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SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE (CHRIST)
December 24th, 2022
READING #1:
Selections from Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV)
Context: awaiting the promised light, amidst this present darkness. Lamenting the sin, violence, and death in this world, while persevering in hope for the Light of the World. This was the posture of the people of God before Christ’s first advent and ours as we await his second advent.
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time, he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
and the staff for their shoulder,
the rod of the oppressor,
have been broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,
and his name shall be called[e]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Selections from
Psalm 27 (CSB)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
So we wait in confident expectation for the light in the darkness, Jesus of Nazareth, the Liberating King. And in the meantime, we seek his face, walk in the light of his presence, and call to mind again and again that we are not alone. Christ has come and he is coming again.
*Light the Christ Candle*
READING #2:
Context: This is who Jesus is. Go and be/do likewise.
Lead into the lighting of our candles off of the Christ Candle.
Selections from the Gospel of John (CSB)
1:1 In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
____________________________________________________________________
READING #1:
Selections from Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV)
Context: awaiting the promised light, amidst this present darkness. Lamenting the sin, violence, and death in this world, while persevering in hope for the Light of the World. This was the posture of the people of God before Christ’s first advent and ours as we await his second advent.
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time, he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
and the staff for their shoulder,
the rod of the oppressor,
have been broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,
and his name shall be called[e]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Selections from
Psalm 27 (CSB)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
So we wait in confident expectation for the light in the darkness, Jesus of Nazareth, the Liberating King. And in the meantime, we seek his face, walk in the light of his presence, and call to mind again and again that we are not alone. Christ has come and he is coming again.
*Light the Christ Candle*
READING #2:
Context: This is who Jesus is. Go and be/do likewise.
Lead into the lighting of our candles off of the Christ Candle.
Selections from the Gospel of John (CSB)
1:1 In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
____________________________________________________________________
December 18th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Advent
Title: Love
Text: Isaiah 7:14, Psalm 80, Matthew 1:18-end, Romans 1:1-7
Campus: Rivermont
TEXTURES: New ways of seeing old, familiar things.
The more we behold something truly beautiful, the richer our encounter with it becomes.
Therefore, the LORD himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged[a] to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,
which is translated “God is with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25
Love is what nurtures and nourishes life.
“We are all looking for someone looking for us, and we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives.”
~ Dr. Curt Thomspon, Neuroscientist
We love because God first loved us.
1 John 4:19
God is love
1 John 4:8
Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the
cherubim, shine on Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally your power and come to save us.
Psalm 80:1-2
Lord God of Armies, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You fed them the bread of tears and gave them a full measure of tears to drink. You put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies mock us.
Psalm 80:4-6
Restore us, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.
Psalm 80:7
When the face of God shines on us, it will be the face of love.
“Justice that is only justice soon degenerates into something less than justice. Justice must be rescued by something grander & deeper than itself, namely love.”
Click here to see image: Rafael’s depiction on the Sistine Chapel
See what profound love God has lavished on us that we should be made sons and daughters - and that’s what we are!
1 John 3:1
This is how we have come know what love is: Jesus laid his life down for us.
1 John 3:16a
The Advent of Jesus announces the good news that there is more love to be known in this world than our hearts can stand.
This is how we have come know what love is: Jesus laid his life down for us. In the same way, we also ought to lay down our lives for for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16
"As long as “being the Beloved” is little more than a beautiful thought or a lofty idea that hangs above my life to keep me from becoming depressed, nothing really changes. What is required is to become the Beloved in the commonplaces of my daily existence, and bit by bit to close the gap that exists between what I know myself to be and the countless realities of everyday life. Becoming the Beloved is pulling the truth revealed to me from above down into the ordinariness of what I am thinking of, talking about, and doing from hour to hour."
~ Henri Nouwen, “Life of the Beloved”
Prayer: Restore us, O God. Make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved (healed).
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Advent
Title: You are Loved
Text: Psalm 80
Campus: College Hill
"Human beings are not good at loving people. You can’t give people what you don’t have. The reason we are not good at loving people is that we are not good at being loved. My biggest most glaring pathology is that I’m so resistant to being loved.”
~ Curt Thompson
Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine on Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally your power and come to save us. Restore us, God; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved. Lord God of Armies, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You fed them the bread of tears and gave them a full measure of tears to drink. You put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies mock us. Restore us, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved. You dug up a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared a place for it; it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. It sent out sprouts toward the Sea and shoots toward the River. Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its fruit? Boars from the forest tear at it and creatures of the field feed on it. Return, God of Armies. Look down from heaven and see; take care of this vine, the root your right hand planted, the son that you made strong for yourself. It was cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of your countenance. Let your hand be with the man at your right hand, with the son of man you have made strong for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.
Psalms 80:1-19 CSB
“Restore us, Lord God, make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.”
"We are all looking for someone looking for us and we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives."
~ Curt Thompson
Advent is the prime example that God has turned toward us and shown us what love is: by sending His Son to be with us and to die for us.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 CSB
They seized him, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. When a servant saw him sitting in the light, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with him too.”
But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know him.”
After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter said.
About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with him, since he’s also a Galilean.”
But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:54-62 CSB
God’s love is nothing short of relentless in His pursuit of those He loves.
But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.
Hosea 2:14-15 NLT
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’”
Mark 16:5-7 CSB
God won’t settle with leaving you where He finds you!
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39 CSB
“As long as “being the Beloved” is little more than a beautiful thought or a lofty idea that hangs above my life to keep me from becoming depressed, nothing really changes. What is required is to become the Beloved in the commonplaces of my daily existence, and bit by bit to close the gap that exists between what I know myself to be and the countless realities of everyday life. Becoming the Beloved is pulling the truth revealed to me from above down into the ordinariness of what I am thinking of, talking about, and doing from hour to hour.”
~ Henri Nouwen
Takeaway 1:
Remind yourself who God is:
Takeaway 2:
Remind yourself of who you are:
Takeaway 3:
Keep in step with the Spirit
____________________________________________________________________
Series: Advent
Title: Love
Text: Isaiah 7:14, Psalm 80, Matthew 1:18-end, Romans 1:1-7
Campus: Rivermont
TEXTURES: New ways of seeing old, familiar things.
The more we behold something truly beautiful, the richer our encounter with it becomes.
Therefore, the LORD himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged[a] to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,
which is translated “God is with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25
Love is what nurtures and nourishes life.
“We are all looking for someone looking for us, and we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives.”
~ Dr. Curt Thomspon, Neuroscientist
We love because God first loved us.
1 John 4:19
God is love
1 John 4:8
Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the
cherubim, shine on Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally your power and come to save us.
Psalm 80:1-2
Lord God of Armies, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You fed them the bread of tears and gave them a full measure of tears to drink. You put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies mock us.
Psalm 80:4-6
Restore us, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.
Psalm 80:7
When the face of God shines on us, it will be the face of love.
“Justice that is only justice soon degenerates into something less than justice. Justice must be rescued by something grander & deeper than itself, namely love.”
Click here to see image: Rafael’s depiction on the Sistine Chapel
See what profound love God has lavished on us that we should be made sons and daughters - and that’s what we are!
1 John 3:1
This is how we have come know what love is: Jesus laid his life down for us.
1 John 3:16a
The Advent of Jesus announces the good news that there is more love to be known in this world than our hearts can stand.
This is how we have come know what love is: Jesus laid his life down for us. In the same way, we also ought to lay down our lives for for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16
"As long as “being the Beloved” is little more than a beautiful thought or a lofty idea that hangs above my life to keep me from becoming depressed, nothing really changes. What is required is to become the Beloved in the commonplaces of my daily existence, and bit by bit to close the gap that exists between what I know myself to be and the countless realities of everyday life. Becoming the Beloved is pulling the truth revealed to me from above down into the ordinariness of what I am thinking of, talking about, and doing from hour to hour."
~ Henri Nouwen, “Life of the Beloved”
Prayer: Restore us, O God. Make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved (healed).
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Advent
Title: You are Loved
Text: Psalm 80
Campus: College Hill
"Human beings are not good at loving people. You can’t give people what you don’t have. The reason we are not good at loving people is that we are not good at being loved. My biggest most glaring pathology is that I’m so resistant to being loved.”
~ Curt Thompson
Listen, Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine on Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally your power and come to save us. Restore us, God; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved. Lord God of Armies, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You fed them the bread of tears and gave them a full measure of tears to drink. You put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies mock us. Restore us, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved. You dug up a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared a place for it; it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. It sent out sprouts toward the Sea and shoots toward the River. Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its fruit? Boars from the forest tear at it and creatures of the field feed on it. Return, God of Armies. Look down from heaven and see; take care of this vine, the root your right hand planted, the son that you made strong for yourself. It was cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of your countenance. Let your hand be with the man at your right hand, with the son of man you have made strong for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord, God of Armies; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.
Psalms 80:1-19 CSB
“Restore us, Lord God, make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.”
"We are all looking for someone looking for us and we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives."
~ Curt Thompson
Advent is the prime example that God has turned toward us and shown us what love is: by sending His Son to be with us and to die for us.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 CSB
They seized him, led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. When a servant saw him sitting in the light, and looked closely at him, she said, “This man was with him too.”
But he denied it: “Woman, I don’t know him.”
After a little while, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter said.
About an hour later, another kept insisting, “This man was certainly with him, since he’s also a Galilean.”
But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:54-62 CSB
God’s love is nothing short of relentless in His pursuit of those He loves.
But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.
Hosea 2:14-15 NLT
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’”
Mark 16:5-7 CSB
God won’t settle with leaving you where He finds you!
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39 CSB
“As long as “being the Beloved” is little more than a beautiful thought or a lofty idea that hangs above my life to keep me from becoming depressed, nothing really changes. What is required is to become the Beloved in the commonplaces of my daily existence, and bit by bit to close the gap that exists between what I know myself to be and the countless realities of everyday life. Becoming the Beloved is pulling the truth revealed to me from above down into the ordinariness of what I am thinking of, talking about, and doing from hour to hour.”
~ Henri Nouwen
Takeaway 1:
Remind yourself who God is:
Takeaway 2:
Remind yourself of who you are:
Takeaway 3:
Keep in step with the Spirit
____________________________________________________________________
December 11th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Series: Advent
Title: Joy of the Redeemed
Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10
Campus: Rivermont
“Joy is not the mere sensation of pleasure — it is a pervasive, constant, and unending sense of well-being that flows from vision, peace, righteousness, and hope. True joy is robust — even including outright hilarity! We can experience the joy of being in God’s kingdom even in the midst of suffering and loss.”
~ Dallas Willard
Through the Messiah, He’s going to bring final and cosmic renewal and restoration to all creation. Holistic redemption will come to all creation and the redeemed will worship, free from worry, distraction, and anxiety forever in eternal joy with Jesus.
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower.
It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees!
Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs.
In the haunt of jackals, in their lairs, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.
A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way.
The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path.
Fools will not wander on it.
There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it,and the ransomed of the Lord will return
and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 35
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower. It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Isaiah 35:1-2
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for JOY, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
Isaiah 35:3-6
The physical expressions of joy and gladness will be a reflection of the health of our inner life. All of our mental and physical faculties will gloriously be integrated and harmonized to worship and enjoy Him forever.
For I will create new heavens and a new earth; the past events will not be remembered or come to mind. Then be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.
Isaiah 65:17-18
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news.”
Matthew 11:2-5
Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for JOY, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs. In the haunt of jackals, in their lairs, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.
A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path. Fools will not wander on it. There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it, and the ransomed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending JOY. JOY and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 35:6-10
Our God given potential for joy has yet to be fully experienced. The experiences and moments of joy during this time on earth are an incredible gift of grace but they are only a shadow of what we will fully experience when Isaiah 35 becomes a reality.
Israel’s story in Isaiah becomes our story through faith in Jesus. At the heart of Advent season each year is “Encourage the weak! Be Strong! Do not fear! Here is your God! He will save you!” Advent is an opportunity to embody the joy of Christ because of what He has done and will do for us.
This ultimately is the end goal of Christmas. To bring us home to eternity with Jesus. The battle with sin will end. The final outcome of the birth of our Savior is entering into the joy of His salvation, forever being with Him in a Garden-City more glorious and beautiful than the first garden.
_________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: Joy
Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10
Campus: College Hill
“Joy is not the mere sensation of pleasure — it is a pervasive, constant, and unending sense of well-being that flows from vision, peace, righteousness, and hope. True joy is robust — even including outright hilarity! We can experience the joy of being in God’s kingdom even in the midst of suffering and loss.”
~ Dallas Willard
“Perhaps this is the most distinguishing characteristic of the joy that Christ offers; it extends beyond the boundaries of our circumstances. This joy is undeniably different from the emotional experience of happiness.”
“It’s merely a small piece of the joy that is available to us as those who have put our trust in Jesus.”
“Joy is not a denial of sadness. Celebration leaves room for lament as we remember and grieve the loss of something or someone significant and precious to us. Celebration doesn’t pretend that pain doesn’t hurt. No, celebrating in the midst of our pain means that we allow the sorrowful stories to break our hearts. We let hurt in someone else’s story interrupt our own reality. And we celebrate that those stories of pain will not be the last stories told.”
~ Nicole Zasowski, What if It’s Wonderful?
Hope in Jesus and his eternal future is the fuel of unending Christian joy.
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower.
It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees!
Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs.
In the haunt of jackals, in their lairs, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.
A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way.
The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path.
Fools will not wander on it.
There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it, and the ransomed of the Lord will return
and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 35 (CSB)
Three things about our future reality with Jesus:
All of nature is renewed and the land is fertile (vv. 1-2)
Physical and emotional limitations are removed and human bodies will be fully restored (vv. 3-6)
Zion, the city of God, is full of unending joy (v. 10)
1) All of nature is renewed and the land is fertile (vv. 1-2)
The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life.
Genesis 3:17b
You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, sin you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.
Genesis 3:19
No longer will there be a curse upon anything.
Revelation 22:3a
2) Physical and emotional limitations are removed and human bodies will be fully restored (vv. 3-6)
3) Zion, the city of God, is full of unending joy (v. 10)
Jesus came. He is present in our world right now. He’s coming back to finish the work that he started.
The fuel of unending Christian joy: we can be right with God, his Kingdom is present in our lives right now, and our eternal future is beautiful and secure.
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:31-39 (CSB)
______________________________________________________________________
Series: Advent
Title: Joy of the Redeemed
Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10
Campus: Rivermont
“Joy is not the mere sensation of pleasure — it is a pervasive, constant, and unending sense of well-being that flows from vision, peace, righteousness, and hope. True joy is robust — even including outright hilarity! We can experience the joy of being in God’s kingdom even in the midst of suffering and loss.”
~ Dallas Willard
Through the Messiah, He’s going to bring final and cosmic renewal and restoration to all creation. Holistic redemption will come to all creation and the redeemed will worship, free from worry, distraction, and anxiety forever in eternal joy with Jesus.
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower.
It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees!
Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs.
In the haunt of jackals, in their lairs, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.
A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way.
The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path.
Fools will not wander on it.
There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it,and the ransomed of the Lord will return
and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 35
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower. It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Isaiah 35:1-2
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for JOY, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
Isaiah 35:3-6
The physical expressions of joy and gladness will be a reflection of the health of our inner life. All of our mental and physical faculties will gloriously be integrated and harmonized to worship and enjoy Him forever.
For I will create new heavens and a new earth; the past events will not be remembered or come to mind. Then be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.
Isaiah 65:17-18
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news.”
Matthew 11:2-5
Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for JOY, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs. In the haunt of jackals, in their lairs, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.
A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path. Fools will not wander on it. There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it, and the ransomed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending JOY. JOY and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 35:6-10
Our God given potential for joy has yet to be fully experienced. The experiences and moments of joy during this time on earth are an incredible gift of grace but they are only a shadow of what we will fully experience when Isaiah 35 becomes a reality.
Israel’s story in Isaiah becomes our story through faith in Jesus. At the heart of Advent season each year is “Encourage the weak! Be Strong! Do not fear! Here is your God! He will save you!” Advent is an opportunity to embody the joy of Christ because of what He has done and will do for us.
This ultimately is the end goal of Christmas. To bring us home to eternity with Jesus. The battle with sin will end. The final outcome of the birth of our Savior is entering into the joy of His salvation, forever being with Him in a Garden-City more glorious and beautiful than the first garden.
_________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Advent
Title: Joy
Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10
Campus: College Hill
“Joy is not the mere sensation of pleasure — it is a pervasive, constant, and unending sense of well-being that flows from vision, peace, righteousness, and hope. True joy is robust — even including outright hilarity! We can experience the joy of being in God’s kingdom even in the midst of suffering and loss.”
~ Dallas Willard
“Perhaps this is the most distinguishing characteristic of the joy that Christ offers; it extends beyond the boundaries of our circumstances. This joy is undeniably different from the emotional experience of happiness.”
“It’s merely a small piece of the joy that is available to us as those who have put our trust in Jesus.”
“Joy is not a denial of sadness. Celebration leaves room for lament as we remember and grieve the loss of something or someone significant and precious to us. Celebration doesn’t pretend that pain doesn’t hurt. No, celebrating in the midst of our pain means that we allow the sorrowful stories to break our hearts. We let hurt in someone else’s story interrupt our own reality. And we celebrate that those stories of pain will not be the last stories told.”
~ Nicole Zasowski, What if It’s Wonderful?
Hope in Jesus and his eternal future is the fuel of unending Christian joy.
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower.
It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees!
Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land, springs.
In the haunt of jackals, in their lairs, there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.
A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way.
The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path.
Fools will not wander on it.
There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it, and the ransomed of the Lord will return
and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 35 (CSB)
Three things about our future reality with Jesus:
All of nature is renewed and the land is fertile (vv. 1-2)
Physical and emotional limitations are removed and human bodies will be fully restored (vv. 3-6)
Zion, the city of God, is full of unending joy (v. 10)
1) All of nature is renewed and the land is fertile (vv. 1-2)
The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life.
Genesis 3:17b
You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, sin you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.
Genesis 3:19
No longer will there be a curse upon anything.
Revelation 22:3a
2) Physical and emotional limitations are removed and human bodies will be fully restored (vv. 3-6)
3) Zion, the city of God, is full of unending joy (v. 10)
Jesus came. He is present in our world right now. He’s coming back to finish the work that he started.
The fuel of unending Christian joy: we can be right with God, his Kingdom is present in our lives right now, and our eternal future is beautiful and secure.
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:31-39 (CSB)
______________________________________________________________________
December 4th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Sermon Series: Advent
Title: Peace
Text: Romans 15:4-13 (Isaiah 11:1-2, 6,9,10. Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19. Matthew 3:1-2, 11)
Campus: Rivermont
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
Glorifying God Together
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praise to your name.
Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people! And again,
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise him!
And again, Isaiah says,
The root of Jesse will appear,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
the Gentiles will hope in him.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:4-13
Question: What do I tend to do when I’m feeling something I don’t want to feel?
Shalom: peace, flourishing, all is as it should be.
Dissociation: “a widespread survival strategy, the avoidance or elimination of painful knowledge from conscious awareness” (Psychologists, Watkins & Shulman)
“The glory of God is the human being fully alive.”
St. Irenaeus, 185AD (Against Heresies)
Christ makes peace, and makes us whole—body, mind, heart, & soul.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.
Ephesians 2:14
The peace of Christ transgresses every boundary that disintegrates our relationships.
Peace is not the absence of stress or conflict. Peace is the presence of Christ.
The experience of Christ as our peace moves us from hostility to hospitality (Henri Nouwen).
Where is there conflict or hostility in my life? (With God, myself, or with others?)
How might God be inviting me away from my normal distractions and coping mechanisms and instead into the experience of peace in his presence?
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Sermon Series: Advent
Title: Peace
Text: Romans 15:4-13
Campus: College Hill
Advent is an opportunity for us to look back at Christ’s first coming many years ago – and to think forward to his future return.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (CSB)
What we believe – the object of our faith – is more important than our outward circumstances.
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.
Read Romans 15:4
The Scriptures are intended to fill us with hope.
Endurance and encouragement enables us to live in hope.
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
Romans 15:5-6
Paul is going to say three important things about Jesus:
1) Jesus came to serve the Jews.
2) Jesus was a fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
3) Jesus confirmed that the family of God is open to everyone.
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praise to your name.
Romans 15:7-9
Jesus came as a servant to the Jews, but as a Savior to everyone.
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Shalom is more than a state of mind or a state of affairs – shalom comes from the root word “shalam” meaning safe, complete, or whole.
We don’t need the things that others so desperately pursue in order to be loved and to belong.
and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praise to your name.
Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people![f] And again,
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise him!
And again, Isaiah says,
The root of Jesse will appear,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
the Gentiles will hope in him.
Romans 15:9-12
What if the painful feelings surrounding the broken things in our world are actually God trying to get our attention?
“God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace as we believe, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Series: Advent
Title: Peace
Text: Romans 15:4-13 (Isaiah 11:1-2, 6,9,10. Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19. Matthew 3:1-2, 11)
Campus: Rivermont
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
Glorifying God Together
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praise to your name.
Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people! And again,
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise him!
And again, Isaiah says,
The root of Jesse will appear,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
the Gentiles will hope in him.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:4-13
Question: What do I tend to do when I’m feeling something I don’t want to feel?
Shalom: peace, flourishing, all is as it should be.
Dissociation: “a widespread survival strategy, the avoidance or elimination of painful knowledge from conscious awareness” (Psychologists, Watkins & Shulman)
“The glory of God is the human being fully alive.”
St. Irenaeus, 185AD (Against Heresies)
Christ makes peace, and makes us whole—body, mind, heart, & soul.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.
Ephesians 2:14
The peace of Christ transgresses every boundary that disintegrates our relationships.
Peace is not the absence of stress or conflict. Peace is the presence of Christ.
The experience of Christ as our peace moves us from hostility to hospitality (Henri Nouwen).
Where is there conflict or hostility in my life? (With God, myself, or with others?)
How might God be inviting me away from my normal distractions and coping mechanisms and instead into the experience of peace in his presence?
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Sermon Series: Advent
Title: Peace
Text: Romans 15:4-13
Campus: College Hill
Advent is an opportunity for us to look back at Christ’s first coming many years ago – and to think forward to his future return.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (CSB)
What we believe – the object of our faith – is more important than our outward circumstances.
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.
Read Romans 15:4
The Scriptures are intended to fill us with hope.
Endurance and encouragement enables us to live in hope.
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.
Romans 15:5-6
Paul is going to say three important things about Jesus:
1) Jesus came to serve the Jews.
2) Jesus was a fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
3) Jesus confirmed that the family of God is open to everyone.
Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praise to your name.
Romans 15:7-9
Jesus came as a servant to the Jews, but as a Savior to everyone.
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Shalom is more than a state of mind or a state of affairs – shalom comes from the root word “shalam” meaning safe, complete, or whole.
We don’t need the things that others so desperately pursue in order to be loved and to belong.
and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praise to your name.
Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people![f] And again,
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise him!
And again, Isaiah says,
The root of Jesse will appear,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
the Gentiles will hope in him.
Romans 15:9-12
What if the painful feelings surrounding the broken things in our world are actually God trying to get our attention?
“God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace as we believe, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
___________________________________________________________________
November 27th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Zach Foster
Title: Advent: Hope
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5 CSB
Campus: Rivermont
“Hope is called the anchor of the soul because it gives stability to the Christian life…it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”
~ RC Sproul
The vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will come and say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths.” For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will settle disputes among the nations and provide arbitration for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war. House of Jacob, come and let’s walk in the Lord’s light.
Isaiah 2:1-5 CSB
True Hope does not depend on us, does not disappoint and will ultimately deliver.
Living in anticipation, in a period of waiting, can often lead to doubt, disappointment and fear. Fear that what has been promised will not take place.
For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith… He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be. He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about a hundred years old) and also the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to do.
Romans 4:13, 18-21 CSB
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples — a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.
Luke 2:25-32 CSB
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-5, 14 CSB
The incarnation of Jesus helps bring into focus that we are spiritual beings found in physical bodies.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!
Psalms 146:5-10 NLT
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 CSB
“While optimism makes us live as if someday soon things will soon go better for us, hope frees us from the need to predict the future and allows us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone but will fulfill the deepest desires of our heart... Joy in this perspective is the fruit of hope.”
~ Henri Nouwen
The incarnation of Jesus reveals to us a God that delivers on His Promises.
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Romans 5:3-5 MSG
________________________________________________________________
Title: Advent: Hope
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5 CSB
Campus: Rivermont
“Hope is called the anchor of the soul because it gives stability to the Christian life…it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”
~ RC Sproul
The vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will come and say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths.” For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will settle disputes among the nations and provide arbitration for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war. House of Jacob, come and let’s walk in the Lord’s light.
Isaiah 2:1-5 CSB
True Hope does not depend on us, does not disappoint and will ultimately deliver.
Living in anticipation, in a period of waiting, can often lead to doubt, disappointment and fear. Fear that what has been promised will not take place.
For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith… He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be. He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about a hundred years old) and also the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to do.
Romans 4:13, 18-21 CSB
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples — a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.
Luke 2:25-32 CSB
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-5, 14 CSB
The incarnation of Jesus helps bring into focus that we are spiritual beings found in physical bodies.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!
Psalms 146:5-10 NLT
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 CSB
“While optimism makes us live as if someday soon things will soon go better for us, hope frees us from the need to predict the future and allows us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone but will fulfill the deepest desires of our heart... Joy in this perspective is the fruit of hope.”
~ Henri Nouwen
The incarnation of Jesus reveals to us a God that delivers on His Promises.
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Romans 5:3-5 MSG
________________________________________________________________
November 20th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Vision for Family Discipleship
Text: Deuteronomy 6, Matthew 18:1-7, 19:13-15, 1 Corinthians 4:14-16
Campus: Rivermont
Part 1: Toward a Biblical Vision for Family
This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Shema = listen
pay attention, and live accordingly.
Foundation #1: Spiritual Formation involves the whole person and the whole community. Everyone plays a part, and it isn’t possible alone.
Click here to see Image: Discipleship Continuum
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses will inevitably come, but woe to that person by whom the offense comes.
Matthew 18:1-7
Foundation #2:
Children are whole persons made in the image of God, worthy of dignity, value, and belonging. And their flourishing is the responsibility of all followers of the Jesus.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After placing his hands on them, he went on from there.
Matthew 19:13-15
Making disciples of Jesus, forming the next generation in his image, this is the sacred privilege of every follower of Jesus.
Matthew 19:28-30.
“I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”
1 Corinthians 4:14-16.
In order to raise up a generation of resilient, passionate, followers of Jesus, we must also raise up spiritual mothers and fathers who are committed to taking responsibility for the spiritual vitality of the next generation.
Click here to see Image: Trends
Click here to see Image: Practices
Click here to see Image: Realities
Part 2: Practice
Greg
Dale
Phil
Michael
Christian
Nate
Jim
Brian
Donnie
Chuck
Part 3: Prayer
Prayer for our Stories
Prayer for Parents and Children
Prayer for Ministry Volunteers
_____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Family Ministry Sunday at GCCH
Campus: College Hill
We – the Church – have a collective responsibility to shepherd the kids and teens that are a part of our family.
If you’re a mature (or maturing) follower of Jesus Christ, you have an opportunity and responsibility to help the kids and teens around you come to Christ.
Kids and teens you matter to God and you matter to us; you’re deeply loved and God has a plan for you.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After placing his hands on them, he went on from there.
Matthew 19:13-15 (CSB)
"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
Matthew 18:5
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones."
Matthew 18:10
"Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."
Matthew 18:14
Matt. 19, v. 14 Jesus says, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them…”
Mark 10:14, it says Jesus was “indignant.”
Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
Luke 18:17
He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:16
1) Kids and teens are important to Jesus.
2) Adults are responsible for helping kids and teens come, unhindered, to Jesus.
We – the Church – have a collective responsibility to shepherd the kids and teens that are a part of our family.
When we invest in our kids and teens, we invest in the future of the church and the generations to come.
What will be your part of that investment?
___________________________________________________________________
Title: Vision for Family Discipleship
Text: Deuteronomy 6, Matthew 18:1-7, 19:13-15, 1 Corinthians 4:14-16
Campus: Rivermont
Part 1: Toward a Biblical Vision for Family
This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Shema = listen
pay attention, and live accordingly.
Foundation #1: Spiritual Formation involves the whole person and the whole community. Everyone plays a part, and it isn’t possible alone.
Click here to see Image: Discipleship Continuum
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses will inevitably come, but woe to that person by whom the offense comes.
Matthew 18:1-7
Foundation #2:
Children are whole persons made in the image of God, worthy of dignity, value, and belonging. And their flourishing is the responsibility of all followers of the Jesus.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After placing his hands on them, he went on from there.
Matthew 19:13-15
Making disciples of Jesus, forming the next generation in his image, this is the sacred privilege of every follower of Jesus.
Matthew 19:28-30.
“I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”
1 Corinthians 4:14-16.
In order to raise up a generation of resilient, passionate, followers of Jesus, we must also raise up spiritual mothers and fathers who are committed to taking responsibility for the spiritual vitality of the next generation.
Click here to see Image: Trends
Click here to see Image: Practices
Click here to see Image: Realities
Part 2: Practice
Greg
Dale
Phil
Michael
Christian
Nate
Jim
Brian
Donnie
Chuck
Part 3: Prayer
Prayer for our Stories
Prayer for Parents and Children
Prayer for Ministry Volunteers
_____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Family Ministry Sunday at GCCH
Campus: College Hill
We – the Church – have a collective responsibility to shepherd the kids and teens that are a part of our family.
If you’re a mature (or maturing) follower of Jesus Christ, you have an opportunity and responsibility to help the kids and teens around you come to Christ.
Kids and teens you matter to God and you matter to us; you’re deeply loved and God has a plan for you.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After placing his hands on them, he went on from there.
Matthew 19:13-15 (CSB)
"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
Matthew 18:5
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones."
Matthew 18:10
"Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."
Matthew 18:14
Matt. 19, v. 14 Jesus says, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them…”
Mark 10:14, it says Jesus was “indignant.”
Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
Luke 18:17
He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:16
1) Kids and teens are important to Jesus.
2) Adults are responsible for helping kids and teens come, unhindered, to Jesus.
We – the Church – have a collective responsibility to shepherd the kids and teens that are a part of our family.
When we invest in our kids and teens, we invest in the future of the church and the generations to come.
What will be your part of that investment?
___________________________________________________________________
November 13th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling & Emily Woody
Title: The Beauty of Scripture
Text: John 1 & Hebrews 4:12-16
Campus: Rivermont
How does this Scripture interpret me?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life,[a] and that life was the light of men.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt[h] among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son[i] from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1: 1-4; 14. (CSB)
B.R.E.A.D.
Be: Be still/quiet
Read: Read the text slowly, twice - what stood out to you?
Encounter: Take what stood out to you to the Lord in prayer, what is God saying to you?
Apply: How might you live outwardly this encounter with God?
Devote: Write a short prayer committing and devoting yourself to God in this.
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
Hebrews 4:12-13
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Proverbs 3:1-12 (CSB)
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;
for they will bring you many days, a full life,[a] and well-being.
Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline;
for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:1-12 (ESV)
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Psalm 16 Lectio
Text: Psalm 16
Campus: College Hill
“The Scriptures, read and prayed, are our primary and normative access to God as He reveals Himself to us. The Scriptures are our listening post for learning the language of the soul, the ways God speaks to us; they also provide the vocabulary and grammar that are appropriate for us as we in our turn speak to God.”
~Eugene H. Peterson
Lectio Divina (divine reading) is an ancient way of reading scripture in order to listen for a particular word from God.
Lectio Divina (Divine Reading).
1) Silence (silencio): preparation
2) Read (lectio): read slowly, pay attention t
3) Meditate (meditatio): read again, listen for any invitation that God is extending
4) Dialogue (oratio): read third time; dialogue with God
5) Contemplate (contemplatio): rest, pick something from the text to take with you
Step 1: silencio – silence and preparation.
Step 2: lectio - reading and listening.
Read Psalm 16 (CSB).
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Step 3: meditatio - meditate.
How does this text relate to your life?
How does this text impact your thoughts and desires?
Read Psalm 16 (CSB).
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said,[a] “This is my body, which is[b] for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, Holy is your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For your is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.
Amen.
Step 4: oratio - respond and dialogue.
What feelings has the text aroused in you?
Where are you feeling resistance to something in the text?
Read Psalm 16 (CSB).
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Step 5: contemplatio - rest and contemplate.
__________________________________________________________________________
Title: The Beauty of Scripture
Text: John 1 & Hebrews 4:12-16
Campus: Rivermont
How does this Scripture interpret me?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life,[a] and that life was the light of men.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt[h] among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son[i] from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1: 1-4; 14. (CSB)
B.R.E.A.D.
Be: Be still/quiet
Read: Read the text slowly, twice - what stood out to you?
Encounter: Take what stood out to you to the Lord in prayer, what is God saying to you?
Apply: How might you live outwardly this encounter with God?
Devote: Write a short prayer committing and devoting yourself to God in this.
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
Hebrews 4:12-13
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Proverbs 3:1-12 (CSB)
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;
for they will bring you many days, a full life,[a] and well-being.
Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline;
for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:1-12 (ESV)
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Psalm 16 Lectio
Text: Psalm 16
Campus: College Hill
“The Scriptures, read and prayed, are our primary and normative access to God as He reveals Himself to us. The Scriptures are our listening post for learning the language of the soul, the ways God speaks to us; they also provide the vocabulary and grammar that are appropriate for us as we in our turn speak to God.”
~Eugene H. Peterson
Lectio Divina (divine reading) is an ancient way of reading scripture in order to listen for a particular word from God.
Lectio Divina (Divine Reading).
1) Silence (silencio): preparation
2) Read (lectio): read slowly, pay attention t
3) Meditate (meditatio): read again, listen for any invitation that God is extending
4) Dialogue (oratio): read third time; dialogue with God
5) Contemplate (contemplatio): rest, pick something from the text to take with you
Step 1: silencio – silence and preparation.
Step 2: lectio - reading and listening.
Read Psalm 16 (CSB).
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Step 3: meditatio - meditate.
How does this text relate to your life?
How does this text impact your thoughts and desires?
Read Psalm 16 (CSB).
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said,[a] “This is my body, which is[b] for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, Holy is your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For your is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.
Amen.
Step 4: oratio - respond and dialogue.
What feelings has the text aroused in you?
Where are you feeling resistance to something in the text?
Read Psalm 16 (CSB).
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Step 5: contemplatio - rest and contemplate.
__________________________________________________________________________
November 6th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Lectio Divina
Text: Psalm 23
Campus: Rivermont
“The Scriptures, read and prayed, are our primary and normative access to God as He reveals Himself to us. The Scriptures are our listening post for learning the language of the soul, the ways God speaks to us; they also provide the vocabulary and grammar that are appropriate for us as we in our turn speak to God.”
~ E. Peterson
Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)
Step 1: silencio – silence and preparation.
Step 2: lectio - reading and listening.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB)
Step 3: meditatio - meditate.
How does this text relate to your life?
How does this text impact through thoughts and desires?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB)
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 CSB
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, Holy is your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For your is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Step 4: oratio - respond and dialogue.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB)
Step 5: contemplatio - rest and contemplate.
___________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-11
Campus: College Hill
Following Jesus requires sacrifice.
Following Jesus is worth it.
1 Peter reminds us that we are primarily citizens of heaven and it encourages us to pursue Jesus despite the suffering we may endure along the way.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin—in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.
1 Peter 4:1-2
-Christ is our example.
For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.
They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living—and they slander you.
1 Peter 4:3-4
- Christ is our authority.
They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.
1 Peter 4:5-6
- Am I living for the approval of man, or the approval of God?
The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
1 Peter 4:7-9
What if, in the same way the world is surprised by the truths that we hold to, they were also surprised at our love for one another, the hospitality we show, and the selfless service that we are marked by?
If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11
-Christ empowers us
What is the Spirit asking you to sacrifice?
How is God asking me to grow in love, hospitality, and service?
Following Jesus requires sacrifice.
Following Jesus is worth it.
_______________________________________________________________________
Title: Lectio Divina
Text: Psalm 23
Campus: Rivermont
“The Scriptures, read and prayed, are our primary and normative access to God as He reveals Himself to us. The Scriptures are our listening post for learning the language of the soul, the ways God speaks to us; they also provide the vocabulary and grammar that are appropriate for us as we in our turn speak to God.”
~ E. Peterson
Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)
- Silence (silencio): preparation
- Read (lectio): read slowly, pay attention
- Meditate (meditatio): read again, listen for any invitation that God is extending
- Dialogue (oratio): read third time; dialogue with God
- Contemplate (contemplatio): rest, pick something from the text to take with you
Step 1: silencio – silence and preparation.
Step 2: lectio - reading and listening.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB)
Step 3: meditatio - meditate.
How does this text relate to your life?
How does this text impact through thoughts and desires?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB)
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 CSB
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, Holy is your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For your is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Step 4: oratio - respond and dialogue.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB)
Step 5: contemplatio - rest and contemplate.
___________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-11
Campus: College Hill
Following Jesus requires sacrifice.
Following Jesus is worth it.
1 Peter reminds us that we are primarily citizens of heaven and it encourages us to pursue Jesus despite the suffering we may endure along the way.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin—in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.
1 Peter 4:1-2
-Christ is our example.
For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.
They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living—and they slander you.
1 Peter 4:3-4
- Christ is our authority.
They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.
1 Peter 4:5-6
- Am I living for the approval of man, or the approval of God?
The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
1 Peter 4:7-9
What if, in the same way the world is surprised by the truths that we hold to, they were also surprised at our love for one another, the hospitality we show, and the selfless service that we are marked by?
If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11
-Christ empowers us
What is the Spirit asking you to sacrifice?
How is God asking me to grow in love, hospitality, and service?
Following Jesus requires sacrifice.
Following Jesus is worth it.
_______________________________________________________________________
October 30th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practices: Resting & Digesting
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Campus: Rivermont
Pay attention to what has our attention.
We aren’t meant to try to hold everything all at once. We’re meant to have the one who fills eternity hold our whole attention.
We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself.
2 Corinthians 1:8
“Fragmented attention is an enemy of engagement…”
~ Adam Grant
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our[a] behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Practices of Attention in the Peaks & Valleys: Resting & Digesting
Matthew 16:25 - For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”
Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.”
So the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Genesis 3:8-13
GENESIS EXAMEN
Question: Where are you?
Question: What do you want
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Guides: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Languishing to Flourishing
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Campus: College Hill
We need to draw from a well that never runs dry – we need to be equipped to navigate the complexities of life with endurance and joy.
I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this,[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (CSB)
Faith in Jesus sustains us through our toughest days; it comforts us in our grief and fuels our gratitude and praise.
Grief and gratitude are two practices that help us to cope with loss and equip us to move from languishing to flourishing.
God’s people always have a steadfast hope and a reason to worship and rejoice.
1) We always have something to be grateful for because Jesus is alive and our salvation is assured (vv. 3-5)
2) Our best days are ahead with Jesus (vv. 4-5)
3) We can rejoice because our suffering is temporary and it’s never in vain (vv. 6-9)
What’s the role that trials play in our faith?
Grieving well:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:16-18
Exercise:
1) Where am I experiencing loss, pain, and grief?
2) What am I thankful for? What can I praise God for?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
________________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practices: Resting & Digesting
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Campus: Rivermont
Pay attention to what has our attention.
We aren’t meant to try to hold everything all at once. We’re meant to have the one who fills eternity hold our whole attention.
We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself.
2 Corinthians 1:8
“Fragmented attention is an enemy of engagement…”
~ Adam Grant
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our[a] behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Practices of Attention in the Peaks & Valleys: Resting & Digesting
- example: yawning
- breathing
- playing
- beauty
- physical movement
- grieving (sometimes weeping)
- giving
Matthew 16:25 - For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.
