take the commitments you make to God and other people? Most of us, most of the time, speak without thinking. But this week the Preacher of Ecclesiastes helps us see that our words matter because they reveal the posture of our heart toward God. What do your words say about your heart?Sermon Outline:I. Because Words Matter, Hearing Words is Better Than Speaking Words.II. Because Words Matter, Considered Words are Better Than Rash Words.III. Because Words Matter, Fewer Words are Better Than More WordsIV. Because Words Matter, No Words are Better Than Broken Words.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you suppose it is so difficult to control our tongues/speech? If you have, tell of a time when you intentionally spoke less and what you learned from it.2. Would you characterize your times in corporate worship or private prayer as being marked by reverence and awe of God? Why or why not?3. Jesus said, “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). What does he mean by that and what are the implications for us?4. What vows or commitments are you currently neglecting? What is to be done about it?5. How does the gospel free us from condemnation for our sins of speech, while also engaging our hearts so we want to honor God with our speech?

What really drives us to excel in the workplace? Envy is rarely talked about nor admitted to. Yet, the Bible tells us it is often the motivation behind our labors and toil. Come join us to find out what the bible says about our work, those that won’t work, meaningful relationships and the contented peaceful life Jesus offers us. 1. Do you consider yourself and envious person? Have you considered ways envy might be operating in your life that were previously hidden from you?2.Why is so hard to admit we are envious people?3. What would you say to the man or woman who believes working is just part of the rat-race and unnecessary?4. Are you content with what God has given to you? What does biblical contentment look like? How do we know if we have found it?5. How might the analogy of “two-handed” vs “one-handed” serve us and others?6. Are we more comfortable going it alone, or living in community? Why or why not? What are some of the benefits of living life in community? What makes it difficult?7. Consider this week what you are living for!

God has a way of making everything beautiful in its time, and it is our confidence in this fact that enables us to find joy in the present moments that may be filled with pain or sorrow. One of those places of pain and sorrow is our frustration over the injustice that exists in the world and the wickedness that is so prevalent all around us. In this passage, the Preacher assures us that while injustice and oppression are realities, and death is inescapable, there will be a judgment that makes sense of everything.Sermon Outline:I. The Problem of Injustice and Oppression.II. The Lessons of Death.III. The Death of Death.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Where have you personally witnessed or experienced injustice or oppression? Describe the experience.2. How does the promise of a coming day of judgment give hope to those who are suffering injustice?3. Why can there be no good news if there is no ultimate judgment?4. How does death humble us? What is humanity supposed to learn from the reality of death?5. If we are experiencing injustice, oppression, or even the grief of loss, how does the gospel offer us real hope? How should we live in the face of such realities?

In one of the most famous poems ever written, Ecclesiastes reminds us that we are not in control of the seasons of life and we are not capable of comprehending them. Yet, with the ups and downs and perplexities of the changing seasons, the sovereign God is working out all his holy will. Join us to experience the tremendous comfort this passage offers people living in a broken world. Sermon Outline:I. God Controls the Seasons, We Do Not.II. God Always Comprehends the Seasons, We Do Not.III. Trusting God’s Sovereignty Through the Seasons Allows Us to Enjoy His Gifts in Every Season. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What situation or season of life has brought you to the place where you had to admit that you do not have control? Describe what that experience was like.2. Does the fact that you are not in control of your life burden you or relieve you, and why?3. God’s perspective encompasses everything, while our perspective is necessarily limited. How does this reality help us to trust him in the midst of the more challenging seasons of life such as an illness, grief, or conflict?4. How does trusting God’s sovereignty free us to enjoy his good gifts in every season of life?5. Is there a place in your life where you need to give up the struggle to control or understand a situation and simply rest on the loving sovereignty of God? (Psalm 131) Take some time to do that in prayer.

Many of us spend our lives grinding it out day after day to accomplish, achieve, and accumulate only to find ourselves mildly to severely dissatisfied. Or to put it in the language of Ecclesiastes, “what have we gained from all our grinding?” Take a break from the grind and join us to find out where true gain is found. Sermon Outline:I. Grinding for Gain is Absurd.II. Grinding as Gift is Joyful.III. Enjoying God’s Gifts is a Gift.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever experienced the “arrival fallacy,” where you accomplished something only to discover there is no lasting happiness there? Tell about it.2. Where do you feel most keenly the daily grind of life and work? What three reasons are found in the passage for why grinding for gain is ultimately absurd?3. How can we be free from the endless pursuit of trying to gain by turning good things into ultimate things? Why can we not enjoy God’s good gifts apart from him?4. How does the promise of the resurrection fundamentally change the way we view our work in this world? (See 1 Corinthians 15:58)

There is so much to enjoy in this life. God made the world and called it good, and he made us with the capacity to enjoy. And it doesn't matter how much money you have, or where you were born, every human being naturally searches for pleasure in their life. The author of Ecclesiastes in this Sunday's passage searched the world for its greatest pleasures, but in his search, he found no pleasure that actually changed his final destination, nor any pleasure that lasted. Join us this weekend as we continue to explore the book of Ecclesiastes--and God's heart for humankind--together. There was also a few typos in his Sermon Discussion questions, please use these: I. Sources of PleasureII. Problems with PleasureIII. Walking in The Father’s Pleasure Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Have you ever been disappointed by something you thought would bring you pleasure? 2. Are there ways you take pleasure in indulging? In hard work? In accumulating? Ask God to show you ways of which you might not be aware. 3. Dwell on our Heavenly Father and his love for you. Why does he love you? When does he love you least, or most (trick question)? 4. As you think about our Father’s love, what priorities in your life change? 5. How can we help one another navigate our heart’s relentless pursuit of satisfaction? Consider turning to Hebrews chapters 10-12.

If you are puzzled by the way things are in the world, if you are wondering why you can’t seem to find satisfaction in the pursuit of your work, or the pursuit of pleasure, or even in the pursuit of wisdom, if you are troubled by the question, “what’s it all for?”, then join us for the beginning of this new series in Ecclesiastes.Sermon Outline:I. The Vanity of Lifei. Life is Elusiveii. Life is Shortiii. Life is Inscrutably RepetitiveII. The End of PretendSermon Discussion Questions:1. If you have read Ecclesiastes before, what are some of the takeaways or impressions it has left on you?2. Describe your understanding of the word hevel, translated “vanity” in Ecclesiastes 1:2. Where do you most keenly feel the vanity of life?3. Ecclesiastes invites us to look at the world for what it really is. Why do you think we are so resistant to do that and live so much of our lives “playing pretend”? What is it about our Christian faith that should encourage us to be the first ones to stop pretending?4. How does our awareness of the vanity of life prepare us to hear the good news of the gospel? How might this be a bridge for a gospel conversation with an non-Christian friend or family member?

Mission Fest 2023

Fear of the future is one of the most common fears gripping our world. This tends to paralyze and isolate people. So what are we to do in the face of the uncertainty about the future? What instruction does God’s word give his people? What has done and what will God do on behalf of his people?I. Overcoming fear starts with a firm foundationII. Fear of the future will often include lies of the enemyIII. Overcoming fear through the means of grace1. How do you typically respond when you anticipate bad things to come?2. What element of the Rabshakeh’s speech was most alarming to you? Why?3. What are some things you currently are afraid of as you think about the future?4. How does Jesus’ work on the cross put into perspective our fear of the future?

Psalm 78 reminds the people of God of the importance of remembering God’s works and words and passing them on to the next generation. In this message, we will remember the mighty works of God at Covenant Church over the last 14 years so that we would trust him more and obey his good commands.Sermon Outline:I. We Must Remember 1. The Works of God 2. The Word of GodII. So that We TrustIII. So that We ObeySermon Discussion Questions:1. How has your understanding of God's mighty works changed or been strengthened through hearing about the history and growth of our church over the last fourteen years?2. Why is remembering so essential to trusting? Why is trusting so fundamental for obeying?3. Scan the rest of Psalm 78. When do the people of God get themselves into trouble? How can we avoid doing the same as a church? As individuals?4. In what ways can reflecting on the successes and challenges of our church's history provide insight and guidance for making decisions and setting goals in the present and future?

Unless Jesus returns first, we will all die with unfulfilled longings, just like Moses. We will have goals we did not accomplish, books we did not write, places we did not travel, changes we did not make, things we did not say, growth that did not happen. Death is the jagged rock upon which our deepest longings will be dashed. How then should we live? Join us for the last in the Deuteronomy series. Sermon Outline:I. Death Comes to the Best of Us and to the Rest of Us.II. Business Will Remain Unfinished and Longings Will Remain Unfulfilled.III. No One is Indispensable and the World Will Move On. IV. One Day, Death Will be Swallowed Up in Victory and Every Longing Will Be Satisfied. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Think back on this series through Deuteronomy that began in August 2021. What were some highlights or main takeaways for you from studying this remarkable book?2. Death will come to us all, as surely as it came to Moses. Why is facing this fact so important for living life well?3. Unfulfilled longings will be the reality for each of us when we come to die. The question is whether the longings we have are worthy of who God has called us to be. What worthy pursuit are you unwilling to begin for fear of not finishing? How does this passage speak to that?4. How does the resurrection and the promise of a new heavens and a new earth speak to the pain of our unfulfilled longings in this life? What kind of people ought we to be when we know that one day even our greatest sufferings will become the subject of God’s greatest praises?5. What do you need to remember? Where do you need to trust? How is he calling you to obey?

What do you do when your life is on the rocks? The song Moses teaches the people of God in Deuteronomy 32 gives us the answer.Sermon Outline:I. Ascribe Perfection to Yahweh.II. Acknowledge the Imperfections of Yahweh’s People.III. Recognize the Justice of Yahweh.IV. Treasure the Compassion of Yahweh.V. Rejoice in and Respond to the Deliverance of Yahweh.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What is a song that evokes powerful memories for you?2. How is ascribing perfection to God a powerful help when we find ourselves on the rocks of life? Why does ascribing perfection to God not preclude lamenting difficult circumstances?3. As you read or heard about the way Israel trampled and scorned God’s grace, did it bother you? How are you repaying the Lord for his kindnesses to you? Are there any changes you need to make today?4. How can we hold God’s justice toward evil and God’s compassion toward his people together? How does the gospel resolve the tension?5. The proper response to God’s promised salvation is both joy and obedience. How do those two things go together? What happens if we separate them?

The people of Israel are facing the uncertainty of a leadership transition. Who and what will they be able to depend on when they cross the Jordan and face the enemies that caused their parents’ faith to shrivel up and die? We, too, go through times of uncertainty. We may be passing from one season of our life across a Jordan river moment into an unknown land and we do not know what to expect. What strong foundations can we depend on when we enter times of uncertainty?Sermon Outline:Foundation #1: God’s presence is the foundation of our strength and courage at all times.Foundation #2: God’s appointed leaders are the ordinary means by which God brings us into what he has promised.Foundation #3: God’s Word gives us needed direction about how to be, what to do, and how to return.Foundation #4: God’s unchanging character gives us confidence that we can always depend on him to do what he has promised.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Where are you cognizant of uncertainty in your life today?2. How should God’s presence give us strength and courage in the face of uncertainty? If we are allowing fear to lead us to disobedience, what are we forgetting?3. What are some reasons why it is so important that we continually expose ourselves to the reading and preaching of God’s Word? What are our personal hindrances to taking in God’s Word?4. Prosperity was generally a hinderance to Israel faithfully following the Lord. How can we ensure that our own prosperity does not lead us astray from the true God?5. How does God’s unchanging character give you confidence in uncertainty even though you may personally fail?

Isaiah 35 speaks hope to weary exiles who wait for redemption. Its an appropriate meditation during Advent season for Christians who are still waiting for Christ to return.Sermon Outline:I. Homesick exiles II. The home we’re sick for III. The way back home IV. What we have while we wait  Discussion Questions 1.  When was the last time you visited your hometown? What was the experience like? 2.  Isaiah 34 describes the judgment of God. What does chapter 35 tell us about the intentions and purposes for God’s judgment? Why is this hard to remember? 3.  What life experiences tend to give you “weak hands and feeble knees”? How does this passage speak to your need? 4. In what ways is Jesus shown to be the fulfillment of this specific set of prophecies in Isaiah 35? 5.  In what ways are you presently witnessing the kind of transformation described in this text? In what ways are you still waiting to see this promised transformation?  6.  What has God given us to help us “walk on the way” (v8) as we wait for the world to be fully restored ? 

God has made it clear throughout the book of Deuteronomy that if his people break his covenant and disobey his commandments, they are going to find themselves cast out of the land and into the far country. Eventually that would happen. But judgment is not God’s final word to his people. This passage reminds us that no matter how far we have drifted or run from God’s good plan, the option to choose life is still before us.Sermon Outline:I. The Condition of Life.II. The Promise of Life.III. The Objections to Life.IV. The Choice of Life.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever been in the “far country?” What was that like? Do you know anyone in the “far country” now?2. What are the elements of repentance as they are portrayed in Deuteronomy 30:1-2? Why can we not go on loving God and loving our sin?3. How is God’s law a blessing to those who have it? Was it ever intended to be a means by which God’s people could be righteous before God? Why or why not?4. Are the choice of life and death still on the table for us today? How would you explain this to someone who is not a Christian?5. Pray and consider who God would have you share the message of life with today.

God has revealed to his people everything they needed to know for life in the land through this book of Deuteronomy. But the revelation itself is not enough to benefit from it. And so, in this chapter Moses brings together all of the main threads of Deuteronomy in order to impress upon them the importance of taking heed to the message that is revealed. How can they be sure to benefit from the things that are revealed? And likewise, how can we? Sermon Outline:I. Remember God’s Grace in Establishing his Covenant.II. Embrace Your Place in God’s Covenant.III. Beware Betraying the God of the Covenant.IV. Live by What is Revealed. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever been given a helpful piece of information that you did not act on and regretted it later? (ie. medical advice, stock tip, etc.)2. How is it that someone can hear the message of what God has done, and yet not really hear it? How does this shed light on this phrase Jesus uses repeatedly: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (e.g., Mark 4:9)? What is the solution not hearing, seeing, or understanding?3. What are some of the idols that we are most inclined to go after today? Where do you see people inclined to follow the stubbornness of their own heart rather than God’s Word?4. Why is it so dangerous to reject God’s word and do what you want on the assumption that you can just ask forgiveness later? Read Hebrews 6:1-12. What do you think is to be the intended effect of this passage on true Christians?5. Many people get caught up on trying to figure out God’s will for their lives in areas God has not revealed, and it tends to produce anxiety. How is Deuteronomy 29:29 freeing?