- Sabbath
- relational connection (laughing, sharing, listening
- praying
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”
Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.”
So the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Genesis 3:8-13
GENESIS EXAMEN
Question: Where are you?
- Soul
- Mind
- Body
- Emotions & Feelings
- Relationships
Question: What do you want
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Guides: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Languishing to Flourishing
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Campus: College Hill
We need to draw from a well that never runs dry – we need to be equipped to navigate the complexities of life with endurance and joy.
I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this,[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (CSB)
Faith in Jesus sustains us through our toughest days; it comforts us in our grief and fuels our gratitude and praise.
Grief and gratitude are two practices that help us to cope with loss and equip us to move from languishing to flourishing.
God’s people always have a steadfast hope and a reason to worship and rejoice.
1) We always have something to be grateful for because Jesus is alive and our salvation is assured (vv. 3-5)
2) Our best days are ahead with Jesus (vv. 4-5)
3) We can rejoice because our suffering is temporary and it’s never in vain (vv. 6-9)
What’s the role that trials play in our faith?
- They prove the character of your faith (v. 7)
- They refine our faith
- They provide an opportunity for God to be glorified and for the gospel to advance as Jesus sustains us and strengthens us
Grieving well:
- pay attention to how grief may be affecting you
- don’t grieve alone; find relational support and maybe professional help
- share your sadness, confusion, and grief with Jesus
- look for opportunities to express gratitude and praise
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:16-18
Exercise:
1) Where am I experiencing loss, pain, and grief?
2) What am I thankful for? What can I praise God for?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
________________________________________________________________________
October 23rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Shift 4: From Languishing to Flourishing
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16
Campus: Rivermont
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it[a] says:
“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:1-16
Instructions for living a life:
“Fragmented attention is an enemy of engagement…”
~ Adam Grant
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Pay attention to what has our attention.
Click here to see Image: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1
We aren’t meant to try to hold everything all at once. We’re meant to have the one who fills eternity hold our whole attention.
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: From Languishing to Flourishing
Text: Ephesians 4:13-16
Campus: College Hill
First shift: from doing to being.
Second shift: from doing to equipping.
Third shift: from an “either/or” mindset to a “both/and” mindset.
The church is not primarily a community where superior Christians instruct inferior Christians.
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:13-16
The fourth shift: from languishing to flourishing.
Languishing: to be or become feeble or weak; to be or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality.
Flourishing: growing, thriving, and prospering.
Resilient faith is honest, and it’s rooted in the hope of the gospel.
We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (CSB)
Whether we have little or much, our flourishing comes from the Lord.
Consecration means to set apart or to make holy.
College Hill Prayer Prompts
Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.
Joshua 3:5
Consecrate = to set apart, to make holy, to dedicate to The Lord
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Shift 4: From Languishing to Flourishing
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16
Campus: Rivermont
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it[a] says:
“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:1-16
Instructions for living a life:
- Pay attention.
- Be astonished.
- Tell about it.
“Fragmented attention is an enemy of engagement…”
~ Adam Grant
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Pay attention to what has our attention.
Click here to see Image: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1
We aren’t meant to try to hold everything all at once. We’re meant to have the one who fills eternity hold our whole attention.
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: From Languishing to Flourishing
Text: Ephesians 4:13-16
Campus: College Hill
First shift: from doing to being.
Second shift: from doing to equipping.
Third shift: from an “either/or” mindset to a “both/and” mindset.
The church is not primarily a community where superior Christians instruct inferior Christians.
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:13-16
The fourth shift: from languishing to flourishing.
Languishing: to be or become feeble or weak; to be or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality.
Flourishing: growing, thriving, and prospering.
Resilient faith is honest, and it’s rooted in the hope of the gospel.
We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (CSB)
- Despair drives us to dependence (v. 9).
- Dependance leads us to delivery (v. 10).
- Delivery comes through prayer (v. 11).
Whether we have little or much, our flourishing comes from the Lord.
Consecration means to set apart or to make holy.
College Hill Prayer Prompts
Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.
Joshua 3:5
Consecrate = to set apart, to make holy, to dedicate to The Lord
- Pray for this building and space to be consecrated to the Lord.
- For the efforts of the construction project to be an offering to the Lord
- For the future purposes of this space to be dedicated to the Lord
- For God’s presence to fill this place
- Pray that we would be consecrated as a people for the Lord’s purposes.
- That we would be ready to receive from the Lord and ready to do His work
- That our hearts would be prepared and unified around what God is doing in the College Hill Community, both in our church and in our neighborhood
- That we would be marked by His presence and filled with His Spirit
- Pray for protection.
- From spiritual attack, evil, harm, or distraction
- From physical attack, evil, harm, or distraction
- For our hearts and minds to be set on the Spirit (Rom. 8:6)
- Thank and praise God for His faithfulness and provision.
- He has blessed us with two buildings to steward for His glory (College Hill and Rivermont)
- He has continued to lead and guide us through all things
- He is giving us fresh vision
October 16th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman and Carley Marcouillier
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Listening Prayer & Discernment
Text: Ephesians 4:14-15
Campus: Rivermont
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15
Shift 1: Being Before Doing.
Shift 2: From DOING to EQUIPPING.
Shift 3: From EITHER/OR to BOTH/AND
There is one body and one Spirit
Ephesians 4:4
Grace was given to each one of us according the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God—who gives to all generously and doesn’t hold a grudge—and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.
John 16:13
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.
Psalm 19:1-2
The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
Psalm 19:7
I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep…and they will listen to my voice…
John 10:14-16
If Christ would go through the cross to the depths of the grave for our souls, will he not also go to our places of pain and speak life to the depths of our hearts?
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord
in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is above the waters.
The God of glory thunders—
the Lord, above the vast water,
the voice of the Lord in power,
the voice of the Lord in splendor.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion, like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the woodlands bare.
In his temple all cry, “Glory!”
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned, King forever.
The Lord gives his people strength;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29
Three Questions for when I’m not hearing God’s Voice:
Q: Do I know his voice?
Q: What other voices am I listening to?
Q: Am I still enough to be attentive to his voice?
How to Practice Discerning Prayer (The Ignatian practice of Indifference):
First: Relax in Jesus | Scripture: Psalm 131 - “I have calmed and quieted my soul”
Come to quiet, and become still. Take deep breaths, and close your eyes.
Notice and name if I’m anxious, body, mind, heart, and soul.
Pray: “Come, Holy Spirit” (Luke 11:13)
Second: Detach from Outcomes | Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are not your thoughts…”
Ask: To what outcomes am I attached? What version of the future do I suspect I cannot live without?
Pray: “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42)
Third: Listen For God’s Voice | Scripture: 130:5-6 “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,”
Ask: To what voices have I been listening?
Meditate: “Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him.” Psalm 37:7
Pray: “Speak Lord, I am listening.”
________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Recognizing the Voice of the Shepherd
Text: John 10:1-18
Campus: College Hill
My hope this morning is that we would be a community of people set on listening and familiarizing ourselves with the voice of Jesus. Expanding our hearing beyond our physical ears. Spiritually trusting his guidance and direction in our lives. We can’t follow what we don’t hear.
“Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.” Jesus gave them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them[b] and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
John 10:1-18
Click here to see image: Sheep Pen
When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4
“his own” – Idia (ἴδια) in the Greek = intimate ownership
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:3
When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4
They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.
John 10:5
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me,
John 10:14
Do we live a life that pushes out the distractions that keep us from recognizing and hearing the voice of Jesus?
Are the rhythms of our life and the decisions we make with our time helping us hear the voice of Jesus?
Our hearts were not created to be fully attentive and present to multiple voices at the same time. If we are not focused on the voice of God much less recognize His voice in our lives, then it is going to be difficult to follow Jesus.
Parental attention has never been a struggle for our heavenly father. God is never distracted when it comes to our relationship with him. We have His full attention and He should have ours.
“The whole Bible supports the idea. God is speaking. Not God spoke, but God is speaking. He is by His nature continuously articulate. He fills the world with His speaking Voice. One of the great realities with which we have to deal is the voice of God in His world.”
~ A.W. Tozer
The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of his mouth.
Psalm 33:6
The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High made his voice heard.
2 Samuel 22:14
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.
1 Kings 19:12
to him who rides in the ancient, highest heavens. Look, he thunders with his powerful voice!
Psalm 68:33
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God.
Revelation 21:3
This practice of being attentive to the voice of God involves relearning what it means to listen to Jesus beyond an audible voice. As Christians who live by the Spirit, there are more ways to listen than with our physical ears.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Click here to see image: Discernment Diagram
____________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Listening Prayer & Discernment
Text: Ephesians 4:14-15
Campus: Rivermont
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15
Shift 1: Being Before Doing.
Shift 2: From DOING to EQUIPPING.
Shift 3: From EITHER/OR to BOTH/AND
There is one body and one Spirit
Ephesians 4:4
Grace was given to each one of us according the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God—who gives to all generously and doesn’t hold a grudge—and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.
John 16:13
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.
Psalm 19:1-2
The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
Psalm 19:7
I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep…and they will listen to my voice…
John 10:14-16
If Christ would go through the cross to the depths of the grave for our souls, will he not also go to our places of pain and speak life to the depths of our hearts?
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord
in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is above the waters.
The God of glory thunders—
the Lord, above the vast water,
the voice of the Lord in power,
the voice of the Lord in splendor.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion, like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the woodlands bare.
In his temple all cry, “Glory!”
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned, King forever.
The Lord gives his people strength;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29
Three Questions for when I’m not hearing God’s Voice:
Q: Do I know his voice?
Q: What other voices am I listening to?
Q: Am I still enough to be attentive to his voice?
- Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
- Indifference
- Relax
- Detach/attachments
- Listen
How to Practice Discerning Prayer (The Ignatian practice of Indifference):
First: Relax in Jesus | Scripture: Psalm 131 - “I have calmed and quieted my soul”
Come to quiet, and become still. Take deep breaths, and close your eyes.
Notice and name if I’m anxious, body, mind, heart, and soul.
Pray: “Come, Holy Spirit” (Luke 11:13)
Second: Detach from Outcomes | Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are not your thoughts…”
Ask: To what outcomes am I attached? What version of the future do I suspect I cannot live without?
Pray: “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42)
Third: Listen For God’s Voice | Scripture: 130:5-6 “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,”
Ask: To what voices have I been listening?
Meditate: “Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him.” Psalm 37:7
Pray: “Speak Lord, I am listening.”
________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Recognizing the Voice of the Shepherd
Text: John 10:1-18
Campus: College Hill
My hope this morning is that we would be a community of people set on listening and familiarizing ourselves with the voice of Jesus. Expanding our hearing beyond our physical ears. Spiritually trusting his guidance and direction in our lives. We can’t follow what we don’t hear.
“Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.” Jesus gave them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them[b] and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
John 10:1-18
Click here to see image: Sheep Pen
When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4
“his own” – Idia (ἴδια) in the Greek = intimate ownership
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:3
When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4
They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.
John 10:5
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me,
John 10:14
Do we live a life that pushes out the distractions that keep us from recognizing and hearing the voice of Jesus?
Are the rhythms of our life and the decisions we make with our time helping us hear the voice of Jesus?
Our hearts were not created to be fully attentive and present to multiple voices at the same time. If we are not focused on the voice of God much less recognize His voice in our lives, then it is going to be difficult to follow Jesus.
Parental attention has never been a struggle for our heavenly father. God is never distracted when it comes to our relationship with him. We have His full attention and He should have ours.
“The whole Bible supports the idea. God is speaking. Not God spoke, but God is speaking. He is by His nature continuously articulate. He fills the world with His speaking Voice. One of the great realities with which we have to deal is the voice of God in His world.”
~ A.W. Tozer
The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of his mouth.
Psalm 33:6
The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High made his voice heard.
2 Samuel 22:14
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.
1 Kings 19:12
to him who rides in the ancient, highest heavens. Look, he thunders with his powerful voice!
Psalm 68:33
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God.
Revelation 21:3
This practice of being attentive to the voice of God involves relearning what it means to listen to Jesus beyond an audible voice. As Christians who live by the Spirit, there are more ways to listen than with our physical ears.
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Click here to see image: Discernment Diagram
____________________________________________________________________
October 9th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Either/Or Vs. Both/And
Text: Ephesians 4:1-7; 16
Campus: Rivermont
We believe that God has called his people to an activated faith, one in which the whole body (every single person) is a participant in their giftings.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience,bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith,one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:1-7;16 (CSB)
God’s invitation: to be unified with one another (other believers) by using our gifts to build each other up.
God has called His church to “oneness”
Jesus never said following him would be easy.
If we do not embrace this oneness: the wider the chasm will become between one another, and the more fractured we will become as God’s people. Ultimately, dimming the light within us and toward the broader world.
Leadershift #3:
We want to go from an “either/or” mentality to a “both/and” mentality.
The both/and is our pathway to “oneness.”
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought a coin. “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them.
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
Mark 12:13-17 (CSB)
Why was Jesus’ both/and response worthy of Marvel?
Why was Jesus’ both/and response worthy of Marvel?
Caesar may have been worthy of the coin, but only God is worthy of our hearts.
Often times, the deepest riches of God’s grace is found in the dealings with our enemies
Either My ideology or I demonize the other side
Both Kingdom Ideology & Saint-Shaper
Either Over-Committed or Burnt-out
Both Commitment & Rhythms.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,[b] we also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (CSB)
At the core of our fear is unbelief.
Either serve or attend.
Both Serve one & attend one
Is there an either/or mentality that is keeping me from
________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: From Either/Or to Both/And
Text: Luke 10:38-42
Campus: College Hill
“What kind of person does God call me to be in our culture today. And for us as a church, what kind of church does God want us to be.”
Shift #1 Being from Doing
Shift #2 From Doing to Equipping
Shift #3: From Either/Or to Both/And
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head — Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:15-16
For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body — so also is Christ. But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 18, 27
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 CSB
Jesus doesn’t paint relationship with Him as Either/Or but as a living, breathing, active
relationship that starts with being with Him and from there grows into a life of service to Him.
1. Jesus hears you
2. Jesus cares about you
3. Jesus wants your best
Jesus hears you
Jesus cares about you
Jesus wants your best
“Martha is preparing a feast for Jesus. Mary is feasting on the words of Jesus. Both can be good. Only one is indispensable.”
~ John Piper
___________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Either/Or Vs. Both/And
Text: Ephesians 4:1-7; 16
Campus: Rivermont
We believe that God has called his people to an activated faith, one in which the whole body (every single person) is a participant in their giftings.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience,bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith,one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:1-7;16 (CSB)
God’s invitation: to be unified with one another (other believers) by using our gifts to build each other up.
God has called His church to “oneness”
Jesus never said following him would be easy.
If we do not embrace this oneness: the wider the chasm will become between one another, and the more fractured we will become as God’s people. Ultimately, dimming the light within us and toward the broader world.
Leadershift #3:
We want to go from an “either/or” mentality to a “both/and” mentality.
The both/and is our pathway to “oneness.”
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought a coin. “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them.
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
Mark 12:13-17 (CSB)
Why was Jesus’ both/and response worthy of Marvel?
- Jesus successfully and winsomely subverted a trap.
Why was Jesus’ both/and response worthy of Marvel?
- Jesus successfully and winsomely subverted a trap.
- Jesus displayed a revolutionary picture of how God’s people should relate to the Government.
Caesar may have been worthy of the coin, but only God is worthy of our hearts.
- Either My ideology or I demonize the other side
Often times, the deepest riches of God’s grace is found in the dealings with our enemies
Both Kingdom Ideology & Saint-Shaper
- Either Over-Committed or Burnt-out
Both Commitment & Rhythms.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,[b] we also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (CSB)
At the core of our fear is unbelief.
- Either Serve or attend
Both Serve one & attend one
Is there an either/or mentality that is keeping me from
- “Oneness” with fellow believers?
- Following Jesus’ call?
________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: From Either/Or to Both/And
Text: Luke 10:38-42
Campus: College Hill
“What kind of person does God call me to be in our culture today. And for us as a church, what kind of church does God want us to be.”
Shift #1 Being from Doing
Shift #2 From Doing to Equipping
Shift #3: From Either/Or to Both/And
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head — Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:15-16
For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body — so also is Christ. But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 18, 27
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 CSB
Jesus doesn’t paint relationship with Him as Either/Or but as a living, breathing, active
relationship that starts with being with Him and from there grows into a life of service to Him.
1. Jesus hears you
2. Jesus cares about you
3. Jesus wants your best
Jesus hears you
Jesus cares about you
Jesus wants your best
“Martha is preparing a feast for Jesus. Mary is feasting on the words of Jesus. Both can be good. Only one is indispensable.”
~ John Piper
___________________________________________________________________
October 2nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Serve Within Your Giftings
Text: Ephesians 4:11-13 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
(Stand for the reading of the Scriptures)
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:11-16
The wider the gap between leaders and members, the more unhealthy and powerless a local church family is. For the church to thrive as a community on mission, each person’s gifts must be activated.
Unless both leaders and members are operating in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, there is no church.
Because our purpose is caught up in giving the best of our lives away in service to others, as God has gifted us, for his glory.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared for you to do in advance.
Ephesians 2:10
The one who refreshes others are themselves refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
The wider the gap between leaders and members, the more unhealthy and powerless a local church family is. For the church to thrive as a community on mission, each person’s gifts must be activated.
Jesus answered, “the most important [command] is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord, the Lord your God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength’. The second is, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
Click here to see image: Resources: Leadershift Graphic
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Serve within Your Gifting
Text: Ephesians 4:3-6, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Campus: College Hill
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
As the Father has sent me, I also send you.
John 20:21
making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (CSB).
For a church to thrive and mature, each person’s gifts must be activated and engaged.
Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good:
to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues,[a] to another, interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (CSB)
Spiritual gifts are unique abilities which are given from God, to every Christian, for the benefit of the church.
When spiritual gifts are properly understood, embraced, and engaged, they strengthen the church and point people to our supernatural God.
Spiritual Gifts 101 – the Basics:
1) There is a great variety of gifts and avenues of service (vv. 4-11)
2) All of the gifts, and opportunities to serve, are from God and for the benefit of His church (vv. 7-11)
The primary purpose of the gifts is to bless others and glorify God.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
1 Peter 4:10-11
How do you discover your gifts?
“We can discern God’s calling when three factors come together for us:
Gifts & Talents, Tim Keller
www.gospelcc.org/leadershift
If we want our church to thrive and mature, then each one of us must be activated and engaged.
____________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Serve Within Your Giftings
Text: Ephesians 4:11-13 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
(Stand for the reading of the Scriptures)
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:11-16
The wider the gap between leaders and members, the more unhealthy and powerless a local church family is. For the church to thrive as a community on mission, each person’s gifts must be activated.
Unless both leaders and members are operating in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, there is no church.
Because our purpose is caught up in giving the best of our lives away in service to others, as God has gifted us, for his glory.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared for you to do in advance.
Ephesians 2:10
The one who refreshes others are themselves refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
The wider the gap between leaders and members, the more unhealthy and powerless a local church family is. For the church to thrive as a community on mission, each person’s gifts must be activated.
Jesus answered, “the most important [command] is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord, the Lord your God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength’. The second is, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
Click here to see image: Resources: Leadershift Graphic
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Serve within Your Gifting
Text: Ephesians 4:3-6, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Campus: College Hill
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
As the Father has sent me, I also send you.
John 20:21
making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (CSB).
For a church to thrive and mature, each person’s gifts must be activated and engaged.
Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good:
to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues,[a] to another, interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (CSB)
Spiritual gifts are unique abilities which are given from God, to every Christian, for the benefit of the church.
When spiritual gifts are properly understood, embraced, and engaged, they strengthen the church and point people to our supernatural God.
Spiritual Gifts 101 – the Basics:
1) There is a great variety of gifts and avenues of service (vv. 4-11)
- Wisdom: the ability to apply Biblical truth to life.
- Knowledge: special insight into Biblical truth.
- Faith: unusual measure of trust in God, beyond what is exercised by most Christians.
- Healing: the ability to restore health, & even temporarily hold off death.
- Miracles: being able to perform supernatural acts which overcome the laws of nature.
- Prophecy: for-telling on behalf of God (receiving His Will and passing it on to others) or forth-telling (declaring the message of God; preaching).
- Discernment: being able to see whether something is from God, or from the Enemy; knowing the spiritual truth of something that is said or done.
- Speaking in Tongues: the supernatural ability to speak in a different language (either a known language or heavenly/angelic).
- Interpretation of tongues: translating the spoken tongue so that others can understand.
2) All of the gifts, and opportunities to serve, are from God and for the benefit of His church (vv. 7-11)
The primary purpose of the gifts is to bless others and glorify God.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
1 Peter 4:10-11
How do you discover your gifts?
“We can discern God’s calling when three factors come together for us:
- Affinity (What human needs do I “vibrate” to? What interests me? What are my passions?);
- Ability (What am I good at? What do people say I am effective in?); and
- Opportunity (What doors for service are open? What needs to be done?).
Gifts & Talents, Tim Keller
www.gospelcc.org/leadershift
If we want our church to thrive and mature, then each one of us must be activated and engaged.
____________________________________________________________________
September 25th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Shift #2: From Leaders Doing → Equipping
Text: Ephesians 4:7-13
Campus: Rivermont
(Stand for the reading of the Scriptures)
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth. The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:7-13.
Shift #2: From Doing to Equipping.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
Ephesians 4:7-8, 11
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
Ephesians 4:7-10
You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, so that the Lord God might dwell there.
Psalm 68:18
God, you are awe-inspiring in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
Psalm 68:35
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Unless both leaders and members are operating in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, there is no church.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Because our purpose is caught up in giving the best of our lives away in service to others, as God has gifted us, for his glory.
For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared for you to do in advance.
Ephesians 2:10
The one who refreshes others are themselves refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25.
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Leader:Shift: From Doing to Equipping
Text: Ephesians 4:7, 11-16
Campus: College Hill
7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 (CSB)
The purpose of the NT letters:
The Bible is a mirror that helps us to see rightly.
The first shift: from doing to being.
The second shift: from doing to equipping.
A healthy and vibrant church is one where the whole body is equipped for the work of the ministry.
The church is not a business.
The church is not a social or a country club.
The church is not a political party or organization.
Regardless of how dysfunctional or how distant we might be from God, we are never beyond the reach of his grace.
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12
The saints who make up the body of Christ are all ministers – saints are filled by God’s Holy Spirit, gifted to serve, and should be equipped to minister to one another.
What’s at stake?
How do we apply this?
Start thinking beyond church attendance and think of belonging.
A healthy and vibrant church is one where the whole body is equipped for the work of the ministry.
______________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Shift #2: From Leaders Doing → Equipping
Text: Ephesians 4:7-13
Campus: Rivermont
(Stand for the reading of the Scriptures)
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth. The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:7-13.
Shift #2: From Doing to Equipping.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
Ephesians 4:7-8, 11
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
Ephesians 4:7-10
You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, so that the Lord God might dwell there.
Psalm 68:18
God, you are awe-inspiring in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
Psalm 68:35
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Unless both leaders and members are operating in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, there is no church.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Because our purpose is caught up in giving the best of our lives away in service to others, as God has gifted us, for his glory.
For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared for you to do in advance.
Ephesians 2:10
The one who refreshes others are themselves refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25.
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Leader:Shift: From Doing to Equipping
Text: Ephesians 4:7, 11-16
Campus: College Hill
7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 (CSB)
The purpose of the NT letters:
- clarify the truth about Christ, Christianity, and the church,
- confront distortion and deception,
- comfort those who were suffering or in need of encouragement.
The Bible is a mirror that helps us to see rightly.
The first shift: from doing to being.
The second shift: from doing to equipping.
A healthy and vibrant church is one where the whole body is equipped for the work of the ministry.
The church is not a business.
The church is not a social or a country club.
The church is not a political party or organization.
Regardless of how dysfunctional or how distant we might be from God, we are never beyond the reach of his grace.
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12
The saints who make up the body of Christ are all ministers – saints are filled by God’s Holy Spirit, gifted to serve, and should be equipped to minister to one another.
What’s at stake?
- If we fail to understand and apply this, we will fail to mature.
- If we fail to understand and apply this, we will miss opportunities to care for each other well.
- If we fail to understand and apply this, those who are presently serving will burn out.
How do we apply this?
Start thinking beyond church attendance and think of belonging.
A healthy and vibrant church is one where the whole body is equipped for the work of the ministry.
______________________________________________________________________
September 18th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Silence, Solitude, & Sabbath.
Text: Ephesians 4:1-4, Isaiah 30:15
Campus: Rivermont
Woe to the rebellious children! This is the Lord’s declaration. They carry out a plan, but not mine; they make an alliance, but against my will, piling sin on top of sin.
Without asking my advice they set out to go down to Egypt in order to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shadow.
Isaiah 30:1-2
Therefore the Holy One of Israel says:
“Because you have rejected this message and have trusted in oppression and deceit, and have depended on them, this iniquity of yours will be like a crumbling gap, a bulge in a high wall whose collapse will come in an instant—suddenly!
Isaiah 30:12-13
“For the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, has said: You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength lies in quiet and trust. But you are not willing.”
Isaiah 30:15
You say, “No! We will escape on horses”—therefore you will escape!—and, “We will ride on fast horses”—but those who pursue you will be faster.
Isaiah 30:16
One thousand will flee at the threat of one, at the threat of five you will flee, until you remain
like a solitary pole on a mountaintop or a banner on a hill.
Isaiah 30:17
Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.
Isaiah 30:18
Jesus shifts the primacy of our attention from doing things for God to being with him in a transformative relationship.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling
Ephesians 4:1-4
The practices of silence and solitude are about getting quiet and alone in order to hear from and be with God.
“Solitude frees us, actually…The normal course of day-to-day human interactions locks us into patterns of feeling, thought, and action that are geared to a world set against God. Nothing but solitude can allow the development of a freedom from the ingrained behaviors that hinder our integration into God’s order.”
~ D. Willard, Spirit of the Disciplines.
Silence and solitude are practices and tools to rebuild the heart on the foundation of God’s presence, power, and word.
Jesus said, “come away with me and rest a while.”
Mark 6:31
“Too often, we will do everything possible to avoid the confrontation with the experience of being alone, and sometimes we are able to create the most ingenious devices to prevent ourselves from being reminded of this condition. Our culture has become most sophisticated in the avoidance of pain, not only our physical pain but our emotional and mental pain as well.
The way we bury our pains as if they were not really there, is like burying the dead as if they were still alive.
We have become so used to this anesthesia that we panic when there is nothing or nobody left to distract us.”
~ H. Nouwen, Reaching Out
You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength lies in quiet and trust.
Isaiah 30:15
“Jesus, I give you my life.” [Pause]
“God, I return and I rest in you. My strength lies with you in quiet and trust.” [Pause]
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Sabbath & Silence
Text: Genesis 2:1-3
Campus: College Hill
Shift # 1: from doing to being.
“doing” - action, activity, hurry; performance-oriented life and religion.
“being” - slowing down to be with Jesus and to become more like him; grace-oriented life and religion.
…he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:16
Two practices for prioritizing before doing:
1) Silence and solitude.
2) Sabbath.
Moment of silence:
-How does the silence make you feel?
-Where does your mind go in a moment like this?
What silence and solitude is not:
-It’s not lazy.
-It’s not isolation.
-It’s not mindless meditation.
The practice:
1) Choose a time of day or a day of the week.
2) Make a plan.
3) Turn off any background noise or distractions; be fully present.
4) Pay attention to what comes to the surface and what God may be revealing to you about himself or about you.
“Sabbath is God’s gift of repetitive and regular rest. It is given for our delight and communion with God.”
~ Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
1) Sabbath is rest (Gen. 2:1-3).
So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.
Genesis 2:1-3 (CSB)
2) Sabbath is resistance (Deut. 5:12-15).
3) Sabbath is trust (Mark 2:27).
Adapted from, Prayer of Examine:
1) What am I grateful for? (1 min.)
2) Where do I feel most alive, most hopeful? What is fulfilling me and energizing me? (1 min.)
3) Where do I feel most dead, most despairing? What is leaving me feeling forsaken and drained? (1 min.)
4) Is there anything I need to confess and anywhere that I need to receive the grace and forgiveness of God? (1 min.)
______________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Silence, Solitude, & Sabbath.
Text: Ephesians 4:1-4, Isaiah 30:15
Campus: Rivermont
Woe to the rebellious children! This is the Lord’s declaration. They carry out a plan, but not mine; they make an alliance, but against my will, piling sin on top of sin.
Without asking my advice they set out to go down to Egypt in order to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shadow.
Isaiah 30:1-2
Therefore the Holy One of Israel says:
“Because you have rejected this message and have trusted in oppression and deceit, and have depended on them, this iniquity of yours will be like a crumbling gap, a bulge in a high wall whose collapse will come in an instant—suddenly!
Isaiah 30:12-13
“For the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, has said: You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength lies in quiet and trust. But you are not willing.”
Isaiah 30:15
You say, “No! We will escape on horses”—therefore you will escape!—and, “We will ride on fast horses”—but those who pursue you will be faster.
Isaiah 30:16
One thousand will flee at the threat of one, at the threat of five you will flee, until you remain
like a solitary pole on a mountaintop or a banner on a hill.
Isaiah 30:17
Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.
Isaiah 30:18
Jesus shifts the primacy of our attention from doing things for God to being with him in a transformative relationship.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling
Ephesians 4:1-4
The practices of silence and solitude are about getting quiet and alone in order to hear from and be with God.
“Solitude frees us, actually…The normal course of day-to-day human interactions locks us into patterns of feeling, thought, and action that are geared to a world set against God. Nothing but solitude can allow the development of a freedom from the ingrained behaviors that hinder our integration into God’s order.”
~ D. Willard, Spirit of the Disciplines.
Silence and solitude are practices and tools to rebuild the heart on the foundation of God’s presence, power, and word.
Jesus said, “come away with me and rest a while.”
Mark 6:31
“Too often, we will do everything possible to avoid the confrontation with the experience of being alone, and sometimes we are able to create the most ingenious devices to prevent ourselves from being reminded of this condition. Our culture has become most sophisticated in the avoidance of pain, not only our physical pain but our emotional and mental pain as well.
The way we bury our pains as if they were not really there, is like burying the dead as if they were still alive.
We have become so used to this anesthesia that we panic when there is nothing or nobody left to distract us.”
~ H. Nouwen, Reaching Out
You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength lies in quiet and trust.
Isaiah 30:15
“Jesus, I give you my life.” [Pause]
“God, I return and I rest in you. My strength lies with you in quiet and trust.” [Pause]
____________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Practice: Sabbath & Silence
Text: Genesis 2:1-3
Campus: College Hill
Shift # 1: from doing to being.
“doing” - action, activity, hurry; performance-oriented life and religion.
“being” - slowing down to be with Jesus and to become more like him; grace-oriented life and religion.
…he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:16
Two practices for prioritizing before doing:
1) Silence and solitude.
2) Sabbath.
Moment of silence:
-How does the silence make you feel?
-Where does your mind go in a moment like this?
What silence and solitude is not:
-It’s not lazy.
-It’s not isolation.
-It’s not mindless meditation.
The practice:
1) Choose a time of day or a day of the week.
2) Make a plan.
3) Turn off any background noise or distractions; be fully present.
4) Pay attention to what comes to the surface and what God may be revealing to you about himself or about you.
“Sabbath is God’s gift of repetitive and regular rest. It is given for our delight and communion with God.”
~ Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
1) Sabbath is rest (Gen. 2:1-3).
So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.
Genesis 2:1-3 (CSB)
2) Sabbath is resistance (Deut. 5:12-15).
3) Sabbath is trust (Mark 2:27).
Adapted from, Prayer of Examine:
1) What am I grateful for? (1 min.)
2) Where do I feel most alive, most hopeful? What is fulfilling me and energizing me? (1 min.)
3) Where do I feel most dead, most despairing? What is leaving me feeling forsaken and drained? (1 min.)
4) Is there anything I need to confess and anywhere that I need to receive the grace and forgiveness of God? (1 min.)
______________________________________________________________________
September 11 Sermon Notes
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Shift 1: Being Before Doing
Text: Ephesians 4:1-4
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part
Ephesians 4:1-16
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling—
Ephesians 4:1-4
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Languishing = Meh
Click her to see Image: Meh Emoji
Malaise = a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.
“Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.”
~ Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist
“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
~ Dallas Willard
Shift #1: Being Before Doing.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3
Jesus shifts the primacy of our attention from doing things for God to being with him in a transformative relationship.
All things come together in Christ, both things in heaven and on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:10
By reading this, I want you to have the same insight and understanding of the mystery of Christ that I do.
Ephesians 3:4
This is so that God’s multifaceted wisdom may be known through the church to the world.
Ephesians 3:10
The church is only as influential in the world as we are close to Jesus.
The church lights up the world with the beautiful, multifaceted wisdom of God in Christ not by our winsome words, our clever strategies, or our causes, but rather by our Christ-like character and our category-defying relationships. And all of this flows from our being with Jesus first.
But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Mark 6:31
he appointed twelve to be with him…
Mark 1:14-15
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said.
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
“One sign that I am violating my own nature in the name of nobility is a condition called burnout. Though usually regarded as the result of trying to give too much, burnout in my experience results from trying to give what I do not possess - the ultimate in giving too little! Burnout is a state of emptiness, to be sure, but it does not result from giving all I have: it merely reveals the nothingness from which I was trying to give in the first place…”
“...When I give something I do not possess, I give a false and dangerous gift, a gift that looks like love but is, in reality, loveless—a gift given more from my need to prove myself than from the other’s need to be cared for.”
~Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak.
Questions for Reflection:
Q: Is my pace of life hurried?
Q: How might Jesus be calling me to slow down and be with him?
Q: Is my life marked by a growing humility, gentleness, patience, and love?
__________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Leader:Shift – From Doing to Being
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:1-16
Ephesians 1-3: who we are in Christ.
Ephesians 4-6: how we are to live in Christ and in community.
Every Christian is equipped by the Holy Spirit to care for other Christians and to reach out to those who are lost.
We want GCC to be encouraged and built up, growing in spiritual and emotional maturity, and growing in Christ.
Our first leadership shift – from doing to being.
“doing” is action, activity, hurry; performance-oriented life and religion.
“being” is slowing down to be with Jesus and to become more like him; grace-oriented life and religion.
“One of the greatest challenges for every ministry leader is how to balance our doing for God and our being with him. In our efforts to serve God, most of us actually end up skimping on our relationship with him. We’re in a perpetual state of hurry, battling to make the best use of every spare minute. We end our days exhausted from trying to meet the endless needs around us…Some of us are actually addicted – not to drugs or alcohol, but to the adrenaline rush of doing. We might read about the need to rest and recharge, but we fear how many things might fall apart if we did. So we just keep going. And in this hurried and exhausted state, we have little time or energy left to invest in our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. As a result, our own lives remain largely unchanged, and the only thing we have to give away to those we lead is our shallow discipleship.”
~ P .Scazzero EH Discipleship
If you neglect “being” and give yourself fully to “doing”, you will be exhausted from trying to meet the endless demands around you.
If you neglect “being”, your life will remain largely unchanged and the only thing you will have to give to God and others is your shallow self.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
If we neglect being, and fail to embrace a slower grace-paced (grace-oriented) life, we’re going to get more tired, we won’t see the progress that we desire, and we’ll get disillusioned with the church.
Remain in me and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit because you can do nothing without me.
John 15:4-5
But the news about him spread even more and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed…yes he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
…when Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
John 6:15
Two practices that help us to prioritize being before doing are silence and solitude, and the practice of Sabbath.
Questions to ponder:
Am I growing in humility, gentleness, patience, and love?
Am I always in a hurry?
Am I frequently anxious, angry, or defensive?
Do I avoid conflict?
_________________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Shift 1: Being Before Doing
Text: Ephesians 4:1-4
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part
Ephesians 4:1-16
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling—
Ephesians 4:1-4
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Languishing = Meh
Click her to see Image: Meh Emoji
Malaise = a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.
“Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.”
~ Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist
“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
~ Dallas Willard
Shift #1: Being Before Doing.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3
Jesus shifts the primacy of our attention from doing things for God to being with him in a transformative relationship.
All things come together in Christ, both things in heaven and on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:10
By reading this, I want you to have the same insight and understanding of the mystery of Christ that I do.
Ephesians 3:4
This is so that God’s multifaceted wisdom may be known through the church to the world.
Ephesians 3:10
The church is only as influential in the world as we are close to Jesus.
The church lights up the world with the beautiful, multifaceted wisdom of God in Christ not by our winsome words, our clever strategies, or our causes, but rather by our Christ-like character and our category-defying relationships. And all of this flows from our being with Jesus first.
But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Mark 6:31
he appointed twelve to be with him…
Mark 1:14-15
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said.
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
“One sign that I am violating my own nature in the name of nobility is a condition called burnout. Though usually regarded as the result of trying to give too much, burnout in my experience results from trying to give what I do not possess - the ultimate in giving too little! Burnout is a state of emptiness, to be sure, but it does not result from giving all I have: it merely reveals the nothingness from which I was trying to give in the first place…”
“...When I give something I do not possess, I give a false and dangerous gift, a gift that looks like love but is, in reality, loveless—a gift given more from my need to prove myself than from the other’s need to be cared for.”
~Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak.
Questions for Reflection:
Q: Is my pace of life hurried?
Q: How might Jesus be calling me to slow down and be with him?
Q: Is my life marked by a growing humility, gentleness, patience, and love?
__________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Leader:Shift – From Doing to Being
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[a] at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:1-16
Ephesians 1-3: who we are in Christ.
Ephesians 4-6: how we are to live in Christ and in community.
Every Christian is equipped by the Holy Spirit to care for other Christians and to reach out to those who are lost.
We want GCC to be encouraged and built up, growing in spiritual and emotional maturity, and growing in Christ.
Our first leadership shift – from doing to being.
“doing” is action, activity, hurry; performance-oriented life and religion.
“being” is slowing down to be with Jesus and to become more like him; grace-oriented life and religion.
“One of the greatest challenges for every ministry leader is how to balance our doing for God and our being with him. In our efforts to serve God, most of us actually end up skimping on our relationship with him. We’re in a perpetual state of hurry, battling to make the best use of every spare minute. We end our days exhausted from trying to meet the endless needs around us…Some of us are actually addicted – not to drugs or alcohol, but to the adrenaline rush of doing. We might read about the need to rest and recharge, but we fear how many things might fall apart if we did. So we just keep going. And in this hurried and exhausted state, we have little time or energy left to invest in our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. As a result, our own lives remain largely unchanged, and the only thing we have to give away to those we lead is our shallow discipleship.”
~ P .Scazzero EH Discipleship
If you neglect “being” and give yourself fully to “doing”, you will be exhausted from trying to meet the endless demands around you.
If you neglect “being”, your life will remain largely unchanged and the only thing you will have to give to God and others is your shallow self.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
If we neglect being, and fail to embrace a slower grace-paced (grace-oriented) life, we’re going to get more tired, we won’t see the progress that we desire, and we’ll get disillusioned with the church.
Remain in me and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit because you can do nothing without me.
John 15:4-5
But the news about him spread even more and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed…yes he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16
…when Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
John 6:15
Two practices that help us to prioritize being before doing are silence and solitude, and the practice of Sabbath.
Questions to ponder:
Am I growing in humility, gentleness, patience, and love?
Am I always in a hurry?
Am I frequently anxious, angry, or defensive?
Do I avoid conflict?
_________________________________________________________________________
August 28th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Leader:Shift (Introduction)
Text: Matthew 16:13-18, Ephesians 3:10
Campus: Rivermont
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi,[a] he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Matthew 16:13-15
Trey asked me at dinner one night, “Dad, what do you worship?”
“I worship God,” I said.
“Are you sure?”
I had brushed off his question, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I do interviews for a living; thirty-five years of questions in fiftysomething languages. And the number one greatest question that I have ever been asked is “What do you worship?” And the second greatest question is “Are you sure?”
-Will Smith, “WILL”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,[a] because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matthew 16:16-18
“God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.”
Ephesians 3:10
At the heart of the purpose of the Church is to demonstrate and declare the beautiful wisdom of God in every culture and generation.
Click here to see Image: First Baptist LYH
Click here to see Image: CHBC
Click here to see Image: RABC
Click here to see Image: GCR
Click here to see Image: GCCH
“Indeed, human joy has dried up.”
Joel 1:12
“Restore the years the locusts had stolen.”
Joel 2:25
______________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Leader:Shift (Introduction)
Text: Luke 12: 13-21, Ephesians 4
Campus: College Hill
The questions we reflected on:
God, are we doing ministry as a church like you want us to?
Are there any specific callings you have for us a local church to serve our city and our world?
Our goal is to follow Jesus and be the healthy church that He calls us to be in His word.
Jesus, what kind of person do you call me to be in our culture today?
Jesus, what kind of people/church do you want us to be?
Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
“Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”
Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’
“That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12: 13-21
We will miss out on the amazing opportunities that God has for each of us if we are consumed with being the kings of our own lives.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4
God, please make us one unified church body like you show us in Ephesians 4.
God, please open our eyes to our community and how we can serve them.
God, how can I/we use our possessions, time, and talents for you?
God, please give us opportunities to serve one another in love.
______________________________________________________________________
Series: Leader:Shift
Title: Leader:Shift (Introduction)
Text: Matthew 16:13-18, Ephesians 3:10
Campus: Rivermont
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi,[a] he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Matthew 16:13-15
Trey asked me at dinner one night, “Dad, what do you worship?”
“I worship God,” I said.
“Are you sure?”
I had brushed off his question, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I do interviews for a living; thirty-five years of questions in fiftysomething languages. And the number one greatest question that I have ever been asked is “What do you worship?” And the second greatest question is “Are you sure?”
-Will Smith, “WILL”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,[a] because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matthew 16:16-18
“God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.”
Ephesians 3:10
At the heart of the purpose of the Church is to demonstrate and declare the beautiful wisdom of God in every culture and generation.
Click here to see Image: First Baptist LYH
Click here to see Image: CHBC
Click here to see Image: RABC
Click here to see Image: GCR
Click here to see Image: GCCH
“Indeed, human joy has dried up.”
Joel 1:12
“Restore the years the locusts had stolen.”
Joel 2:25
______________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Leader:Shift (Introduction)
Text: Luke 12: 13-21, Ephesians 4
Campus: College Hill
The questions we reflected on:
God, are we doing ministry as a church like you want us to?
Are there any specific callings you have for us a local church to serve our city and our world?
Our goal is to follow Jesus and be the healthy church that He calls us to be in His word.
Jesus, what kind of person do you call me to be in our culture today?
Jesus, what kind of people/church do you want us to be?
Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
“Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”
Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’
“That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12: 13-21
We will miss out on the amazing opportunities that God has for each of us if we are consumed with being the kings of our own lives.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4
God, please make us one unified church body like you show us in Ephesians 4.
God, please open our eyes to our community and how we can serve them.
God, how can I/we use our possessions, time, and talents for you?
God, please give us opportunities to serve one another in love.
______________________________________________________________________
August 21st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Give Heart and Soul (remix)
Text: John 10:10-11, 1 John 4:9-10
Campus: Rivermont
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Our flourishing isn’t dependent upon what we have but on what we give.
The Genius of Generosity: In the face of scarcity, practice generosity, and we will experience abundance.
The Good Life is found in self-giving love.
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
John 10:10
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11
“You have given me authority over all flesh so that I might give eternal life to everyone you have given me. And this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent - Jesus Christ.”
John 17:2-3
“As the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Abide in my love.”
John 15:9
“Here is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so that we could receive life through him. Here is what love is: It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sin.” (NIRV)
1 John 4:9-10
The Good Life is found in self-giving love.
Self giving love is what makes Jesus Good and what makes life good.
Jesus has come to give his life away in love for you, so that you might know him, and the power of his resurrection, the abundant life found in his presence, the hope found in his name.
To give my life to Jesus means I give my life away in love for the world.
“Whoever wants to keep their life will lose it. But whoever gives their life away for my sake will find it. What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul?”
Matthew 16:25-27
When we feel there’s not enough time, energy, or money, making a practice of giving in those ways cultivates generosity and creates abundance.
________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Give (remix)
Text: Luke 10:30-37 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Four commitments of “belonging” at GCC:
Gather
Grow
Go
Give
Wouldn’t it be amazing to be a part of a church where people were so generous that whatever needs came up, we were able to address them?
We sacrifice our time, our money, and we use our gifts and resources for the glory of God and the good of others because Christ sacrificed himself for us.
Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:30-37 (CSB)
Christlike generosity:
1) Rooted in love; God’s love for us and our love for God and people (v. 27)
2) Counter cultural (v. 33)
3) Rarely comfortable or convenient.
4) Costly.
Conclusion:
Christlike generosity is about our posture - stewardship and selflessness.
Giving Liturgy:
“Generous Father, every good and perfect gift comes from you.
All we have and all we need comes from you.
We bring before you our needs and the needs of others, and we ask for your provision.
Loving God, form in us grateful and generous hearts.
Make us a people determined to grow in generosity until it can be said that there is no need among us.
Take our gifts and multiply their effects for the sake of your kingdom.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
__________________________________________________________________
Title: Give Heart and Soul (remix)
Text: John 10:10-11, 1 John 4:9-10
Campus: Rivermont
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Our flourishing isn’t dependent upon what we have but on what we give.
The Genius of Generosity: In the face of scarcity, practice generosity, and we will experience abundance.
The Good Life is found in self-giving love.
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
John 10:10
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11
“You have given me authority over all flesh so that I might give eternal life to everyone you have given me. And this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent - Jesus Christ.”
John 17:2-3
“As the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Abide in my love.”
John 15:9
“Here is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world. He sent him so that we could receive life through him. Here is what love is: It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sin.” (NIRV)
1 John 4:9-10
The Good Life is found in self-giving love.
Self giving love is what makes Jesus Good and what makes life good.
Jesus has come to give his life away in love for you, so that you might know him, and the power of his resurrection, the abundant life found in his presence, the hope found in his name.
To give my life to Jesus means I give my life away in love for the world.
“Whoever wants to keep their life will lose it. But whoever gives their life away for my sake will find it. What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul?”
Matthew 16:25-27
When we feel there’s not enough time, energy, or money, making a practice of giving in those ways cultivates generosity and creates abundance.
________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Give (remix)
Text: Luke 10:30-37 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Four commitments of “belonging” at GCC:
Gather
Grow
Go
Give
Wouldn’t it be amazing to be a part of a church where people were so generous that whatever needs came up, we were able to address them?
We sacrifice our time, our money, and we use our gifts and resources for the glory of God and the good of others because Christ sacrificed himself for us.
Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”
Luke 10:30-37 (CSB)
Christlike generosity:
1) Rooted in love; God’s love for us and our love for God and people (v. 27)
2) Counter cultural (v. 33)
3) Rarely comfortable or convenient.
4) Costly.
Conclusion:
Christlike generosity is about our posture - stewardship and selflessness.
Giving Liturgy:
“Generous Father, every good and perfect gift comes from you.
All we have and all we need comes from you.
We bring before you our needs and the needs of others, and we ask for your provision.
Loving God, form in us grateful and generous hearts.
Make us a people determined to grow in generosity until it can be said that there is no need among us.
Take our gifts and multiply their effects for the sake of your kingdom.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
__________________________________________________________________
August 14th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz and Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart & Soul: GO (remix)
Text: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Revelation 7:9-10
Campus: Rivermont Avenue
The Church is a Spirit-filled, gospel-centered, community living on mission with God.
GO: an individual, and collective, commitment to God’s global mission (the Great Commission).
Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and all that fills it resound.
Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.
Psalm 96:1-6, 13 (CSB)
At Gospel Community, we believe that the mission of every follower of Jesus Christ is to demonstrate and declare the love of God and the hope of the resurrection.
Commission:
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of[a] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[b] I am with you always,[c] to the end of the age.”
Matt. 28:18-20
Every member is a missionary: missio (latin for “sent”).
Again Jesus Said to them, “peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21
Promise:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in your mortal bodies.
Romans 8:11
This promise of the Holy Spirit is at the heart of our purpose: Joining Jesus in the renewal of all things.
Result:
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
Salvation belongs to our God,
who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!
Revelation 7:9-10
Go: Living on mission intentionally & strategically.
Next three weeks at College Hill:
Next Three Weeks @ Rivermont:
Contribute > Consume
Perspective: Mission > Preference
Corporate Prayer:
“Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant us to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.”
Romans 15:5-6 (CSB)
Title: Heart & Soul: GO (remix)
Text: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Revelation 7:9-10
Campus: Rivermont Avenue
The Church is a Spirit-filled, gospel-centered, community living on mission with God.
GO: an individual, and collective, commitment to God’s global mission (the Great Commission).
Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and all that fills it resound.
Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.
Psalm 96:1-6, 13 (CSB)
At Gospel Community, we believe that the mission of every follower of Jesus Christ is to demonstrate and declare the love of God and the hope of the resurrection.
Commission:
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of[a] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[b] I am with you always,[c] to the end of the age.”
Matt. 28:18-20
Every member is a missionary: missio (latin for “sent”).
Again Jesus Said to them, “peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21
Promise:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in your mortal bodies.
Romans 8:11
This promise of the Holy Spirit is at the heart of our purpose: Joining Jesus in the renewal of all things.
Result:
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
Salvation belongs to our God,
who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!
Revelation 7:9-10
Go: Living on mission intentionally & strategically.
Next three weeks at College Hill:
- outdoor worship at 9am, followed by brunch (August 21 and 28).
- church at Riverside park with Rivermont congregation (September 4).
Next Three Weeks @ Rivermont:
- Students return on 8/21 (NEXT Begins)
- New Series on 8/28: LEADER:SHIFT
- Church at Riverside Park on 9/4 with College Hill
Contribute > Consume
Perspective: Mission > Preference
Corporate Prayer:
“Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant us to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.”
Romans 15:5-6 (CSB)
August 7th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart and Soul: Grow (remix)
Text: Mark 10:28-30
Campus: Rivermont
“It is not good for humanity to be alone.”
Genesis 2:18
“We are in the midst of a global loneliness crisis that struck long before ‘social distancing’ entered our vernacular and our smiles were occluded by masks.”
~Noreena Hurtz
"Loneliness damages our physical health as well. Hard-wired to connect, our bodies go into a state of high alert when we are lonely — stress hormones course through our veins, our heart rate and blood pressure go up. Loneliness is worse for us than not exercising or being obese, as detrimental to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
~Noreena Hertz, LA Times, 2021
“It is not good for humanity to be alone.”
Genesis 2:18
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:28-30
Into our lonely and anxious existence, God the Father invites us weary, exhausted, overly-medicated, overly-entertained, overly self-obsessed, orphans into the new Family of Jesus.
Click here to see image: Four Spaces of Belonging
Click here to see image: Be Known & Belong
Click here to see image: Gospel-Centered Community
The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20
Click here to see image: Concentric Circles of Relationship
Click here to see image: The Avocado Pit
_________________________________________________________
Title: Heart and Soul: Grow (remix)
Text: Mark 10:28-30
Campus: Rivermont
“It is not good for humanity to be alone.”
Genesis 2:18
“We are in the midst of a global loneliness crisis that struck long before ‘social distancing’ entered our vernacular and our smiles were occluded by masks.”
~Noreena Hurtz
"Loneliness damages our physical health as well. Hard-wired to connect, our bodies go into a state of high alert when we are lonely — stress hormones course through our veins, our heart rate and blood pressure go up. Loneliness is worse for us than not exercising or being obese, as detrimental to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
~Noreena Hertz, LA Times, 2021
“It is not good for humanity to be alone.”
Genesis 2:18
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:28-30
Into our lonely and anxious existence, God the Father invites us weary, exhausted, overly-medicated, overly-entertained, overly self-obsessed, orphans into the new Family of Jesus.
Click here to see image: Four Spaces of Belonging
Click here to see image: Be Known & Belong
Click here to see image: Gospel-Centered Community
The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20
Click here to see image: Concentric Circles of Relationship
Click here to see image: The Avocado Pit
_________________________________________________________
July 31st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Gather
Text: Acts 4:32-35; Hebrews 10:19-25
Campus: Rivermont
Reader:
Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
So, in full view of the mercies of God: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as a living sacrifice. This is what true worship looks like. Don’t be conformed to the pattern of this world anymore. Instead, fix your attention on God. And You’ll be transformed from the inside out. Be ready to recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
All: Bless the Lord, oh my soul. With all that is within me, bless His holy name. (Psalm 103:1.)
Offering Liturgy:
ALL: “Generous Father, every good and perfect gift comes from you.
All we have and all we need comes from your generous provision.
We bring before you our needs and the needs of others, and we ask for your provision.
Loving God, form in us grateful and generous hearts.
Make us a people determined to grow in generosity until it can be said that there is no need among us.
Take our gifts and multiply their effects for the sake of your kingdom.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
Responsive Reading:
ALL: Welcome one another as God in Christ has welcomed you, to the glory of God (Romans 15:7)
Leader: Peace be with you.
All: And also with you.
“…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
Four G’s of belonging:
Gather, Grow, Give, Go
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
The first century church was united in friendship and purpose (v. 32)
The first century church was committed to ongoing gospel proclamation (v. 33)
The first century church was overflowing with grace and generosity (vv. 32b, 33-35)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated[a] for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:19-25 (CSB)
A pathway for recovering the vitality of the early church:
1) Boldly draw near to God (v. 22)
2) Cling tightly to the hope that is anchored in the promises of God (v. 23)
3) Motivate one another to acts of love and good works (v. 24)
4) Don’t neglect to gather together (v. 25)
Our corporate gatherings are intended to help us draw near to God.
Our corporate gatherings are intended to be a funnel into deeper community and sacrificial service.
Our corporate gatherings are intended to equip us for mission.
Benediction & Commissioning
ALL: We are the people of God, rescued by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit to live on mission in our homes, our community, and our world.
ALL: We strive to love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
_______________________________________________________________________
Title: Heart and Soul: Gather
Text: Acts 4:32-35; Hebrews 10:19-25
Campus: Rivermont
Reader:
Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
So, in full view of the mercies of God: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as a living sacrifice. This is what true worship looks like. Don’t be conformed to the pattern of this world anymore. Instead, fix your attention on God. And You’ll be transformed from the inside out. Be ready to recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
All: Bless the Lord, oh my soul. With all that is within me, bless His holy name. (Psalm 103:1.)
Offering Liturgy:
ALL: “Generous Father, every good and perfect gift comes from you.
All we have and all we need comes from your generous provision.
We bring before you our needs and the needs of others, and we ask for your provision.
Loving God, form in us grateful and generous hearts.
Make us a people determined to grow in generosity until it can be said that there is no need among us.
Take our gifts and multiply their effects for the sake of your kingdom.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
Responsive Reading:
ALL: Welcome one another as God in Christ has welcomed you, to the glory of God (Romans 15:7)
Leader: Peace be with you.
All: And also with you.
“…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
Four G’s of belonging:
Gather, Grow, Give, Go
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
The first century church was united in friendship and purpose (v. 32)
The first century church was committed to ongoing gospel proclamation (v. 33)
The first century church was overflowing with grace and generosity (vv. 32b, 33-35)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he has inaugurated[a] for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:19-25 (CSB)
A pathway for recovering the vitality of the early church:
1) Boldly draw near to God (v. 22)
2) Cling tightly to the hope that is anchored in the promises of God (v. 23)
3) Motivate one another to acts of love and good works (v. 24)
4) Don’t neglect to gather together (v. 25)
Our corporate gatherings are intended to help us draw near to God.
Our corporate gatherings are intended to be a funnel into deeper community and sacrificial service.
Our corporate gatherings are intended to equip us for mission.
Benediction & Commissioning
ALL: We are the people of God, rescued by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit to live on mission in our homes, our community, and our world.
ALL: We strive to love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
_______________________________________________________________________
July 24th Sermon Notes
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor
Title: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control
Text: Galatians 5:22-25
Campus: Rivermont
The Beginning: Love God
Click here to see image: worship 1
Click here to see image: worship 2
Click here to see image: serving
“A 2018 investigative article in The New York Times found that only 15% of people possess humility. That means for every 10 CEOs, only one will exude humbleness, yet being humble may be the secret to succeeding in business.”
~Shama Hyder
“Without humility there can be no humanity.”
~John Buchan
The Son can do nothing of himself.
John 5:19
I can of mine own self do nothing: ... my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will
John 5:30
I receive not honor from men.
John 5:41
I came…not to do mine own will
John 6:38
My doctrine is not mine.
John 7:16
Neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:42
I seek not mine own glory
John 8:50
Now the works of the flesh are evident; sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
Galatians 5:19-21
But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Growing in Community
Click here to see image: community 1
Click here to see image: community leadership 2
Click here to see image: community 3
Click here to see image: community 4
Click here to see image: community leadership 5
Click here to see image: community 6
Click here to see image: community 7
Click here to see image: community leadership 8
“Perhaps your free spirit needs less freedom and more faithfulness.”
~Kevin DeYoung
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Faithfulness is given to us from God as an invitation to follow him.
Ambition from God pursued diligently over time forms us into faithful people.
Reaching Out
Click here to see image: Reaching Out
Click here to see image: Reaching Out Uganda
Click here to see image: Reaching Out India
Click here to see image: Reaching Out Morocco
Click here to see image: Reaching Out Ukraine
“The greatest strength a man can achieve is gentleness.”
~ Monty Roberts
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
John 8: 7-11
Serving Together
Click here to see image: Serving 1
Click here to see image: Serving 2
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
Proverbs 25:28
It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
Proverbs 16:32
Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?
Matthew 26: 53-54
“ Such power there is in clear-eyed self-restraint.”
~ James Russell Lowell
Empowering and Sending
Click here to see image: Empowering Leaders
Click here to see image: Sending
But, this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.
Lamentations 3:21-24
_____________________________________________________________________________
Title: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control
Text: Galatians 5:22-25
Campus: Rivermont
The Beginning: Love God
Click here to see image: worship 1
Click here to see image: worship 2
Click here to see image: serving
“A 2018 investigative article in The New York Times found that only 15% of people possess humility. That means for every 10 CEOs, only one will exude humbleness, yet being humble may be the secret to succeeding in business.”
~Shama Hyder
“Without humility there can be no humanity.”
~John Buchan
The Son can do nothing of himself.
John 5:19
I can of mine own self do nothing: ... my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will
John 5:30
I receive not honor from men.
John 5:41
I came…not to do mine own will
John 6:38
My doctrine is not mine.
John 7:16
Neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:42
I seek not mine own glory
John 8:50
Now the works of the flesh are evident; sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
Galatians 5:19-21
But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Growing in Community
Click here to see image: community 1
Click here to see image: community leadership 2
Click here to see image: community 3
Click here to see image: community 4
Click here to see image: community leadership 5
Click here to see image: community 6
Click here to see image: community 7
Click here to see image: community leadership 8
“Perhaps your free spirit needs less freedom and more faithfulness.”
~Kevin DeYoung
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Faithfulness is given to us from God as an invitation to follow him.
Ambition from God pursued diligently over time forms us into faithful people.
Reaching Out
Click here to see image: Reaching Out
Click here to see image: Reaching Out Uganda
Click here to see image: Reaching Out India
Click here to see image: Reaching Out Morocco
Click here to see image: Reaching Out Ukraine
“The greatest strength a man can achieve is gentleness.”
~ Monty Roberts
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
John 8: 7-11
Serving Together
Click here to see image: Serving 1
Click here to see image: Serving 2
- from 2019-2020, 10.1 million people had misused prescription opioids in the past year
- in 2019 14.5 million people in the U.S. suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
Proverbs 25:28
It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
Proverbs 16:32
Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?
Matthew 26: 53-54
“ Such power there is in clear-eyed self-restraint.”
~ James Russell Lowell
Empowering and Sending
Click here to see image: Empowering Leaders
Click here to see image: Sending
But, this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.
Lamentations 3:21-24
_____________________________________________________________________________
July 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Faith is a Life: Patience, Kindness, Goodness (Week 2)
Text: Galatians 5:22-25
Campus: Rivermont
But the fruit of the Spirit is…patience, kindness, goodness… - Galatians 5:22
“I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” - John 10:10
“This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ.” -John 17:3
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3
“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
“Why is it that we look upon our salvation as a moment that began our religious life? What if instead, salvation and faith was the daily life we receive from God, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?
~ Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines
“Spiritual Formation is the process of being formed in the image of Jesus for the sake of others.”
~ Robert Mulholland Jr., An Invitation to a Journey
We tend to do what we want to do. And what we do, overtime, forms who we become.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends.”
John 15:13
“This is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that God loved us and gave himself up for us as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:10
God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you;
my body faints for you
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
My lips will glorify you
because your faithful love is better than life.
Psalm 63:1-3
Patience in three dimensions:
It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.
Romans 2:4
Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.
Matthew 7:15-17
The invitation of the gospel is not to do better and try harder. The good news of the gospel is that Christ is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Faith is a Life: Patience, Kindness, Goodness (Week 2)
Text: Galatians 5:22-25
Campus: Rivermont
But the fruit of the Spirit is…patience, kindness, goodness… - Galatians 5:22
“I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” - John 10:10
“This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ.” -John 17:3
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3
“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
“Why is it that we look upon our salvation as a moment that began our religious life? What if instead, salvation and faith was the daily life we receive from God, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?
~ Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines
“Spiritual Formation is the process of being formed in the image of Jesus for the sake of others.”
~ Robert Mulholland Jr., An Invitation to a Journey
We tend to do what we want to do. And what we do, overtime, forms who we become.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends.”
John 15:13
“This is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that God loved us and gave himself up for us as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:10
God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you;
my body faints for you
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
My lips will glorify you
because your faithful love is better than life.
Psalm 63:1-3
Patience in three dimensions:
- Personal: Not easily irritated when things don’t go as expected.
- Relational: Bearing with others in their weakness
- Spiritual: Enduring as we wait on God’s promises or undergo pain and suffering, yet not losing heart.
It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.
Romans 2:4
Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.
Matthew 7:15-17
The invitation of the gospel is not to do better and try harder. The good news of the gospel is that Christ is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne
______________________________________________________________________
July 10th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moros
Title: Fruit of the Spirit (Part 1)
Text: John 15:1-5, Galatians 5:16, 22-25 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me."
John 15:1-5
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16, 22-25
In a world that is increasingly hostile and divided, the Spirit enables us to flourish and to model a different way of being.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23a
The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus, convicts the world about sin, guides us in truth – glorifies God the Father and Jesus the Son (John 15 and 16).
The first indication of a Spirit-filled life is LOVE.
The Holy Spirit enables us to love one another, and to even love our enemies, with the same love that God loves us.
The second indicator of a Spirit-filled life is JOY.
Divine origin (and object) of joy:
“Christian joy is marked by celebration and expectation of God’s ultimate victory over the powers of sin and darkness, a victory actualized already in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who “for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2) but now has been exalted to the right hand of the Father whence he will come in power and great glory.”
~Timothy George, NAC
The third indicator of a Spirit-filled life is PEACE.
Jesus invites us to remain in him and in his love, which will allow us to bear fruit (John 15:4-8).
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
What if we went all-in with Jesus and allowed the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in our lives?
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Fruit of the Spirit (Part 1)
Text: John 15:1-5, Galatians 5:16, 22-25 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me."
John 15:1-5
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16, 22-25
In a world that is increasingly hostile and divided, the Spirit enables us to flourish and to model a different way of being.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23a
The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus, convicts the world about sin, guides us in truth – glorifies God the Father and Jesus the Son (John 15 and 16).
The first indication of a Spirit-filled life is LOVE.
The Holy Spirit enables us to love one another, and to even love our enemies, with the same love that God loves us.
The second indicator of a Spirit-filled life is JOY.
Divine origin (and object) of joy:
- rejoice “in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1)
- “rejoice in God” (Rom. 5:11)
- the kingdom of God is not “a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17)
“Christian joy is marked by celebration and expectation of God’s ultimate victory over the powers of sin and darkness, a victory actualized already in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who “for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2) but now has been exalted to the right hand of the Father whence he will come in power and great glory.”
~Timothy George, NAC
The third indicator of a Spirit-filled life is PEACE.
Jesus invites us to remain in him and in his love, which will allow us to bear fruit (John 15:4-8).
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
What if we went all-in with Jesus and allowed the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in our lives?
______________________________________________________________________
June 26th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Tim Griffin
Title: Walking in the Spirit
Text: Galatians 5:13-21
Campus: Rivermont
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Romans 7:14-20
Four manifestations of the same person.
1) The person that has not been saved. They are beings that are controlled totally by the flesh.
2) Then there comes salvation. At which point, there is spirit and flesh, because the flesh will always be there. The question is, what has control of our lives.
3) If it is the flesh, the spirit will always be there, but it will be tucked in a corner -- quenched.
4) What we want is for the Spirit to be on full display and the flesh to be tucked in a little corner.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:16-18
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship
Romans 12:1
“Present our bodies as a living sacrifice means complete and total surrender. It’s the difference between what a chicken and a pig bring to a bacon and egg breakfast, The chicken makes a contribution; the pig gives everything. What we often try to do with God is give an egg here and an egg there, but God wants sacrifice – the ham and bacon.”
~Tony Evans
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
John 16:7, 13-15
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4
______________________________________________________________________
June 19th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Spirit-Filled Prayer
Text: Ephesians 1:17-23; Ephesians 6:19; Romans 8:11, 26-27
Campus: Rivermont
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. (Ephesians 1:17-23)
19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19)
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:11, 26-27)
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God
three pillars of spirit-filled prayer:
The Holy Spirit’s Presence, Power, and Purpose in prayer.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,[a] would give you the Spirit[b] of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
Ephesians 1:17
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[a] his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:11
“God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves…We are being called home from the noise that is around us to the joys that are silent. Why do we rush about looking for God who is present with us, if all we really want is to be with him? What to do then, but to draw a little nearer to the God who is already present in us?”
~St. Augustine
“The Spirit desires full possession of my life. We pray for more of the Spirit, and we pray well if alongside this prayer we hold the truth that the Spirit wants more of us.”
~Andrew Murray
“Earth’s crammed with heaven,
And every common bush is afire with [the presence of] God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pick blackberries.”
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church.
Ephesians 1:18-22
I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17
“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.”
~Karl Barth
In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us[a] with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27
“Prayer is more than you could ever imagine, because God is so much beyond what you can conceive. We are surrounded with gods that are too small to be up to the task of holding our deepest personal longings, never mind the world’s most urgent problems.”
~David Brenner
“Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or as I suspect does no one believe a word of it?...it is madness to wear ladies’ straw hat and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should leash us to our pews.”
~Annie Dillard
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
“Spiritual formation is the process of being formed into the image of Christ, for the good of others.”
~ Robert Mullholland
“To truly encounter Jesus is to be knocked sideways, astonished, and overwhelmed. Mild interest means you have not yet met him.”
~Simon Ponsonby
“Prayer is the act by which we divest ourselves of all false belongings and become free to belong to God and God alone. We want to move closer to God, the source and goal of our existence, but at the same time we realize that the closer we come to God the stronger will be his demand to let go of the many “safe” structures we have built around ourselves. Prayer is such a radical act because it requires us to criticize our whole way of being in the world, to lay down our old selves and accept our new self, which is Christ…Prayer, therefore, is the act of dying to all that we consider to be our own and of being born again to a new existence which is not of this world.”
~Henri Nouwen
He has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Spirit-Filled Prayer
Text: Ephesians 1:17-23; Ephesians 6:19; Romans 8:11, 26-27
Campus: Rivermont
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. (Ephesians 1:17-23)
19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19)
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:11, 26-27)
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God
three pillars of spirit-filled prayer:
The Holy Spirit’s Presence, Power, and Purpose in prayer.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,[a] would give you the Spirit[b] of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
Ephesians 1:17
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[a] his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:11
“God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves…We are being called home from the noise that is around us to the joys that are silent. Why do we rush about looking for God who is present with us, if all we really want is to be with him? What to do then, but to draw a little nearer to the God who is already present in us?”
~St. Augustine
“The Spirit desires full possession of my life. We pray for more of the Spirit, and we pray well if alongside this prayer we hold the truth that the Spirit wants more of us.”
~Andrew Murray
“Earth’s crammed with heaven,
And every common bush is afire with [the presence of] God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pick blackberries.”
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church.
Ephesians 1:18-22
I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17
“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.”
~Karl Barth
In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us[a] with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27
“Prayer is more than you could ever imagine, because God is so much beyond what you can conceive. We are surrounded with gods that are too small to be up to the task of holding our deepest personal longings, never mind the world’s most urgent problems.”
~David Brenner
“Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or as I suspect does no one believe a word of it?...it is madness to wear ladies’ straw hat and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should leash us to our pews.”
~Annie Dillard
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
“Spiritual formation is the process of being formed into the image of Christ, for the good of others.”
~ Robert Mullholland
“To truly encounter Jesus is to be knocked sideways, astonished, and overwhelmed. Mild interest means you have not yet met him.”
~Simon Ponsonby
“Prayer is the act by which we divest ourselves of all false belongings and become free to belong to God and God alone. We want to move closer to God, the source and goal of our existence, but at the same time we realize that the closer we come to God the stronger will be his demand to let go of the many “safe” structures we have built around ourselves. Prayer is such a radical act because it requires us to criticize our whole way of being in the world, to lay down our old selves and accept our new self, which is Christ…Prayer, therefore, is the act of dying to all that we consider to be our own and of being born again to a new existence which is not of this world.”
~Henri Nouwen
He has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
______________________________________________________________________
June 12th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Holy Spirit & Expectation
Text: John 16:7-15 (15:26-27)
Campus: Rivermont
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
John 16:7-15
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Click here to see Image: Pentecost
The way the church is born points to its nature and identity: Supernatural, transcultural, gospel-centered, and relational.
The Holy Spirit moves in supernatural ways, and without the Spirit, there is no gospel, there is no church, and there’s no us. Any attempt of knowing and following Jesus or doing church apart from the Spirit will be powerless and hollow.
The way Christians choose to love one another (across racial, economic, generational, and gender barriers) is evidence that Jesus is alive, and the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us.
No Christian and no Church are born apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. A Christian and a church are Spirit-dependent things.
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you
John 16:7
When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:
John 16:8
About sin, because they do not believe in me;
John 16:9
about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;
John 16:10
and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
John 16:11
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
John 16:12-15
“When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father— the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — he will testify about me. You also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
John 15:26-27
By the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the new family of Jesus will witness Jesus and then witness to the world about Jesus by our life together and by our words and actions.
There is no act of faith or obedience to Jesus that is not seen and attended to by the Holy Spirit of God.
By his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes all things new, even us. The Spirit of God is the one who works that renewal into our lives, our relationships, our churches, and our world.
Holy Spirit *Expectation* as we Gather
the purpose of weekly gatherings is to be filled with the Spirit and formed as a family.
Hunger & Hospitality
God delights in filling up our emptiness - our named and acknowledged (even cultivated) emptiness and hunger. He delights to fill that space with more of himself.
Click here to see Image: Fire
Click here to see Image: Sail
Click here to see Image: Superbloom
Revival: the acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit overtime
Part of the expectation of the Spirit in hospitality is the belief that in my service to others, the Spirit will meet us both - us and them - and rekindle a hunger for God.
“How much more will your father give you the Holy Spirit, if you ask him to?”
Luke 11:13
Come, Holy Spirit. Revive us again.
COURAGE
______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Title: "Better" (Expectation)
Text: John 16:7-15 (15:26-27)
Campus: College Hill
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
John 16:7-15 CSB
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
It is the Spirit that makes that new age a reality in our lives and gives us power to bring that kingdom authority and practice into the spheres where we live and work
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:1-3
The Kingdom of God is not a matter not a matter of food and drink but about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Romans 14:17
In spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.
I Thessalonians 1:6
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5
When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me
John 16:8-10
For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this.
Hebrews 10:14-15
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Galatians 4:6
Click here to see image
https://storage.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/7870358_1280x720_2500.png
“It is The work of sovereign Spirit to enable men and women in new situations and in cultural forms to find the ways in which the confession of Jesus as Lord may be made in the language of their own culture. The mission of the church is in fact the church’s obedient participation in the action of the Spirit by which the confession of Jesus as Lord becomes the authentic confession of every new people, each in its own tongue”
~ Lesslie Newbigin
“Christians experience the kingdom of God through the work of the Spirit even as we continue to give expression to its power in the various vocations of this age”
~ Matthew Tuininga
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
I Corinthians 2:12
Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
John 3:3
Click here to see image
___________________________________________________________________
Title: The Holy Spirit & Expectation
Text: John 16:7-15 (15:26-27)
Campus: Rivermont
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
John 16:7-15
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Click here to see Image: Pentecost
The way the church is born points to its nature and identity: Supernatural, transcultural, gospel-centered, and relational.
The Holy Spirit moves in supernatural ways, and without the Spirit, there is no gospel, there is no church, and there’s no us. Any attempt of knowing and following Jesus or doing church apart from the Spirit will be powerless and hollow.
The way Christians choose to love one another (across racial, economic, generational, and gender barriers) is evidence that Jesus is alive, and the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us.
No Christian and no Church are born apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. A Christian and a church are Spirit-dependent things.
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you
John 16:7
When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:
John 16:8
About sin, because they do not believe in me;
John 16:9
about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;
John 16:10
and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
John 16:11
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
John 16:12-15
“When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father— the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — he will testify about me. You also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
John 15:26-27
By the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the new family of Jesus will witness Jesus and then witness to the world about Jesus by our life together and by our words and actions.
There is no act of faith or obedience to Jesus that is not seen and attended to by the Holy Spirit of God.
By his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes all things new, even us. The Spirit of God is the one who works that renewal into our lives, our relationships, our churches, and our world.
Holy Spirit *Expectation* as we Gather
the purpose of weekly gatherings is to be filled with the Spirit and formed as a family.
Hunger & Hospitality
God delights in filling up our emptiness - our named and acknowledged (even cultivated) emptiness and hunger. He delights to fill that space with more of himself.
Click here to see Image: Fire
Click here to see Image: Sail
Click here to see Image: Superbloom
Revival: the acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit overtime
Part of the expectation of the Spirit in hospitality is the belief that in my service to others, the Spirit will meet us both - us and them - and rekindle a hunger for God.
“How much more will your father give you the Holy Spirit, if you ask him to?”
Luke 11:13
Come, Holy Spirit. Revive us again.
COURAGE
______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Title: "Better" (Expectation)
Text: John 16:7-15 (15:26-27)
Campus: College Hill
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
John 16:7-15 CSB
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
Click here to see image
It is the Spirit that makes that new age a reality in our lives and gives us power to bring that kingdom authority and practice into the spheres where we live and work
- The Spirit gives us Power
- The Spirit introduces us to the King
- The Spirit works the new age realities into our hearts
- The Spirit works through us to bring these realities to our spheres
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
- The Spirit gives us Power
- The Spirit introduces us to the King
- The Spirit works the new age realities into our hearts
- The Spirit works through us to bring these realities to our spheres
Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:1-3
- The Spirit gives us Power
- The Spirit introduces us to the King
- The Spirit works the new age realities into our hearts
- The Spirit works through us to bring these realities to our spheres
The Kingdom of God is not a matter not a matter of food and drink but about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Romans 14:17
In spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.
I Thessalonians 1:6
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5
When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me
John 16:8-10
For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this.
Hebrews 10:14-15
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Galatians 4:6
Click here to see image
https://storage.snappages.site/MK36D3/assets/images/7870358_1280x720_2500.png
- The Spirit gives us Power
- The Spirit introduces us to the King
- The Spirit works the new age realities into our hearts
- The Spirit works through us to bring these realities to our spheres
“It is The work of sovereign Spirit to enable men and women in new situations and in cultural forms to find the ways in which the confession of Jesus as Lord may be made in the language of their own culture. The mission of the church is in fact the church’s obedient participation in the action of the Spirit by which the confession of Jesus as Lord becomes the authentic confession of every new people, each in its own tongue”
~ Lesslie Newbigin
“Christians experience the kingdom of God through the work of the Spirit even as we continue to give expression to its power in the various vocations of this age”
~ Matthew Tuininga
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
I Corinthians 2:12
Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
John 3:3
Click here to see image
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June 5th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Holy Spirit
Text: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-12
Campus: Rivermont
I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While he was[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:1-8 (CSB)
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Click here to see image: Pentecost
The season of Pentecost in the life of our church for the next few weeks is about the Spirit’s work in our lives, and the kind of church family the Spirit creates.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues. ”They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:1-12
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Jerusalem: Comfort Zone
Judea: Like the suburb of Jerusalem, uncomfortable.
Samaria: Complex. We feel anxious, and out of place.
The end of the Earth: The nations.
The Spirit’s work in relational healing will mean transgressing cultural boundaries others may say, and we may feel, we ought not to cross.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer,[a] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit moves in supernatural ways, and without the Spirit, there is no gospel, there is no church, and there’s no us. Any attempt of knowing and following Jesus or doing church apart from the Spirit will be powerless and hollow.
No Christian and no Church are born apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. A Christian and a church are Spirit-dependent things.
The way the church is born points to its nature and identity: Supernatural, transcultural, gospel-centered, and relational.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:5-8
Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.
Acts 2:9-11
Difference isn’t a consequence of sin, but division is.
“All the nations of the Earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:3
When God Almighty whispered the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 that, “In you, all the nations of the earth will be blessed”, he saw Pentecost.
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:12
The work of the Spirit in the church increases oneness, brings relational healing, and bridges cultural barriers. This is part of what renewal in the church will look like.
The Spirit’s Work in Relational Healing:
The way Christians choose to love one another (across racial, economic, generational, and gender barriers) is evidence that Jesus is alive, and we are people of the resurrection.
Reflection and Prayer:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Holy Spirit: Part 1
Text: Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-12
Campus: College Hill
What kind of God are we displaying to our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers?
Do our lives and commitments truly give evidence to the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
We are the people of God; saved by the Son and empowered by the Spirit to live on mission in our homes, community, and world.
1) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - identify as the people of God.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 CSB
2) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - are saved by Jesus.
“Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 CSB
3) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - are empowered by the Spirit.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying,[b] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:1-12 (CSB)
The presence of the Spirit is disruptive and transformational.
When the Spirit of God shows up, and he’s embraced, lives are transformed.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (CSB)
4) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - live on mission in our homes, community, and world.
Conclusion:
We will never be able to accomplish the work that God has for us apart from the Holy Spirit.
How do we access the Spirit of God?
prayer (Acts 1:14)
repentance (Acts 2:38)
______________________________________________________________________
Title: The Holy Spirit
Text: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-12
Campus: Rivermont
I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While he was[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:1-8 (CSB)
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Click here to see image: Pentecost
The season of Pentecost in the life of our church for the next few weeks is about the Spirit’s work in our lives, and the kind of church family the Spirit creates.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues. ”They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:1-12
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Jerusalem: Comfort Zone
Judea: Like the suburb of Jerusalem, uncomfortable.
Samaria: Complex. We feel anxious, and out of place.
The end of the Earth: The nations.