God desires a people who will not leave him or forsake him, who will not worship other gods besides him, who will obey his commands, honor him as Lord, and keep coming back to him as long as their heart is pumping. And while this kind of loyalty will yield blessings beyond our imagination, disloyalty is threatened with curses unspeakable. Sermon Outline:I. Obedience leads to blessings untold.The Condition: The Blessings:The Cause: II. Disobedience leads to curses unspeakable. The Condition:The Curses:The Cause:III. So What?Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Covenant loyalty is a very big deal to God. Why do you suppose that is? How does the image of God’s people being his bride help us grasp the intensity of his love?2. God’s blessings described in Deuteronomy 28 are primarily focused around physical and financial prosperity in the land. Should we expect physical and financial prosperity if we obey God’s commandments? (*Hint: in addition to New Testament texts like 2 Cor. 4:7-5:10, you may want to revisit Psalm 73 and Job 1-2.)3. Not all hardship is a result of God’s response to our sins, but all of God’s curses are intended to function as discipline in the life of his people to turn us back to repentance and faith. Read Hebrews 12:3-17 and explain how we should respond to discipline.4. Read John 15:1-11. How are Jesus’ words a further confirmation of the message in Deuteronomy 28?5. How does understanding what Christ has accomplished for us at the cross turn obedience from feeling like a burden of “have to” to the joy of “get to”? Where in your life do you need to apply that gospel more personally so the “have to” becomes a “get to” again?

It is hard to imagine a worse word to describe our lives than “cursed.” Over the next four chapters of Deuteronomy, the people of God are going to be presented with a choice: blessing or curse. It is a choice we all face every single day. If we are going to avoid the curse, we need to be clear on what the law requires, clear on who we are, clear on the consequences of disobedience, and clear on the remedy for disobedienceSermon Outline:I. To Avoid the Curse, We Need to Be Clear on What the Law Requires.II. To Avoid the Curse, We Need to Be Clear on Who We Are.III. To Avoid the Curse, We Need to Be Clear on the Consequence of Disobedience.IV. To Avoid the Curse, We Need to Be Clear on the Remedy for Disobedience.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What do Moses and the elders mean in verse 1 when they say, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today”? How do Christians relate to the commandments of Moses in Deuteronomy?2. What are some ways that this passage reminds us that God’s law comes to his people in the context of his grace?3. How does having a firm conviction of who we are change our motivation for obeying God’s law?4. This passage reminds us that even if we hide from human justice, there will be no hiding from divine justice. If we truly believed that, how would this impact our thought life or the things we do in secret?5. What is the remedy God has provided to deliver us from the curse of sin? Why does being redeemed from the curse of the law not mean that the law no longer matters?

Gratitude is the natural response to rescue. In this passage, Moses prescribes a couple of rituals and recitations that will serve to remind the people of what God has done for them. Come discover how gratitude for God’s grace expresses itself in obedient worship, obedient giving, and obedient living. Sermon Outline:I. Give thanks for God’s grace through obedient worship.II. Give thanks for God’s grace through obedient giving.III. Give thanks for God’s grace through obedient living. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever been rescued or saved from something scary or life-threatening? What did that feel like, and how did you respond?2. In our worship, we should be cognizant of God’s provision for us, his faithfulness to us, and his rescue of us. How can we keep these things in mind as we worship? What happens if we forget?3. Why is giving to the local church and to those in need an appropriate response to God’s grace to us? Do your own giving practices reflect your own sense of gratitude for what God has done for you and promised to you?4. How does knowing you are God’s treasured possession affect your understanding of his commandments? How is disobedience to any of God’s commandments ultimately a failure to remember and trust?5. Reflect today on what God has done for you. Take some time to pray and re-commit yourself to obeying all of his commands in loving gratitude for his abundant grace to you in Christ.

In a world that puts self first, God’s people put the interests of others ahead of their own. In a world where many seek to take advantage through dishonesty, God’s people are honest even when it hurts. In a world that seeks to divide, God’s people are breaking down boundaries with love. When we live this way, we push back against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places and upon the earth.Sermon Outline:I. Love Protects the Family.II. Love Protects the Economy.III. Love Protects the Covenant Community.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. The laws around levirate marriage were to protect and provide for the deceased man’s family. How was selfishness a threat to that provision? How does selfishness threaten families today?2. Read 1 Timothy 5:8-16. What are the implications of this passage for us as families today?3. For those who are or have been in the marketplace, where do you see selfishness as a threat to the economy? Where have you been tempted to be dishonest? How would honesty in the workplace transform your industry?4. Read Colossians 3:22-24. If you were living this, what would change about the way you work?5. How is love the ultimate act of rebellion in a selfish world? How does Jesus show us this and how do we benefit from it?

In this passage, Moses reminds the people of God that they were once enslaved, without hope, and unable to help themselves. Yet God stepped into their misery and demonstrated compassion toward them and rescued them from their misery. And now in this series of loosely connected laws, he calls forth the same kind of compassion to be demonstrated by his covenant people. Sermon Outline:I. Have Compassion on the Newly Married.II. Have Compassion on those in Debt.III. Have Compassion on Victims of Trafficking.IV. Have Compassion for your Neighbor’s Health.V. Have Compassion on those who Work for You.VI. Have Compassion on the Poor.VII. Have Compassion on the Innocent and the Guilty.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Tell of a time when you were the recipient of someone else’s compassion? How did it impact you?2. What do you think are some of the primary obstacles keeping Christians from being more compassionate toward others today?3. Consider the commands in Deuteronomy 24:19-22. What do you think are some contemporary applications of this law to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable while preserving their dignity?4. What kind of person do you find it most difficult to feel and express compassion for? How can the gospel renew your heart and perspective toward such people?5. What is one change you are going to intentionally make this week as a result of this passage?

This week we came face-to-face with the power of the waves in Southwest Florida. Now, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, we have the opportunity to come face-to-face with the one who is even mightier than the waves.

To take advantage of other human beings, or to exploit them, seems as natural to us as breathing. We see it all around us everyday. But it is not to be so among God’s covenant people. Rather than taking advantage, we are called to love. Join us to find out how!Sermon Outline:I. Do not Take Advantage of the Refugee Slave.II. Do Not Take Advantage of the Sinful Vices of Others.III. Do Not Take Advantage of the Poor.IV. Do Not Take Advantage of the LORD.V. Do Not Take Advantage of Your Neighbor’s Generosity.VI. Do Not Take Advantage of a Divorce.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” What are some ways that you see people being wronged or taken advantage of in our world today?2. What modern-day equivalents of the refugee slave should the people of God provide refuge for today?3. How might the poor be taken advantage of in our context? How do you see generosity being taken advantage of? How do you see divorce being used to take advantage? What can we do about any of these things as the covenant people of God?4. Vows are taken very seriously in the Bible, but not so much by many of us. Reflect on the vows you have taken (eg. marriage, church membership, etc.). Are you living by them? Recommit yourself to give what you have promised in light of what Christ has given you.

The rules in this passage are quite strange to us. But God’s motive in giving them to his people was so that his people who are sinful and unclean, could enjoy the benefit of fellowship with the God who is described as “Holy, holy, holy”. While the ceremonial rules regarding ritual purity in Israel have come to an end through the ministry of Jesus, the instructions about who can be in the assembly of the Lord and how we should live knowing that God is present are no less instructive for us than for them. Sermon Outline:I. Because God is holy, we must preserve the sanctity of the holy assembly.II. Because God is holy, we must keep ourselves from every evil thing. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How do you feel about certain people and groups being excluded from the assembly of the LORD? Do you think it is fair?2. Read Acts 8:26-39. How does this passage relate to Deuteronomy 23:1-8 and what does it teach us about the reach of the gospel?3. Read Ephesians 2:11-22. How does this passage relate to Deuteronomy 23:1-8 and what are the implications for us?4. If you believed in the core of your being that God not only dwelt in your midst, but within you as a temple, how would your life be different? What needs to be cleaned out so that “he may not see anything indecent” in you? After discussing, spend some time in prayer asking God to show you those things and to cleanse you of them.

Real life isn’t random as many might say; we are all living in a story written and orchestrated by a powerful and loving God. This story is filled with hope and can give us comfort and courage each and every day. The reigning sentiment of our time gives us conflicting messages about how we get hope in this life, but the Gospel of Jesus gives a clear answer. Sermon Outline I. Do Not ConformII. Be Transformed Questions1. What are some of the differences between the world’s narrative of things, and the gospel’s?2. Are there any parts of the world’s narrative you find yourself tending to believe? Which parts?3. How does the gospel contradict those false truths?4. If your story seems different from others, what false conclusions can you make about God’s love for you?

We are all disciples of something or of someone. Only Jesus disciples us in the ways that are best for us, and can fill the void in our hearts we try to fill with achievements, experiences, possessions…the list is endless. The world disciples us by demanding and taking. Jesus disciples us by leading, tending, guiding, nurturing, strengthening, correcting, and restoring, as our Creator and as the Lover of our souls. Sermon Outline:I. Encounter: Discipleship begins when someone encounters Jesus for the first time. II. Engage: Disciples must engage their whole selves completely.III. Experience: Disciples must experience and embrace Jesus’ mercy for them personally.IV. Endure: Jesus’ boundless mercy is a rock that enables us to endure all. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Ozymandias thought his statue and his kingdom would last forever. What are some of the “statues” and “kingdoms” the world around you assumes will last forever. Are there any statues and kingdoms in your life you assume will always be there?2. When did you encounter Jesus for the first time? What are some key moments in your life when your faith became personal? Who are some key people that have played a role in helping you see Jesus better?3. When you think of how Jesus calls us to surrender everything in our lives and follow him, do you ever struggle to believe if he will be enough to replace all of that? Do you believe he, in fact, is enough? 4. What are some ways you’ve needed the rock of Jesus’ mercy this week? How might this change your approach to helping others going through hard times?

This passage teaches us that sexual matters are not isolated from the rest of life, and as God’s covenant people we are called to live with sexual integrity of heart and body.Sermon Outline:I. Sexual Integrity is a Community MatterII. Sexual Sin is a Community Matter 1. A Case of Adultery 2. A Case of Implied Consent 3. A Case of Sexual Assault 4. A Case of SeductionIII. Redemption After Sexual Sin is a Community MatterSermon Discussion Questions:1. Do you agree with the basic premise of today’s message that sex is not simply an individual matter, but a community one? Why or why not?2. What do the various penalties in this passage reveal to us about how God views sexual integrity? We are not called to reinstitute these penalties from the law, but how can we begin to think about matters of sexuality with the same kind of gravity reflected in the Bible?3. If we have sexual sin we are not repenting of in our own life, how should we deal with it? How should we approach a brother or sister in Christ living in sexual sin? Why should we approach them about it at all?4. How should we respond to a brother or sister in Christ who has come to confess sexual sin to us? How does the gospel enable us to forgive those who have sinned against us sexually?

We are largely a people, both inside and outside the church, turned inward on ourselves, and inclined to live without respect to God or others. In this passage, God gives his people some rules for everyday life as to how to live a life of love. The verses in this section feel like a random hodgepodge of commandments. And probably when we hear them read, they do not sound particularly relevant. But as we take a deeper look, we will find the principles underlying these commands to be strikingly contemporary and relevant.Sermon Outline:I. Look Out for Your Neighbor’s Best InterestII. Embrace the Distinction Between Male and FemaleIII. Steward God’s Resources WiselyIV. Minimize the Risk of Harm to Your NeighborV. Maintain Spiritual IntegrityVI. Remember God’s CommandmentsSermon Discussion Questions:1. What would the world be like if everyone pursued their own truth and their own sense of fulfillment without regard to others? Would it be better or worse and why?2. We may not have neighbors with animals going astray or getting stuck in a ditch, but what are some practical ways we can look out for the good of our neighbors? How can we do the same for our enemies?3. What is the problem with blurring sexual distinctions between male and female? How would you define biblical masculinity and biblical femininity? How can we properly affirm both in the family and in the church?4. The law of the parapet around the roof (Deut. 22:8) was to protect family and friends from accidentally falling off the roof. What are some modern examples of putting this principle of minimizing the risk of harm to our neighbor that we should practice?5. How did Jesus embody the principles laid out in these laws for our sake? Take some time to give thanks to him for what he has done for you, and asking how you can express your gratitude to him by living out the message of this text.

The message of the Gospel is for all peoples in all places. If we are to disciples the nations, as commanded by Christ, we must assure that the good news is heard by all. This means redoubling our commitment to send and go, until Christ returns or all have been reached.I. Because of God’s sovereignty, the Christian faith is transnational and His church is universal. II. There is no Scriptural warrant for the belief that those who have never heard the Gospel may be saved.III. The preached word has always been the normative means by which the Gospel is communicated.IV. Messengers must be sent, to preach the Gospel, so that all may hear, such that those who believe and call on the Lord will be saved. Questions:1. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord?2. Is it possible for a person to be saved who has never heard of Christ? What about those who lived before Christ’s earthly ministry?3. Is the Great Commission binding on us today? Was it a mandate for the apostles and first-century Christians only?4. What does it mean to send and be sent to preach the Gospel? 5. How do we reconcile what Paul says about no distinction between Jews and Greeks with what he writes in Rom. 3:1-2?