The Spirit’s work in relational healing will mean transgressing cultural boundaries others may say, and we may feel, we ought not to cross.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer,[a] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit moves in supernatural ways, and without the Spirit, there is no gospel, there is no church, and there’s no us. Any attempt of knowing and following Jesus or doing church apart from the Spirit will be powerless and hollow.
No Christian and no Church are born apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. A Christian and a church are Spirit-dependent things.
The way the church is born points to its nature and identity: Supernatural, transcultural, gospel-centered, and relational.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:5-8
Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.
Acts 2:9-11
Difference isn’t a consequence of sin, but division is.
“All the nations of the Earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:3
When God Almighty whispered the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 that, “In you, all the nations of the earth will be blessed”, he saw Pentecost.
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:12
The work of the Spirit in the church increases oneness, brings relational healing, and bridges cultural barriers. This is part of what renewal in the church will look like.
The Spirit’s Work in Relational Healing:
| In the New Testament (1st Century) | Today (21st Century) |
| Hebrews & Greeks (Ethnic) | Racial Hostility |
| Rich & Poor (Class) | Socio-Economic Class |
| Male & Female (Gender) | Gender & Sexuality |
| Slave & Free (Social) | Liberal & Conservative |
The way Christians choose to love one another (across racial, economic, generational, and gender barriers) is evidence that Jesus is alive, and we are people of the resurrection.
Reflection and Prayer:
- Let us pray for greater dependence on the Spirit to do what only he can do in your heart and in this church family.
- Would you pray that our church would increasingly reflect the kind of loving, diverse community for which only the Risen Jesus can take credit?
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Holy Spirit: Part 1
Text: Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-12
Campus: College Hill
What kind of God are we displaying to our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers?
Do our lives and commitments truly give evidence to the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
We are the people of God; saved by the Son and empowered by the Spirit to live on mission in our homes, community, and world.
1) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - identify as the people of God.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 CSB
2) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - are saved by Jesus.
“Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 CSB
3) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - are empowered by the Spirit.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying,[b] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:1-12 (CSB)
The presence of the Spirit is disruptive and transformational.
When the Spirit of God shows up, and he’s embraced, lives are transformed.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (CSB)
4) We - the Church of Jesus Christ - live on mission in our homes, community, and world.
Conclusion:
We will never be able to accomplish the work that God has for us apart from the Holy Spirit.
How do we access the Spirit of God?
prayer (Acts 1:14)
repentance (Acts 2:38)
______________________________________________________________________
May 29th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Gospel Culture
Text: Luke 12:13-34
Campus: Rivermont
What does it look like for us as local church to be what Jesus calls us to be in our culture today?
The people of God (the church) are called to live for what is eternal over what is temporary.
Jesus shows us how we can live as radically selfless and generous people: because of the abundance that we have in Him.
13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14“Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
15 “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”
16 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops?
18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ 21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:13-21
MY crops, MY grain, MY goods, MY barn”... “Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself”
The problem is that this man is acting like an owner, when he is actually a steward.
Steward = to be entrusted by an owner to manage, take care of, and keep an account of their property/duties
Click here to see image
We are secure in the love that God has for us, and He promises to give us everything we need.
22 Then he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.
25 Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? 26 If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?
24 Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?
27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. 28 If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith? 29 Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you.
Luke 12: 22-31
Jesus doesn’t relieve worry by telling us that He will provide every material desire. He relieves worry by pointing us what we already have: an eternal kingdom that He loves to give us.
32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:32-34
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.
Luke 9:24
Jesus, what/where is my treasure? And what does that say about my heart right now?
Jesus, help me to live for you and your kingdom, knowing that my security does not come from my earthly circumstances. My security comes from the fact that you have adopted me as your child, you love me, and you will give me what I need. I trust you, Jesus, please give me faith where my trust is lacking. Thank you for your grace, which covers worry, greed, selfishness, and every other sin, and which allows me to live freely as your child as I seek to be more like You. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: Psalm 61:1-8
Campus: College Hill
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
Psalm 56:3-4a
God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.
I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength.
Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
God, you have heard my vows;
you have given a heritage to those who fear your name.
Add days to the king’s life; may his years span many generations.
May he sit enthroned before God forever.
Appoint faithful love and truth to guard him.
Then I will continually sing of your name, fulfilling my vows day by day.
Psalm 61:1-8 (CSB)
God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer.
When I’m far from anywhere, down to my last gasp,
I call out, “Guide me up High Rock Mountain!”
You’ve always given me breathing room,
a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
an open invitation as your guest.
You’ve always taken me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you.
Let the days of the king add up to years and years of good rule.
Set his throne in the full light of God;
post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts,
And I’ll be the poet who sings your glory—
and live what I sing every day.
Psalm 61:1-8 (The Message)
Three Movements:
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts before him.
God is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 62:8 (CSB)
Our Supplications:
-What requests do you personally have?
-Ask God to bless and use our church
-Ask God to heal our community and country
-Ask God to use the global church to share his love with those who are hurting
__________________________________________________________________
Title: Gospel Culture
Text: Luke 12:13-34
Campus: Rivermont
What does it look like for us as local church to be what Jesus calls us to be in our culture today?
The people of God (the church) are called to live for what is eternal over what is temporary.
Jesus shows us how we can live as radically selfless and generous people: because of the abundance that we have in Him.
13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14“Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
15 “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”
16 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops?
18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ 21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:13-21
MY crops, MY grain, MY goods, MY barn”... “Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself”
The problem is that this man is acting like an owner, when he is actually a steward.
Steward = to be entrusted by an owner to manage, take care of, and keep an account of their property/duties
Click here to see image
We are secure in the love that God has for us, and He promises to give us everything we need.
22 Then he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.
25 Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? 26 If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?
24 Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?
27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. 28 If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith? 29 Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you.
Luke 12: 22-31
Jesus doesn’t relieve worry by telling us that He will provide every material desire. He relieves worry by pointing us what we already have: an eternal kingdom that He loves to give us.
32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:32-34
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.
Luke 9:24
Jesus, what/where is my treasure? And what does that say about my heart right now?
Jesus, help me to live for you and your kingdom, knowing that my security does not come from my earthly circumstances. My security comes from the fact that you have adopted me as your child, you love me, and you will give me what I need. I trust you, Jesus, please give me faith where my trust is lacking. Thank you for your grace, which covers worry, greed, selfishness, and every other sin, and which allows me to live freely as your child as I seek to be more like You. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: Psalm 61:1-8
Campus: College Hill
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
Psalm 56:3-4a
- Acknowledge our fear (burdens/concerns)
- Actively place our trust in God
God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.
I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength.
Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
God, you have heard my vows;
you have given a heritage to those who fear your name.
Add days to the king’s life; may his years span many generations.
May he sit enthroned before God forever.
Appoint faithful love and truth to guard him.
Then I will continually sing of your name, fulfilling my vows day by day.
Psalm 61:1-8 (CSB)
God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer.
When I’m far from anywhere, down to my last gasp,
I call out, “Guide me up High Rock Mountain!”
You’ve always given me breathing room,
a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
an open invitation as your guest.
You’ve always taken me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you.
Let the days of the king add up to years and years of good rule.
Set his throne in the full light of God;
post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts,
And I’ll be the poet who sings your glory—
and live what I sing every day.
Psalm 61:1-8 (The Message)
Three Movements:
- What’s going on inside of us? Naming fears and concerns.
- Bring our concerns to God.
- Bring our requests to God.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts before him.
God is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 62:8 (CSB)
Our Supplications:
-What requests do you personally have?
-Ask God to bless and use our church
-Ask God to heal our community and country
-Ask God to use the global church to share his love with those who are hurting
__________________________________________________________________
May 22nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Gift of Giving
Text: Proverbs 11:17, 24-25
Campus: Rivermont
Proverbs 11:17, 24-25
A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.
One person gives freely, yet gains more;
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.
A generous person will be enriched,
and the one who gives a drink of water
will receive water.
Reader: This is the word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Click here to see image: Black Panther
A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.
Proverbs 11:17
One person gives freely,
yet gains more;
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.
Proverbs 11:24
A generous person will flourish, and the one who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 12:13
In every way, I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Click here to see image: Human Flourishing
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
This is how we know what love is - that Christ laid down his life for us. In this same way, we also lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16
For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13-14
Click here to see image: Reaching Out
“In our world full of strangers, estranged from their own past, culture and country, from their neighbors, friends and family, from their deepest self and their God, we witness a painful search for a hospitable place where life can be lived without fear and where community can be found.
Although many, we might even say most, strangers in this world become easily the victim of a fearful hostility, it is possible for men and women and obligatory for Christians to offer an open and hospitable space where strangers can cast off their strangeness and become our fellow human beings.
The movement from hostility to hospitality is hard and full of difficulties. Our society seems to be increasingly full of fearful, defensive, aggressive people anxiously clinging to their property and inclined to look at their surrounding world with suspicion, always expecting an enemy to suddenly appear, intrude and do harm. But still - that is our vocation: to convert the [stranger] to [family], the enemy into a guest, and the create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully experienced.”
~Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: God’s Kingdom of Renewal
Text: Acts 1:1-5; Luke 17:20-35
Campus: College Hill
The Lord's Prayer:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:1-3 (CSB)
The kingdom of God was never simply about recruiting more people into heaven - it was about the commencement of drawing a broken people into a genuine renewal with God, ourselves and the rest of the creation. The Christian story has always been about the renewal of all things.
Click here to see image: rapids
Click here to see image: headlines
The Kingdom of God has already been commenced by Jesus, but it has yet to be consummated as “all things new”.
—------------------------------------------------------------------
Commenced not consummated.
The in-breaking kingdom, here on earth, was never promised to be a cure for our suffering before its consummation, but what this Kingdom does promise is renewal in the midst of our suffering.
When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say,[h]‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.
Luke 17:20-21 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets us in the reality of our struggles, and is ushering us into the newness of life
The clustered and covenanted people of God are his primary plan for expressing the prayer “May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Then he told the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. They will say to you, ‘See there!’ or ‘See here!’ Don’t follow or run after them. For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day. But first it is necessary that he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Luke 17:22-25 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: People went on eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage until the day Noah boarded the ark,and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, a man on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, must not come down to get them. Likewise the man who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to make his life secure[j][k] will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
Luke 17:26-35 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counter-intuitive.
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Acts 1:4-5 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counterintuitive.
5. The in-breaking kingdom was extended by Jesus through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is mobilizing His church to be a sign and foretaste of God’s future in the present.
_____________________________________________________________________
Title: The Gift of Giving
Text: Proverbs 11:17, 24-25
Campus: Rivermont
Proverbs 11:17, 24-25
A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.
One person gives freely, yet gains more;
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.
A generous person will be enriched,
and the one who gives a drink of water
will receive water.
Reader: This is the word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Click here to see image: Black Panther
A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.
Proverbs 11:17
One person gives freely,
yet gains more;
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.
Proverbs 11:24
A generous person will flourish, and the one who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 12:13
In every way, I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Click here to see image: Human Flourishing
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
This is how we know what love is - that Christ laid down his life for us. In this same way, we also lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16
- Slow our lives down to be present to God, ourselves, and others.
- Make loving commitments to love and serve others.
- Follow through on those commitments.
For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13-14
Click here to see image: Reaching Out
“In our world full of strangers, estranged from their own past, culture and country, from their neighbors, friends and family, from their deepest self and their God, we witness a painful search for a hospitable place where life can be lived without fear and where community can be found.
Although many, we might even say most, strangers in this world become easily the victim of a fearful hostility, it is possible for men and women and obligatory for Christians to offer an open and hospitable space where strangers can cast off their strangeness and become our fellow human beings.
The movement from hostility to hospitality is hard and full of difficulties. Our society seems to be increasingly full of fearful, defensive, aggressive people anxiously clinging to their property and inclined to look at their surrounding world with suspicion, always expecting an enemy to suddenly appear, intrude and do harm. But still - that is our vocation: to convert the [stranger] to [family], the enemy into a guest, and the create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully experienced.”
~Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: God’s Kingdom of Renewal
Text: Acts 1:1-5; Luke 17:20-35
Campus: College Hill
The Lord's Prayer:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:1-3 (CSB)
The kingdom of God was never simply about recruiting more people into heaven - it was about the commencement of drawing a broken people into a genuine renewal with God, ourselves and the rest of the creation. The Christian story has always been about the renewal of all things.
Click here to see image: rapids
Click here to see image: headlines
The Kingdom of God has already been commenced by Jesus, but it has yet to be consummated as “all things new”.
—------------------------------------------------------------------
Commenced not consummated.
The in-breaking kingdom, here on earth, was never promised to be a cure for our suffering before its consummation, but what this Kingdom does promise is renewal in the midst of our suffering.
When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say,[h]‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.
Luke 17:20-21 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets us in the reality of our struggles, and is ushering us into the newness of life
The clustered and covenanted people of God are his primary plan for expressing the prayer “May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Then he told the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. They will say to you, ‘See there!’ or ‘See here!’ Don’t follow or run after them. For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day. But first it is necessary that he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Luke 17:22-25 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: People went on eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage until the day Noah boarded the ark,and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, a man on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, must not come down to get them. Likewise the man who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to make his life secure[j][k] will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
Luke 17:26-35 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counter-intuitive.
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Acts 1:4-5 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counterintuitive.
5. The in-breaking kingdom was extended by Jesus through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is mobilizing His church to be a sign and foretaste of God’s future in the present.
_____________________________________________________________________
May 15th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: 4 Cultural Markers of Gospel Renewal
Text: Matthew 12:46-50
Campus: Rivermont
While he was still speaking with the crowds, his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
He replied to the one who was speaking to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:46-50
Click here for image: Hellerman Book Cover
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[a] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[b] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:23-31
To follow Jesus is to enter into the Kingdom of Jesus through the cross, by way of allegiance to Jesus and belonging to his family.
Revival is an acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit over time in a moment here and now
Click here for image: Dynamics of Spiritual Life
Multicultural Community
Courageous Witness
Beneath the Surface Transformation
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
Multicultural Community
“The way our lives are set up is broken. The structures, habits, practices, and values. Our city planning, markets, careers, laws, and entertainment—all have been designed with a false idea of what a human being is. Collectively we assume that to be a human is to belong only and ever to yourself. Thus, friendships can be a nice perk of a successful life, but friends can’t demand anything of you that you don’t choose to give. At any point, if a friendship is holding you back or bringing you down, you can bail. Because the only person you owe happiness to is yourself.
We lack the essential conditions for meaningful friendships: time, proximity, and priority.”
~Alan Noble, “Friendship and Belonging in Middle Age”
If the Spirit of God is going to bring revival to the church, we will see a movement of meaningful multicultural relationships.
Courageous Witness
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Click here for Image: Rainbow Flag on White House
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a shift in how Christians witness courageously and publicly to Jesus’ better and beautiful vision for human flourishing.
Beneath the surface transformation
Click here for Image: Iceberg
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a revival of spiritual practices that form us - body, mind, heart, and soul - into the image of Jesus.
My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19
Click here for Image: Resilient Disciples
Pew Research
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-8
Revival is an acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit over time, bringing more of the future Kingdom to this present moment, for God’s glory.
For this kind of work and ministry, we will need more prayer than we can comprehend.
form + fire
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:9, 13
______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Romans 12
Text: Romans 12:3-8
Campus: College Hill
The Church is:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 (CSB)
The metaphor of the body communicates the uniqueness and usefulness of everyone who is a part of the church.
In relationship and proximity with local brothers and sisters our faith is formed, tested, sharpened and applied.
God has designed the local church to be an intimate community where everyone contributes according to their ability.
For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:3-8 (CSB)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.
Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
God’s design for the church:
1) Union with Christ (v. 5)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
God’s design for the church:
2) United but not uniform (vv. 4, 6)
God has uniquely designed, and positioned, each one of us to be a blessing to each other and to the world.
God’s design for the church:
3) Everyone is useful (contributes) (vv. 6-8)
According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6-8
God has designed the local church to be an intimate community where everyone contributes according to their ability.
What if we embraced God’s vision for the church?
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 (CSB)
_____________________________________________________________________
Title: 4 Cultural Markers of Gospel Renewal
Text: Matthew 12:46-50
Campus: Rivermont
While he was still speaking with the crowds, his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
He replied to the one who was speaking to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:46-50
Click here for image: Hellerman Book Cover
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[a] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[b] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:23-31
To follow Jesus is to enter into the Kingdom of Jesus through the cross, by way of allegiance to Jesus and belonging to his family.
Revival is an acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit over time in a moment here and now
Click here for image: Dynamics of Spiritual Life
Multicultural Community
Courageous Witness
Beneath the Surface Transformation
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
Multicultural Community
“The way our lives are set up is broken. The structures, habits, practices, and values. Our city planning, markets, careers, laws, and entertainment—all have been designed with a false idea of what a human being is. Collectively we assume that to be a human is to belong only and ever to yourself. Thus, friendships can be a nice perk of a successful life, but friends can’t demand anything of you that you don’t choose to give. At any point, if a friendship is holding you back or bringing you down, you can bail. Because the only person you owe happiness to is yourself.
We lack the essential conditions for meaningful friendships: time, proximity, and priority.”
~Alan Noble, “Friendship and Belonging in Middle Age”
If the Spirit of God is going to bring revival to the church, we will see a movement of meaningful multicultural relationships.
Courageous Witness
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Click here for Image: Rainbow Flag on White House
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a shift in how Christians witness courageously and publicly to Jesus’ better and beautiful vision for human flourishing.
Beneath the surface transformation
Click here for Image: Iceberg
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a revival of spiritual practices that form us - body, mind, heart, and soul - into the image of Jesus.
My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19
Click here for Image: Resilient Disciples
Pew Research
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-8
Revival is an acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit over time, bringing more of the future Kingdom to this present moment, for God’s glory.
For this kind of work and ministry, we will need more prayer than we can comprehend.
form + fire
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:9, 13
______________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Romans 12
Text: Romans 12:3-8
Campus: College Hill
The Church is:
- a group of people who are rescued by the Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live on mission;
- the gathering of those people, in community, in various locations to celebrate the gospel and to be equipped to live out the gospel in the world.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 (CSB)
The metaphor of the body communicates the uniqueness and usefulness of everyone who is a part of the church.
In relationship and proximity with local brothers and sisters our faith is formed, tested, sharpened and applied.
God has designed the local church to be an intimate community where everyone contributes according to their ability.
For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:3-8 (CSB)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.
Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
God’s design for the church:
1) Union with Christ (v. 5)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
God’s design for the church:
2) United but not uniform (vv. 4, 6)
God has uniquely designed, and positioned, each one of us to be a blessing to each other and to the world.
God’s design for the church:
3) Everyone is useful (contributes) (vv. 6-8)
According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6-8
God has designed the local church to be an intimate community where everyone contributes according to their ability.
What if we embraced God’s vision for the church?
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 (CSB)
_____________________________________________________________________
May 8th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Gospel Culture Part 2
Text: Matthew 12:46-50
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[a] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[b] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:23-31
Multicultural Community
Courageous Witness
Beneath the Surface Transformation
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
Multicultural Community
If the Spirit of God is going to bring revival to the church, we will see a movement of meaningful multicultural relationships.
Courageous Witness
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a shift in how Christians witness courageoulsy and publically to Jesus’ better and beautiful vision for human flourishing.
Beneath the surface transformation
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a revival of spiritual practices that form us - body, mind, heart, and soul - into the image of Jesus.
My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-8
Revival is an acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit over time, bringing more of the future Kingdom to this present moment, for God’s glory. For this kind of work and ministry, we will need more prayer than we can comprehend.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
Luke 11:9
“ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:13
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: God’s Redemptive Story
Text: various
Campus: College Hill
Jesus offers compassion and redemption.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-31 (CSB)
Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, “Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These words of God are true.”
Revelation 19:6-9
Sarah was unable to conceive; she did not have a child.
Genesis 11:30
Abram’s wife, Sarai, had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
Genesis 16:1-2
”Sin isnʼt only doing bad things; it’s more fundamentally making good things into ultimate things. Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God. Whatever we build our life on will drive us and enslave us. Sin is primarily idolatry.”
~ Tim Keller
Jesus is our source of healing and the bridge between our reality and our final destination.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (CSB)
-Love
I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.
John 13:34
-Honor
Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.
Romans 12:10
-Serve
For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.
Galatians 5:13
-Forgive
And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32
-Speak the truth
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another.
Ephesians 4:15, 25
-Pray + Confess
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
James 5:16
If we believe Jesus - receive his compassion and embrace healthy Christian community, we get a taste of God’s Kingdom on earth.
“Where the ideal is lacking, grace abounds.”
~ Matt Chandler
_____________________________________________________________________
Title: Gospel Culture Part 2
Text: Matthew 12:46-50
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is[a] to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.”
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[b] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:23-31
Multicultural Community
Courageous Witness
Beneath the Surface Transformation
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
Multicultural Community
If the Spirit of God is going to bring revival to the church, we will see a movement of meaningful multicultural relationships.
Courageous Witness
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a shift in how Christians witness courageoulsy and publically to Jesus’ better and beautiful vision for human flourishing.
Beneath the surface transformation
A move of God in this cultural moment will mean a revival of spiritual practices that form us - body, mind, heart, and soul - into the image of Jesus.
My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19
Spirit-filled Prayer and Worship
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-8
Revival is an acceleration of the normal work of the Spirit over time, bringing more of the future Kingdom to this present moment, for God’s glory. For this kind of work and ministry, we will need more prayer than we can comprehend.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
Luke 11:9
“ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:13
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: God’s Redemptive Story
Text: various
Campus: College Hill
Jesus offers compassion and redemption.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-31 (CSB)
Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, “Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These words of God are true.”
Revelation 19:6-9
Sarah was unable to conceive; she did not have a child.
Genesis 11:30
Abram’s wife, Sarai, had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
Genesis 16:1-2
”Sin isnʼt only doing bad things; it’s more fundamentally making good things into ultimate things. Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God. Whatever we build our life on will drive us and enslave us. Sin is primarily idolatry.”
~ Tim Keller
Jesus is our source of healing and the bridge between our reality and our final destination.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (CSB)
-Love
I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.
John 13:34
-Honor
Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.
Romans 12:10
-Serve
For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.
Galatians 5:13
-Forgive
And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32
-Speak the truth
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another.
Ephesians 4:15, 25
-Pray + Confess
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
James 5:16
If we believe Jesus - receive his compassion and embrace healthy Christian community, we get a taste of God’s Kingdom on earth.
“Where the ideal is lacking, grace abounds.”
~ Matt Chandler
_____________________________________________________________________
May 1st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: The Kingdom of God
Text: Acts 1:1-5; Luke 17:20-35
Campus: Rivermont
The Lord's Prayer:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Acts 1:1-5 (CSB)
The kingdom of God was never simply about recruiting more people into heaven - it was about the commencement of drawing a broken people into a genuine renewal with God, ourselves and the rest of the creation. The Christian story has always been about the renewal of all things.
Click here to see slide
The Kingdom of God that has already been commenced by Jesus, but it has yet to be consummated as “all things new”.
_____________
Commenced not consummated.
The in-breaking kingdom, here on earth, was never promised to be a cure for our suffering before its consummation, but what it does promise is renewal in the midst of our suffering.
When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.
Luke 17:20-21 (CSB)
1. The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
The clustered and covenanted people of God are his primary plan for expressing the prayer “May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Then he told the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. They will say to you, ‘See there!’ or ‘See here!’ Don’t follow or run after them. For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day. But first it is necessary that he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Luke 17:22-25 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: People went on eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage until the day Noah boarded the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, a man on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, must not come down to get them. Likewise the man who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to make his life secure[j][k] will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
Luke 17:26-35 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counterintuitive.
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Acts 1:4-5 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counterintuitive.
5. The in-breaking kingdom of Jesus was extended through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is mobilizing His church to be a sign and foretaste of God’s future in the present.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Spirit-filled Gospel Culture
Text: Acts 11:19-21, 26b
Campus: College Hill
GCC exists to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out w/ the love of Christ.
The Church in Antioch began in the midst of adversity and anonymity, but it became ground zero for a Spirit-filled missional movement.
Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:19-21, (CSB)
The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
Acts 26b
What does a Spirit-filled missional movement look like?
1) A Spirit-filled missional movement is established on the gospel of Jesus Christ and is marked by Christ himself (Acts 11:26).
and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
Acts 11:26
2) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by generosity (Acts 11:27-29).
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the reign of Claudius. Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11:27-30
3) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by diversity (Acts 13:1).
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 13:1
4) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by dependence on the Spirit (Acts 13:2).
As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 13:2
5) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by multiplication (Acts 13:3).
Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
Acts 13:3
We want to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, gospel community, living on mission in our homes, community, and world.
_____________________________________________________________________
Title: The Kingdom of God
Text: Acts 1:1-5; Luke 17:20-35
Campus: Rivermont
The Lord's Prayer:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Acts 1:1-5 (CSB)
The kingdom of God was never simply about recruiting more people into heaven - it was about the commencement of drawing a broken people into a genuine renewal with God, ourselves and the rest of the creation. The Christian story has always been about the renewal of all things.
Click here to see slide
The Kingdom of God that has already been commenced by Jesus, but it has yet to be consummated as “all things new”.
_____________
Commenced not consummated.
The in-breaking kingdom, here on earth, was never promised to be a cure for our suffering before its consummation, but what it does promise is renewal in the midst of our suffering.
When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.
Luke 17:20-21 (CSB)
1. The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
The clustered and covenanted people of God are his primary plan for expressing the prayer “May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Then he told the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. They will say to you, ‘See there!’ or ‘See here!’ Don’t follow or run after them. For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day. But first it is necessary that he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Luke 17:22-25 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: People went on eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage until the day Noah boarded the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, a man on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, must not come down to get them. Likewise the man who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to make his life secure[j][k] will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
Luke 17:26-35 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counterintuitive.
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Acts 1:4-5 (CSB)
1 The in-breaking kingdom commenced with the person of Jesus.
2. The in-breaking kingdom meets you in the reality of your struggles, and is ushering you into the newness of life
3. The in-breaking kingdom is moving, subtly, but powerfully in the everyday lives of normal people. However, the consummation of this kingdom will come in cosmic power, plain and unconcealed for the world to see.
4. The in-breaking kingdom is counterintuitive.
5. The in-breaking kingdom of Jesus was extended through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is mobilizing His church to be a sign and foretaste of God’s future in the present.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Spirit-filled Gospel Culture
Text: Acts 11:19-21, 26b
Campus: College Hill
GCC exists to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out w/ the love of Christ.
The Church in Antioch began in the midst of adversity and anonymity, but it became ground zero for a Spirit-filled missional movement.
Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:19-21, (CSB)
The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
Acts 26b
What does a Spirit-filled missional movement look like?
1) A Spirit-filled missional movement is established on the gospel of Jesus Christ and is marked by Christ himself (Acts 11:26).
and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
Acts 11:26
2) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by generosity (Acts 11:27-29).
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the reign of Claudius. Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11:27-30
3) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by diversity (Acts 13:1).
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 13:1
4) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by dependence on the Spirit (Acts 13:2).
As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 13:2
5) A Spirit-filled missional movement is marked by multiplication (Acts 13:3).
Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
Acts 13:3
We want to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, gospel community, living on mission in our homes, community, and world.
_____________________________________________________________________
April 24th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Baptism Sunday
Text: 2 Chronicles 20:12b
Campus: Rivermont
What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.
Romans 6:1-14 (CSB)
“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
Romans 6:17-18 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24
“Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What is God’s heart for this church?
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12b
“So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking, receives; and he who keeps on seeking, finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”
Luke 11:9-13
Title: Baptism Sunday
Text: 2 Chronicles 20:12b
Campus: Rivermont
What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.
Romans 6:1-14 (CSB)
“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
Romans 6:17-18 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24
“Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What is God’s heart for this church?
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12b
“So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking, receives; and he who keeps on seeking, finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”
Luke 11:9-13
April 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Resurrection & Revival
Text: Luke 24:1-53, portions of Acts 1 & 2
Campus: Rivermont
Nobody believes in a bodily resurrection…until it happens.
What if Jesus really did rise from the dead?
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words.
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[b] So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles[c] from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they[d] were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having[e] with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:1-35
The direction of our desires determines our capacity for delight.
“Pay attention! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.”
Revelation 3:20
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.8 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:36-38
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:39-45
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:46-53
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:4-8
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer,[a] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used[a] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.
Acts 2:22-24
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear.
Acts 2:32-33
When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Acts 2:37
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt[a] generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.
Acts 2:38-41
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number[a] those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
The credibility of the message was evidenced by the integrity of their community.
A revived church that has encountered the resurrected Jesus becomes a courageous and compelling witness to a watching world.
The credibility of the message is determined by the integrity of the community.
The church is a community that demonstrates the gospel by our life together and love for one another, and declares the gospel in word and deed.
What if Jesus really did rise from the dead?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Matthew 28:1-10; Acts 2:22-24, 32
Campus: College Hill
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.
Matthew 28:1-8 (CSB)
Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Matthew 28:9-10
Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead.
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. For David says of him:
Acts 2:22-24
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. “
Acts 2:32
Who is Jesus Christ?
“Immanuel” - which means “God with us.”
Jesus is God in the flesh, saying “I love you…”
God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.
Acts 2:24
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. “
Acts 2:32
The resurrection validates everything Jesus did and said.
Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38
Two responses to the gospel:
Title: Resurrection & Revival
Text: Luke 24:1-53, portions of Acts 1 & 2
Campus: Rivermont
Nobody believes in a bodily resurrection…until it happens.
What if Jesus really did rise from the dead?
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words.
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[b] So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles[c] from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they[d] were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having[e] with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:1-35
The direction of our desires determines our capacity for delight.
“Pay attention! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.”
Revelation 3:20
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.8 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:36-38
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:39-45
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:46-53
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:4-8
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer,[a] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used[a] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.
Acts 2:22-24
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear.
Acts 2:32-33
When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Acts 2:37
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt[a] generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.
Acts 2:38-41
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number[a] those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
The credibility of the message was evidenced by the integrity of their community.
A revived church that has encountered the resurrected Jesus becomes a courageous and compelling witness to a watching world.
The credibility of the message is determined by the integrity of the community.
The church is a community that demonstrates the gospel by our life together and love for one another, and declares the gospel in word and deed.
What if Jesus really did rise from the dead?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Matthew 28:1-10; Acts 2:22-24, 32
Campus: College Hill
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.
Matthew 28:1-8 (CSB)
Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Matthew 28:9-10
Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead.
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. For David says of him:
Acts 2:22-24
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. “
Acts 2:32
Who is Jesus Christ?
“Immanuel” - which means “God with us.”
Jesus is God in the flesh, saying “I love you…”
God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.
Acts 2:24
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. “
Acts 2:32
The resurrection validates everything Jesus did and said.
Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38
Two responses to the gospel:
- some mocked (Acts 2:13)
- but others accepted the message (Acts 2:41)
April 10th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Restoring Joy: Renewal (week 6)
Text: Joel 3:1-21
Campus: Rivermont
When God brings restoration and revival to his people, it spills out into the world around us, bringing justice and renewal to the culture.
Our Prayer: That God would bring healing to our hearts, revival to our church, and a renewed vision for the future that brings gospel-renewal to the culture.
“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and take them to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will enter into judgment with them there because of my people, my inheritance Israel. The nations have scattered the Israelites in foreign countries and divided up my land.
Joel 3:1-2
They cast lots for my people; they bartered a boy for a prostitute and sold a girl for wine to drink.”
Joel 3:3
the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David.
2 Chronicles 17:3
Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah and they gathered to seek the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the Lord’s temple before the new courtyard. He said:
“Lord, God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven, and do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you. Are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and who gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in the land and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name and have said, “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before you, for your name is in this temple. We will cry out to you because of our distress, and you will hear and deliver.”
Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you gave us as an inheritance.
2 Chronicles 20:5-11
Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
All Judah was standing before the Lord with their dependents, their wives, and their children. In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’”
Then Jehoshaphat knelt low with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord to worship him. Then the Levites from the sons of the Kohathites and the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel shouting loudly
In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of his holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his faithful love endures forever.”
The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.
2 Chronicles 20:11-23
Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 20:30
However the high places were not all taken away; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their ancestors.
2 Chronicles 20:33
Let the nations be roused and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the surrounding nations.
Joel 3:12
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will cease their shining.
The Lord will roar from Zion and make his voice heard from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the Israelites.
Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, and foreigners will never overrun it again.
In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will flow with water, and a spring will issue from the Lord’s house, watering the Valley of Acacias.
Egypt will become desolate, and Edom a desert wasteland,
because of the violence done to the people of Judah in whose land they shed innocent blood.
But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned,
for the Lord dwells in Zion.”
Joel 3:14-21
When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”
So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
"Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:1-11
One day, the whole world will be the way it is when Jesus enters broken spaces.
When Jesus brings restoration and revival to his people, it spills out into the world around us, bringing justice and renewal to the culture.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Restoring Joy: Renewal (week 6)
Text: Joel 3:1-21
Campus: College Hill
Joy restored is connected to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Joy restored is anchored in an ultimate future - a future where there is true justice and abundant blessing.
“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
I will gather all the nations and take them to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will enter into judgment with them there because of my people, my inheritance Israel. The nations have scattered the Israelites in foreign countries and divided up my land.
They cast lots for my people; they bartered a boy for a prostitute and sold a girl for wine to drink.”
Joel 3:1-3 (CSB)
God doesn’t promise that everything will be back to normal, but he promises that justice and full restoration is possible and it is coming.
Let the nations be roused and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the surrounding nations.
Swing the sickle because the harvest is ripe. Come and trample the grapes because the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because the wickedness of the nations is extreme.
Joel 3:12-13
“The Lord will roar from Zion and make his voice heard from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the Israelites.
Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, and foreigners will never overrun it again.
In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will flow with water, and a spring will issue from the Lord’s house, watering the Valley of Acacias.
Egypt will become desolate, and Edom a desert wasteland,
because of the violence done to the people of Judah in whose land they shed innocent blood.
But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned,
for the Lord dwells in Zion.”
Joel 3:16-21
Those who take refuge in the Lord:
“The closing promise that Yahweh would dwell in Zion gives final vindication to the people of Jerusalem. After all of their sufferings of locusts, drought, and warfare, the vow that God would dwell eternally among them is the reassurance that they were not abandoned. In God they had an eternal home because God dwells among them.” ~Duane A. Garrett
Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. And the one who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a command to say everything I have said. I know that his command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”
John 12:44-50 (CSB)
Jesus took the punishment for our sins, our judgement, upon himself.
Enduring joy is anchored in an ultimate future - a future where there is true justice and abundant blessing.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Restoring Joy: Renewal (week 6)
Text: Joel 3:1-21
Campus: Rivermont
When God brings restoration and revival to his people, it spills out into the world around us, bringing justice and renewal to the culture.
Our Prayer: That God would bring healing to our hearts, revival to our church, and a renewed vision for the future that brings gospel-renewal to the culture.
“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and take them to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will enter into judgment with them there because of my people, my inheritance Israel. The nations have scattered the Israelites in foreign countries and divided up my land.
Joel 3:1-2
They cast lots for my people; they bartered a boy for a prostitute and sold a girl for wine to drink.”
Joel 3:3
the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David.
2 Chronicles 17:3
Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah and they gathered to seek the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the Lord’s temple before the new courtyard. He said:
“Lord, God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven, and do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you. Are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and who gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in the land and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name and have said, “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before you, for your name is in this temple. We will cry out to you because of our distress, and you will hear and deliver.”
Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you gave us as an inheritance.
2 Chronicles 20:5-11
Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
All Judah was standing before the Lord with their dependents, their wives, and their children. In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’”
Then Jehoshaphat knelt low with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord to worship him. Then the Levites from the sons of the Kohathites and the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel shouting loudly
In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of his holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his faithful love endures forever.”
The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.
2 Chronicles 20:11-23
Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 20:30
However the high places were not all taken away; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their ancestors.
2 Chronicles 20:33
Let the nations be roused and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the surrounding nations.
Joel 3:12
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will cease their shining.
The Lord will roar from Zion and make his voice heard from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the Israelites.
Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, and foreigners will never overrun it again.
In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will flow with water, and a spring will issue from the Lord’s house, watering the Valley of Acacias.
Egypt will become desolate, and Edom a desert wasteland,
because of the violence done to the people of Judah in whose land they shed innocent blood.
But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned,
for the Lord dwells in Zion.”
Joel 3:14-21
When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”
So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.
They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
"Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark 11:1-11
One day, the whole world will be the way it is when Jesus enters broken spaces.
When Jesus brings restoration and revival to his people, it spills out into the world around us, bringing justice and renewal to the culture.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Restoring Joy: Renewal (week 6)
Text: Joel 3:1-21
Campus: College Hill
Joy restored is connected to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Joy restored is anchored in an ultimate future - a future where there is true justice and abundant blessing.
“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
I will gather all the nations and take them to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will enter into judgment with them there because of my people, my inheritance Israel. The nations have scattered the Israelites in foreign countries and divided up my land.
They cast lots for my people; they bartered a boy for a prostitute and sold a girl for wine to drink.”
Joel 3:1-3 (CSB)
God doesn’t promise that everything will be back to normal, but he promises that justice and full restoration is possible and it is coming.
Let the nations be roused and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the surrounding nations.
Swing the sickle because the harvest is ripe. Come and trample the grapes because the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because the wickedness of the nations is extreme.
Joel 3:12-13
“The Lord will roar from Zion and make his voice heard from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the Israelites.
Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, and foreigners will never overrun it again.
In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will flow with water, and a spring will issue from the Lord’s house, watering the Valley of Acacias.
Egypt will become desolate, and Edom a desert wasteland,
because of the violence done to the people of Judah in whose land they shed innocent blood.
But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
I will pardon their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned,
for the Lord dwells in Zion.”
Joel 3:16-21
Those who take refuge in the Lord:
- will live in the presence of God (v. 17)
- are safe and secure (v. 17)
- will experience abundance (v. 18)
- are assured that evil will be definitively punished (v. 19)
“The closing promise that Yahweh would dwell in Zion gives final vindication to the people of Jerusalem. After all of their sufferings of locusts, drought, and warfare, the vow that God would dwell eternally among them is the reassurance that they were not abandoned. In God they had an eternal home because God dwells among them.” ~Duane A. Garrett
Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. And the one who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a command to say everything I have said. I know that his command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”
John 12:44-50 (CSB)
Jesus took the punishment for our sins, our judgement, upon himself.
Enduring joy is anchored in an ultimate future - a future where there is true justice and abundant blessing.
______________________________________________________________________
April 3rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy Revealed: Revival (week 5)
Text: Joel 2:28-32
Campus: Rivermont
FAITH
I want to write about faith, [sometimes easier to just talk about it]
about the way the moon rises
over cold snow, night after night,
faithful even as it fades from fullness,
slowly becoming that last curving and impossible
sliver of light before the final darkness. [cont. On, however small, even as the light of faith seems to dim as the nights go on]
But I have no faith myself, [at least it seems to me now]
I refuse it the smallest entry. [mind, too clouded by doubts, no room for anything esle]
Let this then, my small poem,
like a new moon, slender and barely open,
be the first prayer that opens me to faith.
‘FAITH’
From River Flow
New and Selected Poems
©David Whyte and Many Rivers Press
“Lord, increase our faith.”
Luke 17:5
After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions.
I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.
I will display wonders in the heavens and on the earth: blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for there will be an escape for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, as the Lord promised, among the survivors the Lord calls.
Joel 2:28-32
“Indeed, human joy has dried up.”
Joel 1:12
“Return to the Lord your God with your whole heart.”
Joel 2:12
“You will know that I am present…and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other.”
Joel 2:27
After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions.
I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.
Joel 2:28-29
YHWH
Hebrew word for “Spirit” is ruach, which means breath or wind.
The personal presence of God, the person we call Holy Spirit, is his presence manifested, made known, actively bringing the Kingdom of God to bear in and around us.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning. On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
Acts 2:14-16
And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy.
I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:17-21
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used[e] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.”
Acts 2:22-24
One day, the whole world will be the way it is when Jesus enters broken spaces.
Salvation in the language of the Bible is healing and freedom in every dimension of life - relational, spiritual, emotional, psychological
The Spirit-empowered church is a community of impossibility.
"The working power of the Spirit was the distinguishing factor that identified Christians in the book of Acts."
~Ben Witherington III
A church experiencing revival becomes a demonstration community - the Spirit of God at work in and through us to bring healing and freedom in every domain of life, drawing people to Jesus.
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:
Acts 2:32-33
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!”
Acts 2:36-40
Jesus wants to signal Ultimate Restoration now by his presence and power now in and through the Body of Christ.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: James Hobson
Title: Joy Revealed (week 5)
Text: Joel 2:28-32
Campus: College Hill
After this
I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your old men will have dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
I will even pour out my Spirit
on the male and female slaves in those days.
I will display wonders
in the heavens and on the earth:
blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved,
for there will be an escape
for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
as the Lord promised,
among the survivors the Lord calls.
Joel 2:28-32
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Joy Revealed: Revival (week 5)
Text: Joel 2:28-32
Campus: Rivermont
FAITH
I want to write about faith, [sometimes easier to just talk about it]
about the way the moon rises
over cold snow, night after night,
faithful even as it fades from fullness,
slowly becoming that last curving and impossible
sliver of light before the final darkness. [cont. On, however small, even as the light of faith seems to dim as the nights go on]
But I have no faith myself, [at least it seems to me now]
I refuse it the smallest entry. [mind, too clouded by doubts, no room for anything esle]
Let this then, my small poem,
like a new moon, slender and barely open,
be the first prayer that opens me to faith.
‘FAITH’
From River Flow
New and Selected Poems
©David Whyte and Many Rivers Press
“Lord, increase our faith.”
Luke 17:5
After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions.
I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.
I will display wonders in the heavens and on the earth: blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for there will be an escape for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, as the Lord promised, among the survivors the Lord calls.
Joel 2:28-32
“Indeed, human joy has dried up.”
Joel 1:12
“Return to the Lord your God with your whole heart.”
Joel 2:12
“You will know that I am present…and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other.”
Joel 2:27
After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions.
I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.
Joel 2:28-29
YHWH
Hebrew word for “Spirit” is ruach, which means breath or wind.
The personal presence of God, the person we call Holy Spirit, is his presence manifested, made known, actively bringing the Kingdom of God to bear in and around us.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning. On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
Acts 2:14-16
And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy.
I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:17-21
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used[e] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.”
Acts 2:22-24
One day, the whole world will be the way it is when Jesus enters broken spaces.
Salvation in the language of the Bible is healing and freedom in every dimension of life - relational, spiritual, emotional, psychological
The Spirit-empowered church is a community of impossibility.
"The working power of the Spirit was the distinguishing factor that identified Christians in the book of Acts."
~Ben Witherington III
A church experiencing revival becomes a demonstration community - the Spirit of God at work in and through us to bring healing and freedom in every domain of life, drawing people to Jesus.
“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:
Acts 2:32-33
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!”
Acts 2:36-40
Jesus wants to signal Ultimate Restoration now by his presence and power now in and through the Body of Christ.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: James Hobson
Title: Joy Revealed (week 5)
Text: Joel 2:28-32
Campus: College Hill
After this
I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your old men will have dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
I will even pour out my Spirit
on the male and female slaves in those days.
I will display wonders
in the heavens and on the earth:
blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.
Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved,
for there will be an escape
for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
as the Lord promised,
among the survivors the Lord calls.
Joel 2:28-32
______________________________________________________________________
March 27th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy Revealed: The Path to Restored Joy (Week 4)
Text: Joel 2:26-27
Campus: Rivermont
Restoring Joy: We’re asking God to bring healing to our lives, revival to our church, and a renewed vision for the future.
Joel 1:1-2:11 // Reckon: Name the Problem
Indeed, human joy has dried up.
Joel 1:12
Every loss and transition is an opportunity to experience the presence of God.
Joel 2:12-17 // Repentance: The Practice
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home.
Revival tarries until God has our full attention.
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; in fact, it is near— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and total darkness, like the dawn spreading over the mountains; a great and strong people appears, such as never existed in ages past and never will again in all the generations to come.
A fire devours in front of them, and behind them a flame blazes. The land in front of them is like the garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland; there is no escape from them.
Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like war horses.
They bound on the tops of the mountains. Their sound is like the sound of chariots, like the sound of fiery flames consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for war. Nations writhe in horror before them; all faces turn pale.
They attack as warriors attack; they scale walls as men of war do. Each goes on his own path, and they do not change their course.
They do not push each other; each proceeds on his own path. They dodge the arrows, never stopping.
They storm the city; they run on the wall; they climb into the houses; they enter through the windows like thieves.
The earth quakes before them; the sky shakes. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars cease their shining.
The Lord makes his voice heard in the presence of his army. His camp is very large; those who carry out his command are powerful. Indeed, the day of the Lord is terrible and dreadful—who can endure it?
Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.
Joel 2:1-13
Adoration: being spontaneously caught up in the beauty of another; selfless
Our circumstances are on fire with the presence of God. And Worship, then, is awakening to the wonder of the proximity of God. Losing ourselves in the beauty of God.
Joel 2:18-25 // Restoration: God’s Promise
Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people.
The Lord answered his people: “Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them,
and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.
I will drive the northerner far from you and banish him to a dry and desolate land, his front ranks into the Dead Sea, and his rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea. His stench will rise; yes, his rotten smell will rise, for he has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, wild animals, for the wilderness pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before.
The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil.
I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—my great army that I sent against you.”
Joel 2:18-25
Seeking God with our whole heart is the only reasonable response to God’s passionate love for us.
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied. You will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.
My people will never again be put to shame. You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame.
Joel 2:26-27
Reconciliation: The Path to Restoration
There is no restoration without reconciliation.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
"Hearing God is one of the most astounding yet confusing things you will ever learn to do. (And it’s probably already happening more than you realize)."
~ Pete Greig, How To Hear God
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Title: Joy Revealed (Week 4)
Text: Joel 2:26-27
Campus: College Hill
I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—my great army that I sent against you.
You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied. You will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. My people will never again be put to shame.
You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame
Joel 2:25-27
“Joy has indeed one characteristic, and one only, in common with happiness and pleasure— the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again… All joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still “about to be.”
~ C.S. Lewis
Restoration: The act of returning something to a former owner, place or condition.
Our story didn’t start in Genesis three. It started in Genesis one when we were created in the image of God.
“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.”
~ Mother Teresa
You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other.
Joel 2:27
“Guilt is about the what; shame is about the who. Guilt says ‘what I did was bad.’ Shame says ‘I am bad.’ Guilt thinks to itself, ‘what I did was unloving and I need to make it right.’ Shame thinks ‘I am unlovable, and there’s no hope for me.’ Guilt is a gentle hint we need to repair something. It’s also a part of how we mature into people of love.”
~ John Mark Comer
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
Revelation 21:1-4
I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
Its gates will never close by day because it will never be night there.
They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:22-27
Two Practical Takeaways
1. God can heal your brokenness
2. Live in Community
Three Questions
1. Where is there lingering shame in your life that is pushing you from God and those
around you?
2. Have you accepted the freedom and forgiveness found in a God who longs to be WITH
you?
3. Who in your life do you need to remind that they are not alone?
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Joy Revealed: The Path to Restored Joy (Week 4)
Text: Joel 2:26-27
Campus: Rivermont
Restoring Joy: We’re asking God to bring healing to our lives, revival to our church, and a renewed vision for the future.
Joel 1:1-2:11 // Reckon: Name the Problem
Indeed, human joy has dried up.
Joel 1:12
Every loss and transition is an opportunity to experience the presence of God.
Joel 2:12-17 // Repentance: The Practice
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home.
Revival tarries until God has our full attention.
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; in fact, it is near— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and total darkness, like the dawn spreading over the mountains; a great and strong people appears, such as never existed in ages past and never will again in all the generations to come.
A fire devours in front of them, and behind them a flame blazes. The land in front of them is like the garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland; there is no escape from them.
Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like war horses.
They bound on the tops of the mountains. Their sound is like the sound of chariots, like the sound of fiery flames consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for war. Nations writhe in horror before them; all faces turn pale.
They attack as warriors attack; they scale walls as men of war do. Each goes on his own path, and they do not change their course.
They do not push each other; each proceeds on his own path. They dodge the arrows, never stopping.
They storm the city; they run on the wall; they climb into the houses; they enter through the windows like thieves.
The earth quakes before them; the sky shakes. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars cease their shining.
The Lord makes his voice heard in the presence of his army. His camp is very large; those who carry out his command are powerful. Indeed, the day of the Lord is terrible and dreadful—who can endure it?
Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.
Joel 2:1-13
Adoration: being spontaneously caught up in the beauty of another; selfless
Our circumstances are on fire with the presence of God. And Worship, then, is awakening to the wonder of the proximity of God. Losing ourselves in the beauty of God.
Joel 2:18-25 // Restoration: God’s Promise
Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people.
The Lord answered his people: “Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them,
and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.
I will drive the northerner far from you and banish him to a dry and desolate land, his front ranks into the Dead Sea, and his rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea. His stench will rise; yes, his rotten smell will rise, for he has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, wild animals, for the wilderness pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before.
The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil.
I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—my great army that I sent against you.”
Joel 2:18-25
Seeking God with our whole heart is the only reasonable response to God’s passionate love for us.
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied. You will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.
My people will never again be put to shame. You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame.
Joel 2:26-27
Reconciliation: The Path to Restoration
There is no restoration without reconciliation.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
"Hearing God is one of the most astounding yet confusing things you will ever learn to do. (And it’s probably already happening more than you realize)."
~ Pete Greig, How To Hear God
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zachary Foster
Title: Joy Revealed (Week 4)
Text: Joel 2:26-27
Campus: College Hill
I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—my great army that I sent against you.
You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied. You will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. My people will never again be put to shame.
You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame
Joel 2:25-27
“Joy has indeed one characteristic, and one only, in common with happiness and pleasure— the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again… All joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still “about to be.”
~ C.S. Lewis
Restoration: The act of returning something to a former owner, place or condition.
Our story didn’t start in Genesis three. It started in Genesis one when we were created in the image of God.
“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.”
~ Mother Teresa
You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other.
Joel 2:27
“Guilt is about the what; shame is about the who. Guilt says ‘what I did was bad.’ Shame says ‘I am bad.’ Guilt thinks to itself, ‘what I did was unloving and I need to make it right.’ Shame thinks ‘I am unlovable, and there’s no hope for me.’ Guilt is a gentle hint we need to repair something. It’s also a part of how we mature into people of love.”
~ John Mark Comer
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
Revelation 21:1-4
I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
Its gates will never close by day because it will never be night there.
They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:22-27
Two Practical Takeaways
1. God can heal your brokenness
2. Live in Community
Three Questions
1. Where is there lingering shame in your life that is pushing you from God and those
around you?
2. Have you accepted the freedom and forgiveness found in a God who longs to be WITH
you?
3. Who in your life do you need to remind that they are not alone?
______________________________________________________________________
March 20th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Restoring Joy: Renewed Vision (week 3)
Text: Joel 2:18-25
Campus: Rivermont
Restoring Joy: We’re asking God to bring healing to our lives, revival to our church, and a renewed vision for the future.
indeed, human joy has dried up (Joel 1:12b)
Every loss and transition is an opportunity to experience the presence of God.
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home
Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the infants, even babies nursing at the breast. Let the groom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.
Joel 2:16
Revival tarries until God has our full attention.
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people. The Lord answered his people:
“Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them, and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.
I will drive the northerner far from you and banish him to a dry and desolate land, his front ranks into the Dead Sea, and his rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea. His stench will rise; yes, his rotten smell will rise, for he has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, wild animals, for the wilderness pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before.
The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil.”
Joel 2:18-24
I will restore the years the swarming locusts ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust - my great army that I sent against you.
Joel 2:25
Return to me with your whole heart…return to the Lord your God (Joel 2:12-13).
Seeking God with our whole heart is the only reasonable response to God’s passionate love for us.
The Kingdom of God flourishes even in exile and when nothing else does.
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
Mark 10:28
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29-30
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Taking Ownership:
Sermon Notes:Austin Whiteheart
Title: Joy Restored (week 3)
Text: Joel 2:18-25
Campus: College Hill
Joel leads God’s people through a journey of reckoning with loss and into repentance, restoration, revival and renewal.
Their sense of normal was disrupted, their worship was disrupted (1:9), and we are told that the people’s joy had dried up (1:12).
the grain is destroyed; the new wine is dried up; and the fresh oil fails (Joel 1:10)
Repentance is the consistent practice of recognizing where our hearts are not aligned with God, seeking His forgiveness and resting in the grace of Jesus, and making a commitment to change.
Tear your hearts, and not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.
Joel 2:13
God meets our surrender with restoration in Christ, and He gives us more than we could have ever imagined.
Then the Lord became jealous for His land and spared His people.
Joel 2:18
Jealous = zeal, passion, desire, devotion, committed pursuit
God remembers His deep love and desire for His people, and He remembers His promises with them.
The Lord answered his people: Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them, and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.
Joel 2:19
God makes a promise to His people to restore that which was lost.
Today as the people of God, Jesus promises to satisfy our need, renew our worship, and restore our joy.
I will drive the northerner far from you and banish him to a dry and desolate land, his front ranks into the Dead Sea, and his rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea. His stench will rise; yes, his rotten smell will rise, for he has done astonishing things.
Joel 2:20
The people did not just need their physical needs met through grain and food, they needed their spiritual need for God’s forgiveness to be satisfied.
Don’t be afraid, land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done astonishing things. Don’t be afraid, wild animals, for the wilderness pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before.
Joel; 2:21-23
God doesn’t stop at simply restoring what was lost; He exceeds their expectations and goes above and beyond to give them an abundance!
The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust— my great army that I sent against you.
Joel 2:24-25
This is the goodness of God, that He would come to us Himself as Jesus to save us from our own sin and the judgment we deserved through His death and resurrection, that He would meet our need for forgiveness, renew our worship in Him as Lord, and restore our joy to it’s maximum fullness by bringing us into a relationship with Him and creating a new people of God, a new family in Christ: the church.
Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.”
Mark 10:29-30
This is what we are promised: We aren’t only given forgiveness from our sins, we are also given a family!
Through Jesus’ and His gift of being a new family under Him, we are satisfied, we worship together, and our joy overflows as Jesus fills us and we live life with one another.
_____________________________________________________
Title: Restoring Joy: Renewed Vision (week 3)
Text: Joel 2:18-25
Campus: Rivermont
Restoring Joy: We’re asking God to bring healing to our lives, revival to our church, and a renewed vision for the future.
indeed, human joy has dried up (Joel 1:12b)
Every loss and transition is an opportunity to experience the presence of God.
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home
Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the infants, even babies nursing at the breast. Let the groom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber.
Joel 2:16
Revival tarries until God has our full attention.
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people. The Lord answered his people:
“Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them, and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.
I will drive the northerner far from you and banish him to a dry and desolate land, his front ranks into the Dead Sea, and his rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea. His stench will rise; yes, his rotten smell will rise, for he has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done astonishing things.
Don’t be afraid, wild animals, for the wilderness pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before.
The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil.”
Joel 2:18-24
I will restore the years the swarming locusts ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust - my great army that I sent against you.
Joel 2:25
Return to me with your whole heart…return to the Lord your God (Joel 2:12-13).
Seeking God with our whole heart is the only reasonable response to God’s passionate love for us.
The Kingdom of God flourishes even in exile and when nothing else does.
Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”
Mark 10:28
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father[a] or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29-30
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Taking Ownership:
- Become a member. 01:DISCOVER + 02:BELONG.
- Practice the 4 G’s in community.
- Join us in seeking God for restored joy and renewed vision via the feedback form, prayer guide/journal/card/board.
Sermon Notes:Austin Whiteheart
Title: Joy Restored (week 3)
Text: Joel 2:18-25
Campus: College Hill
Joel leads God’s people through a journey of reckoning with loss and into repentance, restoration, revival and renewal.
Their sense of normal was disrupted, their worship was disrupted (1:9), and we are told that the people’s joy had dried up (1:12).
the grain is destroyed; the new wine is dried up; and the fresh oil fails (Joel 1:10)
Repentance is the consistent practice of recognizing where our hearts are not aligned with God, seeking His forgiveness and resting in the grace of Jesus, and making a commitment to change.
Tear your hearts, and not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.
Joel 2:13
God meets our surrender with restoration in Christ, and He gives us more than we could have ever imagined.
Then the Lord became jealous for His land and spared His people.
Joel 2:18
Jealous = zeal, passion, desire, devotion, committed pursuit
God remembers His deep love and desire for His people, and He remembers His promises with them.
The Lord answered his people: Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them, and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.
Joel 2:19
God makes a promise to His people to restore that which was lost.
Today as the people of God, Jesus promises to satisfy our need, renew our worship, and restore our joy.
I will drive the northerner far from you and banish him to a dry and desolate land, his front ranks into the Dead Sea, and his rear guard into the Mediterranean Sea. His stench will rise; yes, his rotten smell will rise, for he has done astonishing things.
Joel 2:20
The people did not just need their physical needs met through grain and food, they needed their spiritual need for God’s forgiveness to be satisfied.
Don’t be afraid, land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done astonishing things. Don’t be afraid, wild animals, for the wilderness pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and grapevine yield their riches.
Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication. He sends showers for you, both autumn and spring rain as before.
Joel; 2:21-23
God doesn’t stop at simply restoring what was lost; He exceeds their expectations and goes above and beyond to give them an abundance!
The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust— my great army that I sent against you.
Joel 2:24-25
This is the goodness of God, that He would come to us Himself as Jesus to save us from our own sin and the judgment we deserved through His death and resurrection, that He would meet our need for forgiveness, renew our worship in Him as Lord, and restore our joy to it’s maximum fullness by bringing us into a relationship with Him and creating a new people of God, a new family in Christ: the church.
Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time —houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions —and eternal life in the age to come.”
Mark 10:29-30
This is what we are promised: We aren’t only given forgiveness from our sins, we are also given a family!
Through Jesus’ and His gift of being a new family under Him, we are satisfied, we worship together, and our joy overflows as Jesus fills us and we live life with one another.
_____________________________________________________
March 13th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy Restored: Repent (week 2)
Text: Joel 2:12-17
Campus: Rivermont
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
JOEL 2:12-17
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home.
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
JOEL 2:13b
Adoration: being spontaneously caught up in the beauty of another; selfless
Our circumstances are on fire with the presence of God. And Worship, then, is awakening to the wonder of the proximity of God.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments.
JOEL 2:12-13a
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home.
Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
JOEL 2:16
Revival tarries until God has our full attention
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar.
Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
JOEL 2:17
Intercession: praying on behalf of someone else.
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Restored: Repentance (week 2)
Text: Joel 2:12-17
Campus: College Hill
Joel leads God’s people through a journey of reckoning with loss and into repentance, reconciliation, revival and renewal.
Review - Joel 1
1) everyone’s sense of “normal” and sense of security had been disrupted.
2) worship had been disrupted (1:9, 13b).
3) joy had dried up (1:12).
Joel invites the people to grieve and to mourn their loss, and to cry out to God through prayer and fasting.
Repentance is a necessary step on our journey of recovering joy.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Joel 2:12-17 (CSB)
There is no shortage of grace with God.
God desires to renew our lives and restore our joy (v. 12).
Restoration always begins with our hearts (v. 12).
Repentance is about yielding our hearts and lives to God (vv. 12-13).
Repentance is an individual and corporate practice (vv. 15-17)
Repentance is a necessary step on our journey of recovering joy.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-9 (CSB)
God is just, but his justice is never absent of grace.
What could joy restored look like in my life and in the life of our church?
We cannot bypass repentance on our way to restoration.
“He has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Personal repentance – Justice:
Have I loved my neighbors as I love myself?
Has my heart been broken for the needs of others or has it been insulated and cold?
Have I been self-absorbed, indifferent, or inattentive toward God or others?
Personal repentance - Faithfulness (kindness):
Have I spoken, thought or acted unkindly toward anyone?
Have I been impatient and irritable?
Have I avoided people or tasks that I know I should face?
Have I been attentive and obedient to God’s voice?
Personal repentance - Humility:
Have I looked down on anyone or considered myself more significant?
Have I worked hard to keep up a good image of myself?
Am I living for God’s glory and the good of others or am I being driven by fears, approval, love of comfort, need for control, hunger for attention and power, or the fear of man?
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Joy Restored: Repent (week 2)
Text: Joel 2:12-17
Campus: Rivermont
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
JOEL 2:12-17
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home.
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
JOEL 2:13b
Adoration: being spontaneously caught up in the beauty of another; selfless
Our circumstances are on fire with the presence of God. And Worship, then, is awakening to the wonder of the proximity of God.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments.
JOEL 2:12-13a
Repentance: Returning to God with all of my heart; coming home.
Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
JOEL 2:16
Revival tarries until God has our full attention
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar.
Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
JOEL 2:17
Intercession: praying on behalf of someone else.
What could restored joy look like in my life and in our church?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Restored: Repentance (week 2)
Text: Joel 2:12-17
Campus: College Hill
Joel leads God’s people through a journey of reckoning with loss and into repentance, reconciliation, revival and renewal.
Review - Joel 1
1) everyone’s sense of “normal” and sense of security had been disrupted.
2) worship had been disrupted (1:9, 13b).
3) joy had dried up (1:12).
Joel invites the people to grieve and to mourn their loss, and to cry out to God through prayer and fasting.
Repentance is a necessary step on our journey of recovering joy.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Joel 2:12-17 (CSB)
There is no shortage of grace with God.
God desires to renew our lives and restore our joy (v. 12).
Restoration always begins with our hearts (v. 12).
Repentance is about yielding our hearts and lives to God (vv. 12-13).
Repentance is an individual and corporate practice (vv. 15-17)
Repentance is a necessary step on our journey of recovering joy.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-9 (CSB)
God is just, but his justice is never absent of grace.
What could joy restored look like in my life and in the life of our church?
We cannot bypass repentance on our way to restoration.
“He has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Personal repentance – Justice:
Have I loved my neighbors as I love myself?
Has my heart been broken for the needs of others or has it been insulated and cold?
Have I been self-absorbed, indifferent, or inattentive toward God or others?
Personal repentance - Faithfulness (kindness):
Have I spoken, thought or acted unkindly toward anyone?
Have I been impatient and irritable?
Have I avoided people or tasks that I know I should face?
Have I been attentive and obedient to God’s voice?
Personal repentance - Humility:
Have I looked down on anyone or considered myself more significant?
Have I worked hard to keep up a good image of myself?
Am I living for God’s glory and the good of others or am I being driven by fears, approval, love of comfort, need for control, hunger for attention and power, or the fear of man?
______________________________________________________________________
March 6th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy Restored: Human Joy Has Dried Up (week 1)
Text: Joel 1:1-2:11
Campus: Rivermont
The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel:
“Hear this, you elders;
listen, all you inhabitants of the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your ancestors?
Tell your children about it,
and let your children tell their children,
and their children the next generation.
What the devouring locust has left,
the swarming locust has eaten;
what the swarming locust has left,
the young locust has eaten;
and what the young locust has left,
the destroying locust has eaten.”
Joel 1:1-4
“Wake up and weep. You drunkards and wine drinkers, wail because the sweet wine has been taken from your mouth.”
Joel 1:5
What will it take for us to wake up to what God is doing?
“For a nation has invaded my land,
powerful and without number;
its teeth are the teeth of a lion,
and it has the fangs of a lioness.
It has devastated my grapevine
and splintered my fig tree.
It has stripped off its bark and thrown it away;
its branches have turned white.
Grieve like a young woman dressed in sackcloth,
mourning for the husband of her youth.
Grain and drink offerings have been cut off
from the house of the Lord;
the priests, who are ministers of the Lord, mourn.
The fields are destroyed;
the land grieves;
indeed, the grain is destroyed;
the new wine is dried up;
and the fresh oil fails.
Be ashamed, you farmers,
wail, you vinedressers,
over the wheat and the barley,
because the harvest of the field has perished.”
Joel 1:6-11
How is God coming to me in my losses?
Every loss and transition is an opportunity to experience the presence of God.
“The grapevine is dried up,
and the fig tree is withered;
the pomegranate, the date palm, and the apple—
all the trees of the orchard—have withered.
Indeed, human joy has dried up.”
Joel 1:12
“Dress in sackcloth and lament, you priests;
wail, you ministers of the altar.
Come and spend the night in sackcloth,
you ministers of my God,
because grain and drink offerings
are withheld from the house of your God.
Announce a sacred fast;
proclaim a solemn assembly!
Gather the elders
and all the residents of the land
at the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.”
Joel 1:13-14
Four Basic Human Desires/Needs: To Be-
Woe because of that day!
For the day of the Lord is near
and will come as devastation from the Almighty.
Hasn’t the food been cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?
The seeds lie shriveled in their casings.
The storehouses are in ruin,
and the granaries are broken down,
because the grain has withered away.
How the animals groan!
The herds of cattle wander in confusion
since they have no pasture.
Even the flocks of sheep and goats suffer punishment.
I call to you, Lord,
for fire has consumed
the pastures of the wilderness,
and flames have devoured
all the trees of the orchard.
Joel 1:15-19
“the day of the Lord”
past events when God saved his people and confronted evil.
future time when God will finally defeat evil and heal the world.
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the residents of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming;
in fact, it is near—
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and total darkness,
like the dawn spreading over the mountains;
a great and strong people appears,
such as never existed in ages past
and never will again
in all the generations to come.
Joel 2:1-3
At just the right time, Christ died for undeserving people. He died for us when we had no power of our own. It is unusual for anyone to die even for a good person. Maybe someone would be willing to die for a good person. But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we still prefered sin instead of him, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Christ can be trusted to hold our pain, because he bore our sin.
What could joy restored look like in my life and in our church?
→ Meditate on Scripture.
→ Get quiet and still before God in prayer.
→ Listen for God in prayer with our heart, soul, mind, and strength:
→ Where there is oneness of heart and soul among individuals, then there may be a word from God for the church.
What losses do I need to name before God in prayer? Where has joy dried up in my heart? And how might God want to restore that joy?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Restored (week 1)
Text: Joel 1
Campus: College Hill
What could joy restored look like in my life and in the life of our church?
Lent invites us to pay attention to our idol’s - the things that consume our lives and the objects of our love.
Joel leads God’s people through a journey of reckoning with loss and into repentance, reconciliation, revival and renewal.
God shows his people how disruptions in their lives can help to reorient and realign them with himself.
The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel:
"Hear this, you elders;
listen, all you inhabitants of the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your ancestors?
Tell your children about it,
and let your children tell their children,
and their children the next generation.
What the devouring locust has left,
the swarming locust has eaten;
what the swarming locust has left,
the young locust has eaten;
and what the young locust has left,
the destroying locust has eaten."
Joel 1:1-4 (CSB)
What has been the effect of all this loss?
1) everyone’s sense of normal, and sense of security, has been disrupted.
2) worship has been disrupted (vv. 9, 13b)
3) joy has dried up (vv. 12, 16b)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
1) Pay attention to what has been lost; name the loss (v. 1ff)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
2) Grieve (v. 8)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
3) Lament (v. 13)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
4) Fast and pray (v. 14)
Fasting deepens our hunger for God, prayer deepens our dependence on God;
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Joy Restored: Human Joy Has Dried Up (week 1)
Text: Joel 1:1-2:11
Campus: Rivermont
The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel:
“Hear this, you elders;
listen, all you inhabitants of the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your ancestors?
Tell your children about it,
and let your children tell their children,
and their children the next generation.
What the devouring locust has left,
the swarming locust has eaten;
what the swarming locust has left,
the young locust has eaten;
and what the young locust has left,
the destroying locust has eaten.”
Joel 1:1-4
“Wake up and weep. You drunkards and wine drinkers, wail because the sweet wine has been taken from your mouth.”
Joel 1:5
What will it take for us to wake up to what God is doing?
“For a nation has invaded my land,
powerful and without number;
its teeth are the teeth of a lion,
and it has the fangs of a lioness.
It has devastated my grapevine
and splintered my fig tree.
It has stripped off its bark and thrown it away;
its branches have turned white.
Grieve like a young woman dressed in sackcloth,
mourning for the husband of her youth.
Grain and drink offerings have been cut off
from the house of the Lord;
the priests, who are ministers of the Lord, mourn.
The fields are destroyed;
the land grieves;
indeed, the grain is destroyed;
the new wine is dried up;
and the fresh oil fails.
Be ashamed, you farmers,
wail, you vinedressers,
over the wheat and the barley,
because the harvest of the field has perished.”
Joel 1:6-11
How is God coming to me in my losses?
Every loss and transition is an opportunity to experience the presence of God.
“The grapevine is dried up,
and the fig tree is withered;
the pomegranate, the date palm, and the apple—
all the trees of the orchard—have withered.
Indeed, human joy has dried up.”
Joel 1:12
“Dress in sackcloth and lament, you priests;
wail, you ministers of the altar.
Come and spend the night in sackcloth,
you ministers of my God,
because grain and drink offerings
are withheld from the house of your God.
Announce a sacred fast;
proclaim a solemn assembly!
Gather the elders
and all the residents of the land
at the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.”
Joel 1:13-14
Four Basic Human Desires/Needs: To Be-
- Safe - absence of threat.
- Seen - understood, valued, & a compassionate witness
- Soothed - When in pain, to be comforted.
- Secure - if things do go wrong, there’s enough/extra/someone will come.
Woe because of that day!
For the day of the Lord is near
and will come as devastation from the Almighty.
Hasn’t the food been cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?
The seeds lie shriveled in their casings.
The storehouses are in ruin,
and the granaries are broken down,
because the grain has withered away.
How the animals groan!
The herds of cattle wander in confusion
since they have no pasture.
Even the flocks of sheep and goats suffer punishment.
I call to you, Lord,
for fire has consumed
the pastures of the wilderness,
and flames have devoured
all the trees of the orchard.
Joel 1:15-19
“the day of the Lord”
past events when God saved his people and confronted evil.
future time when God will finally defeat evil and heal the world.
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the residents of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming;
in fact, it is near—
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and total darkness,
like the dawn spreading over the mountains;
a great and strong people appears,
such as never existed in ages past
and never will again
in all the generations to come.
Joel 2:1-3
At just the right time, Christ died for undeserving people. He died for us when we had no power of our own. It is unusual for anyone to die even for a good person. Maybe someone would be willing to die for a good person. But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we still prefered sin instead of him, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Christ can be trusted to hold our pain, because he bore our sin.
What could joy restored look like in my life and in our church?
→ Meditate on Scripture.
→ Get quiet and still before God in prayer.
→ Listen for God in prayer with our heart, soul, mind, and strength:
- Strength = body. Pay attention to what is happening in my body right now.
- Mind = thoughts. Capture the thoughts that come to mind.
- Heart = feelings. Name the feelings I’m experiencing right now.
- Soul = What Scriptures come to mind?
→ Where there is oneness of heart and soul among individuals, then there may be a word from God for the church.
What losses do I need to name before God in prayer? Where has joy dried up in my heart? And how might God want to restore that joy?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Restored (week 1)
Text: Joel 1
Campus: College Hill
What could joy restored look like in my life and in the life of our church?
Lent invites us to pay attention to our idol’s - the things that consume our lives and the objects of our love.
Joel leads God’s people through a journey of reckoning with loss and into repentance, reconciliation, revival and renewal.
God shows his people how disruptions in their lives can help to reorient and realign them with himself.
The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel:
"Hear this, you elders;
listen, all you inhabitants of the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your ancestors?
Tell your children about it,
and let your children tell their children,
and their children the next generation.
What the devouring locust has left,
the swarming locust has eaten;
what the swarming locust has left,
the young locust has eaten;
and what the young locust has left,
the destroying locust has eaten."
Joel 1:1-4 (CSB)
What has been the effect of all this loss?
1) everyone’s sense of normal, and sense of security, has been disrupted.
2) worship has been disrupted (vv. 9, 13b)
3) joy has dried up (vv. 12, 16b)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
1) Pay attention to what has been lost; name the loss (v. 1ff)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
2) Grieve (v. 8)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
3) Lament (v. 13)
How do we position ourselves for healing and for restoration of joy?
4) Fast and pray (v. 14)
Fasting deepens our hunger for God, prayer deepens our dependence on God;
______________________________________________________________________
February 27th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy Revealed: Jesus, The Source of Joy
Text: John 15:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:1-11
It’s impossible to follow Jesus and be in a hurry.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
John 15:1
“Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.
John 15:2
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
John 15:3-10
Where is my sense of joy?
To what sources of life and joy am I turning?
What would it look like for me to come home, and abide in Jesus?
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
John 15:9-10
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Revealed (week 4)
Text: John 15:1-11
Campus: College Hill
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:1-11
How are we sustained and how is our joy cultivated, in the midst of hardship and pain?
Ch. 13 - by loving and serving each other.
Ch. 14 - eternal perspective, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Ch. 15 - abiding in Jesus (staying, continuing with Jesus).
God’s word (v. 7) and God’s love (vv. 9-10) sustains us and leads us to abundance.
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Title: Joy Revealed: Jesus, The Source of Joy
Text: John 15:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:1-11
It’s impossible to follow Jesus and be in a hurry.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
John 15:1
“Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.
John 15:2
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
John 15:3-10
Where is my sense of joy?
To what sources of life and joy am I turning?
What would it look like for me to come home, and abide in Jesus?
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
John 15:9-10
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Revealed (week 4)
Text: John 15:1-11
Campus: College Hill
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:1-11
How are we sustained and how is our joy cultivated, in the midst of hardship and pain?
Ch. 13 - by loving and serving each other.
Ch. 14 - eternal perspective, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Ch. 15 - abiding in Jesus (staying, continuing with Jesus).
God’s word (v. 7) and God’s love (vv. 9-10) sustains us and leads us to abundance.
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February 20th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy Revealed: Jesus, Our Joy in Shame
Text: John 21:1-14
Campus: Rivermont
The gospel is so beautiful, so true - that it will speak to our deepest desires, our greatest pain, and open wide our capacity for joy.
“This is the great epiphany: Christ enlightens everything and everyone, draws our fragmented and shadowed lives into an experienced wholeness.”
~Eugene Peterson
After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way:
Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.
“I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.
“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. “Friends,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”
“No,” they answered.
“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:1-6
As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word, he was standing by Lake Gennesaret. He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
“Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.”
When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets[c] began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”
Luke 5:1-8
“Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 1Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.
Luke 5:10b-11
Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written:
I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
“Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing.
Matthew 26:31-35
Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”
“I am not,” he said. Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not.”
One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”
John 18:15-18, 25-26
Peter ran outside and wept bitterly
Luke 22:62
The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
John 21:7a
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish.
John 21:7b-8
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
John 21:9-12
The Gospel of Jesus Christ becomes the Good News that in delight and in doubt, in strength and in weakness, in sickness and in health, even when our hearts grow cold and can’t hold on to Christ any longer, God in Christ will hold on to us. In his goodness and mercy he’s chasing us down with all the love that our hearts can stand.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Revealed: Joy and Shame
Text: John 8
Campus: College Hill
“This is the great epiphany: Christ enlightens everything and everyone, draws our fragmented and shadowed lives into an experienced wholeness.”
~Eugene Peterson
Do you remember the last time you felt ashamed? How did it affect your joy?
In order for us to be healed from our shame, and be uninhibited in our joy, we don’t just have to heal emotionally from our childhood wounds, we have to heal spiritually.
At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, Lord, she answered.
“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
John 8:2-11 (CSB)
Can we trust this story?
We can trust this story because:
Head knowledge without heart transformation produces legalism.
“Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
John 8:4-5
What are you afraid that others will know about you that could lead to condemnation and rejection?
The gospel offers a way forward; an opportunity to experience wholeness.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground.
John 8:6b-8
God is exceedingly gracious, but he’s not interested in us remaining in our cycles of brokenness.
Jesus is demonstrating his power over shame and foreshadowing that his blood will atone for sin and will cover all of our shame.
Jesus knows you, loves you, and wants to extend compassion toward you.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Joy Revealed: Jesus, Our Joy in Shame
Text: John 21:1-14
Campus: Rivermont
The gospel is so beautiful, so true - that it will speak to our deepest desires, our greatest pain, and open wide our capacity for joy.
“This is the great epiphany: Christ enlightens everything and everyone, draws our fragmented and shadowed lives into an experienced wholeness.”
~Eugene Peterson
After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way:
Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.
“I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.
“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. “Friends,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”
“No,” they answered.
“Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:1-6
As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word, he was standing by Lake Gennesaret. He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
“Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.”
When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets[c] began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”
Luke 5:1-8
“Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 1Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.
Luke 5:10b-11
Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written:
I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
“Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing.
Matthew 26:31-35
Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”
“I am not,” he said. Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not.”
One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”
John 18:15-18, 25-26
Peter ran outside and wept bitterly
Luke 22:62
The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
John 21:7a
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish.
John 21:7b-8
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
John 21:9-12
The Gospel of Jesus Christ becomes the Good News that in delight and in doubt, in strength and in weakness, in sickness and in health, even when our hearts grow cold and can’t hold on to Christ any longer, God in Christ will hold on to us. In his goodness and mercy he’s chasing us down with all the love that our hearts can stand.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy Revealed: Joy and Shame
Text: John 8
Campus: College Hill
“This is the great epiphany: Christ enlightens everything and everyone, draws our fragmented and shadowed lives into an experienced wholeness.”
~Eugene Peterson
Do you remember the last time you felt ashamed? How did it affect your joy?
In order for us to be healed from our shame, and be uninhibited in our joy, we don’t just have to heal emotionally from our childhood wounds, we have to heal spiritually.
At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, Lord, she answered.
“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
John 8:2-11 (CSB)
Can we trust this story?
We can trust this story because:
- it was accepted by early church fathers (like Jerome, Ambrose, and Augustine).
- it’s consistent with other stories that are recorded in places (Luke 7).
- it’s consistent with the character of Jesus.
Head knowledge without heart transformation produces legalism.
“Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
John 8:4-5
What are you afraid that others will know about you that could lead to condemnation and rejection?
The gospel offers a way forward; an opportunity to experience wholeness.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground.
John 8:6b-8
God is exceedingly gracious, but he’s not interested in us remaining in our cycles of brokenness.
Jesus is demonstrating his power over shame and foreshadowing that his blood will atone for sin and will cover all of our shame.
Jesus knows you, loves you, and wants to extend compassion toward you.
______________________________________________________________________
February 13th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Jesus, Joy of Nations
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: Rivermont
When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples than John (though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), he left Judea and went again to Galilee. He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
“Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food.
“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
John 4:1-9
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”
“Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”
“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”
“Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.”
“I don’t have a husband,” she answered.
“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
“Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
John 4:10-20
Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”
John 4:21-26
The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.
John 4:36
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Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Joy: Revealed (week 2)
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: College Hill
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon.
John 4:4-6 (CSB)
God’s people are called to take the joyous Gospel into the seemingly most undesirable places
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
2. Joy Hidden (Vs. 7-15)
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food.
“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”
“Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”
“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”
John 4:7-15 (CSB)
Trust God that transformation lies beyond our encounters with Jesus.
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
2. Joy Hidden (Vs. 7-15)
3. Joy Revealed (Vs. 16-30)
“Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.
“I don’t have a husband,” she answered.
“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’”Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
“Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”
Just then his disciples arrived, and they were amazed that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”
They left the town and made their way to him.