I. How should we engage in the mission to disciple our community, when the culture around us is hostile to our faith? 1. Embrace your place as a religious minority. (The culture war is over and we lost). 2. Settle down in one place. Build a life and stay there as long as you can. 3. Pray for the people around you, especially those who do not share your faith in Christ. 4. Be a blessing to the community. (Mostly a blessing rather than mostly a critic). II. How can we gain a hearing for the gospel in a culture where those around us are deeply skeptical of our faith & sometimes even hostile to it? 1. Invest in deep, long lasting, reciprocal friendships with non-Christians. 2. Let them see your faith in Christ. 3. Let them see you struggle.III. Now, I want us to take a look at Jesus. 1. Befriend even the most "scandalous" of sinners. 2. Refuse to be scandalized by their

This week we will consider an often overlooked aspect of the great commission. We will consider together how God has given us the mission critical task in the discipleship of our families. We will look to the Scriptures to understand God‘s call on our lives to disciple our family, the context of family discipleship, and the comfort Christ offers all of us as we acknowledge our own failures and shortcomings in this area. Sermon Outline:I. The call to family discipleship II. The context of family discipleship 1. Who is to disciple our family? 2. How are we to disciple our family III. The comfort in family discipleshipSermon Discussion Questions:1. How will the understanding that family discipleship is part of the great commission change how you relate to your family or those in your household? 2. Why did Jesus tell us that all authority in heaven and earth are given to him? What difference will that make in the discipleship of our families? 3. Who does God give the primary responsibility to in the discipleship of our families? 4. How does our personal worship and discipleship affect our ability to lead our families as disciple makers? 5. Looking at Jesus life, how are we to primarily disciple our families? 6. How does it provide us comfort and what difference does it make that Jesus promised he will always be with us? 7. Although God calls us to intentionally disciple our family, who is ultimately responsible for our children’s salvation? 8. With Gods help, will you continue or start discipling your family?

This week we will consider some difficult laws in Deuteronomy. We will see how these laws reflect the grace and mercy of God toward sinful humanity in that they aim to minimize the misery of life in a world under the curse of sin. And in the midst of these depressing scenarios, we will discover a ray of hope that one day the curse of sin will finally be removed and laws that mitigate the effects of sinful hearts will no longer be necessary. Join us! Sermon Outline:I. Law mitigating the effect of power imbalanceII. Law mitigating the effect of partiality in the homeIII. Law mitigating the effect of rebellious childrenIV. Law mitigating the effect of capital crimes Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Consider the four laws in this passage. Where do you see the love and mercy of God on display in each of them?2. How is the biblical vision for sexual relationships better than alternative visions? Why do you suppose we resist that biblical vision?3. For those who have children still in the home, how can you instill in them a sense of honor for you as their parents as well as for authority generally? How can the church as a covenant community help to instill a proper sense of honor for authority?4. The effects of the curse of sin are evident all around us. What has God done to ultimately bring about an end to the curse, and what are the implications of that for how we live today?

Human life is of such value that an unnatural death leaves a stain on the community that must be dealt with through another death. The shedding of innocent blood pollutes the community and blood is on everyone’s hands. If that is true, what does that mean for a nation that has shed the blood of 63 million innocent babies? What does that mean for a nation giving regular witness to mass shootings, gang violence, and one of the higher murder rates among developed nations? And what does an ancient ritual involving the breaking of a heifer’s neck have to do with anything in our contemporary world? Join us to find out!Sermon Outline:I. The ProblemII. The SolutionIII. The SignificanceSermon Discussion Questions:1. What is the role of the elders of the nearest city in this ritual? What is the role of the priests? As the civil, judicial, and religious leaders of the community, why is their participation in the ritual significant?2. How does the ritual of the broken-necked heifer teach us about the value of human life?3. What does this passage teach us about our corporate responsibility for human life? Even if we do not commit the sins personally, to what degree would you say we are responsible for sins like abortion or violence in our communities?4. What message of hope do we have for those with a guilty conscience? How might you explain the meaning of Christ’s shed blood to a person who feels they can never be forgiven for what they have done?

War is a fact and harsh reality of our present existence in the world. War brings death and destruction of every sort, to every sort of person and community it touches. And yet, here in Deuteronomy 20, we find specific instructions regarding war. Join us to discover how to think biblically about war today, even while we await the One who will bring an end to war for all time.Sermon outline:I. God Fights for His People, So Trust in His Power.II. God Fights for His People, So Enjoy His Gifts.III. God Fights for His People, So Obey His Commands.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What is war good for? Absolutely nothing, or are there ever positive effects from it?2. What insight does James 4:1-2 give us into the causes of conflict? What insight does this give us into geo-political conflicts?3. In what sense does God fight for his people today? How do God’s past military victories give us confidence to trust him in our spiritual battles?4. What are some ways we can intentionally enjoy God’s good gifts to us, even while we continue to be in the midst of spiritual (or even interpersonal) conflict? (See also Psalm 23:4-5)5. The end of conflict will not occur until the return of Christ. What are some proper responses to that truth?

History is littered with stories of an injury, followed by a retaliation, followed by escalating violence and death. Such retaliatory feuds and vigilante justice destroy families, communities, and even nations. Where there are people, harm will be done, both accidental and intentional. How can a society prevent these incidents from spiraling out of control? And how should we as individuals respond to accidental or intentional offenses?Sermon Outline:I. We Must Protect the Innocent.II. We Must Purge the Guilty.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Describe what it would be like to live in a society where there is no reliable system of justice, where the guilty go free and the innocent suffer.2. Why is it necessary that Christians actively protect life and not simply avoid taking life? What are some practical ways we can protect life in keeping the sixth commandment?3. Why is it necessary that the guilty be punished in a society? How can Christians involved in any phase of the criminal justice system be salt and light?4. What hope does the gospel offer for the guilty and the innocent alike (in the sight of the law of the land)?

For ages, witchcraft, sorcery, and communicating with the dead have been ways of seeking answers about the future. In this passage, Moses presents us with a better way to live as God’s covenant people. Sermon Outline:I. We Should Support Those Who Serve God and His People.II. As God’s People, We Should Reject False Practices and False ProphetsIII. We Should Heed Those Who Speak for God to His People.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What do we lose when we forget how wide the gulf was that separated us from God?2. Why is it important for the people of God to have those who are freed from ordinary work to focus on the ministry of the Word, sacrament, and prayer? What does the church lose when these ministers lose their focus for one reason or another?3. What is the attraction of ancient and modern forms of divining the future or God’s will? What do Christians have to offer the world that is so much better?4. How can we discern true words from God versus false words? How should we respond to each?5. How does Jesus fulfill the ministry of prophet and priest for us his people? (See Hebrews 1:1-2; 7:11-8:13; 10:1-25 for some ideas.)

There are a lot of ideas about what fathers need to be like in our culture. But what does the Bible say about our Heavenly Father that helps us understand the role of earthly fathers? We will look at a half of a verse on Sunday from 1 John 3:1 to help us navigate this important topic. Questions:1 What was your understanding of how fathers should love their children growing up? Has that changed as you have gotten older?2. Which passage from the message today grabbed your attention the most? Why?3. When you are certain of the Father’s love for you, how does that change the way you live?4. Read John 8:31-59. What does Jesus say about the marks of someone in the family of God vs. Satan?5. How does your earthly father impact your understanding of God?

Abuses of power by those in leadership is rampant. This is nothing new. Deuteronomy reminds us that wielding power is very dangerous for a sinful person. How can we wield power in such a way as to honor God and bless people? Join us to find out!Sermon Outline:I. Godly Leaders Must Be Chosen.II. Godly Leaders Must Resist the Temptations of Leadership.III. Godly Leaders Must Be Subject to God’s Word.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Does power corrupt people or does power simply reveal corruption in people? Support your answer.2. Why do churches and Christian organizations sometimes settle for good leaders when we really need godly leaders?3. How can godly leaders resist the various temptations of leadership and power? Why do you think so many of us fail to resist? Take some time to pray for leaders in your life.4. How is Jesus the perfect embodiment of Deuteronomy 17:14-20? Why do you think anyone would not want to serve a king like this? What can we do to help them?

We are prone to forget who God is and what he has done for us. He is the source of every good thing we enjoy, and yet, amid the rush and busyness of life, we forget. And when we forget we become increasingly ungrateful, idolatrous, and rebellious. God in his wisdom has built reminders into the calendars of his people to help us remember and rejoice. Join us this week to remember and rejoice!Sermon Outline:I. Remember God’s RescueII. Remember God’s GenerosityIII. Remember God’s FaithfulnessSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think we are so prone to forget the things that are most important?2. How do the events of the Passover ultimately point us to Jesus? How does better understanding the Passover help us to appreciate the work of Christ? (Read Exodus 12 for help.)3. Two of the three pilgrimage feasts have a heavy emphasis on including people who might be marginalized. What are some ways you could include those types of people in your celebrations of God’s goodness?4. What are some practical ways you can be more intentional to remember what God has done for you and rejoice in it?

If you are a Christian and you don’t really belong to a church - maybe you even attend church - but you don’t belong to a church - you need to belong to a church. You need a TEAM on your side, in your corner. Conclusion: What if all of this sounds quite inspiring, but you’re not sure you’re up to the task? What does Church Planting Take? What does living a Christian life take? It takes MUCH more than we have. Let me ask you. 1. Is your faith weak? 2. s your resilience questionable? 3. Are you sometimes bad at loving your neighbor? 4. Is your prayer life embarrassingly inconsistent? Perfect. God will get the glory when he does this work. When he plants this church. We’ll all know he did it and we just watered the seeds. Please partner with us by praying FOR us and for this new church plant. Pray God will build his church. Pray God will protect his servants. Pray God will bless Naples through our church planting efforts.

It is often hard to see the glory of God in the face of death, but yet this is what Jesus shows us in the story of Lazarus. We will look at two truths and two threats to this glory in the story as we conclude our sermon series, “Death is defeated!” Questions:If you read the whole story of Lazarus, what other truths about God’s glory are seen and what are other threats you noticed?How do you hold in tension both truths that Jesus weeps at the tomb but yet he knows he will raise Lazarus from the tomb?What is different about Jesus’s resurrection and Lazarus’s resurrection? Why does it matter?As you think about your own experience with loved ones dying or perhaps near death experiences yourself, what comfort does John 11 give to you? And what would you want to do differently now in the face of death?

What happens to those who have died and those living when Jesus returns? Stay tuned to find learn about our victory in Christ. I. We will be changedII. Death is DefeatedIII. What resurrected living looks likeQuestions:1. Why must we receive imperishable and immortal bodies?2. Where is the soul in the intermediate state and how do we know this?3. How does Paul’s use of sin and law show us our need for a savior?4. Do you struggle more with pride and loathing in your sin or hopelessness? – What is the solution?5. Are you abounding in the work of the Lord? Will you choose to do so?Conclusion:If you have heard the word of the Lord today, then don’t leave without remembering that we will all will be changed and for the better with the resurrection. Remember that Christ has defeated our greatest enemy sin and the death it brought. Be thankful to God for our victory in Christ and remember what it’s all there for. We are to be abounding in the work of the Lord all our days until He returns for us.

The resurrection of the body is the great hope of the believer. When we are raised like Christ, we will no longer be confined by our temporary earthly bodies, but we will have heavenly bodies, fully human, but suited for life eternal in the presence of Jesus. But this resurrection life is only for those who have died to sin and been united to Christ.I. No death – No resurrectionII. In the resurrection, the body of the believer is transformed, not from human to spirit, but from temporal to eternal. III. The resurrection is not only our great hope, but it uniquely puts this world and life into proper perspective. IV. Jesus Christ is the template for the resurrection bodyQuestions for further study1. Will only the righteous be resurrected or the unrighteous as well?2. How can it be said that the resurrected Christ has a human body when He appears and vanishes and seems unbound by the laws of physics?3. What does Paul mean when he writes that believers have been baptized into Christ’s death?4. Compare the post-resurrection accounts in Matthew, Luke, and John. Why do people have difficulty recognizing the risen Christ?5. In what ways do you think that a glorified body differs from a temporal body?

The central hope of Christianity is not ‘going to heaven when you die.’ Rather it is our ultimate triumph over death through our union with Jesus in a physical resurrection to live and reign with him forever in a renewed world. Join us to discover more of the implications of Christ’s resurrection victory! Sermon Outline:I. What if the Dead are not Raised?II. Why Must the Dead be Raised?III. What Must We Do? Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Do you believe it matters whether or not Christians are physically raised from the dead so long as we go to heaven? Why or why not?2. How does the denial of the bodily resurrection of believers ultimately lead to the denial of the entire Christian faith? 3. If the resurrection of the body turned out to be a lie, how would it affect your life? Would anything change or would you basically go on living as you are now?4. How is God’s glory connected with your resurrection and what encouragement does that give you?5. How does the biblical hope of the resurrection propel Christians into bold and courageous living for Christ?

In this passage, Moses sets out a vision for a wildly prosperous and generous people established on the firm foundation of God’s promises. The question is: will his people remember, trust, and obey? Sermon Outline:I. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Release a Debt.II. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Give to the Needy.III. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Release Your Most Valuable Assets.IV. You Can Trust God to Provide for You when You Open Your Hand to Give Sacrificially to Him.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Imagine a world where there are “no poor among you.” What do you think it would take for that to become reality? Why do you think poverty remains a problem in the world and in the church today?2. What is the relationship between trusting God to bless us and opening our hand to give?3. How would you describe God’s heart for the poor? How would you describe your heart for the poor?4. Read Luke 6:30-35 and Proverbs 19:17. How would your life be different if you believed these passages in the core of your being?

04.03.22 Growing Through Giving

Sermon Outline:I. We Should Be Distinctively Different in How We Mourn.II. We Should Be Distinctively Different in How We Eat. III. We Should Be Distinctively Different in How We Worship. Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Are Christians today any less the sons of God than the people of Israel were in the Old Testament? (Consider 1 Peter 2:1-12 and Galatians 1:1-7 for starters.) Why is it so important to see the imperatives of the Bible in light of the indicative statements about our identity? 2. Is holiness any less important in the life of a Christian today than the people of God in the Old Testament? (Consider 1 Peter 1:13-21 in your answer and any other passages you choose.) How conscious are you of the pursuit of holiness in your own life? 3. How should the mourning of Christians differ from those who are not God’s people? 4. Why do Christians not keep the dietary laws laid down in Deuteronomy 14? How did the end of the dietary laws correspond to the breaking down of the wall of division between Jewish and Gentile believers? (Consider Acts 10-11 in your answer.) 5. What are some particular ways Christians are called to be in the world while remaining distinctively different from the world?

The temptation to idolatry can come from many directions, including our own hearts. Join us this week to discover why and how we must ruthlessly resist idolatry from every angle.Sermon Outline:I. Resist Spiritual Deception to IdolatryII. Resist Relational Enticement to IdolatryIII. Resist Cultural Pressure to IdolatrySermon Discussion Questions:1. How would you define idolatry? What are some examples today?2. In this passage, there are three particular sources of temptation to idolatry. Which do you find the most challenging to recognize and resist?3. What do the instructions about putting people to death teach us about the seriousness of leading people away from full devotion to God?4. How is being deeply involved in Christian fellowship an important part of resisting idolatry?5. Imagine we have made an idol of our work, our children, our money, or the approval of other people. How can we apply the gospel to our hearts and be free of the shackles of that idolatry?