John 4:16-30 (CSB)
Sin Hidden = Joy Hidden
Sin Revealed = Joy Revealed
Click here to see keep moving forward slide:
There is nothing more joyless than an unsatisfied soul.
“We most achingly long for that which is beautiful, good, true and joyful.”
~Curt Thompson M.D., Soul of Desire
“Desire is the source of affliction, but it is also the very element that can lead to a life of fulfillment, beauty and joy.”
~Curt Thompson M.D., Soul of Desire
1. Where are you looking for your desires to be satisfied?
2. What future outcomes are you tied to?
Our attachment to future outcomes will be the death of our joy.
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
2. Joy Hidden (Vs. 7-15)
3. Joy Revealed (Vs. 16-30)
4. Joy to the Nations (Vs. 39-42)
Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.”
So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42 (CSB)
In Christ there is belonging,
In Christ, there is satisfaction of being known,
In Christ, Joy is restored.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Jesus, Joy of Nations
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: Rivermont
When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples than John (though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), he left Judea and went again to Galilee. He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
“Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food.
“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
John 4:1-9
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”
“Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”
“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”
“Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.”
“I don’t have a husband,” she answered.
“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
“Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
John 4:10-20
Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”
John 4:21-26
The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.
John 4:36
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Joy: Revealed (week 2)
Text: John 4:1-42
Campus: College Hill
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon.
John 4:4-6 (CSB)
God’s people are called to take the joyous Gospel into the seemingly most undesirable places
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
2. Joy Hidden (Vs. 7-15)
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food.
“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”
“Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”
“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.”
John 4:7-15 (CSB)
Trust God that transformation lies beyond our encounters with Jesus.
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
2. Joy Hidden (Vs. 7-15)
3. Joy Revealed (Vs. 16-30)
“Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.
“I don’t have a husband,” she answered.
“You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’”Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
“Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”
Just then his disciples arrived, and they were amazed that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”
They left the town and made their way to him.
John 4:16-30 (CSB)
Sin Hidden = Joy Hidden
Sin Revealed = Joy Revealed
Click here to see keep moving forward slide:
There is nothing more joyless than an unsatisfied soul.
“We most achingly long for that which is beautiful, good, true and joyful.”
~Curt Thompson M.D., Soul of Desire
“Desire is the source of affliction, but it is also the very element that can lead to a life of fulfillment, beauty and joy.”
~Curt Thompson M.D., Soul of Desire
1. Where are you looking for your desires to be satisfied?
2. What future outcomes are you tied to?
Our attachment to future outcomes will be the death of our joy.
1. The Nations Need for Joy (Vs. 4-6)
2. Joy Hidden (Vs. 7-15)
3. Joy Revealed (Vs. 16-30)
4. Joy to the Nations (Vs. 39-42)
Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.”
So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42 (CSB)
In Christ there is belonging,
In Christ, there is satisfaction of being known,
In Christ, Joy is restored.
______________________________________________________________________
February 6th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Jesus, Lord of Joy
Text: John 2:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:11
There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy their work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and drink and enjoy life apart from him?
Ecclesiastes 2:24
I know that there is nothing better for us than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all their efforts.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
What do we do when joy runs out?
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.
Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did.
When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.”
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.
Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons.
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did.
When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.”
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
On this mountain, the Lord of Armies will prepare for all the peoples a feast of choice meat, a feast with aged wine, prime cuts of choice meat, fine vintage wine.
On this mountain he will swallow up the burial shroud, the shroud over all the peoples, the sheet covering all the nations.
When he has swallowed up death once and for all, the Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove his people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:6-8
What do we do when joy runs out?
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
John 2:4
When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.
John 19:33-34
If Jesus is alive, then joy is never really impossible.
The path to Joy starts with acknowledging emptiness, grieving the pain, and asking Jesus to help.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Lord of Joy
Text: John 2
Campus: College Hill
Epiphany: we celebrate the glory of God which is unveiled (revealed) to us in Christ.
As we gain a clearer picture of God, it allows us to see ourselves rightly and puts us in a position to receive the abundant life that God has for us in Christ.
Jesus is the Lord of joy - he enters into our ordinary lives and leads us toward joy by displaying God’s love and power.
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.
Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons.
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did.
When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.”
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. After this, he went down to Capernaum, together with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.
John 2:1-12 (CSB)
This is a “sign” which is intended to reveal (or unveil) something about the person and purpose of Jesus Christ.
He causes grass to grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, producing food from the earth, wine that makes human hearts glad - making his face shine with oil - and bread that sustains human hearts.
Psalms 104:14-15
Jesus isn’t just Mary’s son, he’s God’s Son and he’s on mission with God.
What does all of this mean?
1) Jesus is the true master of the banquet (T. Keller).
2) Ordinary things matter to God.
3) Jesus doesn’t just make things different, he makes things better.
Our greatest challenges and deficiencies are opportunities for God to display his glory in our lives.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Jesus, Lord of Joy
Text: John 2:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:11
There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy their work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and drink and enjoy life apart from him?
Ecclesiastes 2:24
I know that there is nothing better for us than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all their efforts.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
What do we do when joy runs out?
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.
Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did.
When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.”
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.
Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons.
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did.
When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.”
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
On this mountain, the Lord of Armies will prepare for all the peoples a feast of choice meat, a feast with aged wine, prime cuts of choice meat, fine vintage wine.
On this mountain he will swallow up the burial shroud, the shroud over all the peoples, the sheet covering all the nations.
When he has swallowed up death once and for all, the Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove his people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:6-8
What do we do when joy runs out?
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
John 2:4
When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.
John 19:33-34
If Jesus is alive, then joy is never really impossible.
The path to Joy starts with acknowledging emptiness, grieving the pain, and asking Jesus to help.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Lord of Joy
Text: John 2
Campus: College Hill
Epiphany: we celebrate the glory of God which is unveiled (revealed) to us in Christ.
As we gain a clearer picture of God, it allows us to see ourselves rightly and puts us in a position to receive the abundant life that God has for us in Christ.
Jesus is the Lord of joy - he enters into our ordinary lives and leads us toward joy by displaying God’s love and power.
On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
“What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.”
“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants.
Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons.
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did.
When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.”
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. After this, he went down to Capernaum, together with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.
John 2:1-12 (CSB)
This is a “sign” which is intended to reveal (or unveil) something about the person and purpose of Jesus Christ.
He causes grass to grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, producing food from the earth, wine that makes human hearts glad - making his face shine with oil - and bread that sustains human hearts.
Psalms 104:14-15
Jesus isn’t just Mary’s son, he’s God’s Son and he’s on mission with God.
What does all of this mean?
1) Jesus is the true master of the banquet (T. Keller).
2) Ordinary things matter to God.
3) Jesus doesn’t just make things different, he makes things better.
Our greatest challenges and deficiencies are opportunities for God to display his glory in our lives.
______________________________________________________________________
January 30th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Times and Seasons: A Time to Listen
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:7-8; 5:1-2, 7
Campus: Rivermont
There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[a]
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (CSB)
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him.
Ecclesiastes 3:11-14
Pay attention when you enter the house of God. Go there to listen rather than to offer foolish sacrifices in ignorance. Do not be quick to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech in God’s presence. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
7 For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, stand in awe of God.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, 7
Being in silence and solitude before the Lord, listening to and for his voice is the pathway to discerning times and seasons.
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord
in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is above the waters. The God of glory thunders—the Lord, above the vast water,
the voice of the Lord in power, the voice of the Lord in splendor.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion, like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the woodlands bare. In his temple all cry, “Glory!”
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned, King forever.
The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29
God is always speaking, revealing himself, most clearly through the Scriptures and the person of Jesus, but also by his Spirit and through the world around us
To listen to and recognize God’s voice, we need silence, solitude, and quiet, so that our hearts can be tuned to his sound.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”
11 Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
Genesis 3:8-11
Choosing not to be with God in silence & solitude, listening for his voice, is a form of hiding from God and our shame.
“...What have you done?”
Genesis 3:13
Where/How are you?
What have you been listening to?
What have you done?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Times and Seasons: Time to Listen (week 4)
Text: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13
Campus: College Hill
There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[a]
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (CSB)
I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
God is present in our seasons and joy is a gift from God.
We exist to know and love God, and to make him known in our world,
God doesn’t just allow us to experience the seasons that we WANT, but he leads us into the seasons that we NEED in order to mature us into the people that he wants us to become.
In order to recognize God’s presence, and discern where God is leading, it’s critical to slow down and listen.
Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words. When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? For many dreams bring futility; so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
Ecclesiastes 5:2-7
Direction from God comes only as we slow down and quiet ourselves before him.
God speaks, but we must learn to recognize his voice.
One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his usual place. Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was located.
Then the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“I didn’t call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
Once again the Lord called, “Samuel!”
Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“I didn’t call, my son,” he replied. “Go back and lie down.”
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. He told Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:2-10
God speaks most clearly to us through his Word.
“Listening prayer turns us away from elaborate internal commentaries, noisy inner chaos and catastrophic thinking… It invites us to let go of dramatic internal dialogues and listen to a voice besides our own or that of the evil one.”
~ Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
The five movements of lectio divina:
1. Silence - a moment of quiet preparation of the heart.
2. Read the Word - slowly; when a word or phrase catches our attention, pause and attend to what God is saying to us.
3. Meditate - read the passage a second time; listening for any invitations that God may be extending through his word.
4. Respond - read the Scripture a third time and now begin to dialogue with God more actively.
5. Contemplate - end by resting and waiting in the presence of God; allowing the word of God to sink deeply into your soul.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep…My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:14-15, 27-30 CSB
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Times and Seasons: A Time to Listen
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:7-8; 5:1-2, 7
Campus: Rivermont
There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[a]
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (CSB)
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him.
Ecclesiastes 3:11-14
Pay attention when you enter the house of God. Go there to listen rather than to offer foolish sacrifices in ignorance. Do not be quick to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech in God’s presence. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
7 For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, stand in awe of God.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, 7
Being in silence and solitude before the Lord, listening to and for his voice is the pathway to discerning times and seasons.
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord
in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is above the waters. The God of glory thunders—the Lord, above the vast water,
the voice of the Lord in power, the voice of the Lord in splendor.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion, like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the woodlands bare. In his temple all cry, “Glory!”
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned, King forever.
The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29
God is always speaking, revealing himself, most clearly through the Scriptures and the person of Jesus, but also by his Spirit and through the world around us
To listen to and recognize God’s voice, we need silence, solitude, and quiet, so that our hearts can be tuned to his sound.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”
11 Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
Genesis 3:8-11
Choosing not to be with God in silence & solitude, listening for his voice, is a form of hiding from God and our shame.
“...What have you done?”
Genesis 3:13
Where/How are you?
What have you been listening to?
What have you done?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Times and Seasons: Time to Listen (week 4)
Text: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13
Campus: College Hill
There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[a]
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (CSB)
I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
God is present in our seasons and joy is a gift from God.
We exist to know and love God, and to make him known in our world,
God doesn’t just allow us to experience the seasons that we WANT, but he leads us into the seasons that we NEED in order to mature us into the people that he wants us to become.
In order to recognize God’s presence, and discern where God is leading, it’s critical to slow down and listen.
Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words. When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? For many dreams bring futility; so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
Ecclesiastes 5:2-7
Direction from God comes only as we slow down and quiet ourselves before him.
God speaks, but we must learn to recognize his voice.
One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his usual place. Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was located.
Then the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“I didn’t call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.
Once again the Lord called, “Samuel!”
Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“I didn’t call, my son,” he replied. “Go back and lie down.”
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. He told Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:2-10
God speaks most clearly to us through his Word.
“Listening prayer turns us away from elaborate internal commentaries, noisy inner chaos and catastrophic thinking… It invites us to let go of dramatic internal dialogues and listen to a voice besides our own or that of the evil one.”
~ Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
The five movements of lectio divina:
1. Silence - a moment of quiet preparation of the heart.
2. Read the Word - slowly; when a word or phrase catches our attention, pause and attend to what God is saying to us.
3. Meditate - read the passage a second time; listening for any invitations that God may be extending through his word.
4. Respond - read the Scripture a third time and now begin to dialogue with God more actively.
5. Contemplate - end by resting and waiting in the presence of God; allowing the word of God to sink deeply into your soul.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep…My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:14-15, 27-30 CSB
______________________________________________________________________
January 23rd SermonGuides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Times and Seasons (week 3)
Text: Ecclesiastes 3
Campus: Rivermont
Our lives are not aimless and every season has a purpose.
We exist to know and love God, and to make him known in our world.
During “Epiphany” we’re asking God to reveal himself to us, so we can confidently follow him, no matter the cost.
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes. 3:1-8 (CSB)
The Teacher is using these different statements to mark time and to bring awareness to different seasons.
Jesus modeled life in community, along with the essential spiritual discipline of solitude.
I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
How can we continue to cultivate contentment, peace, and joy in every season?
1) look for beauty in every season (v. 11)
2) embrace the mystery (v. 11)
3) cultivate an eternal perspective (look at the bigger picture) (v. 11)
“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25-34 (CSB)
Jesus is graciously inviting us to lay down our false security at his altar and to fully trust him.
If we prioritize the pursuit of God and his kingdom, and live out the values of his kingdom:
our awareness of God's presence will grow,
our faith will grow,
our contentment will grow.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Epiphany: Times & Seasons (Week 3)
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Campus: College Hill
There is a time & there is a season for everything
The Holy Spirit can use disruption to lead us in a new direction for the next leg of life.
How is Jesus manifesting himself to our church and to you in this current season?
The church has traditionally noticed epiphany as a season to both celebrate and reflect on the manifestation of Jesus Christ. It’s the celebration of Jesus being revealed to the gentiles (to the world).
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.
I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (ESV)
Mankind is a slave to seasonal cycles, enslaved by time itself.
We tend to find ourselves placing our fleeting hope in an attempt to control the pleasurable outcomes of life.
But it’s all futile.
What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 (ESV)
God is the source of this time order, and he orchestrates our seasons to be beautiful in its time.
The chaos that sprouted from the garden has not overwhelmed our sovereign God in the past or the present because God is orchestrating everything to be suitable in its time.
We participate in a reality where God both conceals and reveals, and God has revealed what is suitable for us to be fully satisfied in Him.
What has God Revealed to us?
How is Jesus manifesting himself to our church and to you in this current season?
____________________________________________________________________________
Title: Times and Seasons (week 3)
Text: Ecclesiastes 3
Campus: Rivermont
Our lives are not aimless and every season has a purpose.
We exist to know and love God, and to make him known in our world.
During “Epiphany” we’re asking God to reveal himself to us, so we can confidently follow him, no matter the cost.
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes. 3:1-8 (CSB)
The Teacher is using these different statements to mark time and to bring awareness to different seasons.
Jesus modeled life in community, along with the essential spiritual discipline of solitude.
I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
How can we continue to cultivate contentment, peace, and joy in every season?
1) look for beauty in every season (v. 11)
2) embrace the mystery (v. 11)
3) cultivate an eternal perspective (look at the bigger picture) (v. 11)
“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25-34 (CSB)
Jesus is graciously inviting us to lay down our false security at his altar and to fully trust him.
If we prioritize the pursuit of God and his kingdom, and live out the values of his kingdom:
our awareness of God's presence will grow,
our faith will grow,
our contentment will grow.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Epiphany: Times & Seasons (Week 3)
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Campus: College Hill
There is a time & there is a season for everything
The Holy Spirit can use disruption to lead us in a new direction for the next leg of life.
How is Jesus manifesting himself to our church and to you in this current season?
The church has traditionally noticed epiphany as a season to both celebrate and reflect on the manifestation of Jesus Christ. It’s the celebration of Jesus being revealed to the gentiles (to the world).
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.
I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (ESV)
Mankind is a slave to seasonal cycles, enslaved by time itself.
We tend to find ourselves placing our fleeting hope in an attempt to control the pleasurable outcomes of life.
But it’s all futile.
What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 (ESV)
God is the source of this time order, and he orchestrates our seasons to be beautiful in its time.
The chaos that sprouted from the garden has not overwhelmed our sovereign God in the past or the present because God is orchestrating everything to be suitable in its time.
We participate in a reality where God both conceals and reveals, and God has revealed what is suitable for us to be fully satisfied in Him.
What has God Revealed to us?
- By trusting Him as sovereign creator, we are enabled to enjoy the things that were once seen as vanity.
- New creation is breaking free here on earth through the person of the resurrected Jesus.
How is Jesus manifesting himself to our church and to you in this current season?
____________________________________________________________________________
January 16th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Times and Seasons: Grief & Joy
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:4 (etc)
Campus: Rivermont
Our church’s prayer in this season: “Jesus, reveal yourself to us so that we might follow You wherever You lead, no matter the cost.”
The words of the Teacher son of David, king in Jerusalem.
“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher.
“Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”
What does a person gain for all his efforts
that he labors at under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 1:12-13a
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.
I said to myself, “See, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.”
I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.
Ecclesiastes 1:14-18
When I considered all that I had accomplished[d] and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
In pursuit of the Good Life, as we’re trying to make meaning of our lives, we will tend to become overly attached to results or outcomes.
The more attached I am to an outcome, the more I will suffer
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Eccl. 2:22-23
There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
He has made everything beautiful in its time …
Ecclesiastes 3:11
There is a sickening tragedy I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm. That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed. As he came from his mother’s womb, so he will go again, naked as he came; he will take nothing for his efforts that he can carry in his hands. This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does the one gain who struggles for the wind? What is more, he eats in darkness all his days, with much frustration, sickness, and anger.
Ecclesiastes 5:13-17
Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Grief is a gift from God, beautiful in it’s time, to help us metabolize loss.
Jesus wept
John 11:35
Question for reflection: What have I lost that I need to grieve?
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me - nevertheless not my will, [not my desired outcomes,] but yours be done.”
Luke 22:41
Question for reflection: To what outcomes am I attached? What dreams or desires do I need to surrender to Jesus?
When we grieve well, our capacity for joy will increase.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Times and Seasons: Grief & Joy
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:4 (etc)
Campus: Rivermont
Our church’s prayer in this season: “Jesus, reveal yourself to us so that we might follow You wherever You lead, no matter the cost.”
The words of the Teacher son of David, king in Jerusalem.
“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher.
“Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”
What does a person gain for all his efforts
that he labors at under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 1:12-13a
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.
I said to myself, “See, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.”
I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.
Ecclesiastes 1:14-18
When I considered all that I had accomplished[d] and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
In pursuit of the Good Life, as we’re trying to make meaning of our lives, we will tend to become overly attached to results or outcomes.
The more attached I am to an outcome, the more I will suffer
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Eccl. 2:22-23
There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
He has made everything beautiful in its time …
Ecclesiastes 3:11
There is a sickening tragedy I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm. That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed. As he came from his mother’s womb, so he will go again, naked as he came; he will take nothing for his efforts that he can carry in his hands. This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does the one gain who struggles for the wind? What is more, he eats in darkness all his days, with much frustration, sickness, and anger.
Ecclesiastes 5:13-17
Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Grief is a gift from God, beautiful in it’s time, to help us metabolize loss.
Jesus wept
John 11:35
Question for reflection: What have I lost that I need to grieve?
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me - nevertheless not my will, [not my desired outcomes,] but yours be done.”
Luke 22:41
Question for reflection: To what outcomes am I attached? What dreams or desires do I need to surrender to Jesus?
When we grieve well, our capacity for joy will increase.
______________________________________________________________________
2022
January 9th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Seeking God in Times & Seasons
Text: Portions of Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3, & 5
Campus: Rivermont
Our church’s prayer in this season: “Jesus, reveal yourself to us so that we might follow You wherever You lead, no matter the cost.”
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1
In addition to the Teacher being wise, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find words of delight and to write words of truth with integrity. The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and words from masters of wisdom like firmly embedded nails. The words are spoken by a Shepherd.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
I said, “I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.
My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:
“Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am.
In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you.
Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. Selah
Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.
“Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
Rescue me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools.
I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what you have done.
Remove your torment from me. Because of the force of your hand I am finished.
You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity, consuming like a moth what is precious to him; yes, every human being is only a vapor. Selah
“Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears.
For I am here with you as an alien, a temporary resident like all my ancestors.
Turn your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone.”
Psalm 39
“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2
What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 1:3
A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises.
Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles.
All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.
All things are wearisome, more than anyone can say. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.
Can one say about anything, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us.
There is no remembrance of those who came before; and of those who will come after there will also be no remembrance by those who follow them.
Ecclesiastes 1:4-11
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor[f] be like? He will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-13
And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:13-15
For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me.
Ecclesiastes 2:16-18
When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor[f] be like? He[g] will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.
The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.
Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile. For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-17
For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
There is a season for everything, and a time for every activity under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
What time is it?
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[a]
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him. Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. However, God seeks justice for the persecuted.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-15
God works so that we will be in awe of Him.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong. Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, stand in awe of God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11
“I am the Bread of Life” Jesus said. “Anyone who comes to me will never go hungry, and anyone who believes in me will not go thirsty.”
John 6:35
The good news of the gospel: by his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
What time is it in my life?
In what season is our church family?
What needs to die, what needs to be healed and brought back to life?
What needs to be planted, cultivated, & built up, & what needs to be uprooted and torn down?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Baptism and Prayer
Text: Acts 1:9:14; Acts 2:1-4
Campus: College Hill
The whole Bible tells the story of God’s love, redemption, and grace.
For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:19
Baptism is a public declaration of an inward decision.
Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:4-10
What’s new?
The Church is a gospel centered community on mission.
After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven."
Acts 1:9-11 (CSB)
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.
14 They all were continually united in prayer,[a] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12, 14 (CSB)
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4 (CSB)
God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory.
My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.
So I will bless you as long as I live; at your name, I will lift up my hands.
You satisfy me as with rich food; my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.
When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches because you are my helper;
I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
I follow close to you; your right hand holds on to me.
Psalm 63:1-8
Prayer Prompt:
Title: Seeking God in Times & Seasons
Text: Portions of Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3, & 5
Campus: Rivermont
Our church’s prayer in this season: “Jesus, reveal yourself to us so that we might follow You wherever You lead, no matter the cost.”
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1
In addition to the Teacher being wise, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find words of delight and to write words of truth with integrity. The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and words from masters of wisdom like firmly embedded nails. The words are spoken by a Shepherd.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
I said, “I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.
My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:
“Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am.
In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you.
Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. Selah
Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.
“Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
Rescue me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools.
I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what you have done.
Remove your torment from me. Because of the force of your hand I am finished.
You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity, consuming like a moth what is precious to him; yes, every human being is only a vapor. Selah
“Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears.
For I am here with you as an alien, a temporary resident like all my ancestors.
Turn your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone.”
Psalm 39
“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2
What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 1:3
A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises.
Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles.
All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.
All things are wearisome, more than anyone can say. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.
Can one say about anything, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us.
There is no remembrance of those who came before; and of those who will come after there will also be no remembrance by those who follow them.
Ecclesiastes 1:4-11
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor[f] be like? He will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-13
And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:13-15
For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me.
Ecclesiastes 2:16-18
When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor[f] be like? He[g] will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.
The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.
Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile. For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-17
For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
There is a season for everything, and a time for every activity under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
What time is it?
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[a]
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him. Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. However, God seeks justice for the persecuted.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-15
God works so that we will be in awe of Him.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong. Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, stand in awe of God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11
“I am the Bread of Life” Jesus said. “Anyone who comes to me will never go hungry, and anyone who believes in me will not go thirsty.”
John 6:35
The good news of the gospel: by his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus is sufficient for what is deficient in us.
What time is it in my life?
In what season is our church family?
What needs to die, what needs to be healed and brought back to life?
What needs to be planted, cultivated, & built up, & what needs to be uprooted and torn down?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Baptism and Prayer
Text: Acts 1:9:14; Acts 2:1-4
Campus: College Hill
The whole Bible tells the story of God’s love, redemption, and grace.
For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:19
Baptism is a public declaration of an inward decision.
Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:4-10
What’s new?
- New identity.
- New family.
- New power.
The Church is a gospel centered community on mission.
After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven."
Acts 1:9-11 (CSB)
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.
14 They all were continually united in prayer,[a] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12, 14 (CSB)
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4 (CSB)
God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory.
My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.
So I will bless you as long as I live; at your name, I will lift up my hands.
You satisfy me as with rich food; my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.
When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches because you are my helper;
I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
I follow close to you; your right hand holds on to me.
Psalm 63:1-8
Prayer Prompt:
- Read Psalm 63:1-8
- Praise and thank God for his goodness and grace.
- Pray for direction (for individuals and for our church).
- Pray for patience while we wait for God’s leadership in our lives.
- Ask God for fresh anointing and power.
- Pray for the needs that are represented in this room.
Christmas Eve Worship Liturgy
Brenton Lehman
Christmas Eve Worship Liturgy
Scriptures and Prayers for Lighting the Christ Candle
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Genesis 1:1-3
Prayer:
Creator God, the One who hovered over the dark and formless void, and brought order out of chaos, and light into darkness. There is so much darkness in our hearts and in our world.
But have not left us alone in the darkness of our sin, but rather you came into the world again, not as the Spirit hovering over the void, but as a human being, in a manger. Born of a woman, raised in obscurity, to bear the sin of the world.
Tonight, we remember Your word, Your first advent, Your presence with us now, and Your promise to return and make all things new. Meet with us here, as we are, in the quiet of this hour.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Responsive Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
All: The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them.
Leader: Lord, you will make your people flourish.
You will increase their joy.
They will show you how glad they are.
They will be as glad as people are at harvest time.
They will be as glad as warriors are when they share the things they’ve taken after a battle.
You set Israel free from Midian long ago.
In the same way, you will break the heavy yoke that weighs your people down.
You will break the wooden beams that are on their shoulders.
You will break the rods of those who strike them down.
Every soldier's boot worn in battle will be burned up.
So will every piece of clothing covered with blood.
All of them will be thrown into the fire.
All: A child will be born to us.
A son will be given to us.
He will rule over us.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God.
He will also be called Everlasting Father
and Prince of Peace.
Leader: There will be no limit to how great his authority is.
The peace he brings will never end.
He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom.
He will make the kingdom strong and secure.
His justice and righteousness will rule forever.
All: By the Lord’s great love, his Kingdom will last forever.
This is the Word of God.
Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.”
John 8:12
Here is the message we have heard from him and announce to you. God is light. There is no darkness in him at all. Suppose we say that we share life with God but still walk in the darkness. Then we are lying. We are not living out the truth. But suppose we walk in the light, just as he is in the light. Then we share life with one another. And the blood of Jesus, his Son, makes us pure from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7
At one time you were in the dark. But now you are in the light because of what the Lord has done. Live like children of the light. 9 The light produces what is completely good, right and true.
Ephesians 5:8
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
This is the Word of God.
Responsive Prayer
In John 20:21 Jesus said, “May peace be with you! The Father has sent me. And in the same way, now I am sending you.”
Leader: Father, You make this holy night radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ, the Light of our life.
All: We welcome Him as Lord, the true Light from Light.
Leader: Jesus, we pray that You bring more of Your Kingdom into our lives and our world. Let your will be done, and your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.
All: Yours, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth is Yours.
Yours is the dominion, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Leader: O Christ, illuminate the dark nights of our soul, push back the darkness of evil and injustice in the world, and teach us to walk in the light, just as you are in the light.
All: Jesus, we worship and adore you, the Great Light of the World.
Amen.
_________________________________________________________________
Christmas Eve Worship Liturgy
Scriptures and Prayers for Lighting the Christ Candle
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Genesis 1:1-3
Prayer:
Creator God, the One who hovered over the dark and formless void, and brought order out of chaos, and light into darkness. There is so much darkness in our hearts and in our world.
But have not left us alone in the darkness of our sin, but rather you came into the world again, not as the Spirit hovering over the void, but as a human being, in a manger. Born of a woman, raised in obscurity, to bear the sin of the world.
Tonight, we remember Your word, Your first advent, Your presence with us now, and Your promise to return and make all things new. Meet with us here, as we are, in the quiet of this hour.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Responsive Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
All: The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them.
Leader: Lord, you will make your people flourish.
You will increase their joy.
They will show you how glad they are.
They will be as glad as people are at harvest time.
They will be as glad as warriors are when they share the things they’ve taken after a battle.
You set Israel free from Midian long ago.
In the same way, you will break the heavy yoke that weighs your people down.
You will break the wooden beams that are on their shoulders.
You will break the rods of those who strike them down.
Every soldier's boot worn in battle will be burned up.
So will every piece of clothing covered with blood.
All of them will be thrown into the fire.
All: A child will be born to us.
A son will be given to us.
He will rule over us.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God.
He will also be called Everlasting Father
and Prince of Peace.
Leader: There will be no limit to how great his authority is.
The peace he brings will never end.
He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom.
He will make the kingdom strong and secure.
His justice and righteousness will rule forever.
All: By the Lord’s great love, his Kingdom will last forever.
This is the Word of God.
Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.”
John 8:12
Here is the message we have heard from him and announce to you. God is light. There is no darkness in him at all. Suppose we say that we share life with God but still walk in the darkness. Then we are lying. We are not living out the truth. But suppose we walk in the light, just as he is in the light. Then we share life with one another. And the blood of Jesus, his Son, makes us pure from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7
At one time you were in the dark. But now you are in the light because of what the Lord has done. Live like children of the light. 9 The light produces what is completely good, right and true.
Ephesians 5:8
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
This is the Word of God.
Responsive Prayer
In John 20:21 Jesus said, “May peace be with you! The Father has sent me. And in the same way, now I am sending you.”
Leader: Father, You make this holy night radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ, the Light of our life.
All: We welcome Him as Lord, the true Light from Light.
Leader: Jesus, we pray that You bring more of Your Kingdom into our lives and our world. Let your will be done, and your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.
All: Yours, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth is Yours.
Yours is the dominion, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Leader: O Christ, illuminate the dark nights of our soul, push back the darkness of evil and injustice in the world, and teach us to walk in the light, just as you are in the light.
All: Jesus, we worship and adore you, the Great Light of the World.
Amen.
_________________________________________________________________
December 19th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Tim Geisland
Title: Advent 4: Love
Text: Psalm 136
Campus: Rivermont
"We are most alive when we are in love."
~John Updike
“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.”
~ Victor Hugo
“All you need is love.”
~ Paul McCartney
“Love is more than a noun – it is a verb…”
~ William Arthur Ward
“To love is to burn, to be on fire.”
~ Jane Austen
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
~ C.S. Lewis
“Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.”
~ St. Augustine
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.”
~ Zora Neale Hurston
The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness.
Exodus 34:6
God’s love is overflowing with loyal love!
In Psalm 136, we praise God,
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
He alone does great wonders.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-4
He made the heavens skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
He spread the land on the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
He made the great lights:
His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule by day,
His faithful love endures forever.
the moon and stars to rule by night.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:5-9
'He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians
His faithful love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His faithful love endures forever.
with a strong hand and outstretched arm.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:10-12
He divided the Red Sea
His faithful love endures forever.
and led Israel through,
His faithful love endures forever.
but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:13-15
He led his people in the wilderness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He struck down great kings
His faithful love endures forever.
and slaughtered famous kings —
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:16-18
Sihon king of the Amorites
His faithful love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan —
His faithful love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His faithful love endures forever.
an inheritance to Israel his servant.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:19 – 22
He remembered us in our humiliation
His faithful love endures forever.
and rescued us from our foes.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven!
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:23 – 26
God expresses His love for us in many ways.
Click here to see Photo of Deacons
In what ways will deacons serve at GCC?
Deacons will focus on caring for others in several primary ways including:
LIFE AT GCC > CARE
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zach Foster
Title: Advent 4: All You Need is Love
Text: Psalm 136
Campus: College Hill
The Big Idea: God’s Love is the Only Gift You Need
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
4 He alone does great wonders.
His faithful love endures forever.
5 He made the heavens skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
6 He spread the land on the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
7 He made the great lights:
His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule by day,
His faithful love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to rule by night.
His faithful love endures forever.
10 He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians
His faithful love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His faithful love endures forever.
12 with a strong hand and outstretched arm.
His faithful love endures forever.
13 He divided the Red Sea
His faithful love endures forever.
14 and led Israel through,
His faithful love endures forever.
15 but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
16 He led his people in the wilderness.
His faithful love endures forever.
17 He struck down great kings
His faithful love endures forever.
18 and slaughtered famous kings—
His faithful love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His faithful love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His faithful love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His faithful love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to Israel his servant.
His faithful love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our humiliation
His faithful love endures forever.
24 and rescued us from our foes.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven!
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136 (CSB)
Question #1: What is Love?
Jesus didn’t come to explain love, He came to define love
First key takeaway: God’s love doesn't depend on me, it depends on His faithful character.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-5; 10-14
Question #2: How do we receive this love?
We will never understand how to give love until we understand how to receive love
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.
Ephesians 2:1-4
Second key takeaway: Love that is earned is a transaction; love undeserved is transcendent
“Christ was sent not to mend wounded people or wake sleepy people or advise confused people or inspire bored people or spur on lazy people or educate ignorant people, but to raise dead people… Our sins are less like an otherwise healthy man occasionally tripping up and more like a man who is disease-ridden from head to foot— or if we take the language of Ephesians 2 seriously, dead… We didn’t just occasionally slip into the passions of our flesh; we “lived in” those passions. It was the air we breathed. What water is to fish, inordinate ugliness of desire was to us.”
~Dane Ortlund—Gentle and Lowly
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:5-9
Question #3: How do we give love?
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the word you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
1 John 2:7-9
Third key takeaway: Love that is withheld, withers; love that is given, grows
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones describes God’s love as “A never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and
forever love.”
Closing Questions:
Title: Advent 4: Love
Text: Psalm 136
Campus: Rivermont
"We are most alive when we are in love."
~John Updike
“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.”
~ Victor Hugo
“All you need is love.”
~ Paul McCartney
“Love is more than a noun – it is a verb…”
~ William Arthur Ward
“To love is to burn, to be on fire.”
~ Jane Austen
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
~ C.S. Lewis
“Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.”
~ St. Augustine
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.”
~ Zora Neale Hurston
The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness.
Exodus 34:6
God’s love is overflowing with loyal love!
In Psalm 136, we praise God,
- As great and good in Himself (v. 1-4)
- As the Creator of the world (v. 5-9)
- As Israel's God and Savior (v. 10-22)
- As our Redeemer (v. 23, 24)
- As God over all, blessed for evermore (v. 25, 26)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
He alone does great wonders.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-4
He made the heavens skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
He spread the land on the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
He made the great lights:
His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule by day,
His faithful love endures forever.
the moon and stars to rule by night.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:5-9
'He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians
His faithful love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His faithful love endures forever.
with a strong hand and outstretched arm.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:10-12
He divided the Red Sea
His faithful love endures forever.
and led Israel through,
His faithful love endures forever.
but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:13-15
He led his people in the wilderness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He struck down great kings
His faithful love endures forever.
and slaughtered famous kings —
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:16-18
Sihon king of the Amorites
His faithful love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan —
His faithful love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His faithful love endures forever.
an inheritance to Israel his servant.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:19 – 22
He remembered us in our humiliation
His faithful love endures forever.
and rescued us from our foes.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven!
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:23 – 26
God expresses His love for us in many ways.
Click here to see Photo of Deacons
In what ways will deacons serve at GCC?
Deacons will focus on caring for others in several primary ways including:
- Active engagement with those pursuing GCC covenant membership
- Emergency and Crisis Response
- Grief and Mental Health
- Benevolence
- Visitation
- Meals and Emergency Child Care
- Prayer and Encouragement
LIFE AT GCC > CARE
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Zach Foster
Title: Advent 4: All You Need is Love
Text: Psalm 136
Campus: College Hill
The Big Idea: God’s Love is the Only Gift You Need
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
4 He alone does great wonders.
His faithful love endures forever.
5 He made the heavens skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
6 He spread the land on the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
7 He made the great lights:
His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule by day,
His faithful love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to rule by night.
His faithful love endures forever.
10 He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians
His faithful love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His faithful love endures forever.
12 with a strong hand and outstretched arm.
His faithful love endures forever.
13 He divided the Red Sea
His faithful love endures forever.
14 and led Israel through,
His faithful love endures forever.
15 but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
16 He led his people in the wilderness.
His faithful love endures forever.
17 He struck down great kings
His faithful love endures forever.
18 and slaughtered famous kings—
His faithful love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His faithful love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His faithful love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His faithful love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to Israel his servant.
His faithful love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our humiliation
His faithful love endures forever.
24 and rescued us from our foes.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven!
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136 (CSB)
Question #1: What is Love?
Jesus didn’t come to explain love, He came to define love
First key takeaway: God’s love doesn't depend on me, it depends on His faithful character.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-5; 10-14
Question #2: How do we receive this love?
We will never understand how to give love until we understand how to receive love
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.
Ephesians 2:1-4
Second key takeaway: Love that is earned is a transaction; love undeserved is transcendent
“Christ was sent not to mend wounded people or wake sleepy people or advise confused people or inspire bored people or spur on lazy people or educate ignorant people, but to raise dead people… Our sins are less like an otherwise healthy man occasionally tripping up and more like a man who is disease-ridden from head to foot— or if we take the language of Ephesians 2 seriously, dead… We didn’t just occasionally slip into the passions of our flesh; we “lived in” those passions. It was the air we breathed. What water is to fish, inordinate ugliness of desire was to us.”
~Dane Ortlund—Gentle and Lowly
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:5-9
Question #3: How do we give love?
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning. The old command is the word you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
1 John 2:7-9
Third key takeaway: Love that is withheld, withers; love that is given, grows
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones describes God’s love as “A never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and
forever love.”
Closing Questions:
- Do you truly know what love is?
- Have you experienced the life transforming love of God?
- What are you doing with that love?
December 12th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Joy at Midnight
Text: Psalm 30
Campus: Rivermont
“Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have lifted me up
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;
you spared me from among those
going down[a] to the Pit.
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:1-4
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Psalm 130:1-2
God, listen to my prayer
And do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my compliant
Psalm 55:1-2
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have drawn me out of the depths
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
Psalm 30:1-2
“Those who are close to their tears are close to their joy.”
~ Dr. Dan Allender
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:4
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
When I was secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you showed your favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain;
when you hid your face, I was terrified.
Psalm 30:6-7
Lord, I called to you;
I sought favor from my Lord:
“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth?
Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.”
You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:8-12
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have drawn me out of the depths...
Psalm 30:1
The Well of Grief
by David Whyte
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief,
turning down through its black water
to the place we cannot breathe,
will never know the source from which we drink,
the secret water, cold and clear,
nor find in the darkness glimmering,
the small round coins,
thrown by those who wished for something else.
“What gain is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your truth?
10 Lord, listen and be gracious to me;
Lord, be my helper.”
Psalm 30:9-10
You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:11-12
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
Romans 6:3-5
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11
O CHRIST,
All thy ways of mercy tend to and end in my delight.
Thou didst weep, sorrow, suffer that I might rejoice.
For my joy thou hast sent the Comforter,
multiplied thy promises,
shown me my future happiness,
given me a living fountain.
Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy;
I pray for joy, wait for joy, long for joy;
give me more than I can hold, desire, or think of.
Measure out to me my times and degrees of joy,
at my work, business, duties.
If I weep at night, give me joy in the morning.
Let me rest in the thought of thy love,
pardon for sin, my title to heaven,
my future unspotted state.
I am an unworthy recipient of thy grace.
I often disesteem thy blood and slight thy love,
but can in repentance draw water
from the wells of thy joyous forgiveness.
Let my heart leap towards the eternal sabbath,
where the work of redemption, sanctification,
preservation, glorification is finished
and perfected for ever,
where thou wilt rejoice over me with joy.