Where does Christianity fit in a pluralistic age? Is God indifferent to whether or not people or worship him because all religions ultimately lead to him anyway? Is there some worship that is acceptable to him and other worship which is not? Join us to find out!Sermon Outline:I. Who We Worship Matters.II. How We Worship Matters.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What is wrong with the view that all religions are equally true and valid?2. How might the pluralistic spirit of our age lead to cynicism, especially in our emerging generations? What does Christianity have to offer that’s better than cynicism?3. What are some of the challenges of living as a fully devoted follower of Jesus in a culture like ours? What should be our posture toward the world around us?4. Where can we learn how to worship God rightly?5. Syncretism is diluting or distorting true biblical religion with practices or beliefs from non-Christian religion. What evidences of syncretism do you see in your life? What can be done?

Today we pause our series in Deuteronomy to celebrate the goodness of God to Covenant Church. In response to his goodness, we re-commit ourselves to living out the Rhythm of Discipleship: worship, grow, serve, go. Join us to discover what that means for you!

Many of us worry too much over choices that do not really matter, and not enough about the choices that matter most. In the multitude of decisions we are faced with every year, every week, every day, and even every hour, what if we could simply distill them all down to just one? Join us this week to learn about the one choice that matters most.Sermon Outline:I. Consider What God Does to those Who Disobey His Word.II. Consider What God Does for those Who Obey His Word. III. Choose the Blessing of Obedience.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does reducing everything down to just two paths (obedience or disobedience) simplify our choices? What challenge of making choices does this simplification resolves and what challenges does it leave unresolved?2. In light of this passage and what you know from the rest of the Bible, is disobeying God’s word ever a good idea? If so, when? If not, why do you suppose we do it?3. How would you describe the difference between a meritorious condition and a necessary condition?4. For those who are in Christ and have received his salvation as a free gift, does obedience to God’s commands matter anymore? Why or why not?5. When Christians disobey God’s commands, does this mean we are under God’s curse again? What does the gospel have to say about this?

What does God ask of us who are the recipients of his grace? Join us to find out.Sermon Outline:I. God has extended persevering grace and asks for loving loyaltyII. God has exercised electing love and asks for loving responsivenessIII. God has distributed tangible mercy and asks for loving imitationIV. God has done mighty works and asks for loving obedienceSermon Discussion Questions:1. How is the Christian life different if you are living it in order to earn what you have been given rather than in gratitude for what you have been given?2. Reflect on how God’s love has persevered with you despite your repeated sin and failure. What feelings does this evoke in you?3. The loving responsiveness God asks for is depicted as circumcision of the heart. How does Colossians 2:11-12 shed light on this?4. God calls us to imitate his loving care for the vulnerable among us, particularly the orphan, widow, and foreigner. How can we be doing that more effectively individually and collectively?

Our sins have provoked the righteous wrath of God and we are helpless to save ourselves from the destruction we deserve. Do we have an intercessor like Moses who will stand in the gap between us and God? And are we prepared to stand in the gap for others who are under God’s wrath?Sermon Outline:I. The Need for IntercessionII. The Practice of Intercession1. The Intercessor Humbles Himself2. The Intercessor Seeks the LORD Earnestly3. The Intercessor Pleads His Case in PrayerIII. The Future of IntercessionSermon Discussion Questions:1. How do you perceive God’s face generally: does he have a ‘yes’ face or a ‘no’ face toward you? Why do you think you feel that way?2. Why is it hard for many people to believe that apart from the intercession of Christ, we are all under God’s wrath?3. When you think of your own intercessory ministry, in which of the three components (humbling, seeking, pleading) do you perceive yourself most mature, and in which are you most lacking?4. Why do you suppose we do not humble ourselves, seek the Lord earnestly, and plead our case before him more frequently? What is God calling you to do this week?5. Describe how Jesus’ priestly work of intercession is greater than what Moses did. What difference does that make in your life today?

The inherent danger in being the chosen people of God is that we begin to believe that we are chosen because of something good in us. We may start to think there is something inherently better in us than others, and that we were chosen by God for a reason found in us. This kind of pride and self-righteousness is not only offensive to God and others, but it robs us of the joys of knowing God’s love and grace. Join us to find out how can we overcome our proclivity to pride. Sermon Outline:I. God Blesses Us Not for Reasons Found in Us, But Found in Him II. God Blesses Us Not Because of Our Righteousness, But Despite Our Sin Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What are some of the benefits of remembering our sins, and what are some of the dangers?2. How does the gospel enable us to remember our sins in such a way that it serves to profit us rather than harm us?3. How does our response to hardship and trial reveal what we really think about ourselves and our relationship with God?4. In the sermon, we saw five place names mentioned along with the associated sins committed there (e.g. Horeb, Taberah, etc.). Which of those places/sins feels most familiar to you right now?5. Why is belief in the true gospel incompatible with an attitude of self-righteousness, pride, and arrogance? Where do you need to apply the gospel to your heart today?

The Great Commission is as binding and relevant for Christians today as it was for the believers in early church to whom it was addressed. Yet it remains unfulfilled. We need to understand why this is and get the church back on track towards its completion. Notes:What prevents us from fulfilling the Great Commission?- De facto universalism- Lack of confidence in Christ’s authority- Disbelief in Christ’s presence and imminent return- What must change that we might see the Great Commission to its fulfillment?Questions:1. How do we know that the Great Commission wasn’t only for the first generation of the church?2. What theological misconceptions and errors have led us to neglect the Great Commission?3. In what ways have you seen universalism manifest itself in the Christian church today?4. How does the reality of Christ’s authority on earth change the way you live your life?5. If you reflected daily on the imminent return of Christ, how would you pray differently?

The only place harder for God’s people to spiritually flourish than the land of wilderness, is the land of plenty. Join us to discover how the lessons God teaches us in the wilderness can help us to thrive in the land of plenty.Sermon Outline:I. Learn the Lessons of the Wilderness1. God leads us in the wilderness to humble us2. God disciplines us in the wilderness because he loves usII. Apply the Lessons of the Wilderness in the Land of Plenty1. By walking in obedience in the land of plenty2. By practicing gratitude in the land of plenty3. By remembering the Lord in the land of plentySermon Discussion Questions:1. Can you tell of a time you went through a wilderness experience and what that was like for you?2. How should we as Christians understand wilderness experiences and their value?3. Why do you think it is that living in the land of plenty is an even greater spiritual danger than living in the wilderness? Can you think of any examples?4. How does the good news of the gospel inform our understanding of both the wilderness and the land of plenty?5. Where are you today: in the wilderness or the land of plenty? How is God calling you to respond to this message?

The grace God gives us is to ignite our hearts in the passionate pursuit of holiness. Are you passionately pursuing holiness today?Sermon Outline:I. God’s Covenant People Must Passionately Pursue Holiness Because of What Sin DoesII. God’s Covenant People Must Passionately Pursue Holiness Because of Who We AreIII. God’s Covenant People Must Passionately Pursue Holiness Because of Who God IsSermon Discussion Questions:1. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being least passionate and 10 being most passionate, how passionately are you pursuing holiness today? Can you remember a time when you were pursuing holiness more diligently than you are today, and if so, why do you suppose that was?2. Examine your own heart. Are there any sins that you have made peace with? Why is it that so dangerous for the Christian?3. How is it that being a holy, chosen, and covenanted people is to inspire our pursuit of holiness? Why is it so important that our pursuit of holiness flow out of who God says we are, rather than out of a desire to become something we’re not?4. How does knowing who God is give us courage to face the darkest and most intimidating of our remaining sins? Spend some time in prayer today remembering. Then trust and obey.

For many of us, there is nothing we desire more than to pass on our faith to our children and grandchildren. But how can we do that effectively? Join us to find out!Sermon Outline:I. We Must Cause the Question1. They have to see us conspicuously living out our faith2. They have to see usII. We Must Tell the StorySermon Discussion Questions:1. When you think about the last day of your life (or your life as a couple or family) what will give you the most comfort or joy? Are you living in such a way today as to see that vision become reality?2. What are some of the ways you can intentionally live out your faith so that you cause your kids or grandkids to ask the question of Deuteronomy 6:20?3. What are the obstacles to you being more available to the next generation for them to see your way of life and ask you about it? What changes should you make, if any?4. When our kids or grandkids ask us why we obey God’s commands, why is it so important to start with the good news of what God has done?5. Spend some time in prayer for the children and grandchildren who have walked away from the faith. Pray also for those still raising children or grandchildren to teach them well.

Amid the busyness and distraction of the everyday things of life, we can forget the things that are most important. As we learn to live as God’s covenant people, here are three things we don’t want to forget.Sermon Outline:I. Don’t Forget: God’s Commandments are For Our Good. 1. God Gave the Commandments to Instill Reverence. 2. God Gave the Commandments to Enrich Life.II. Don’t Forget: God Calls for Total Allegiance. 1. You shall love the LORD with all you are and all you have. 2. You shall saturate your life and family with God’s words.III. Don’t Forget: Fruitfulness Frequently Leads to ForgetfulnessSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think we’re so prone to forget fundamental truths about God and our relationship to him?2. Explain your understanding of Deuteronomy 6:4. How does this statement function like a pledge of allegiance for God’s people?3. What is Deuteronomy 6:5 calling us to do practically? How would your life look different if you were fully living out this commandment?4. What are some ways that you can be intentional to remember God’s word and to saturate your life with it this year? How can you help your family do the same?

Emanuel’s consolation is the final message of our Advent series. Have you been waiting on God to do something? Are you anxious, fearful, or lonely? Is it possible you are looking to the wrong things to console you? What should we expect from God? Join us as we open the word to discover how the coming of Christ answers these questions and more. Discussion questions:1.What is Luke trying to tell us about how a believer is to wait for God as we observe the lives of Joseph, Mary and Simeon?2.How does this story comfort us in our own longing and waiting for God?3.What expectations have I placed on God to answer, that he never promised to answer?4.What is the primary need of every person that only God can fix? a.How does that answer free us from the tyranny of fear, loneliness, and many worries of this world.

For centuries people anticipated Emmanual, and for centuries, people have reflected on him. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14. Those words were fulfilled in the birth of Christ. And he was understood to be “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” Our Savior is born. But who do you say he is? Your answer to that changes everything.

I. ABOUNDING JOY IN OBEDIENCEII. Joy flows when people recognize Jesus is the ChristIII. Responding out of Joy in Worship The advent season is a time of anticipation. Children often anticipate the gifts they will receive sometimes staying up really late and waking up really early in excitement. This spirt of anticipation is similar to what Mary experienced after hearing from the angel. She excitedly goes to Elizabeth to confirm the good news of the angel. This confirmation makes her belt out in song. Come hear about the Joy of the Lord on Sunday! 1. How is joy, anticipation, and excitement all a part of the advent season in our current culture? In what ways are they not?2. Elizabeth and Mary were years apart in age, What does this teach us about inter-generational relationships?3. Elizabeth never has an ounce of jealousy that Mary was chosen to carry the Savior of the world. Why do you think she was able to rejoice and not be jealous?4. What is your attitude towards worship on Sunday mornings? Do you come expectantly and with joy ready to worship the God who saves? What helped Mary prepare her heart for worship and how does that inform how we should do the same?

The problems of humanity cannot be fixed by humanity. We need a hero from the outside to fix what we have irreparably broken. In this message, we will find out how God does for us what we could not do for ourselves.Sermon Outline:I. Our Salvation Begins with God’s Favor.II. Our Salvation is Secured by God’s Promise.III. Our Salvation is Accomplished by God’s Power.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think some people are so slow to recognize that we have a sin problem we cannot solve ourselves? How can we help people see this sin problem in ways that are helpful?2. Many sincere people in the Roman Catholic tradition pray to Mary believing that she is “full of grace” and able to give grace to those who ask. If someone asked why you don’t pray to Mary, how would you gently and respectfully engage with such view from this text? What light does Ephesians 1:3-10 shed on the question as to where grace is to be sought?3. Re-read Isaiah 9:6-7. What is it about this promise that excites you the most and why?4. Compare or contrast Zechariah’s question to Gabriel in Luke 1:18 to Mary’s question in Luke 1:34. Why do you suppose Zechariah is struck mute and Mary is not?5. Does being a servant of the Lord relieve us from suffering in this life? How does Mary’s life speak to this question? How does Jesus’ life speak to it? (You may want to also visit Isaiah 52:13-53:12.)

The birth of John the Baptist was an occasion of great joy and anticipation. His call for repentance seeded the ground for the hopeful message of the Gospel. Zechariah’s prophecy concerning his son’s ministry constitutes perhaps the most complete and helpful guide to the nature of salvation in all of Scripture. The Nature of Salvation1. What we are saved from …2. What we are saved by…3. What we are saved to …4. What we are saved for …Questions for further study and discussion:Why is fear a common response of people who observe a miracle in the Bible?Zechariah speaks of a “horn of salvation.” Cross-referencing the term ‘horn’ in the Psalms (e.g. Psalm 18), what does this expression mean?Why was the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist necessary?Zechariah mentions the promises made by God to Abraham. What are those covenantal promises?The prophecy of Zechariah addresses the expectations of the people of Israel. How do we know that the salvation spoken of is for us as well?If the prophecy here applies to us as well, who are the enemies from whom we need rescue?

Jesus Christ had a forerunner, a herald of hope and warning - John the Baptist. Though his career was God-ordained and unique, we too are Christ’s messengers in the midst of a corrupt and apathetic generation, ‘preparing the way of the Lord,’ calling the lost to repentance and faith. Sermon Outline:I. John’s miraculous birth will demonstrate the power and initiative of God to bring into the world people to accomplish his purposes.II. John’s role was to prepare people to encounter Christ and His messageIII. Like John, we who are in Christ are His forerunners.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Why was it important that John’s birth was miraculous?2. Did Christ really need a forerunner?3. Bearing in mind the last verse of the prophet Malachi, what does it mean that John will ‘turn the hearts of the fathers to the children?’4. Though it seldom happens in Scripture, the angel here reveals his name. What is the significance of Gabriel’s self-identification?5. John is closely identified with the prophet Elijah. Compare and contrast their prophetic careers.6. How did John the Baptist ready the people of Israel to receive the message of Christ?