There is no joy like the joy of heaven,
for in that state are no sad divisions,
unchristian quarrels,
contentions, evil designs,
weariness, hunger, cold,
sadness, sin, suffering,
persecutions, toils of duty.
O healthful place where none are sick!
O happy land where all are kings!
O holy assembly where all are priests!
How free a state where none are servants except to thee!
Bring me speedily to the land of joy.
“Joy” From the Valley of Vision
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Advent 3: Joy
Text: Psalm 30
Campus: College Hill
Christian joy is not based on circumstances.
Enduring joy
Apostle Paul practiced contentment and found joy in every circumstance because the risen, and living, Christ was his joy.
I will exalt you, Lord, because you have lifted me up and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
Lord, you brought me up from Sheol; you spared me from among those going down to the Pit.
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.
When I was secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you showed your favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain; when you hid your face, I was terrified.
Lord, I called to you; I sought favor from my Lord:
“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth? Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.”
You turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, so that I can sing to you and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30 (CSB)
David is exalting God, for three primary reasons:
God is both the object of David’s praise and the source of his praise.
Knowledge about God is not enough to sustain us in the dark night of the soul.
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
but there is joy in the morning.
Read Psalm 30:4-5
God’s people are invited to collectively celebrate God’s mercy and grace, and to cultivate joy.
“Who is a God like you, forgiving iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not hold on to his anger forever because he delights in faithful love.”
Micah 7:18
When I was secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you showed your favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain; when you hid your face, I was terrified.
Lord, I called to you; I sought favor from my Lord:
“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth?
Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.”
Psalm 30:6-10
God needs to be the source of our strength and joy in favorable circumstances, as much as we rely on him in challenging circumstances.
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the Lord’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build, but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’
“Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me out of all my father’s family to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah, my father’s family, and from my father’s sons, he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. And out of all my sons—for the Lord has given me many sons—he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the Lord’s kingdom over Israel. He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who is to build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he perseveres in keeping my commands and my ordinances as he is doing today.’
1 Chronicles 28:2-7 (CSB)
Many of the Old Testament prophets were actually pointing us to Jesus the Messiah.
“When Jesus said that his resurrected body is the true temple, he was saying something like this: “In all temples around the world, priests offer sacrifices and do rituals aiming to bridge the chasm you feel between yourself and God. But I am the sacrifice that ends all sacrifices. I am the priest who ends your need for priests. It was I who went under the sword (Genesis 3:24). I am the one who brings heaven to earth, because I am not just the bridge over the gap to God’s glory. I am God’s glory.””
~ Tim Keller, Surprised by Hope
When we are healed from our sins, our lives become a testimony of God’s presence and goodness and our bodies become a living temple for God’s Holy Spirit
(1 Cor. 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16).
Conclusion:
Title: Joy at Midnight
Text: Psalm 30
Campus: Rivermont
“Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have lifted me up
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;
you spared me from among those
going down[a] to the Pit.
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:1-4
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Psalm 130:1-2
God, listen to my prayer
And do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my compliant
Psalm 55:1-2
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have drawn me out of the depths
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
Psalm 30:1-2
“Those who are close to their tears are close to their joy.”
~ Dr. Dan Allender
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:4
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
When I was secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you showed your favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain;
when you hid your face, I was terrified.
Psalm 30:6-7
Lord, I called to you;
I sought favor from my Lord:
“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth?
Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.”
You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:8-12
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have drawn me out of the depths...
Psalm 30:1
The Well of Grief
by David Whyte
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief,
turning down through its black water
to the place we cannot breathe,
will never know the source from which we drink,
the secret water, cold and clear,
nor find in the darkness glimmering,
the small round coins,
thrown by those who wished for something else.
“What gain is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your truth?
10 Lord, listen and be gracious to me;
Lord, be my helper.”
Psalm 30:9-10
You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:11-12
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
Romans 6:3-5
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11
O CHRIST,
All thy ways of mercy tend to and end in my delight.
Thou didst weep, sorrow, suffer that I might rejoice.
For my joy thou hast sent the Comforter,
multiplied thy promises,
shown me my future happiness,
given me a living fountain.
Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy;
I pray for joy, wait for joy, long for joy;
give me more than I can hold, desire, or think of.
Measure out to me my times and degrees of joy,
at my work, business, duties.
If I weep at night, give me joy in the morning.
Let me rest in the thought of thy love,
pardon for sin, my title to heaven,
my future unspotted state.
I am an unworthy recipient of thy grace.
I often disesteem thy blood and slight thy love,
but can in repentance draw water
from the wells of thy joyous forgiveness.
Let my heart leap towards the eternal sabbath,
where the work of redemption, sanctification,
preservation, glorification is finished
and perfected for ever,
where thou wilt rejoice over me with joy.
There is no joy like the joy of heaven,
for in that state are no sad divisions,
unchristian quarrels,
contentions, evil designs,
weariness, hunger, cold,
sadness, sin, suffering,
persecutions, toils of duty.
O healthful place where none are sick!
O happy land where all are kings!
O holy assembly where all are priests!
How free a state where none are servants except to thee!
Bring me speedily to the land of joy.
“Joy” From the Valley of Vision
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Advent 3: Joy
Text: Psalm 30
Campus: College Hill
Christian joy is not based on circumstances.
Enduring joy
- is a gift from God
- is found in the presence and promises of God
- comes from Jesus Christ
Apostle Paul practiced contentment and found joy in every circumstance because the risen, and living, Christ was his joy.
I will exalt you, Lord, because you have lifted me up and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
Lord, you brought me up from Sheol; you spared me from among those going down to the Pit.
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.
When I was secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you showed your favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain; when you hid your face, I was terrified.
Lord, I called to you; I sought favor from my Lord:
“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth? Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.”
You turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, so that I can sing to you and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30 (CSB)
David is exalting God, for three primary reasons:
- Deliverance from enemies (v. 1)
- Answered prayers (v. 2)
- Preservation of life (v. 3)
God is both the object of David’s praise and the source of his praise.
Knowledge about God is not enough to sustain us in the dark night of the soul.
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
but there is joy in the morning.
Read Psalm 30:4-5
God’s people are invited to collectively celebrate God’s mercy and grace, and to cultivate joy.
“Who is a God like you, forgiving iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not hold on to his anger forever because he delights in faithful love.”
Micah 7:18
When I was secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you showed your favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain; when you hid your face, I was terrified.
Lord, I called to you; I sought favor from my Lord:
“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth?
Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.”
Psalm 30:6-10
God needs to be the source of our strength and joy in favorable circumstances, as much as we rely on him in challenging circumstances.
Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the Lord’s covenant and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build, but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’
“Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me out of all my father’s family to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah, my father’s family, and from my father’s sons, he was pleased to make me king over all Israel. And out of all my sons—for the Lord has given me many sons—he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the Lord’s kingdom over Israel. He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who is to build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he perseveres in keeping my commands and my ordinances as he is doing today.’
1 Chronicles 28:2-7 (CSB)
Many of the Old Testament prophets were actually pointing us to Jesus the Messiah.
“When Jesus said that his resurrected body is the true temple, he was saying something like this: “In all temples around the world, priests offer sacrifices and do rituals aiming to bridge the chasm you feel between yourself and God. But I am the sacrifice that ends all sacrifices. I am the priest who ends your need for priests. It was I who went under the sword (Genesis 3:24). I am the one who brings heaven to earth, because I am not just the bridge over the gap to God’s glory. I am God’s glory.””
~ Tim Keller, Surprised by Hope
When we are healed from our sins, our lives become a testimony of God’s presence and goodness and our bodies become a living temple for God’s Holy Spirit
(1 Cor. 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16).
Conclusion:
- God is always with us - our source of enduring joy.
- We display God’s presence in our world - as heralds of enduring joy.
December 5th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Peace at Midnight
Text: Psalm 55
Campus: Rivermont
God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,
because of the enemy’s words, because of the pressure of the wicked.
For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.
Psalm 55:1-3
Now it is not an enemy who insults me—otherwise I could bear it;
it is not a foe who rises up against me—otherwise I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
My friend acts violently against those at peace with him;
he violates his covenant.
His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart.
His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.
Psalm 55:12-14, 20-1
My heart shudders within me;
terrors of death sweep over me.
Fear and trembling grip me;
horror has overwhelmed me.
Psalm 55:4-5
We tend to overestimate our ability to achieve peace on our own
Click Here to see Image: Christmas in Bethlehem
I said, “If only I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and find rest.
How far away I would flee;
I would stay in the wilderness. Selah
I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm.”
Psalm 55:6-8
Let death take them by surprise;
let them go down to Sheol alive, because evil is in their homes and within them.
God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction;
Psalm 55:15, 23a
But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.
I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and he hears my voice.
Though many are against me, he will redeem me from my battle unharmed.
God, the one enthroned from long ago, will hear and will humiliate them Selah
because they do not change and do not fear God.
men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.
Psalm 55:16-19, 23b
The Bible teaches that peace is not the absence of pain or conflict, but the presence of God, no matter the circumstance.
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.
Psalm 130:1-2
God, listen to my prayer
And do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my compliant
Psalm 55:1-2
Christ has come. Our savior has come. And he’s coming again. And in the meantime, through his life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, peace is possible.
God is closer than you think. Peace is more possible than we ever imagined.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
CHRISTMAS BELLS
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
Ultimately, it is not the changing of our circumstances that makes peace possible again. The presence of Jesus is the promise and possibility of peace.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—
all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him— if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.
Colossians 1:21-23
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: Psalm 55
Campus: College Hill
The season of Advent helps us to understand the true meaning of Christmas and to anchor our hope, love, peace, and joy in Jesus.
God’s people don’t ignore the painful realities of our lives but, in all circumstances, we anchor ourselves in the hope that is found in the Lord.
Advent helps us to honestly name our darkness and to cultivate peace that transcends our circumstances.
God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint, because of the enemy’s words, because of the pressure of the wicked.
For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.
My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me.
Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.
How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah
I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm.”
Now it is not an enemy who insults me—otherwise I could bear it;
it is not a foe who rises up against me—otherwise I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction;
men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.
Psalm 55:1-8, 12-14,22-23 (CSB)
A lament expresses grief and sorrow.
1) A lament is usually a direct address to God (v. 1)
2) A lament expresses specific complaints (vv. 2-3, 12-14, 20-21)
3) A lament has elements of confession, assertion of innocence, and imprecation (cursing).
4) A lament expresses confidence in God and typically ends with surrender or praise (vv. 16, 22-23).
A lament is a journey through grief and sorrow.
Grief is a journey that we cannot take apart from God.
Psalms of lament help us to understand that we shouldn’t minimize grief and pain.
When God seems far away, and peace feels out of reach, there is always a temptation to escape.
The Bible teaches us that peace is not found in the absence of pain or conflict, but in the presence of God.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!
When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
Read Luke 2:9-20 (CSB)
Jesus was crushed for our iniquities and his wounds have paved the way for our healing.
The Greek word for salvation (soteria) means healing.
It was the presence of Jesus which made shalom real for the disciples, and Jesus makes it real for us.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Peace at Midnight
Text: Psalm 55
Campus: Rivermont
God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,
because of the enemy’s words, because of the pressure of the wicked.
For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.
Psalm 55:1-3
Now it is not an enemy who insults me—otherwise I could bear it;
it is not a foe who rises up against me—otherwise I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
My friend acts violently against those at peace with him;
he violates his covenant.
His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart.
His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.
Psalm 55:12-14, 20-1
My heart shudders within me;
terrors of death sweep over me.
Fear and trembling grip me;
horror has overwhelmed me.
Psalm 55:4-5
We tend to overestimate our ability to achieve peace on our own
Click Here to see Image: Christmas in Bethlehem
I said, “If only I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and find rest.
How far away I would flee;
I would stay in the wilderness. Selah
I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm.”
Psalm 55:6-8
Let death take them by surprise;
let them go down to Sheol alive, because evil is in their homes and within them.
God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction;
Psalm 55:15, 23a
But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.
I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and he hears my voice.
Though many are against me, he will redeem me from my battle unharmed.
God, the one enthroned from long ago, will hear and will humiliate them Selah
because they do not change and do not fear God.
men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.
Psalm 55:16-19, 23b
The Bible teaches that peace is not the absence of pain or conflict, but the presence of God, no matter the circumstance.
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.
Psalm 130:1-2
God, listen to my prayer
And do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my compliant
Psalm 55:1-2
Christ has come. Our savior has come. And he’s coming again. And in the meantime, through his life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, peace is possible.
God is closer than you think. Peace is more possible than we ever imagined.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
CHRISTMAS BELLS
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
Ultimately, it is not the changing of our circumstances that makes peace possible again. The presence of Jesus is the promise and possibility of peace.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—
all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him— if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.
Colossians 1:21-23
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: Psalm 55
Campus: College Hill
The season of Advent helps us to understand the true meaning of Christmas and to anchor our hope, love, peace, and joy in Jesus.
God’s people don’t ignore the painful realities of our lives but, in all circumstances, we anchor ourselves in the hope that is found in the Lord.
Advent helps us to honestly name our darkness and to cultivate peace that transcends our circumstances.
God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.
Pay attention to me and answer me.
I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint, because of the enemy’s words, because of the pressure of the wicked.
For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.
My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me.
Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.
How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah
I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm.”
Now it is not an enemy who insults me—otherwise I could bear it;
it is not a foe who rises up against me—otherwise I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction;
men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.
Psalm 55:1-8, 12-14,22-23 (CSB)
A lament expresses grief and sorrow.
1) A lament is usually a direct address to God (v. 1)
2) A lament expresses specific complaints (vv. 2-3, 12-14, 20-21)
3) A lament has elements of confession, assertion of innocence, and imprecation (cursing).
4) A lament expresses confidence in God and typically ends with surrender or praise (vv. 16, 22-23).
A lament is a journey through grief and sorrow.
Grief is a journey that we cannot take apart from God.
Psalms of lament help us to understand that we shouldn’t minimize grief and pain.
When God seems far away, and peace feels out of reach, there is always a temptation to escape.
The Bible teaches us that peace is not found in the absence of pain or conflict, but in the presence of God.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!
When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
Read Luke 2:9-20 (CSB)
Jesus was crushed for our iniquities and his wounds have paved the way for our healing.
The Greek word for salvation (soteria) means healing.
It was the presence of Jesus which made shalom real for the disciples, and Jesus makes it real for us.
______________________________________________________________________
November 28th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Hope in the Night (Advent 1)
Text: Psalm 130
Campus: Rivermont
Click to see family picture
During the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, the global church looks beyond cultural Christmas and intently focuses on Jesus.
Psalms speak honestly about the way sin affects our lives, they name the darkness, but they also deeply root our faith in the greatness and glory of God.
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait
and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning—
more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord.
For there is faithful love with the Lord,
and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
Psalm 130 (CSB)
“Help, God - the bottom has fallen out of my life.”
~The Message, E. Peterson
We’re never going to be able to get the help that we need until we acknowledge that we have a need, and we won’t get the help that we need unless we turn to the right solution.
Despair can make us feel isolated from God and others but it can also be the very thing that prompts us to turn to God and get the help that we need.
Advent is an invitation to be honest and to face our pain with God.
Hesed describes God’s faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace, as well as his kindness and loyalty.
All of the darkness and pain that is present in our lives can be traced back to sin - our sin and the sin of others.
Turning ourselves and our concerns over to our kind and generous God, fills us with the strength that we need to endure the night.
We wait for God to display his hesed love and apply it to our wounds, and we wait for him to rescue us.
Our hope is not unfounded. We know the morning is coming.
Another way that we are sustained in the darkness is by speaking the truth about God to others.
Our grief and tears may last the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Advent guide: you’re going to be invited to be honest, to grieve what needs to be grieved, to surrender, and to receive the gift of God’s presence which leads to abundance.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Advent Week 1: Hope
Text: Psalm 130
Campus: College Hill
During the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, the global church looks beyond cultural Christmas and intently focuses on Jesus.
Psalms speak honestly about the way sin affects our lives, they name the darkness, but they also deeply root our faith in the greatness and glory of God.
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait
and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning—
more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord.
For there is faithful love with the Lord,
and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
Psalm 130 (CSB)
We’re never going to be able to get the help that we need until we acknowledge that we have a need, and we won’t get the help that we need unless we turn to the right solution.
Despair can make us feel isolated from God and others but it can also be the very thing that prompts us to turn to God and get the help that we need.
Advent is an invitation to be honest and to face our pain with God.
Hesed describes God’s faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace, as well as his kindness and loyalty.
All of the darkness and pain that is present in our lives can be traced back to sin - our sin and the sin of others.
Turning ourselves and our concerns over to our kind and generous God, fills us with the strength that we need to endure the night.
We wait for God to display his hesed love and apply it to our wounds, and we wait for him to rescue us.
Our hope is not unfounded. We know the morning is coming.
Another way that we are sustained in the darkness is by speaking the truth about God to others.
Our grief and tears may last the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Advent guide: you’re going to be invited to be honest, to grieve what needs to be grieved, to surrender, and to receive the gift of God’s presence which leads to abundance.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Hope in the Night (Advent 1)
Text: Psalm 130
Campus: Rivermont
Click to see family picture
During the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, the global church looks beyond cultural Christmas and intently focuses on Jesus.
Psalms speak honestly about the way sin affects our lives, they name the darkness, but they also deeply root our faith in the greatness and glory of God.
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait
and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning—
more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord.
For there is faithful love with the Lord,
and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
Psalm 130 (CSB)
“Help, God - the bottom has fallen out of my life.”
~The Message, E. Peterson
We’re never going to be able to get the help that we need until we acknowledge that we have a need, and we won’t get the help that we need unless we turn to the right solution.
Despair can make us feel isolated from God and others but it can also be the very thing that prompts us to turn to God and get the help that we need.
Advent is an invitation to be honest and to face our pain with God.
Hesed describes God’s faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace, as well as his kindness and loyalty.
All of the darkness and pain that is present in our lives can be traced back to sin - our sin and the sin of others.
Turning ourselves and our concerns over to our kind and generous God, fills us with the strength that we need to endure the night.
We wait for God to display his hesed love and apply it to our wounds, and we wait for him to rescue us.
Our hope is not unfounded. We know the morning is coming.
Another way that we are sustained in the darkness is by speaking the truth about God to others.
Our grief and tears may last the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Advent guide: you’re going to be invited to be honest, to grieve what needs to be grieved, to surrender, and to receive the gift of God’s presence which leads to abundance.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Advent Week 1: Hope
Text: Psalm 130
Campus: College Hill
During the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, the global church looks beyond cultural Christmas and intently focuses on Jesus.
Psalms speak honestly about the way sin affects our lives, they name the darkness, but they also deeply root our faith in the greatness and glory of God.
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait
and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning—
more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord.
For there is faithful love with the Lord,
and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
Psalm 130 (CSB)
We’re never going to be able to get the help that we need until we acknowledge that we have a need, and we won’t get the help that we need unless we turn to the right solution.
Despair can make us feel isolated from God and others but it can also be the very thing that prompts us to turn to God and get the help that we need.
Advent is an invitation to be honest and to face our pain with God.
Hesed describes God’s faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace, as well as his kindness and loyalty.
All of the darkness and pain that is present in our lives can be traced back to sin - our sin and the sin of others.
Turning ourselves and our concerns over to our kind and generous God, fills us with the strength that we need to endure the night.
We wait for God to display his hesed love and apply it to our wounds, and we wait for him to rescue us.
Our hope is not unfounded. We know the morning is coming.
Another way that we are sustained in the darkness is by speaking the truth about God to others.
Our grief and tears may last the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Advent guide: you’re going to be invited to be honest, to grieve what needs to be grieved, to surrender, and to receive the gift of God’s presence which leads to abundance.
______________________________________________________________________
November 21st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Called to Belong: Household Codes and Spiritual Battle
Text: Ephesians 5:22-6:9
Campus: Rivermont
Aristotle, Politics, 1:3: “Seeing then that the state is made up of households, before speaking of the state we must speak of the management of the household… Now we should begin by examining everything in its fewest possible elements; and the first and fewest possible parts of a family are master and slave, husband and wife, father and children.” (Same groups Paul is going to address).
Aristotle, Politics, 1:12: “Of household management we have seen that there are three parts- one is the rule of a master over slaves, which has been discussed already, another of a father, and the third of a husband. A husband and father, we saw, rules over wife and children, both free, but the rule differs; the rule over his children being royal, and the rule over his wife is based on natural constitution. For although there may be exceptions to the order of nature, the male is by nature fitter for command than the female, just as the elder and full-grown is superior to the younger and more immature.”
And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:18-22
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be being filled by the Spirit: (v. 18)
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (v. 19)
creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord, (v.19)
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (v. 20)
submitting to (Grk: hupotassō, to be placed under, “socially outranked”) one another in reverence for Christ, (v. 21)
wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord… (v. 22)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4
Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Ephesians 6:5-9
Outline of Spiritual Battle (Eph. 6:10-20)
1. Our Real Enemy (The Powers)
2. Our Mode of Battle (Counter-Formation)
3. Our Armor (The Gospel)
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Pay careful attention to how you live - not as unwise people but as wise - be liberating the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
When we do not believe in the devil, we will turn every person or institution who does evil into the devil.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:14-17
Therefore justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We hope for light, but there is darkness;
for brightness, but we live in the night.
We grope along a wall like the blind;
we grope like those without eyes.
We stumble at noon as though it were twilight;
we are like the dead among those who are healthy.
We all growl like bears
and moan like doves.
We hope for justice, but there is none;
for salvation, but it is far from us.
For our transgressions have multiplied before you,
and our sins testify against us.
For our transgressions are with us,
and we know our iniquities:
transgression and deception against the Lord,
turning away from following our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart.
Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far off.
For truth has stumbled in the public square,
and honesty cannot enter.
Truth is missing,
and whoever turns from evil is plundered.
The Lord saw that there was no justice,
and he was offended.
He saw that there was no man—
he was amazed that there was no one interceding;
so his own arm brought salvation,
and his own righteousness supported him.
He put on righteousness as body armor,
and a helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,
and he wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
So he will repay according to their deeds:
fury to his enemies, retribution to his foes,
and he will repay the coasts and islands.
They will fear the name of the Lord in the west
and his glory in the east;
for he will come like a rushing stream
driven by the wind of the Lord.
“The Redeemer will come to Zion,
and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Isaiah 59:9-20
Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
a Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
His delight will be in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge
by what he sees with his eyes,
he will not execute justice
by what he hears with his ears,
but he will judge the poor righteously
and execute justice for the oppressed of the land.
He will strike the land
with a scepter from his mouth,
and he will kill the wicked
with a command from his lips.
Righteousness will be a belt around his hips;
faithfulness will be a belt around his waist.
The wolf will dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the goat.
The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf will be together,
and a child will lead them.
The cow and the bear will graze,
their young ones will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like cattle.
An infant will play beside the cobra’s pit,
and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den.
They will not harm or destroy each other
on my entire holy mountain,
for the land will be as full
of the knowledge of the Lord
as the sea is filled with water.
Isaiah 11:1-9
In Jesus, The fruit of our fight is peace.
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the herald,
who proclaims peace,
who brings news of good things,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
The voices of your watchmen—
they lift up their voices,
shouting for joy together;
for every eye will see
when the Lord returns to Zion.
Be joyful, rejoice together,
you ruins of Jerusalem!
For the Lord has comforted his people;
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has displayed his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 52:7-10
Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
He grew up before him like a young plant
and like a root out of dry ground.
He didn’t have an impressive form
or majesty that we should look at him,
no appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from;
he was despised, and we didn’t value him.
Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.
We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
and who considered his fate?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
but he was with a rich man at his death,
because he had done no violence
and had not spoken deceitfully.
Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.
When you make him a guilt offering,
he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.
After his anguish,
he will see light and be satisfied.
By his knowledge,
my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will carry their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,
and he will receive the mighty as spoil,
because he willingly submitted to death,
and was counted among the rebels;
yet he bore the sin of many
and interceded for the rebels.
Isaiah 53:1-12
We do battle against the schemes of our very real spiritual enemy by laying our lives down in love for others, just like Jesus.
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 14)
Text: Ephesians 6
Campus: College Hill
“…the very constitution of the soul has shown us the way; in it one part naturally rules, and the other is subject, and the virtue of the ruler we in maintain to be different from that of the subject… almost all things rule and are ruled according to nature. But the kind of rule differs; the freeman rules over the slave after another manner from that in which the male rules over the female, or the man over the child; although the parts of the soul are present in all of them, they are present in different degrees. For the slave has no deliberative faculty at all; the woman has, but it is without authority, and the child has, but it is immature. So it must necessarily be supposed to be with the moral virtues also; all should partake of them, but only in such manner and degree as is required by each for the fulfillment of his duty.” - Aristotle
In Jesus’ teachings, the weak and vulnerable were elevated and those who were strong were invited to lay down their lives for those who are weak.
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (CSB)
How do you engage with people inside and outside the home?
submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
First century Christians didn’t have the authority to totally redefine the household codes, but they could show how Christ refined the household codes.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Ephesians 6:1-9
To “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” means that parents get to teach and model godliness to their children.
Apostle Paul humanizes slaves and puts slaves and masters on an equal playing field in relation to God (v. 9).
Slavery is a violation of God’s design and is incompatible with the gospel.
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (CSB)
Our only hope in life and death, and the battle in between, is God himself.
What do we “put on” for the battle?
What do you need in order to be a faithful warrior?
Title: Called to Belong: Household Codes and Spiritual Battle
Text: Ephesians 5:22-6:9
Campus: Rivermont
Aristotle, Politics, 1:3: “Seeing then that the state is made up of households, before speaking of the state we must speak of the management of the household… Now we should begin by examining everything in its fewest possible elements; and the first and fewest possible parts of a family are master and slave, husband and wife, father and children.” (Same groups Paul is going to address).
Aristotle, Politics, 1:12: “Of household management we have seen that there are three parts- one is the rule of a master over slaves, which has been discussed already, another of a father, and the third of a husband. A husband and father, we saw, rules over wife and children, both free, but the rule differs; the rule over his children being royal, and the rule over his wife is based on natural constitution. For although there may be exceptions to the order of nature, the male is by nature fitter for command than the female, just as the elder and full-grown is superior to the younger and more immature.”
And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:18-22
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be being filled by the Spirit: (v. 18)
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (v. 19)
creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord, (v.19)
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (v. 20)
submitting to (Grk: hupotassō, to be placed under, “socially outranked”) one another in reverence for Christ, (v. 21)
wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord… (v. 22)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4
Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Ephesians 6:5-9
Outline of Spiritual Battle (Eph. 6:10-20)
1. Our Real Enemy (The Powers)
2. Our Mode of Battle (Counter-Formation)
3. Our Armor (The Gospel)
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Pay careful attention to how you live - not as unwise people but as wise - be liberating the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
When we do not believe in the devil, we will turn every person or institution who does evil into the devil.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:14-17
Therefore justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We hope for light, but there is darkness;
for brightness, but we live in the night.
We grope along a wall like the blind;
we grope like those without eyes.
We stumble at noon as though it were twilight;
we are like the dead among those who are healthy.
We all growl like bears
and moan like doves.
We hope for justice, but there is none;
for salvation, but it is far from us.
For our transgressions have multiplied before you,
and our sins testify against us.
For our transgressions are with us,
and we know our iniquities:
transgression and deception against the Lord,
turning away from following our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart.
Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far off.
For truth has stumbled in the public square,
and honesty cannot enter.
Truth is missing,
and whoever turns from evil is plundered.
The Lord saw that there was no justice,
and he was offended.
He saw that there was no man—
he was amazed that there was no one interceding;
so his own arm brought salvation,
and his own righteousness supported him.
He put on righteousness as body armor,
and a helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,
and he wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
So he will repay according to their deeds:
fury to his enemies, retribution to his foes,
and he will repay the coasts and islands.
They will fear the name of the Lord in the west
and his glory in the east;
for he will come like a rushing stream
driven by the wind of the Lord.
“The Redeemer will come to Zion,
and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Isaiah 59:9-20
Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
a Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
His delight will be in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge
by what he sees with his eyes,
he will not execute justice
by what he hears with his ears,
but he will judge the poor righteously
and execute justice for the oppressed of the land.
He will strike the land
with a scepter from his mouth,
and he will kill the wicked
with a command from his lips.
Righteousness will be a belt around his hips;
faithfulness will be a belt around his waist.
The wolf will dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the goat.
The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf will be together,
and a child will lead them.
The cow and the bear will graze,
their young ones will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like cattle.
An infant will play beside the cobra’s pit,
and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den.
They will not harm or destroy each other
on my entire holy mountain,
for the land will be as full
of the knowledge of the Lord
as the sea is filled with water.
Isaiah 11:1-9
In Jesus, The fruit of our fight is peace.
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the herald,
who proclaims peace,
who brings news of good things,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
The voices of your watchmen—
they lift up their voices,
shouting for joy together;
for every eye will see
when the Lord returns to Zion.
Be joyful, rejoice together,
you ruins of Jerusalem!
For the Lord has comforted his people;
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has displayed his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 52:7-10
Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
He grew up before him like a young plant
and like a root out of dry ground.
He didn’t have an impressive form
or majesty that we should look at him,
no appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from;
he was despised, and we didn’t value him.
Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.
We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
and who considered his fate?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
but he was with a rich man at his death,
because he had done no violence
and had not spoken deceitfully.
Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.
When you make him a guilt offering,
he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.
After his anguish,
he will see light and be satisfied.
By his knowledge,
my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will carry their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,
and he will receive the mighty as spoil,
because he willingly submitted to death,
and was counted among the rebels;
yet he bore the sin of many
and interceded for the rebels.
Isaiah 53:1-12
We do battle against the schemes of our very real spiritual enemy by laying our lives down in love for others, just like Jesus.
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 14)
Text: Ephesians 6
Campus: College Hill
“…the very constitution of the soul has shown us the way; in it one part naturally rules, and the other is subject, and the virtue of the ruler we in maintain to be different from that of the subject… almost all things rule and are ruled according to nature. But the kind of rule differs; the freeman rules over the slave after another manner from that in which the male rules over the female, or the man over the child; although the parts of the soul are present in all of them, they are present in different degrees. For the slave has no deliberative faculty at all; the woman has, but it is without authority, and the child has, but it is immature. So it must necessarily be supposed to be with the moral virtues also; all should partake of them, but only in such manner and degree as is required by each for the fulfillment of his duty.” - Aristotle
In Jesus’ teachings, the weak and vulnerable were elevated and those who were strong were invited to lay down their lives for those who are weak.
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (CSB)
How do you engage with people inside and outside the home?
- follow God’s lead, look to Jesus,
- remember your position as a child of God and prioritize sacrificial love.
submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
First century Christians didn’t have the authority to totally redefine the household codes, but they could show how Christ refined the household codes.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Ephesians 6:1-9
To “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” means that parents get to teach and model godliness to their children.
Apostle Paul humanizes slaves and puts slaves and masters on an equal playing field in relation to God (v. 9).
Slavery is a violation of God’s design and is incompatible with the gospel.
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (CSB)
Our only hope in life and death, and the battle in between, is God himself.
- God himself strengthens us for the battle.
- God has exposed our enemy.
- God has given us tools for the battle.
What do we “put on” for the battle?
- truth
- righteousness
- peace
- faith
- Helmet of salvation
- The sword of the Spirit
- Prayer
What do you need in order to be a faithful warrior?
- awareness of the battle
- strength of the Lord/endurance
- utilize the tools
November 14th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: We Won’t Move Without You
Text: Mark 6:45-52 (Exodus 33:1-5, 12-16, 34:5-9)
Campus: Rivermont
When we see need, God sees abundance.
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After he said good-bye to them, he went away to the mountain to pray. Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning[b] he came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded, because they had not understood about the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.
Mark 6:45-52
“Jesus saw them” and yet he waited. (v. 48)
“they cried out” afraid. Panicked. Anxious. Legitimate. Like the loaves, there wasn’t enough, they were in over their heads. (v. 49)
Is there a part of me that feels in over my head, out of control in my life?
“He got into the boat with them” (v. 51)
When we need the provision of God, the hand of God, we need to seek the presence of God.
“because they had not understood the loaves and their hearts were hard.” (v. 52)
Every need is an invitation to intimacy with Jesus.
What will have our attention for what lies ahead? Will it be the wind and waves, the potential threats, our own desired outcomes? Or will it be Jesus, the Lord of the loaves and the storm, the Lord of all?
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Go up from here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying: I will give it to your offspring. I will send an angel ahead of you and will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hethites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn’t put on their jewelry.
For the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites: You are a stiff-necked people. If I went up with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.”
Exodus 33:1-5
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
Exodus 33:12-16
The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed his name, “the Lord.” The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed:
The Lord—the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
Moses immediately knelt low on the ground and worshiped. Then he said, “My Lord, if I have indeed found favor with you, my Lord, please go with us (even though this is a stiff-necked people), forgive our iniquity and our sin, and accept us as your own possession.”
Exodus 34:5-9
Corporate Prayer: For What Comes Next
Jesus, You are the Lord, Our God. We won’t move without You. We will not move forward in our own strength. We will not cling to our desired outcomes, but to your presence and guidance.
Lord Jesus, we are your people. Our needs, our lives, are in your hands. Teach us your ways. Show us your glory. Do not leave us alone. For the glory of your name, lead us by your presence daily into what is to come.
Amen.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:19-33
Campus: College Hill
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
God’s global mission, which starts in our neighborhoods and takes us to nations, has always been really important to Gospel Community Church.
“In the coming weeks, we don’t know how the corona virus will shape our lives and our church, but we know that there will be lots of opportunities to encounter God through prayer and intentional acts of generosity. Let’s keep our hearts soft and eyes open.”
- March 2020
The church of Jesus Christ exists to know Christ and to make him known.
All Christians, everywhere, regardless of their personal or cultural situations are called to love God and to love people.
Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (CSB)
Jesus invites us to choose the right master.
Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span[a] by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?”
Matthew 6:25-31 (CSB)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
Instead of being consumed by worry, we’re invited to prioritize God’s presence and the values of his Kingdom; and to be sustained by him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.
Personal Evaluation and Confession:
Where are you storing your treasure? What is your treasure?
Prayer Prompts:
-What are you worried about?
-What are you thankful for?
-Pray for the peace of God to consume and guard your heart.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: We Won’t Move Without You
Text: Mark 6:45-52 (Exodus 33:1-5, 12-16, 34:5-9)
Campus: Rivermont
When we see need, God sees abundance.
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After he said good-bye to them, he went away to the mountain to pray. Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning[b] he came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded, because they had not understood about the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.
Mark 6:45-52
“Jesus saw them” and yet he waited. (v. 48)
“they cried out” afraid. Panicked. Anxious. Legitimate. Like the loaves, there wasn’t enough, they were in over their heads. (v. 49)
Is there a part of me that feels in over my head, out of control in my life?
“He got into the boat with them” (v. 51)
When we need the provision of God, the hand of God, we need to seek the presence of God.
“because they had not understood the loaves and their hearts were hard.” (v. 52)
Every need is an invitation to intimacy with Jesus.
What will have our attention for what lies ahead? Will it be the wind and waves, the potential threats, our own desired outcomes? Or will it be Jesus, the Lord of the loaves and the storm, the Lord of all?
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Go up from here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying: I will give it to your offspring. I will send an angel ahead of you and will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hethites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn’t put on their jewelry.
For the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites: You are a stiff-necked people. If I went up with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.”
Exodus 33:1-5
Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
Exodus 33:12-16
The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed his name, “the Lord.” The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed:
The Lord—the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
Moses immediately knelt low on the ground and worshiped. Then he said, “My Lord, if I have indeed found favor with you, my Lord, please go with us (even though this is a stiff-necked people), forgive our iniquity and our sin, and accept us as your own possession.”
Exodus 34:5-9
Corporate Prayer: For What Comes Next
Jesus, You are the Lord, Our God. We won’t move without You. We will not move forward in our own strength. We will not cling to our desired outcomes, but to your presence and guidance.
Lord Jesus, we are your people. Our needs, our lives, are in your hands. Teach us your ways. Show us your glory. Do not leave us alone. For the glory of your name, lead us by your presence daily into what is to come.
Amen.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:19-33
Campus: College Hill
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
God’s global mission, which starts in our neighborhoods and takes us to nations, has always been really important to Gospel Community Church.
“In the coming weeks, we don’t know how the corona virus will shape our lives and our church, but we know that there will be lots of opportunities to encounter God through prayer and intentional acts of generosity. Let’s keep our hearts soft and eyes open.”
- March 2020
The church of Jesus Christ exists to know Christ and to make him known.
All Christians, everywhere, regardless of their personal or cultural situations are called to love God and to love people.
Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (CSB)
Jesus invites us to choose the right master.
Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span[a] by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?”
Matthew 6:25-31 (CSB)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
Instead of being consumed by worry, we’re invited to prioritize God’s presence and the values of his Kingdom; and to be sustained by him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.
Personal Evaluation and Confession:
Where are you storing your treasure? What is your treasure?
Prayer Prompts:
-What are you worried about?
-What are you thankful for?
-Pray for the peace of God to consume and guard your heart.
______________________________________________________________________
November 7th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Global Focus Launch
Text: Romans 15:18-24, Revelation 5:8-9
Campus: Rivermont
We endeavor to preach the gospel where Christ is not known so that God can be worshiped by all peoples
And again, ”praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience – by work and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God- so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it mand thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”
Romans 15:11, 18-21
Central to Christ’s saving work accomplished on the cross is that this salvation will ransom a people for God from every nation, tribe and language
235 times the Bible uses the word “peoples”, to convey this idea of people groups. And it uses it in the very specific contexts of the way that God deals with the earth in terms of His work in the spread of the gospel.
Yet his purpose and process for bringing this salvation to the people of the world is not simply to have many people believe, but rather it has a targeted purpose of gathering a people for himself from each of the peoples of the earth.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Revelation 5:9
1. It is a revelation or picture of the momentum of Grace.
2. Jesus loves you, died for you, adopts you into his family but his work on grace toward you does not terminate in you.
3. The multi-ethnic church in its variety of color displays the multi-color beauty of God’s wisdom.
To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to preach to the Gentiles (Ethnos- the nations) the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:8-10
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.
Mathew 28:18-20
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
There are roughly 17,000 distinct ethono linguistic people groups scattered around the world
There are 7,398 unreached people groups.
An unreached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance.
But such is the paradox of grace. Death is the doorway to life. Hopelessness is the entrance to hope. Weakness is the place to find strength. Injustice is where mercy flows. Life comes to those who deserve death. Defeat is actually a victory. The end is really a beginning. Out of sorrow comes eternal celebration. The tomb is the place where new life begins. Hope is sung to suffering’s tune. God composes hope from tragedy’s notes.
For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience – by work and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God
Romans 15:18-19
“..I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:17-18
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Global Focus Launch
Text: Romans 15:18-24, Revelation 5:8-9, Romans 10:9-15
Campus: College Hill
Unreached:
a person or group with NO ACCESS to the Gospel of Jesus, and they will not have access unless someone gives it to them
People Group:
an ethnolinguistic group with it’s own language, history, culture, and identity
“For evangelization purposes, a people group is the largest group within which the Gospel can spread as a church planting movement without encountering barriers of understanding or acceptance"
~1982 Lausanne Committee Chicago meeting
Ethnos:
people group
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all Ethnos
Matthew 28:19
This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all Ethnos, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14
For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me by word and deed for the obedience of the Gentiles, by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit.
Romans 15:18-19
As a result, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain.
Romans 15: 18-24
Click here to see New Testament world slide
Click here to see slide
Click here to see Progress of the Gospel by People Group slide
When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.