To our modern ears, the “fear of the LORD” sounds like a crusty relic of a bygone era. And yet, in this week’s message we will see why that fear is so important in the daily life of a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Sermon Outline:I. The Source of Godly Fear.II. The Wisdom of Godly Fear.III. The Resolution of Godly Fear.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What do you think about when you think about “the fear of the LORD”?2. Why do you suppose the Bible says that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (e.g., Prov. 9:10)?3. What are some of the marks of a person who fears the Lord?4. If we do not have an appropriate sense of the fear of the Lord, what can we do to cultivate that fear?5. Describe the difference between the fear of the Lord that causes us to run from or resent God, and the fear of the Lord that drives us to God in love. How does believing the gospel transform the former fear into the latter fear?

Have you truly experienced the grace of God? How can you tell? This week we continue our look at how to respond to God’s grace by loving people according to his commandments.Sermon Outline:I. We Love People by Showing Honor.II. We Love People by Promoting Life.III. We Love People by Practicing Sexual Integrity.IV. We Love People by Respecting Property.V. We Love People by Upholding Truth.VI. We Love People by Desiring Their Good.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Read 1 John 4:20-21. Why do you think we cannot say we love God while not loving our neighbor?2. The call to honor our parents is rightly extended to all who are in authority. What does an unwillingness to honor authority tell us about our heart condition?3. The command not to murder calls us to the protection and promotion of life, both our own and others. What opportunities do you have on a regular basis to actively love your neighbors this way?4. What are some of the various ways we can bear false witness against our neighbors? What are some ways that we steal from others?5. The final commandment has to do with ultimately desiring the good of others. How is it that the gospel frees us from being concerned with ourselves to being concerned with the good of others?

Moses reminds the people of Israel and us that we have all been recipients of extraordinary grace. In light of the grace we have received, how can we express our love to God? The Ten Commandments show us the way.Sermon Outline:I. Remember God’s GraceII. Respond to God’s Grace 1. Love God by Having No Other Gods 2. Love God by Not Making Images to Worship 3. Love God by Honoring His Name 4. Love God by Not Slavishly WorkingSermon Discussion Questions:1. How have you seen good laws or rules bring freedom to an individual or group? Or conversely, how have you seen a lack of good laws or rules bring bondage?2. Why do you think that there has been less of an emphasis on teaching the Ten Commandments to children and new believers in recent years? What is the impact of that?3. Discuss this statement: “The grace of God precedes the law of God and is the only proper context in which to view the law of God.” Why is this point so important?4. Has the Holy Spirit convicted you recently about any of the first four commandments? What should you do when you become aware of the fact that you have broken God’s law?

When we fail to remember what God has done for us, we will be more inclined to turn to other gods—not necessarily in place of God, but in addition to God. But that is a road that leads to death. So, in this passage Moses reminds Israel and us that there is no other god than God, and because of that we must walk in his ways and keep his commandments.Sermon Outline:I. Examine the Historical Facts.1. God’s revelation to Israel was unique.2. God’s salvation of Israel was unique.II. Contemplate the Theological Conclusions.1. The LORD is God.2. There is no other god.III. Embrace the Ethical Implications.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Idolatry is frequently a sin that we slip into rather than one we deliberately run into. Where in your life have you seen a proclivity toward idolatry, or allowing good things to become ultimate things?2. What were the two main ways God revealed himself and his salvation to his people as recounted in Deuteronomy? What are the New Testament parallels described in the sermon? What theological conclusions do these events lead us to about our God?3. In light of who God has revealed himself to be, how should we view his commands and respond to them?4. The Shorter Catechism says, “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.” Reflect on this biblical truth and spend some time praising God in prayer or song for who he is.

Idolatry is the kind of sin we can run into headlong, but it’s also the kind of sin we can subtly get drawn into without even realizing we’re doing it. How can we avoid falling into this sin, and when we do find ourselves in it, how can we get back out?Sermon Outline:I. Take Care Not to Forget: Our God is a Speaking GodII. Take Care Not to Forget: Our God is a Jealous GodIII. Take Care Not to Forget: Our God is a Merciful GodSermon Discussion Questions:1. What significance do you see in the fact that God first revealed himself to his people through his saving actions and his speaking voice? What is significant about that fact that he has now spoken to us in his Son (Heb. 1:2)?2. Why do you think Moses says so many times in this passage things like, “Watch yourselves” “beware” and “take care”? What does this say about us?3. What are some ways that idolatry ultimately debases us and reduces us to less than we were created to be?4. Do you have trouble believing that God is merciful? How might your life look differently if you believed to the very core of your being that God is full of mercy? How would you feel differently?

Among the greatest gifts that God has given to his people is the gift of his word. In this week's message we will see why obeying God’s word is not only good for us, but good for everyone.Sermon Outline:I. Remember the Priority of Obedience to God’s Word.II. Remember the Missional Purpose of God’s Word.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Read Psalm 19:7-11. Why do you think David felt so passionate about God’s law? How might you compare your own affection for God’s word?2. One of the reasons we should obey God’s word is because it is our wisdom and understanding in the sight of the world (v.6). In what areas of life specifically do you see the wisdom of living according to God’s word as compared to living by the wisdom of the world?3. Read James 1:22. How does James’ command relate to what Moses is saying in Deuteronomy 4? In what part of your life have you been more of a hearer than a doer of God’s word?4. As a missional community of God’s covenant people, what are some ways you believe we need to embody the truth of God’s word more clearly than we are at present?

The Israelites needed reminding constantly of the Lord faithfulness. Psalm 115 lifts our eyes to the God who created heaven and earth. And our response to him is to trust in all his glory, which he lays down for the sake of his people. Outline:You can trust because…He is gloriousHe is relationalHe is remembers his peopleSermon Questions:What aspect of Psalm 115 is particularly impactful for you?What do you think of when you mediate on God’s glory?What are some other reasons you or other don’t trust in God?What is one area that you need to go before the Lord and surrender?How much are you looking forward to the Deuteronomy series continuing?!

In this passage, Israel is called to take on two powerful kings. Alone, they don’t have a chance—but the Lord is with them. Like them, our enemies are also big and fierce, but take heart: the Lord is still fighting for his people today.Sermon Outline:I. The Call to WarII. The Battle Belongs to the LordIII. One for All and All for OneIV. A Final RequestSermon Discussion Questions:1. Can you tell of a time when you found yourself psyched out by an enemy, a problem, or challenge?2. If God is able to put fear and dread in the hearts of his enemies, do you think he’s able to put courage in the hearts of his people? Why or why not?3. What are some theological truths we need to keep in mind when we read of Israel devoting God’s enemies to destruction? How are Christians to act toward earthly enemies? How are Christians to act toward spiritual enemies?4. The church is called to live as members of one body, each caring for the other. When have you seen this done well? Where could you currently contribute to this kind of mutual support?

Can God be trusted to provide for his people? And what happens if we don’t trust him to provide? Join us to find out.Sermon Outline:I. What If We Don’t Trust God to Provide?II. Why Can We Trust God to Provide?Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Why is it impossible to please God without faith?2. How have you seen grumbling in your own life connected with a lack of faith in God’s provision? Why do you think we don’t take the sin of grumbling more seriously?3. How does trusting that God is sovereign, gracious, all-knowing, and faithful help us in times when we’re not certain God will provide what we need?4. Where are you having trouble trusting in the Lord’s provision today? Will you take hold of the truths in this passage and bring them to bear on your fears?

Unbelieving rebellion rouses the judgment of God, forfeits the promises of God, and presumes upon the grace of God leading to separation from the presence of God. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Listen in as we consider a better way to live.Sermon Outline:I. Unbelieving Rebellion Rouses the Judgement of God.II. Unbelieving Rebellion Forfeits the Promises of God.III. Unbelieving Rebellion Presumes Upon the Grace of God.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Do you believe that God ever has the right to be angry? If so, on what basis?2. How seriously would you say you take the sin of unbelief? How seriously does God take it?3. What does Matthew Henry mean when he says that “no sin will ruin us but unbelief?”4. What is the gospel remedy for our unbelief? What does God call us to do?

If we fix our eyes on the problems we face, it will skew our view of God’s promises and even of his love. But if we fix our eyes on the promises, especially of his love, it will helpfully shape the way we view our problems.Outline:I. The PromisesII. The ProblemsIII. The PleaSermon Discussion Questions:1. Can you tell of a time where you did something significant in spite of great challenges or opposition? Or conversely, can you tell of a time you regret not attempting something because the potential problems and challenges loomed so large?2. Why do you think it is so difficult for us to believe that God really loves us?3. How might your life be different today if you truly believed at the core of your being that God loves you? How would you feel different? How might you see current trials differently?4. In our text we see that God is a fighter and a father. Where do you need to bring those twin truths to bear on your life today?5. Where in your life today are you more focused on the problems than the promises? Are you ready for a change? This is the third sermon in the series "Remember, Trust, and Obey", today, August 29th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Problems or the Promises?” based on Deuteronomy 1:19-33

Some of God’s best gifts require effort to be fully possessed and enjoyed by God’s people. What are the gifts of God for the people of God and how we can take hold of them? Sermon Outline:I. The Gift of a Great Land.II. The Gift of a Great People.III. The Gift of a Great Law.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Tell of a gift you have received that required some effort to properly enjoy.2. God blessed Israel with the extraordinary gift of a land to live in, but they still needed to go in and take possession of it. What are some of the gifts God has given to us that require us to appropriate them?3. As God’s people grew, it was necessary to raise up more leaders. What are the kinds of characteristics required of the leaders of God’s people today? How does this compare to what was required of leaders in Moses’ day?4. Ultimately a people’s laws are only as good as those charged with administrating them. What are some hindrances to justice in our society today? What are some hindrances to justice inside the church today?5. How does the cross secure the Christian’s ultimate hope of justice?This is the Second sermon in the series "Remember, Trust, and Obey", today, August 29th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Gifts of God for the People of God.” based on Deuteronomy 1:5-18

In Deuteronomy, God re-establishes Israel as his covenant people. What does it mean to be the covenant people of God, and what are the implications for our lives today.? Sermon Outline:I. A Promise of Land, People, and Blessing.II. The Establishment of God’s Covenant People.III. Deuteronomy as a Covenant Treaty.IV. The Long Way of Disobedience.V. Living as God’s Covenant People Today.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What has been your past experience, if any, with the book of Deuteronomy?2. How does seeing God’s relationship to Israel in terms of a suzerain/vassal treaty enhance your understanding of God’s dealings with Israel?3. In a typical suzerain/vassal treaty, the suzerain kingdom was expected to do certain things for the vassal kingdom. What were some of those things? How do you see God doing these things for his covenant people?4. Likewise, the vassal people were supposed to be faithful to the suzerain in some particular ways. How do you see Israel either doing that or failing to do that? How does God respond?5. What can we learn as the covenant people of God today from Israel’s unnecessary 38 years of wandering around in the wilderness? What does God desire from his covenant people today?This is the First sermon in the series "Remember, Trust, and Obey", today, August 29th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "God's Covenant People” based on Deuteronomy 1:1-5

We are made for the life everlasting. Do you believe this? If so, in what way is this reflected in your actions and reactions, priorities, lifestyle choices, preoccupations, and affections?Points:1. Only eternal things bring lasting satisfaction2. Understanding and embracing the doctrine of the life eternal necessitates a radical re-orientation of priorities 3. An eternal perspective does not mean that we renounce all treasure. It means that we pursue the right kind of treasure. 4. Only in acknowledging the fact of eternal life may we place the triumphs and tragedies of this life in their proper perspective.5. The blessings of eternal life to which Christ refers are not for everyone; they are only for those who believe. Questions for further study:What are those things we can do in this life that have eternal implications?What are things that have significance in this life and in the life to come?Christ said that the fool is someone ‘who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’ How is it possible to be rich towards God?Does everyone live forever, or only believers? Explain. Harry Blamires writes: “To think Christianly is to accept all things with the mind as related, directly or indirectly, to man’s eternal destiny as the redeemed and chosen child of God.” How can we condition our mind to think ‘Christianly’, especially on matters of eternity?If you believe in the life everlasting, how does your lifestyle differ from that of your unbelieving neighbor?This is the ninth sermon in the series "I Believe", today, August 22th, 2021, Pastor Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon entitled "The Life Everlasting" based on John 6:22-40

Many people think of the Christian hope as simply going from the "forgiveness of sins” to the "life everlasting.” But that’s not the full Christian hope. Sandwiched between the forgiveness of sins and the life everlasting, we confess: “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” What does this mean, and why should you be excited about it? Listen in to find out!Sermon Outline: I. Why Must My Body Be Raised?II. What Will My Resurrection Body Be Like?Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever thought much about the resurrection of the body? Or have you mostly thought about your eternal existence in a disembodied state?2. Why can we have such firm confidence in the resurrection of our own bodies one day?3. What do you think about the idea that there will be continuity between our present bodies and our resurrection bodies? Does it raise any concerns for you?4. What aspect of the transformation of our bodies do you most anticipate?This is the eighth sermon in the series "I Believe", today, August 8th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Resurrection of the Body" based on 1 Corinthians 15:12-26

Forgiveness is something the world has rejected. Once a mistake has been made you are canceled. But God has a different design for forgiveness. He alone can hold justice and grace together as he offers the sinner forgivenessOutlineFoundations of ForgivenessHorizontal Implications of Forgiveness QuestionsWhat strikes you about the crucifixion story? What is something that you were drawn to this time reading it?What are other stories in scripture that show God’s heart and his forgiveness?Who do you need to seek forgiveness from and who do you need to forgive?Why is forgiving yourself so meaningless and unbiblical?This is the seventh sermon in the series "I Believe", today, August 8th, 2021, Pastor Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon entitled "The Forgiveness Of Sins" based on Luke 23:13-24, 32-38

What does it mean to believe in the holy, universal church? God has called his people out of darkness and into light, uniting us through the spirit across time and space, and he desires for his church to be holy as he is holy. This week, Pastor Chris will take a look at 1st Corinthians 1:2 as we see God’s design for his true church.Questions:How have you thought about the church before and what about Paul’s teaching on the church helped you clarify those beliefs?What does the identity of the church as holy and universal, founded on the teaching of the apostles with Christ as the cornerstone, mean for missions?What tangible ways this week can you express the unity and communion that you have with the saints?This is the sixth sermon in the series "I Believe", today, August 1st, 2021, Pastor Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon entitled "The Holy Universal Church" based on 1st Corinthians 1:2

There has always been a lot of mystery around the person of the Holy Spirit. Do you know what you’re talking about, who you’re talking about, when you say, “I believe in the Holy Spirit”? Join us as we discover and delight in the Holy Spirit! Sermon Outline:I. The Holy Spirit in Creation.II. The Holy Spirit in Israel.III. The Holy Spirit in Prophecy.IV. The Holy Spirit in Jesus.V. The Holy Spirit in Us.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Prior to this message, what first came to your mind when you thought about the Holy Spirit? What about now after listening to the message?2. How does a person receive the Holy Spirit? (See Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:2; John 7:38-39)3. Read Galatians 5:16-25. What does it look like practically to walk by the Spirit? How can you know if you’re keeping in step with the Spirit?4. Read what the apostle Paul says about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. On what basis does God give gifts to people? For what purpose does God give these various manifestations of the Spirit?5. Read Ephesians 5:15-21. What can we learn from the contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirt? What is the relationship between being filled with the Spirit and the various activities listed in verses 19-21? This is the fifth sermon in the series "I Believe", today, July 25th, 2021, Pastor trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Holy Spirit" based on Acts 2:1-21.

What does the bible really say about the second coming of Christ and why does it matter? What does the return of Jesus mean for everyone everywhere? Tune in this Sunday to find out! Questions:- Have you considered the nature of Jesus return?-Why do you think we most often hear of and imagine the gentle Jesus of the bible and what difference does that make?-What does it mean to love the cross and despise the crown of Jesus and how are we to live in light of that?-What is hell and the false beliefs surrounding it in our culture?-As a sheep, what is your purpose here on earth?-What pro-active decisions will you commit to in order to be about reaching the goats?This is the fifth sermon in the series "I Believe", today, July 18th, 2021, Aaron Dean delivers his sermon entitled "The Second Coming of Christ" based on Matthew 25:31-46.

God the Father exalted His Son through His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement at His right hand. If we have died to sin in humble repentance, we too will be exalted and experience the fullness of life in Him for which we were created.‘The third day He rose again’- The resurrection of Christ is the most important event in human history.- If there is no resurrection, there is no meaningful Christian faith.- Christ’s resurrection comprehensively changes our perspective.- Christ’s resurrection carries with it the promise of ours – if we have died to sin.‘He ascended into heaven’- The Ascension establishes, beyond any doubt, the universal power and authority of Christ.- The Ascension clarifies our marching orders.‘And sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty’Questions for further study:What does it mean for us to die to sin?Why is it essential that the resurrection of Christ be established as an historical fact?How does Christ’s resurrection guarantee the resurrection of those who are in Him?What is the relationship between the ascension of Christ and the Great Commission?Why should we not ‘stand looking into heaven’ as the ascension eyewitnesses did?What exactly does the term ‘right hand of God” mean?This is the fourth sermon in the series "I Believe", today, July 11th, 2021, Pastor Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon entitled "Exaltation of Christ" based on Romans 6:1-11.

Ever feel like you’re the star of this movie called life? Anyone ever tell you that you only think about yourself? Wanting to change that, but not sure how? Join us as we consider what it means to believe that Christ was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried for you.Sermon Outline:I. Christ Humbled Himself.II. Christ Humbled Himself for Me.III. Christ’s Humiliation Should Humble Me.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. When thinking about climbing or descending the ladder, why do you think we’re all more inclined to go up than to go down?2. Consider the five ways Christ humbled himself in his earthly ministry. Which of the five ways stands out to you most and why?3. Consider the seven implications of the fact that Christ humbled himself for you. Which of them do you have the hardest time believing?4. What are some ways that Christ’s humiliation ought to humble you personally? What are some signs in a family or church community that people are believing the gospel more deeply and becoming more humble?This is the third sermon in the series "I Believe", today, July 4th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Humiliation of Christ" based on Philippians 2:1-11.

Who is Jesus Christ? Son of God and His very Word, life and light of men. The only one through whom we receive grace and truth. If you have seen Son, you have seen the Father. Have you seen and received him?And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary…OutlineI. Jesus Christ the Son is fully God and fully man.Jesus is fully GodBecause He is God, Jesus does for us what only God can do.Jesus is fully man.Because He is man, Jesus does for us what only a man can do.II. The idea that Jesus Christ is the son of God is the greatest stumbling block to saving faith.III. To know Jesus Christ is to know God; indeed, it is the only way.Questions for further study:What are some examples of things that Christ emptied himself of when he became a man?Why is it necessary that Christ, in order to save us, be a man?What is meant by the term ‘word’ (Gr. logos) applied to Christ?What is the significance of the reference to the ministry of John the Baptist in the Apostle John’s introduction to Christ?What are the dangers inherent in acknowledging the deity of Jesus Christ without accepting his humanity?This is the second sermon in the series "I Believe", today, June 27th, 2020, Pastor Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon entitled "Jesus Christ the Son" based on John 1:1-18.

As we finish our series in 2 Corinthians we will see that if we long to experience the presence of God in our lives, then we must pursue genuine Christian community.Sermon Outline:I. Some Elements of Christian CommunityII. Some Expressions of Christian CommunityIII. The Source of Christian CommunitySermon Discussion Questions:1. Explain what is meant by the statement: “Where there is Christian community, there is God.”2. Of the five imperatives listed in verse 11, which do you think is the most difficult for churches to practice? Which do you personally find most challenging?3. What was the “holy kiss” in verse 13 intended to convey? What are some culturally appropriate ways that we can tangibly communicate the same truths to others in our Christian community?4. Why is a rejection of Christian community a rejection of the heart of God?5. Looking back across 2 Corinthians, share some ways that this letter has shaped or sharpened your thinking. Spend some time in prayer asking God to continue that good work in you and in our community.This is the last sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, June 13th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Living in Christian Community " based on 2 Corinthians 13:11-14.

As the Apostle Paul prepares to visit the Corinthians for a third time, he encourages them to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. We are not waiting for a return visit from Paul, but from the Lord Jesus! Examine yourselves. Are you prepared for his return?Sermon Outline:I. The Purity of Christ Should Be Pursued in His ChurchesII. The Presence of Christ Should Be Evident in His PeopleIII. The Posture of Christ Should be Reflected in His ShepherdsSermon Discussion Questions:1. How do you feel about the practice of a spiritual self-examination? What has been your practice of this in the past?2. What is the role of individual church members in the pursuit of the purity of the church? What is the role of the elders in this pursuit?3. What are the steps of church discipline? (See Matthew 18:15-20) Why is the practice of church discipline necessary?4. According to the quotes from Thomas Chalmers and 2 Corinthians 3:18, why is it important in the process of self-examination to not only look at our own hearts, but to look to Christ himself?5. How does Paul’s posture toward the erring members of the church in Corinth before his visit, mirror Christ’s posture toward sinners before his second coming? Are you prepared for Christ’s return?This is the twenty-seventh sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, June 6th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Examine Yourselves " based on 2 Corinthians 13:1-10.

The Corinthians failed to appreciate the authentic ministry they had from the apostle Paul, and with the help of the super-apostles, fell for a less-than-biblical ministry. How can we recognize and appreciate authentic ministry so that we’re not drawn away by imposters?Sermon Outline:I. Authentic Ministry is Apostolic in its Nature II. Authentic Ministry is Sacrificial in its MannerIII. Authentic Ministry is Restorative in its Aim Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think it is that we tend to appreciate least those who serve us most? How can we resist that tendency?2. Paul writes in 12:14, “…I seek not what is yours but you.” How does this statement reflect Christ’s own heart? Why is this the necessary heart-posture for gospel ministry?3. Paul lists a series of sins in 12:20 that are not only offensive to God, but destructive of churches. How should shepherds in churches deal with these sins when they show up? Why is it imperative that they do so?4. In verse 21, Paul is afraid that when he comes he will have to “mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented…” The church in Corinth was full of people who had sinned in significant ways, but that wasn’t the basis of Paul’s mourning. He mourns their lack of repentance. How is the church to deal with those living unrepentantly in sin? What is the aim of such action?5. If you’re a shepherd in the church, evaluate your own heart and ministry in light of how authentic ministry is described in this passage. Accept the grace of God by confessing and turning from those things contrary God’s intention for us. If you’re not a shepherd, are you doing everything you can to make shepherding you a joy? (Hebrews 13:17)This is the twenty-sixth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 30th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Appreciating Least Those Who Serve Us " based on 2 Corinthians 12:11-21.

God allows his servants to suffer weakness in order to demonstrate his power through us while keeping us humble. Listen to discover the joyous freedom of learning to boast in our weaknesses!Sermon Outline:I. The Problem with BoastingII. The Remedy for BoastingIII. The Redemption of BoastingSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you suppose that some of the people through whom God does his greatest work in this world also suffer so greatly?2. Why is it so important for Christians to become aware of our own weaknesses? How do we become aware of our weaknesses?3. When we experience ‘thorny’ situations in life, should we pray for God to remove the thorn? If we pray and he doesn’t remove the thorn, how can we know that Jesus’ promise in verse 9 is true for us?4. In verse 9, what is the connection between boasting in our weaknesses and the power of Christ resting upon us? What might it look like practically to boast in our weaknesses?5. Put this verse in your own words: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Spend some time in prayer asking that God will help you understand and embrace this upside-down principle of his kingdom.This is the twenty-fifth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 23rd, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Only the Weak are Strong" based on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.

In this message we’re going consider how the gospel transforms us from being people who suffer fools gladly to being the kind of people who suffer gladly as fools for Christ and his church.Sermon Outline:I. The Church Too Readily Suffers Fools for LeadersII. Leaders Too Reticently Suffer as Fools for the Church Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What are some of the societal or cultural factors that make us inclined to suffer fools as leaders?2. Based on what you know of what the Bible says about leadership, what are some ways in which Christian leadership should look different from the kind of leadership you might find in a non-Christian environment? (For some ideas about Christian leadership, see 1 and 2 Timothy.)3. Why do you think Christian leadership involves suffering? If you are a leader, how willing are you to embrace suffering for Christ and his church? For those who are not leaders, how can you prayerfully support your leaders?4. What might it look like today for you to boast in your weaknesses? And why would you? (Consider 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 4:7; 12:9-10)This is the twenty-fourth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 16th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Suffering Fools" based on 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.

Satan has been a deceiver from the beginning, and he hasn’t slowed down. He aims to seduce the bride of Jesus to embrace another Jesus to our eternal harm. Join us to find out how to remain faithfully devoted to Jesus and resist disguised deceivers. Sermon Outline:I. Because We're All Susceptible to Deception, We Must Remain Devoted to JesusII. Because We're All Susceptible to Deception, We Must Resist Disguised DeceiversSermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever been deceived that you are aware of? What were some of the factors that made you susceptible to deception?2. Think about Genesis 3 and how Satan deceived Eve and then Adam. How did he approach it and what can we learn from that event?3. What is the fundamental problem of humanity? How does getting clear on the answer to this question help keep us from being seduced by another Jesus?4. How can Christian community help protect us against deception? What is the role of shepherds with regard to deception?This is the twenty-third sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 9th, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Holy Jealousy for Jesus' Bride" based on 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.

In defending himself against his attackers in Corinth, the apostle Paul gives us a picture of the kind of ministry God commends. What is the nature of the fight we are engaged in and what is the ultimate goal of our ministry? Find out here.Sermon Outline:I. A Ministry God Commends is Fighting the Right Battles with the Right Weapons in the Right Manner.II. A Ministry God Commends Understands the Proper Use of Spiritual Authority.III. A Ministry God Commends Makes Much of the Lord, Not of Itself.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Are there any areas in your life where you’re trying to fight a spiritual battle with worldly weapons such as intimidation, deception, or manipulation?2. Pastor Trent addressed six strongholds that are erected against the knowledge of God. What are some other strongholds that we need the power of the gospel message to bring down in the lives of believers or unbelievers?3. How should spiritual authority be exercised in the church for building up rather than tearing down? Why do you think it’s difficult for leaders to exercise authority, and why do you think it’s difficult for people to submit to authority? 4. In what aspects of your life or ministry are you tempted to compare yourself with others? How would your life be different if you were concerned with pursuing the Lord’s commendation?5. If the glory of God were your only aim in life, is there anything you would start doing? Is there anything you would stop doing? Is there anything you would do differently?This is the twenty-second sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 2nd, 2021, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "A Ministry God Commends" based on 2 Corinthians 10:1-18.

This is the last sermon in our series, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". Today, April 25th, 2021, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from John 4:1-18 & 25-26​ entitled "The Woman at the Well".Outline:line crossingsin removingshame breakingsalvation bringing Questions:What do you make of the phrase in verse 4 “And he had to pass through Samaria”?When do you think the woman began to see who Jesus was?For the sake of the gospel, what are some man-made boxes that you think God is calling you to cross?While not addressed directly in the sermon, what do you make of her theological assertions about worship and Jesus’ response in verses 19-24?What shame have you been holding into that needs to be left at the well with Jesus?

The power of forgiveness and faith are showcased by Christ as he turns the tables on a self-righteous Pharisee and grants salvation to the unlikeliest recipient.Points:This woman gives us a picture of redemption: sorrow at sin, overwhelmed by grace, affectionate in gratitude, extravagant in worship.Love is not how forgiveness is earned, it is how forgiveness is displayed.Those who experience forgiveness know a fullness of joy, peace, and abounding love that ever eludes the unrepentant, the self-righteous, and the faithless.Questions for further study:Do you think this is the woman’s first encounter with Jesus or not? Why?What is the relationship between forgiveness and love?What importance do you attach to the specific gestures of love (washing, kissing, anointing the feet) that the woman displayed?Compare and contrast the understanding of Simon and the sinful woman concerning who Jesus is.Can you identify any signs of hope for Simon the Pharisee?

The ministry of Jesus is to seek and save the lost. In this story, He brings salvation to the most unlikely of sinners, but not everyone approves…Points:I. Salvation is wholly a gracious work of God.II. Grace is amazing. It is also controversial, scandalous, and deeply unpopular.III. Repentance is confession of sin, turning to God, and resolution to walk in new obedience.IV. The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.Questions and points for further study:Did Zacchaeus earn his salvation by paying his debts and giving to the poor? Does Jesus reference to Zacchaeus as a son of Abraham indicate that he is saved by his Judaism? Read Exodus 22 and/or Leviticus 6. What were Zacchaeus’ responsibilities vis-à-vis restitution according to the Old Testament law? Read the account of the blind beggar in Luke 18: 35-43. It is another account of Jesus singling a man out of a Jericho crowd. Compare and contrast Jesus’ words and actions with the Zacchaeus narrative. In your ministry, do you seek the lost or the righteous?This is the second sermon in our series, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". Today, April 11th, 2021, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Luke 19:1-10​ entitled "Zacchaeus".

Two men hang on crosses condemned to death beside Jesus. One dies condemned to spend eternity away from the presence of God, and one dies with the assurance of being with God forever. How you respond to Jesus determines everything about your life now…and forever.Sermon Outline:I. Two Condemned MenII. Two Responses to JesusIII. Two Different OutcomesSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think the Bible includes this little story about the thief being saved at the very end of his life?2. Based on the fact that Jesus tells the second thief he was going to be with Jesus forever, what must a person do to be saved?3. If turning from rebelling against Jesus to trusting in Jesus is all that is necessary for salvation, why do you suppose anyone would not trust in Jesus?4. What is your posture toward Jesus today, rejection like the first thief or trust like the second? If rejection, will you trust him today? If trust, how can you show your gratitude for what he has done for you?This is the first sermon in our series, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". Today, April 4th, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Luke 23:32-43​ entitled "Theif on the Cross".

Sexual desire was created by God and it is good. So why do we make such a big deal about the sin of lust? Join us to find out the real trouble with lust, the hope of the gospel for those struggling with lust, and a better way to live. Sermon Outline:I. The Trouble with Lust 1. When Lust Bites, it Does Not Let Go 2. When Lust is Indulged, it is Not Satisfied 3. When Lust Prevails, it is Not Without VictimsII. The Hope of the GospelIII. A Better WaySermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think the sin of lust is associated with so much shame?2. What does the apostle Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 6:18 when he says, “…the sexually immoral person sins against his own body”?3. Read Matthew 5:27-30 in which Jesus discusses lust. Is lustful intent without action innocent or sinful? In light of this passage, what should be our posture toward lust in our lives?4. How does the gospel set us free from the shame and guilt of our own sexual sin or the sins of others against us?5. Psalm 51 is the psalm David wrote after his lust led him to take another man’s wife. Pray this psalm back to God and make it your own confession of this sin.This is the final sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, March 28th, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 2 Samuels 13:17-22, entitled "Lust".

Sloth may seem like the most harmless of all the seven deadly sins. But Proverbs 18:9 says, "Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.” Join us to find out what the sin of sloth actually is and why it’s so deadly. Sermon Outline:I. The Symptoms of Sloth 1. Refusal to Act 2. Unnecessarily Delaying Action 3. Unwillingness to Make a Commitment 4. Inability to Finish Something 5. Chronic BusynessII. The Underlying Cause of SlothIII. The Cure for SlothSermon Discussion Questions:1. As you consider the text of Numbers 13, why do you think the Israelites refused to go in and take the land that God had promised? How do you see these same issues at work in your life keeping you from going forward to have all that Christ died to purchase for you?2. In what parts of your life are you most tempted to escape or avoid the demands of love?3. Which of the symptoms of sloth are most apparent in your life?4. In what part(s) of your life are you hesitant to act because you have a grasshopper mentality and are underestimating what God can do through you?5. Recognizing that we can be overwhelmed by all of the things we could be doing, what is the one thing God may be calling you to do today out of love for him and love for your neighbor?This is the sixth sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, March 21st, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Numbers 13:17-33, entitled "Sloth".

When we consider the seven deadly sins, a sin connected to food just doesn’t seem serious enough to warrant a place on the list. But in this story from Numbers 11, we see the deadly power of our cravings for food. Come and discover how this deadly sin is already at work in your life, but also how the work of Jesus is greater still. Sermon Outline:I. The Heart of GluttonyII. The Symptoms of GluttonyIII. The Cure for GluttonySermon Discussion Questions:1. Before hearing or reading this sermon, how conscious were you of the spiritual implications and causes of gluttony? Do you think this is a blind spot for 21st century Americans?2. As we’ve seen, there are many shapes gluttony can take in our lives. Where do you see it most readily in your own heart? Which cravings do you find it most difficult to bring to God for satisfaction?3. What is your current practice of fasting, and how could a change in that practice help you address the underlying causes of gluttony?4. What are some of the differences between legitimate feasting, which the Bible approves and illegitimate gluttony which the Bible condemns?5. How does the good news from John 6 about Jesus being the true bread from heaven ultimately deliver us from the tyranny of our inordinate desires surrounding food?This is the fifth sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, March 14th, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Numbers 11:1-15, 31-35​ entitled "Gluttony".

The great challenge of wrath is that it always feels justified, even when it’s not. Anger will want you to believe that you are in control, but really you are just hanging on for the ride. How can make sure that our anger doesn’t carry us away into destructive wrath? Sermon Outline:I. When You’re Angry, Make Sure You’ve Got the Right-Of-WayII. When You’re Angry, Obey All Stop SignsIII. When You’re Angry, Exit As Soon As PossibleSermon Discussion Questions:1. Do you tend to be the kind of person who gets angry too fast, or the kind of person who stays angry for too long? If you’re married, this is a great question to discuss with your spouse.2. How can you distinguish between anger that is right and good, and anger that is sinful?3.Are you angry about something someone has done that you are not willing to overlook and also not willing to confront? How should you handle this biblically?4. Have you embraced the forgiveness that God offers to you through a relationship with Christ? In light of that, are you now willing to extend that forgiveness to others? This is the fourth sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, March 7th, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Samuel 25:1b-39​ entitled "Wrath".

Envy is perhaps the most puzzling of the seven deadly sins in that it seems to offer nothing in return for the misery it brings. And yet, each one of us struggles with it to varying degrees. Don’t let envy enslave you in madness, but discover how Jesus has set you free! Sermon Outline:I. The Roots of Envy.II. The Fruits of Envy.III. The Cure for Envy.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Consider who it is that you presently envy, or where you find yourself tempted to compare with others. What does this tell you about yourself?2. Do you find it difficult to confess when you are feeling envious? Why do you think that is?3. Where have you seen the destructive effects of envy in your own life or someone close to you? Given how personally destructive envy is, why do you suppose we allow this sin to remain in our lives?4. Why is it impossible for us to envy someone we truly love in the biblical sense?5. How does the gospel enable us to have hearts full gratitude, contentment, and love rather than envy?This is the third sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, February 28th, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Samuel 18:6-16​ entitled "Envy".

From the days of the garden of Eden to the present, greed has been a prominent wart on the end of the nose of our sinful human condition. And though we can see it in others, we seem to have no mirror with which to see it in ourselves. As we consider the case of Gehazi, we discover the diagnosis and the cure for the deadly sin of greed.Sermon Outline:I. The Diagnosis of Greed 1. Greed grows on discontent, ingratitude, and fear 2. Greed is focused on getting 3. Greed views people as objects to be used 4. Greed is a root from which many other sins grow 5. Greed fails to see the endgameII. The Cure for GreedSermon Discussion Questions:1. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income.” Why do you think that is?2. What does greed promise us that makes it so attractive and tempting?3. Where have you seen the power of greed at work in your own life? Where do you feel most tempted?4. How do contentment, gratitude, and generosity all strike at the heart of greed?5. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” How does God’s promise enable us to experience contentment and freedom from the love of money?This is the second sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, February 21st, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 2 Kings 5:9b-27​ entitled "Greed".

Pride cannot be healed except through humility: Christ’s humility for us displayed at the cross to reconcile us to God and to free us from the power of pride that we might humble ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him.Sermon Outline:11:50​ = I. The Diagnosis of Pride36:50​ = II. The Cure for PrideSermon Discussion Questions:1. Some say that pride is the root of every other sin. Do you agree or disagree and why?2. How does pride blind us and keep us from giving God the glory for our accomplishments? Do you think there is any place for a Christian to take a sense of pride in a job well done3. Perhaps the worst form of pride is spiritual pride. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Whenever we find that our religious life is4.How does the gospel message about what Jesus has done for us apply to the sin of pride?5. Historically, the sin of pride is associated with Psalm 32. Read and meditate upon this psalm this week as you humbly ask the Lord to search your heart and expose your pride.This is the first sermon in our series, "The Seven Deadly Sins". Today, February 14th, 2021, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 2 Kings 5:1-19​ entitled "Pride".

In the world, grace is something you must grow into, something you must earn because you’re good. Good people get grace; bad people get cancelled. But the church is a counterculture. Here, no one grows into grace, but having received it freely as a gift, we make every effort to grow in it. Sermon Outline:I. Grace is the Foundation of our GrowthII. Grace is the Shape of Our GrowthIII. Grace is the Fuel of our GrowthSermon Discussion Questions:1. What is the difference between “growing in grace” and “growing into grace”? Which one reflects the good news of the gospel?2. If grace is the foundation (rather than the reward) of our growth in godliness, wouldn’t this make us complacent in the Christian life? Why or why not?3. If we’re unfruitful and ineffective as Christians, what is the fundamental problem? What is the solution?4. Which of the seven qualities listed in verses 5-7 are you feeling the greatest need to grow in? How can you pursue that growth? This is the last sermon in our series, "Counter Culture". Today, February 7thst, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 2 Peter 1:3-11 entitled " Growing in Grace".

We want to be a church, following the example of Christ, that reaches out in mercy to the lost in our families, community and world.Sermon Points:- Reaching Out - In MercyQuestions for discussion:Since we are not Jesus, is it not dangerous for us to spend time with sinners? Will we not be spiritually compromised?In this passage, is Jesus implying that the Pharisees are healthy and not in need of salvation?How is it that Matthew followed Jesus after the simple invitation: “Follow me”?In your social circles, who are the people that it would be scandalous to be seen with?What does it mean: “I desire mercy and not a sacrifice?” What is wrong with a sacrifice?What does the term ‘righteous’ mean in the context of verse 13?This is the fourth sermon in our series, "Counter Culture". Today, January 31st, 2020, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Matthew 9:9-13 entitled " Reaching Out in Mercy".

In a time when everyone is encouraged to pursue their own truth, the church is called to be a counterculture that lives by the truth revealed in God’s Word. Sermon Outline:I. What it Means to Be Committed to the Word?II. Why Are We Committed to the Word?III. How Can I Be More Committed to the Word?Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What parts of the Bible are you most inclined to cut out, either literally or just practically?2. When it comes to knowing, obeying, and spreading God’s Word, which do you find to be the easiest for you, and which is the most challenging?3. Where have you seen a place in your life where you were dwelling in spiritual darkness or ignorance and God enlightened you through his Word?4. When it comes to reading, believing, obeying, and sharing God’s Word, which one does it feel like God may be prompting you to step into more fully? How do you suppose you can do that this week practically?This is the third sermon in our series, "Counter Culture". Today, January 24th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 2 Peter 1:16-21 entitled " Committed to the Word".

The world advances its agenda through great ideas, human wisdom, strategic planning, and resourcing. While there is nothing wrong with those things inherently, the church must advance differently. Find out what it means to be dependent on the Holy Spirit.Sermon Outline:I. Who is the Holy Spirit?II. What Does the Holy Spirit Do?III. What Does Dependence on the Holy Spirit Look Like?Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How would you know if you were living your life independent of the Holy Spirit rather than dependent on the Holy Spirit?2. Do you think it is easier or harder for a Church like Covenant to depend on the Holy Spirit than it is for a church under persecution or without access to financial resources? What makes dependence so difficult?3. Of the twelve ministries of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the sermon, which one(s) are you most grateful for today? Which one are you inclined to forget?4. Pastor Trent mentioned five manifestations of a church that is living in dependence on the Holy Spirit. What are some other evidences that a person or church is dependent on the Spirit?5. Will you earnestly consider joining us for the Frontline Prayer meetings beginning this Wednesday at 5:30?This is the second sermon in our series, "Counter Culture". Today, January 17th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from John 16:7​-15 entitled "Counter Culture: Dependent on the Holy Spirit".

Today, December 31st, 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers a New Year's Message.

For many, 2020 was a hard year. Perhaps it has been a desert of wandering for you. Psalm 107 reminds us of the blessing of God in the middle of the desert.Sermon Points:I. The Circumstance: A DesertII. The Turn: Cries and DeliveranceIII. The Redeemed Reality: A Straight Path to the CityIV. Worshipful Response: A Thankful HeartQuestions1. Have you been in a physical desert before? What was it like?2. Where in your life are you striving to satisfy your own hunger?3. As you look back on 2020, in what ways was God faithful?4. As you look forward to 2021, what are truths that you want to hold onto?Today, December 27th, 2020, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from Psalm 170 entitled "The Blessing 2020"

What gift is appropriate for a coming king?Sermon Points:I.The arrival of a king is a source of joy for some, and fear and contempt for others.II.The identity of Christ often eludes the most learned scholar while it is obvious to the simple seeker.III.For those who recognize Christ as King and Lord, the only appropriate response is worship.Questions for further study:1.How is it that the priests and scribes believed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and yet had no interest in exploring the claim of the birth of a king there?2.How do you suppose the magi were familiar with the idea that a ‘king of the Jews’ was to be expected?3.Why should the people of Jerusalem be troubled by the prospect of the birth of a king?4.Do you see any deeper significance in the magi’s choice of gifts?5.In the Scriptures, there is a connection between ‘falling down’ and worship. Can you explain this association?Today, December 20th, 2020, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Matthew 2: 1-12 entitled "The Gift".

The final chapter of Daniel reveals more perilous times to come for God’s people. How do we remain faithful in the midst of the persecution and suffering that are sure to come? This is the fifteenth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, December 13th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 12:5-13 entitled "Go Your Way Until The End".

The last war is yet to be waged, but the outcome is not in doubt. Though Christ has secured the victory, we are not passive. God calls the people who know Him to stand firm and take action. This is the fourteenth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, December 6thth, 2020, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Daniel 11:21-24 & 31-36 entitled "The Last War".

We are engaged in a cosmic spiritual conflict that has been raging for ages, and the events we see playing out in our world are reflections of the unseen war taking place in the heavenly places. How can Christians remain faithful to the end in the midst of this unseen war?This is the thirteenth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, November 29th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 10:1-11:1 entitled "The Unseen War/The Heavenly War".

This Thanksgiving, let us be reminded first of the very character of God so that we may declare with the Psalmist, “Praise the LORD.” That is the first source of our praise. Today, November 25th, 2020, Josh Leamon delivers his sermon from Psalm 106:1-8 entitled "A Deeper Source of Praise ".

Take heart! God has decreed a definite time for the accomplishment of everything necessary to bring an end to our exile. Take courage! The way will not be easy, but the outcome is certain.This is the twelfth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, November 22nd, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 9:20-27 entitled "The End of the Exile".

Daniel loves God and knows his steadfast covenantal love. This leads him to repent on behalf of his people trusting that God will answer. Confession is hard but it puts us into the arms of a merciful savior. This is the eleventh sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, November 15th, 2020, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from Daniel 9:1-19 entitled "The Anatomy of Confession".

The vision of Daniel 8 sickens and appalls Daniel. It shows us that living for God in this world will not be easy and that our final deliverance may yet be a long way off. Because of this, to live courageously in this world, God’s people will need faith for the long haul. This is the tenth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, November 8th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 8:1-27 entitled "Faith For The Long Haul".

As Election 2020 comes to its culmination this week, Revelation 4 reveals the most important thing that Christians need to know.International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a day devoted to the prayer of those who have been and are presently persecuted for their Christian faith. Today, November 1st, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Revelation 4:1-11 entitled "What You Need To Know".

The vision Daniel receives is essentially a summary of human history in biblical perspective. In light of what is revealed, how can we as Christians remain faithful and courageous in the troubling days that are sure to come? This is the ninth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, October 25th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 7:1-14 entitled "This Day the Noise of Battle, The Next the Victor's Song".

We imagine that the more we give, the less cheerfully we will give because we have less for ourselves. In point of fact, it is the opposite that happens. As our generosity grows, so also does our cheer. Why? Find out here.This is the twenty-first sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, October 18th, 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Cheerful and Generous Giver" based out of 2 Corinthians 9:1-15.

This is the twentieth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, October 11th, 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Above Reproach in Sensitive Matters" based out of 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.Horror stories abound with how lives and ministries have been destroyed through embezzlement, scandal, extravagant living and hidden schemes that take advantage of the trust of the faithful. When such trust is broken, it is not easily restored. Therefore, churches, individuals, and Christian ministries need to be exceptionally careful and cautious to not only have financial integrity, but also to demonstrate it to others.

Christ’s giving of himself for us both enables and inspires generous giving to others.This is the nineteenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, October 4th, 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Gospel-Driven Generosity" based out of 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.

Whether we have a lot or a little, the more we joyfully grasp the grace of God given to us, the more we will joyfully release in giving to others. This is the eighteenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, September 27th, 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "the Weakness of Poverty Overflowing in the Strength of Generosity" based out of 2 Corinthians 8:1-7.

Where there is no repentance, there can be no lasting joy because there is no reconciliation with God or man. But where there is true repentance there is both reconciliation with God and one another and despite our afflictions, we will overflow with joy.This is the seventeenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, September 20th, 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "True Repentance And its Counterfeit" based out of 2 Corinthians 7:2-16.

As ambassadors for Christ, our lives will either commend the gospel or become an obstacle to the gospel. It is the gospel itself that gives us the desire and ability to bend over backwards to commend the gospel in our family, community, and world.This is the fifteenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, September 6th, 2nd 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Bending over Backwards For the Gospel" based out of 2 Corinthians 6:3-13.

By nature and by choice, humanity is separated from God. But by grace, God has not only done what is necessary to reconcile believers to himself, he has also given Christians the ministry of reconciliation.This is the fourteenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, August 30th, 2nd 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Ministry of Reconciliation" based out of 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2.

This is the third sermon in our mini series "The Upside Down Kingdom", today, August 23rd 2020, Aaron Dean delivers his sermon entitled "The Upside Down Life" based out of Matthew 21: 28-32.

Today we consider the invitation to the Kingdom through a parable in Matthew chapter 22. Jesus likens it to an invitation to a wedding feast. Who is invited and how do they get in? By studying the passage, we see that the wedding guests must be properly clothed to be admitted; not dressed in their own worthiness, but in that of Christ. Many are called but few are chosen. Have you responded to the call?Pastor Brent Whitefield delivered his sermon entitled "The Upside-Down Invitation" on August 16th, 2020. For more content form Covenant Church of Naples please visit our website at www.covenantnaples.com.

The world wants kings who are powerful, mighty, and strong. But Jesus, the upside-down King has a heart that is gentle and lowly. And this King invites not the successful or righteous but the labored and heavy laden. In this work, he gives us rest but he also puts us to work as we learn from him. Come, find rest for your weary soul.This is the first sermon in our mini series "The Upside-down Kingdom", today, August 9th 2020, Pastor Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon entitled "The Upside-down King" based out of Matthew 11: 28-30.

The Christian life involves suffering and affliction in the service of Jesus, and the apostle Paul is one of the clearest examples. Yet, Paul embraced all of this willingly and spent his life gladly for Jesus. What motivation is strong enough to compel us to live our lives as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ? Find out here.This is the thirteenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, August 2nd 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "How Love Frees and Constrains" based out of 2 Corinthians 11-15.

The Christian life is lived by faith not by sight. Find out how walking by faith enables us to please God today and ultimately prepares us to face death and the final judgment with courage and hope.This is the twelfth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, July 26th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Walking By Faith" based out of 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.

Within every human being is a longing for home. Not necessarily to go back to the place we’re from, but to go to a place where we’re known, accepted, and loved and everything is as it was meant to be. In this passage the apostle Paul helps us understand how this longing will ultimately be fulfilled for all who put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior.This is the eleventh sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, July 19th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Longing for Our Heavenly Home" based out of 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.

Suffering is a normal part of life, including the Christian life. Find out how what Jesus has done gives us a resurrection hope, a worthy purpose, a renewing power, and an eternal perspective that that will keep us from losing heart in the face of affliction.This is the tenth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, July 12th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "This Light Momentary Affliction" based out of 2 Corinthians 4:13-18.

Suffering and weakness are not popular, and no one enjoys experiencing either one. But in this message we will see how God uses the suffering and weakness of his people to bring the light of the gospel to the nations!This is the ninth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, July 5th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon based out of 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

This is the eighth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, June 21st 2020, Pastor Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon entitled "The Great Exchange" based out of Isaiah 53:8-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

This is the seventh sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, June 21st 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Have You Seen The Light?" based out of 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.

This is the sixth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, June 7th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "How The Spirit Transforms Us" based out of 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.

This is the fifth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, June 7th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Surpassing Glory of New Covenant Ministry" based out of 2 Corinthians 3:1-11.

This is the fourth sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 31st 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Aroma of Christ" based out of 2 Corinthians 2:12-17.

This is the first sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 24th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "Competing Designs in Church Discipline" based out of 2 Corinthians 2:5-11.

This is the third sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 17th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "The Changing Plans of Men and the Unchanging Promising of God " based out of 2 Corinthians 1:12 - 2:4.

This is the first sermon in the series "God's Strength in Our Weakness", today, May 10th 2020, Pastor Trent Casto delivers his sermon entitled "God's Purposes in Our Suffering" based out of 2 Corinthians 1:1-11.

This is the final sermon in our Gospel Series. Today, May 3rd, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Isaiah 55.

This is the fifth sermon in our Gospel Series. Today, April 26th, 2020, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Isaiah 53: 3-8; 1 Peter 2: 22-24.

Chris Voorhees continues our Gospel Series by expounding on the deity of Jesus Christ.

This is the fourth sermon in our Gospel Series. Today, April 12th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Matthew 27:32-56.

This is the third sermon in our Gospel Series. Today, April 5th, 2020, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from Genesis 3:6-7; Ephesians 2: 8-10

This is the second sermon in our Gospel Series. Today, March 29th, 2020, Brent Whitfield delivers his sermon from Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 5:12-21

This is the First sermon in our Gospel Series. Today, March 22nd, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-13; Romans 3:9-20 entitled "Sin".

This is the ninth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, March 15th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 6:12-28 entitled "The God Who Saves".

This is the eighth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, March 8th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 6:1-13 entitled "Dangerous Devotion".

Today, March 1st, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Chronicles 29:1-6, 9-18 entitled "One Church, Every Generation".

This is the seventh sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, February 23rd, 2020, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from Daniel 5:1-31 entitled "Failing To Learn From History".

This is the sixth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, February 16th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 4:1-37 entitled "The Grace Of Humiliation".

This is the fifth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, February 9th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 3:19-30 entitled "Facing The Fire".

This is the fourth sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, February 2nd, 2020, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Daniel 3:1-18 entitled "We Will Not Bow Down".

This is the third sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, January 26th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 2:31-49 entitled "One Kingdom Remains".

This is the second sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, January 19th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 2:1-30 entitled "God Of The Impossible".

This is the first sermon in our series in the book of Daniel. Today, January 12th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from Daniel 1:1-21 entitled "No Compromise".

Today, January 5th, 2020, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from II Corinthians 5: 11-21 entitled "Why We Want To Share the Gospel In 2020".

December 31st, 2019, Chris Voorhees delivers his New Years Eve sermon.

This is the twenieth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, December 29th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 6:17-21 entitled "Instructions For Rich Christians".

December 24th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his Christmas Eve sermon.

This is the nineteenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, December 22nd, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 6:11-16 entitled "What The Godly Flee, Pursue And Fight For".

This is the eighteenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, December 15th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 6:2-10 entitled "The Safe Harbor Of Contentment".

This is the seventeenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, December 8th, 2019, Todd Augustine delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 6:1-2 entitled "Slaves and Masters".

This is the sixteenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, December 1st, 2019, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 5:17-25 entitled "The Honor And Responsibility Of Elders".

Aaron Dean delivers his sermon for our Thanksgiving service from John 17:13-17 entitled "The Word Is For Our Joy".

This is the fifteenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, November 24th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 5:1-16 entitled "Care For The Household And The Household Of God".

This is the fourteenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, November 17th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 4:11-16 entitled "The Exemplary Christian Leader".

This is the thirteenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, November 10th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 4:6-10 entitled "Train Yourself For Godliness".

This is the twelfth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, November 3rd, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 4:1-5 entitled "Deception In The Household Of God".

This is the eleventh sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, October 27th, 2019, Todd Augustine delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 3:14-16 entitled "The Church | Reformation Sunday".

This is the tenth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, October 20th, 2019, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 3:8-13 entitled "The Character Of A Deacon".

This, the ninth sermon in our series "Life In The Household of God", Pastor Trent delivers his sermon entitled "Being Shepherded In The Household of God". Today, October 13th 2019, he is preaching from Hebrews 13:17.

This is the eigth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, October 6th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Peter 5:1-4 entitled "Shepherding In The Household Of God".

This is the seventh sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, September 29th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 3:4-5 entitled "Good Household Management".

This is the sixth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, September 22nd, 2019, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 3:1-7 entitled "The Character Of An Elder".

This is the fifth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, September 15th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 2:8-15 entitled "Male and Female In The Household Of God".

This is the fourth sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, September 8th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 2:1-7 entitled "All Kinds Of Prayers For All Kinds Of People".

This is the third sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, September 1st, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 1:12-20 entitled "A Real Savior For Real Sinners".

This is the second sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, August 25th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 1:8-11 entitled "Using The Law Lawfully".

This is the first sermon in our series "Life In The Household Of God". Today, August 18th, 2019, Trent Casto delivers his sermon from 1 Timothy 1:1-7 entitled "The Goal Is Love".

Today, August 11th, 2019, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from Psalm 63 entitled "A Satisfied Life".

This is the last sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, August 4th, 2019, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Colossians 4:7-18 entitled "A Purposeful Life".

This is the thirteenth sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, July 28th, 2019, Todd Augustine delivers his sermon from Colossians 4:2-6 entitled "A Steadfast Life".

This is the twelfth sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, July 21st, 2019, Todd Augustine delivers his sermon from Colossians 3:18 - 4:1 entitled "A Submitted Life".

This is the eleventh sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, July 14th, 2019, Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon from Colossians 3: 12-17 entitled "A One-Another Life".

This is the tenth sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, July 7th, 2019, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Colossians 3: 5-11 entitled "A Mortified Life".

This is the ninth sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, June 30th, 2019, Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon from Colossians 3: 1-4 entitled "A Resurrected Life".

This is the eighth sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, June 23rd, 2019, Aaron Dean delivers his sermon from Colossians 2:16-23 entitled "A Qualified Life".

This is the seventh sermon in our series "Alive in Christ". Today, June 16th, 2019, Pastor Todd Augustine delivers his sermon from Colossians 2:6-15 entitled "A Rooted Life".

This is the sixth sermon in the sermon series Alive in Christ. Today on June 9th, 2019, Pastor Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon entitled "A Confident Life." Based out of Colossians 2:1-5.

This is the fifth sermon in the series Alive in Christ. Today on June 2nd, 2019, Pastor Chris Voorhees delivers his sermon entitled "A Suffering Life." Based out of Colossians 1:24-29

This is the fourth sermon in the series Alive in Christ. Today on May 26th, 2019, Pastor Brent Whitefield delivers his sermon entitled "A Reconciled Life." "Based out of Colossians 1:21-23

Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? Did you find the treasure? Our passage today talks about incomparable treasure of the kingdom of heaven and the joy we have when we go “all-in” for Christ. I. Two Different Paths i. Path of the Stumbler ii. Path of the Searcher II. Response of Joy Questions:1) Have you ever stumbled across something really valuable? What was that like? How’d it happen?2) How would you describe your path to Christ? Stumbling on him one day? Searching for years? Different than these?3) What kinds of earthly treasures vie for your hearts affections? 4) When was a time you were overwhelmed in joy by Jesus?5) Why is it so joyful to give up everything for Jesus?