Revelation 5:8-10
I know that you can do anything and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted
Job 42:2
This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
Romans 10: 8b-15
God invites His people to obey Him and join in His mission of going into the world to make disciples.
God has wired each of us as GOers and SENDers
We need people to GO take the Gospel to the unreached people groups of the world, because this is God’s plan for reaching the ends of the earth. We need people to SEND workers to the field, because cross-cultural missions is difficult and requires spiritual, financial, and emotional support.
1. Learn
2. Send
3. Go
All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations (ethnos – people groups), baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
___________________________________________________________________
Global Focus Launch
Text: Romans 15:18-24, Revelation 5:8-9
Campus: Rivermont
We endeavor to preach the gospel where Christ is not known so that God can be worshiped by all peoples
And again, ”praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience – by work and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God- so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it mand thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”
Romans 15:11, 18-21
Central to Christ’s saving work accomplished on the cross is that this salvation will ransom a people for God from every nation, tribe and language
235 times the Bible uses the word “peoples”, to convey this idea of people groups. And it uses it in the very specific contexts of the way that God deals with the earth in terms of His work in the spread of the gospel.
Yet his purpose and process for bringing this salvation to the people of the world is not simply to have many people believe, but rather it has a targeted purpose of gathering a people for himself from each of the peoples of the earth.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Revelation 5:9
1. It is a revelation or picture of the momentum of Grace.
2. Jesus loves you, died for you, adopts you into his family but his work on grace toward you does not terminate in you.
3. The multi-ethnic church in its variety of color displays the multi-color beauty of God’s wisdom.
To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to preach to the Gentiles (Ethnos- the nations) the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:8-10
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.
Mathew 28:18-20
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
There are roughly 17,000 distinct ethono linguistic people groups scattered around the world
There are 7,398 unreached people groups.
An unreached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance.
But such is the paradox of grace. Death is the doorway to life. Hopelessness is the entrance to hope. Weakness is the place to find strength. Injustice is where mercy flows. Life comes to those who deserve death. Defeat is actually a victory. The end is really a beginning. Out of sorrow comes eternal celebration. The tomb is the place where new life begins. Hope is sung to suffering’s tune. God composes hope from tragedy’s notes.
For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience – by work and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God
Romans 15:18-19
“..I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:17-18
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Global Focus Launch
Text: Romans 15:18-24, Revelation 5:8-9, Romans 10:9-15
Campus: College Hill
Unreached:
a person or group with NO ACCESS to the Gospel of Jesus, and they will not have access unless someone gives it to them
People Group:
an ethnolinguistic group with it’s own language, history, culture, and identity
“For evangelization purposes, a people group is the largest group within which the Gospel can spread as a church planting movement without encountering barriers of understanding or acceptance"
~1982 Lausanne Committee Chicago meeting
Ethnos:
people group
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all Ethnos
Matthew 28:19
This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all Ethnos, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14
For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me by word and deed for the obedience of the Gentiles, by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit.
Romans 15:18-19
As a result, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain.
Romans 15: 18-24
Click here to see New Testament world slide
Click here to see slide
Click here to see Progress of the Gospel by People Group slide
When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.
Revelation 5:8-10
I know that you can do anything and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted
Job 42:2
This is the message of faith that we proclaim: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
Romans 10: 8b-15
God invites His people to obey Him and join in His mission of going into the world to make disciples.
God has wired each of us as GOers and SENDers
We need people to GO take the Gospel to the unreached people groups of the world, because this is God’s plan for reaching the ends of the earth. We need people to SEND workers to the field, because cross-cultural missions is difficult and requires spiritual, financial, and emotional support.
1. Learn
2. Send
3. Go
All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations (ethnos – people groups), baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
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October 31st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Called to Belong (Week 13)
Text: Ephesians 5:22-33
Campus: Rivermont
Gods vision for Christian marriage is that we express privately to our spouse and publicly before others what we first have experienced personally.
Christian marriage does not begin with what you do and how you love, it begins with what’s been done for you and how you’ve been loved.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.
In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of his body.
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:22-33
In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:28-30
To be Nourished & Cherished is to know that
God is consistently making you like Jesus
while constantly loving you like Jesus.
To Love our spouse just as Christ loves us is to both Nourish & Cherish.
To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:33
God’s vision of marriage isn’t a collision of demands on each other; rather, it’s a collision of desire for each other.
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Illustration of Marriage
Text: Ephesians 5:22-33
Campus: College Hill
This mystery is profound, but I’m talking about Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
“Seeing then that the state is made up of households, before speaking of the state we must speak of the management of the household… Now we should begin by examining everything in its fewest possible elements; and the first and fewest possible parts of a family are master and slave, husband and wife, father and children.”
~ Aristotle, Politics, 1:3
“Of household management we have seen that there are three parts- one is the rule of a master over slaves, which has been discussed already, another of a father, and the third of a husband. A husband and father, we saw, rules over wife and children, both free, but the rule differs; the rule over his children being royal, and the rule over his wife is based on natural constitution. For although there may be exceptions to the order of nature, the male is by nature fitter for command than the female, just as the elder and full-grown is superior to the younger and more immature.”
~ Aristotle, Politics, 1:12
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be being filled by the Spirit:
Ephesians 5:18
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (Grk: odē = poem, inspired by something beautiful, it is itself crafted with great beauty and skill),
creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:19
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20
submitting to (Grk: hupotassō, to be placed under, “socially outranked”) one another in reverence for Christ,
Ephesians 5:21
wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord…
Ephesians 5:22
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ,
Ephesians 5:21
wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:22
because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, he being the deliverer of the Body.
Ephesians 5:23
But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives to their husbands in every way.
Ephesians 5:24
husbands, be loving your wives as Christ loves the church and gave himself on her behalf,
Ephesians 5:25
so that He could set her apart having purified her with the washing of water with a word
Ephesians 5;26
so that He could present the church to Himself glorious, having no stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be sacred and blameless.
Ephesians 5:27
In this way, the husbands are obligated to love their own wives as their own bodies; the one who loves his own wife, loves himself.
Ephesians 5:28
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and nurtures it, just as Christ does for the church,
Ephesians 5:29
because we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:30
For this reason, a man will leave the father and mother and he will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
Ephesians 5:31
This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
Nevertheless, each one of you all should love his own wife in this way, and the wife should revere her husband.
Ephesians 5:33
Paul in Ephesians is not trying to shape the moral practices of a religious community. He’s testifying to how the world really works, as revealed in Jesus, and how to bring more of his kingdom to this world.
The gospel according to Paul in the letter of Ephesians:
In Christ, God is bringing all things together, in heaven and on earth. And liberating a captive and enslaved humanity from sin, death, evil, by bringing us into his kingdom of life, peace, and goodness through his own life, death, and resurrection.
Marriage is missional.
A loving marriage modeled after Jesus is one of our tactics of war against the darkness.
Our liberation, our freedom, and the liberation of others around us, is found in serving, giving our lives away to others.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong (Week 13)
Text: Ephesians 5:22-33
Campus: Rivermont
Gods vision for Christian marriage is that we express privately to our spouse and publicly before others what we first have experienced personally.
Christian marriage does not begin with what you do and how you love, it begins with what’s been done for you and how you’ve been loved.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.
In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of his body.
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:22-33
In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:28-30
To be Nourished & Cherished is to know that
God is consistently making you like Jesus
while constantly loving you like Jesus.
To Love our spouse just as Christ loves us is to both Nourish & Cherish.
To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:33
God’s vision of marriage isn’t a collision of demands on each other; rather, it’s a collision of desire for each other.
____________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Illustration of Marriage
Text: Ephesians 5:22-33
Campus: College Hill
This mystery is profound, but I’m talking about Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
“Seeing then that the state is made up of households, before speaking of the state we must speak of the management of the household… Now we should begin by examining everything in its fewest possible elements; and the first and fewest possible parts of a family are master and slave, husband and wife, father and children.”
~ Aristotle, Politics, 1:3
“Of household management we have seen that there are three parts- one is the rule of a master over slaves, which has been discussed already, another of a father, and the third of a husband. A husband and father, we saw, rules over wife and children, both free, but the rule differs; the rule over his children being royal, and the rule over his wife is based on natural constitution. For although there may be exceptions to the order of nature, the male is by nature fitter for command than the female, just as the elder and full-grown is superior to the younger and more immature.”
~ Aristotle, Politics, 1:12
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be being filled by the Spirit:
Ephesians 5:18
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (Grk: odē = poem, inspired by something beautiful, it is itself crafted with great beauty and skill),
creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:19
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20
submitting to (Grk: hupotassō, to be placed under, “socially outranked”) one another in reverence for Christ,
Ephesians 5:21
wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord…
Ephesians 5:22
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ,
Ephesians 5:21
wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:22
because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, he being the deliverer of the Body.
Ephesians 5:23
But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives to their husbands in every way.
Ephesians 5:24
husbands, be loving your wives as Christ loves the church and gave himself on her behalf,
Ephesians 5:25
so that He could set her apart having purified her with the washing of water with a word
Ephesians 5;26
so that He could present the church to Himself glorious, having no stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be sacred and blameless.
Ephesians 5:27
In this way, the husbands are obligated to love their own wives as their own bodies; the one who loves his own wife, loves himself.
Ephesians 5:28
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but he nourishes and nurtures it, just as Christ does for the church,
Ephesians 5:29
because we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:30
For this reason, a man will leave the father and mother and he will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
Ephesians 5:31
This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
Nevertheless, each one of you all should love his own wife in this way, and the wife should revere her husband.
Ephesians 5:33
Paul in Ephesians is not trying to shape the moral practices of a religious community. He’s testifying to how the world really works, as revealed in Jesus, and how to bring more of his kingdom to this world.
The gospel according to Paul in the letter of Ephesians:
In Christ, God is bringing all things together, in heaven and on earth. And liberating a captive and enslaved humanity from sin, death, evil, by bringing us into his kingdom of life, peace, and goodness through his own life, death, and resurrection.
Marriage is missional.
A loving marriage modeled after Jesus is one of our tactics of war against the darkness.
Our liberation, our freedom, and the liberation of others around us, is found in serving, giving our lives away to others.
______________________________________________________________________
October 24th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Liberating the Time, Being Filled by the Spirit
Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Campus: Rivermont
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-21
Therefore, pay careful attention to how you all live - not as unwise people but as wise (15)
redeeming (Gk: “exagorazo” = liberating) the time, because the days are evil. (16)
So don’t be foolish, but discern what the Lord’s will is. (17)
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be filled by the Spirit: (18)
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (Grk: ode = poem, inspired by something beautiful, it is itself crafted with great beauty and skill), creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord, (19)
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (20)
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. (21)
Paul is giving us three ways of imagining how to live as if everything he has said about Jesus and his kingdom is true (Ephesians 4:17-5:2, 5:3-14, 5:15-21).
Paul in Ephesians is not trying to shape the moral practices of a religious community. He’s testifying to how the world really works, as revealed in Jesus, and how to bring more of his kingdom to this world.
Therefore, pay careful attention to how you all live - not as unwise people but as wise (v. 15)
redeeming (Gk: “exagorazo” = liberating) the time, because the days are evil. (v. 16)
redeeming (Gk: “exagorazo” = liberating) the time, because the days are evil. (v. 16)
So don’t be foolish, but discern what the Lord’s will is. (v. 17)
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be filled by the Spirit: (v. 18)
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be filled by the Spirit: (v. 18)
I pray that you all may be strengthened by the Spirit in you all’s inner person, that Christ may dwell in your hearts...to comprehend the love of Christ which surpasses understanding, so that you all might be filled up with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians: 3:16-17, 19
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (Grk: ode = poem, inspired by something beautiful, it is itself crafted with great beauty and skill), creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord, (v. 19)
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (v. 20)
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. (v. 21)
By the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the life for which we were made in God and his good world is possible, by grace through faith.
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (20)
Obscenity, foolish talk, and crude joking have no place among you all. Instead, be [practice] grateful giving of thanks [to God].
Ephesians 5:4
How to Live a Life:
"Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it."
~Mary Oliver, Poet.
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. (21)
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 12)
Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Campus: College Hill
Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
Psalm 90:12
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Read Eph. 5:15-21 (CSB)
Spirit-filled intentionality honors God and bears fruit in our lives and relationships.
1. Spirit-filled intentionality entails a commitment to honest self-examination and self-awareness (v. 15).
2. Spirit-filled intentionality is evidenced by good stewardship (v. 16).
3. Spirit-filled intentionality is the fruit of self-control and ongoing yielding to God’s Spirit (v. 18).
We yield ourselves to God and his Spirit when we continually surrender our independence, repent of our sins, and ask him to rule and reign in our lives.
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Read Eph. 5:19-21 (CSB)
Spirit-filled, men and women, declare God’s truth to each other in their speech and through our songs.
Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ humble themselves and treat each other with reverence and respect because Christ is the ultimate authority over us.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Liberating the Time, Being Filled by the Spirit
Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Campus: Rivermont
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-21
Therefore, pay careful attention to how you all live - not as unwise people but as wise (15)
redeeming (Gk: “exagorazo” = liberating) the time, because the days are evil. (16)
So don’t be foolish, but discern what the Lord’s will is. (17)
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be filled by the Spirit: (18)
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (Grk: ode = poem, inspired by something beautiful, it is itself crafted with great beauty and skill), creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord, (19)
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (20)
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. (21)
Paul is giving us three ways of imagining how to live as if everything he has said about Jesus and his kingdom is true (Ephesians 4:17-5:2, 5:3-14, 5:15-21).
Paul in Ephesians is not trying to shape the moral practices of a religious community. He’s testifying to how the world really works, as revealed in Jesus, and how to bring more of his kingdom to this world.
Therefore, pay careful attention to how you all live - not as unwise people but as wise (v. 15)
redeeming (Gk: “exagorazo” = liberating) the time, because the days are evil. (v. 16)
redeeming (Gk: “exagorazo” = liberating) the time, because the days are evil. (v. 16)
So don’t be foolish, but discern what the Lord’s will is. (v. 17)
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be filled by the Spirit: (v. 18)
And don’t be drunk with wine, in which is recklessness, but be filled by the Spirit: (v. 18)
I pray that you all may be strengthened by the Spirit in you all’s inner person, that Christ may dwell in your hearts...to comprehend the love of Christ which surpasses understanding, so that you all might be filled up with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians: 3:16-17, 19
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual poems (Grk: ode = poem, inspired by something beautiful, it is itself crafted with great beauty and skill), creating music and singing from your heart to the Lord, (v. 19)
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (v. 20)
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. (v. 21)
By the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the life for which we were made in God and his good world is possible, by grace through faith.
giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (20)
Obscenity, foolish talk, and crude joking have no place among you all. Instead, be [practice] grateful giving of thanks [to God].
Ephesians 5:4
How to Live a Life:
"Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it."
~Mary Oliver, Poet.
submitting to one another in reverence for Christ. (21)
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 12)
Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Campus: College Hill
Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
Psalm 90:12
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Read Eph. 5:15-21 (CSB)
Spirit-filled intentionality honors God and bears fruit in our lives and relationships.
1. Spirit-filled intentionality entails a commitment to honest self-examination and self-awareness (v. 15).
2. Spirit-filled intentionality is evidenced by good stewardship (v. 16).
3. Spirit-filled intentionality is the fruit of self-control and ongoing yielding to God’s Spirit (v. 18).
We yield ourselves to God and his Spirit when we continually surrender our independence, repent of our sins, and ask him to rule and reign in our lives.
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Read Eph. 5:19-21 (CSB)
Spirit-filled, men and women, declare God’s truth to each other in their speech and through our songs.
Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ humble themselves and treat each other with reverence and respect because Christ is the ultimate authority over us.
______________________________________________________________________
October 17th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Called to Belong (Week 11)
Text: Ephesians 5:1-14 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
1 Ephesians 5:1-2
You are a dearly loved child of God.
Tension with the Christian Ethic? Questions to ponder:
As beloved children of God, we lead our lives from an authentic place of love, because in doing so, we imitate the very object of our faith - Christ.
But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:3-5
Click here to see slide
Two warnings for Christians:
A life committed to things that bring decay cannot inherit the flourishing and abundant life.
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth—testing what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:6-10
Refusing partnership with the world isn’t about separation, it’s about distinction.
Oftentimes, the withering and decay that takes place in our soul won’t come from a direct sin act, but rather comes from a habitual routine of failing to discern what is pleasing to God.
Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Ephesians 5:11-14
You are so deeply loved by God.
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Called to Belong (Week 11)
Text: Ephesians 5:1-14 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
______________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong (Week 11)
Text: Ephesians 5:1-14 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
1 Ephesians 5:1-2
You are a dearly loved child of God.
Tension with the Christian Ethic? Questions to ponder:
- Do I really believe that God knows what's best for me?
- Do I really believe that God wants me to flourish?
- Are God’s commands really motivated by his love for me?
As beloved children of God, we lead our lives from an authentic place of love, because in doing so, we imitate the very object of our faith - Christ.
But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:3-5
Click here to see slide
Two warnings for Christians:
- Don’t let these sins be heard or even “hinted at” among the saints
- Those who practice these actions have no inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.
A life committed to things that bring decay cannot inherit the flourishing and abundant life.
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth—testing what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:6-10
Refusing partnership with the world isn’t about separation, it’s about distinction.
Oftentimes, the withering and decay that takes place in our soul won’t come from a direct sin act, but rather comes from a habitual routine of failing to discern what is pleasing to God.
Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Ephesians 5:11-14
You are so deeply loved by God.
- We imitate the love of Christ, because of the great love that God has for us.
- Beware of the sins of this world that have no place for practice within the body of Christ.
- Our ethical worldview is formed by “What is pleasing to the Lord.”
- Allow the light of Christ to expose the darkness in us and in those around us.
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Called to Belong (Week 11)
Text: Ephesians 5:1-14 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
We love because he first loved us.
Ephesians 5:1-2
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19
What we do is a result of who we are.
This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines human commands.
What we do is a result of who we are.
This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines human commands.
Matthew 15:8-9
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
“Psalm 112 is related to Psalm 111 as the moon does to the sun; while the first declares the glory of God, the second speaks of the reflection of the divine brightness in men born from above.”
~Charles Spurgeon
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light — for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Ephesians 5:8-9
What we do is a result of who we are.
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord — and you are speaking rightly since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
“Psalm 112 is related to Psalm 111 as the moon does to the sun; while the first declares the glory of God, the second speaks of the reflection of the divine brightness in men born from above.”
~Charles Spurgeon
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light — for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Ephesians 5:8-9
What we do is a result of who we are.
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord — and you are speaking rightly since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.
John 13:12-15
Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.
John 13:3-5
What we do is a result of who we are.
As a Christian,
God does not love me any more or less because of what I do.
There is a difference between knowing I have God's full love and fully knowing it.
What we do or don't do positions us to know more of the full love of God we have in Christ.
And this is certain: Knowing Matters!
Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.
John 13:3-5
What we do is a result of who we are.
As a Christian,
God does not love me any more or less because of what I do.
There is a difference between knowing I have God's full love and fully knowing it.
What we do or don't do positions us to know more of the full love of God we have in Christ.
And this is certain: Knowing Matters!
October 10th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Called to Belong: Spiritual Formation for a New Humanity
Text: Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore I say this, and testify in the Lord You should no longer live as the Nations live in the futility of their thoughts.
Ephesians 4:17
They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, and because of the hardness of their hearts.
Ephesians 4:18
They became callous and gave themselves over to a lack of self control, resulting in the practice of every kind of impurity and a desire for more and more.
Ephesians 4:19
There is a hunger for God and the good world he made in every human being.
But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,
Ephesians 4:20-21
to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Obeying the commands of the Bible is not about religious duty, but about coming home to the life for which I was made, which is life in God and His Kingdom.
There is no fear in love; instead perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment.
1 John 4:18
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Click here to see Old vs New Self
Has following Jesus become exhausting attempts at doing religious lists?
"You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves."
~Mary Oliver
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 10)
Text: Ephesians 4:17-32 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Biblical Christianity is about a renewal of heart and mind, and a restructuring of life, through an encounter with Jesus.
Jesus equips us to cultivate relational harmony and peace by practicing humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because[a] of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.
But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:17-24
Apart from Christ, our understanding is limited and our heart is hard (v. 18).
When Self is god, worship becomes the pursuit of happiness, pleasure, and security.
Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:25-32
If your thought patterns and heart passions don’t change, your forced behavioral changes will be short-lived.
Christians tell the truth - we don’t beat people down with the truth, we build people up with the truth (vv. 25, 29, 31).
Christians pay attention to their feelings and respond appropriately (vv. 26-27, 31).
Christians engage others with integrity, generosity, kindness, and compassion (vv. 28, 31-32)
We should be so in love with Jesus, and so intimately connected with him, that we reject the “former way of life” and allow Jesus to renew us from the inside out.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong: Spiritual Formation for a New Humanity
Text: Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore I say this, and testify in the Lord You should no longer live as the Nations live in the futility of their thoughts.
Ephesians 4:17
They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, and because of the hardness of their hearts.
Ephesians 4:18
They became callous and gave themselves over to a lack of self control, resulting in the practice of every kind of impurity and a desire for more and more.
Ephesians 4:19
There is a hunger for God and the good world he made in every human being.
But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,
Ephesians 4:20-21
to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Obeying the commands of the Bible is not about religious duty, but about coming home to the life for which I was made, which is life in God and His Kingdom.
There is no fear in love; instead perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment.
1 John 4:18
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Click here to see Old vs New Self
Has following Jesus become exhausting attempts at doing religious lists?
"You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves."
~Mary Oliver
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 10)
Text: Ephesians 4:17-32 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Biblical Christianity is about a renewal of heart and mind, and a restructuring of life, through an encounter with Jesus.
Jesus equips us to cultivate relational harmony and peace by practicing humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because[a] of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.
But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:17-24
Apart from Christ, our understanding is limited and our heart is hard (v. 18).
When Self is god, worship becomes the pursuit of happiness, pleasure, and security.
Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:25-32
If your thought patterns and heart passions don’t change, your forced behavioral changes will be short-lived.
Christians tell the truth - we don’t beat people down with the truth, we build people up with the truth (vv. 25, 29, 31).
Christians pay attention to their feelings and respond appropriately (vv. 26-27, 31).
Christians engage others with integrity, generosity, kindness, and compassion (vv. 28, 31-32)
We should be so in love with Jesus, and so intimately connected with him, that we reject the “former way of life” and allow Jesus to renew us from the inside out.
______________________________________________________________________
October 3rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Called to Belong: Oneness & Each Oneness
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,
Ephesians 4:1
God’s plan to bring all things together in Christ, things in heaven and on earth in Him (1:10)
“The apocalypse of Jesus is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
The oneness of the church is the practical outworking of the revelation of Jesus to a watching world.(1:10, 2:11-22, 3:1-14)
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he[b] also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
Ephesians 4:7-10
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
Ephesians 4:11
God gives leaders to the church to equip us to grow and mature into this reconciled community by guiding us to love Jesus and one another.
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Leaders are a gift from God, given to equip and inspire oneness in Jesus when our differences threaten to divide us.
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:12-13
Leaders equip the church to be united around the revelation of Jesus and our relationship with Jesus (faith and knowledge).
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15
From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:16
The Church is nothing if not a Gospel Community. As God in Christ has been to us in the gospel, so are we to one another, and that defines who we are.
When life is lived under the authority of Jesus and according to the way of His Kingdom, there will be an impossible oneness, for which only Jesus can take the credit.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong: (Week 9)
Text: Ephesians 4:1-12 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Ephesians 1-3 —> who we are in Christ.
Ephesians 4-6 —> how we are to live in Christ and in community.
Differences can appropriately confront our narrow understanding or limited reality, and they can compliment our limitations.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:1-12
Unity is not simply a good (theoretical) idea - in Christ, followers of Jesus have a realistic pathway toward oneness.
Jesus transforms who we are and reorders our very identity.
What are some practical tools for cultivating unity in a hostile and divided world?
Humility: the way we think of ourselves which then translates into the way we view and treat others.
Gentleness: restrained strength; involves self-control.
Patience: enduring annoyances and challenges (“to have a wide and big soul” -~J. Chrysostom).
Love: agape, not a feeling or emotion but an act of the will.
making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:3
We cultivate unity by renouncing self-centeredness, harshness, the tyranny of our own agendas and our idealistic expectations (Snodgrass/Merida).
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:4-6
Unity does not mean uniformity.
The practices that define our family, and set us apart from others, are humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7
Apostle: Extend the Gospel
Prophet: Discern God’s will with Precision
Evangelist: Recruit
Shepherd: Nurture & Protect
Teacher: Understand & Explain
Click here to see slide
A healthy, and fruitful, church is one in which all of the unique members are united, contributing, growing, and maturing.
Preparing for Communion:
1) Where do I need to repent and receive the forgiveness of Christ?
2) What is one practice from today’s teaching that I can adopt in order to be more encouraged in my faith and to be a better reflection of the gospel to others?
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong: Oneness & Each Oneness
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,
Ephesians 4:1
God’s plan to bring all things together in Christ, things in heaven and on earth in Him (1:10)
“The apocalypse of Jesus is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
The oneness of the church is the practical outworking of the revelation of Jesus to a watching world.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he[b] also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
Ephesians 4:7-10
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
Ephesians 4:11
God gives leaders to the church to equip us to grow and mature into this reconciled community by guiding us to love Jesus and one another.
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:11-13
Leaders are a gift from God, given to equip and inspire oneness in Jesus when our differences threaten to divide us.
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:12-13
Leaders equip the church to be united around the revelation of Jesus and our relationship with Jesus (faith and knowledge).
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15
From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:16
The Church is nothing if not a Gospel Community. As God in Christ has been to us in the gospel, so are we to one another, and that defines who we are.
When life is lived under the authority of Jesus and according to the way of His Kingdom, there will be an impossible oneness, for which only Jesus can take the credit.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong: (Week 9)
Text: Ephesians 4:1-12 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
Ephesians 1-3 —> who we are in Christ.
Ephesians 4-6 —> how we are to live in Christ and in community.
Differences can appropriately confront our narrow understanding or limited reality, and they can compliment our limitations.
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:1-12
Unity is not simply a good (theoretical) idea - in Christ, followers of Jesus have a realistic pathway toward oneness.
Jesus transforms who we are and reorders our very identity.
What are some practical tools for cultivating unity in a hostile and divided world?
Humility: the way we think of ourselves which then translates into the way we view and treat others.
Gentleness: restrained strength; involves self-control.
Patience: enduring annoyances and challenges (“to have a wide and big soul” -~J. Chrysostom).
Love: agape, not a feeling or emotion but an act of the will.
making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:3
We cultivate unity by renouncing self-centeredness, harshness, the tyranny of our own agendas and our idealistic expectations (Snodgrass/Merida).
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:4-6
Unity does not mean uniformity.
The practices that define our family, and set us apart from others, are humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7
Apostle: Extend the Gospel
Prophet: Discern God’s will with Precision
Evangelist: Recruit
Shepherd: Nurture & Protect
Teacher: Understand & Explain
Click here to see slide
A healthy, and fruitful, church is one in which all of the unique members are united, contributing, growing, and maturing.
Preparing for Communion:
1) Where do I need to repent and receive the forgiveness of Christ?
2) What is one practice from today’s teaching that I can adopt in order to be more encouraged in my faith and to be a better reflection of the gospel to others?
______________________________________________________________________
September 26th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor | Emily Woody | Preston Burling
Title: Called to Belong: Prayer and Worship
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:14-17a
Questions for Reflection:
I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17b-19
Questions for reflection:
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Knowing that God can do far above what we could ever ask or imagine:
Question: What is it that you need to ask the Holy Spirit to do in your life right now?
Action: Write it down, ask the Lord to do it by the power of the Holy Spirit, and drop off your card in a drop box.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes
Title: Called to Belong: Prayer and Worship
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer Prompts
Prayer Prompts
Title: Called to Belong: Prayer and Worship
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:14-17a
Questions for Reflection:
- Am I motivated by God’s glory or mine?
- Am I working by God’s power or mine?
I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17b-19
Questions for reflection:
- Do I live each day as one who is fully loved by God?
- How have I experienced God’s love recently?
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Knowing that God can do far above what we could ever ask or imagine:
Question: What is it that you need to ask the Holy Spirit to do in your life right now?
Action: Write it down, ask the Lord to do it by the power of the Holy Spirit, and drop off your card in a drop box.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes
Title: Called to Belong: Prayer and Worship
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer Prompts
- Where are you losing heart? How do we keep our hearts before the Father?
- What needs strengthening? Where is power already at work in us, inviting our participation?
Prayer Prompts
- Do I find myself living out of scarcity or abundance ?
- What does it look like for me to come home to the Father’s love?
September 19th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Called to Belong: The Wisdom of Reconciliation
Text: Ephesians 3:1-13
Campus: Rivermont
as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:10
“The apocalypse of Jesus is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
If hostile people groups are reconciled to God in Christ, then in Christ we are also reconciled to one another. Jesus reconciles us together by pulling us deeper into himself.
Ephesians: Individual and relational transformation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as God in Christ is bringing all things together in heaven and on earth.
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—
Ephesians 3:1
assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.
Ephesians 3:2
The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:3-4
This was not made known to people[a] in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
Ephesians 3:5
The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Ephesians 3:6
So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 3:13
I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 3:7
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
Ephesians 3:8-9
“the incalculable riches of Christ” (v. 8)
The Wisdom of Reconciliation.
“This is so that” (v. 10)
This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10-11
“...God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church…” (v. 10)
The reconciled church is the wisdom of God. In the diverse, yet loving community of the reconciled church, the wisdom of God is broadcast to the world.
This is so that the multi-faceted wisdom of God may now be displayed through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.
Ephesians 3:10
The Church is a prism by which to see the work of Christ on the cross in the past, and the future kingdom that God is bringing to this world.
Three Essentials for Becoming a Reconciled Community:
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Called to Belong: God’s Grace in the Cosmic Theater
Text: Ephesians 3:1-13
Campus: College Hill
Tragedy isn’t death from following Jesus. Tragedy would be life from resisting God’s call.
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 3:1-13 (CSB)
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.
Ephesians 3:1-2
Chapter 2 Suggests:
That one of the most spectacular pieces of evidence that the Kingdom of God is now here at hand is found in the fact that God has brought together hostile ethnic groups in Christ, starting with the Jews and the Greco-Roman gentiles.
assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.
Ephesians 3:2-3
Mystery: Refers to what is known only because God decided to reveal it.
By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:4
This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 3:5-7
This mystery is the revelation found in Christ.
- More specifically –
The mystery is the significance of Christ joining together both Gentile and Jew unto himself.
God’s unfolding plan of redemption has always been set, from the very beginning - it has never wavered and it never will.
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 3:8-13
Paul’s purpose:
“God calls us where our deep gladness and the world's deepest hunger collide.”
~ Frederick Buechner
Each one of us have unique stories, gifts, wirings and unique spheres of influence. God has called us to be responsible stewards of God’s grace within these things in those spheres.
It’s this uniqueness and your response to God’s purpose in you that unveils the multi-faceted, manifold wisdom of our heavenly father on grand, cosmic display to the heavenlies.
What you do with this good gift of God’s grace has profoundly deep and meaningful impact NOT just to the world around us - but also on the grand cosmic display in the heavenly theater for all of the universe to see.
How are we displaying this manifold wisdom of God through our own uniqueness by the grace that he has given us?
Identification with the cross is not optional and it’s always costly
Grace was costly for Jesus. By identifying with Jesus, grace will be costly for us.
tragedy will happen if rest becomes our ultimate goal. Rest is meant to be the reward, but that rest can only be found in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
“Rest is costly”
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong: The Wisdom of Reconciliation
Text: Ephesians 3:1-13
Campus: Rivermont
as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:10
“The apocalypse of Jesus is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
If hostile people groups are reconciled to God in Christ, then in Christ we are also reconciled to one another. Jesus reconciles us together by pulling us deeper into himself.
Ephesians: Individual and relational transformation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as God in Christ is bringing all things together in heaven and on earth.
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—
Ephesians 3:1
assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.
Ephesians 3:2
The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:3-4
This was not made known to people[a] in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
Ephesians 3:5
The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Ephesians 3:6
So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 3:13
I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 3:7
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
Ephesians 3:8-9
“the incalculable riches of Christ” (v. 8)
The Wisdom of Reconciliation.
“This is so that” (v. 10)
This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10-11
“...God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church…” (v. 10)
The reconciled church is the wisdom of God. In the diverse, yet loving community of the reconciled church, the wisdom of God is broadcast to the world.
This is so that the multi-faceted wisdom of God may now be displayed through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.
Ephesians 3:10
The Church is a prism by which to see the work of Christ on the cross in the past, and the future kingdom that God is bringing to this world.
Three Essentials for Becoming a Reconciled Community:
- Grow in our cultural intelligence.
- Grow in emotional health.
- Persistent, passionate prayer.
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Called to Belong: God’s Grace in the Cosmic Theater
Text: Ephesians 3:1-13
Campus: College Hill
Tragedy isn’t death from following Jesus. Tragedy would be life from resisting God’s call.
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 3:1-13 (CSB)
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.
Ephesians 3:1-2
Chapter 2 Suggests:
That one of the most spectacular pieces of evidence that the Kingdom of God is now here at hand is found in the fact that God has brought together hostile ethnic groups in Christ, starting with the Jews and the Greco-Roman gentiles.
assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.
Ephesians 3:2-3
Mystery: Refers to what is known only because God decided to reveal it.
By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:4
This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 3:5-7
This mystery is the revelation found in Christ.
- More specifically –
The mystery is the significance of Christ joining together both Gentile and Jew unto himself.
God’s unfolding plan of redemption has always been set, from the very beginning - it has never wavered and it never will.
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 3:8-13
Paul’s purpose:
- To preach to the Gentiles the immeasurable riches of Christ.
- To make plain and communicate this mystery of Christ to the Gentiles.
- To make the wisdom of God known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.
“God calls us where our deep gladness and the world's deepest hunger collide.”
~ Frederick Buechner
Each one of us have unique stories, gifts, wirings and unique spheres of influence. God has called us to be responsible stewards of God’s grace within these things in those spheres.
It’s this uniqueness and your response to God’s purpose in you that unveils the multi-faceted, manifold wisdom of our heavenly father on grand, cosmic display to the heavenlies.
What you do with this good gift of God’s grace has profoundly deep and meaningful impact NOT just to the world around us - but also on the grand cosmic display in the heavenly theater for all of the universe to see.
How are we displaying this manifold wisdom of God through our own uniqueness by the grace that he has given us?
- Grace is both the gift of salvation, But also the gift of ministry.
- Grace doesn’t merely bring privilege, but always requires responsibility.
Identification with the cross is not optional and it’s always costly
Grace was costly for Jesus. By identifying with Jesus, grace will be costly for us.
tragedy will happen if rest becomes our ultimate goal. Rest is meant to be the reward, but that rest can only be found in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
“Rest is costly”
______________________________________________________________________
September 12th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart and Soul: Give
Text: Proverbs 11:24-26
Campus: Rivermont
One person gives freely,
Yet gains more;
Another withholds what is should be given,
Only to become poor.
A generous person will be enriched,
And the one who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
People will curse anyone who hoards grain for themselves,
But a blessing will come to the one who sells it.
- Proverbs 11:24-26
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:33
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,
Acts 4:34
and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:35
This is the counterintuitive wisdom of generosity: In the face of scarcity, practice generosity, and we will experience abundance.
4 G’s: Gather, Go, Grow, and Give
When we talk about GIVE, we mean the practice of generously stewarding our time, energy, and material resources according to the way of Jesus.
Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
Whatever we value and spend our time, energy, and money on - will influence the kind of person we’re becoming. And whatever our habits regarding our time, energy, and money, these things will either make us more or less generous and joyous.
A generous person will be enriched,
And the one who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
When we feel there’s not enough time, energy, or money, making a practice of giving in those ways cultivates generosity and creates abundance.
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Luke 21:1-4
We want you to know brother and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that they gave according to their own ability, and even beyond their ability, of their own accord…
2 Corinthians 8:1-3
Now as you excel in everything - in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us - excel also in this act of grace.
2 Corinthians 8:7
The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as they have decided in their heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Experiencing the generous love of God in Christ motivates generosity from the heart.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty, you might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
The practice of giving helps us to place our hope in the God of All Comfort, rather the god of Comfort. ______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Give
Text: Proverbs 11:24-25; Acts 4:32-35
Campus: College Hill
Core Commitments of GCC Members:
gather, go, grow, and give.
Generosity is an act of obedience and a pathway toward refreshing.
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withhold unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)
Jesus held nothing back.
We sacrifice our time and money, and we use our gifts and resources because Christ sacrificed himself for us.
Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
John 13:1
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
There was not a needy person among them.
Acts 4:34
What does all of this mean?
God is providing, but we’re not yet in a place where there isn’t a needy person among us.
____________________________________________________________________
Title: Heart and Soul: Give
Text: Proverbs 11:24-26
Campus: Rivermont
One person gives freely,
Yet gains more;
Another withholds what is should be given,
Only to become poor.
A generous person will be enriched,
And the one who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
People will curse anyone who hoards grain for themselves,
But a blessing will come to the one who sells it.
- Proverbs 11:24-26
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:33
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,
Acts 4:34
and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:35
This is the counterintuitive wisdom of generosity: In the face of scarcity, practice generosity, and we will experience abundance.
4 G’s: Gather, Go, Grow, and Give
When we talk about GIVE, we mean the practice of generously stewarding our time, energy, and material resources according to the way of Jesus.
Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
Whatever we value and spend our time, energy, and money on - will influence the kind of person we’re becoming. And whatever our habits regarding our time, energy, and money, these things will either make us more or less generous and joyous.
A generous person will be enriched,
And the one who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
When we feel there’s not enough time, energy, or money, making a practice of giving in those ways cultivates generosity and creates abundance.
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Luke 21:1-4
We want you to know brother and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that they gave according to their own ability, and even beyond their ability, of their own accord…
2 Corinthians 8:1-3
Now as you excel in everything - in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us - excel also in this act of grace.
2 Corinthians 8:7
The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as they have decided in their heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Experiencing the generous love of God in Christ motivates generosity from the heart.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty, you might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
The practice of giving helps us to place our hope in the God of All Comfort, rather the god of Comfort. ______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Give
Text: Proverbs 11:24-25; Acts 4:32-35
Campus: College Hill
Core Commitments of GCC Members:
gather, go, grow, and give.
Generosity is an act of obedience and a pathway toward refreshing.
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withhold unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)
Jesus held nothing back.
We sacrifice our time and money, and we use our gifts and resources because Christ sacrificed himself for us.
Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
John 13:1
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
There was not a needy person among them.
Acts 4:34
What does all of this mean?
God is providing, but we’re not yet in a place where there isn’t a needy person among us.
____________________________________________________________________
September 5th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart and Soul: Grow
Text: Acts 4:32-35, Hebrews 10:23-35, Acts 15:35-41
Campus: Rivermont
4 G’s: Gather, Go, Grow, and Give.
01:DISCOVER, 02:BELONG, 03:EQUIP
NEXT {click to see slide}
GROW: In community
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Holy-Spirit empowered practices shaped by the gospel create character deep within the community.
This practice of GROW is the Holy Spirit’s work of maturing us over time in every way - heart, soul, mind, and strength - as we practice the way of Jesus in the context of relationships.
Two postures of the heart which are necessary for growth in Jesus: humility and curiosity.
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works,
Hebrews 10:24
But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.
After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.”
Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark.
But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.
They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.
But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:35-41
Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.
Proverbs 19:20
The way of a fool is right in their own eyes, but a wise person listens to counsel.
Proverbs 12:15
not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13
Three main environments for growing in community:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Grow
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
Campus: College Hill
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (CSB)
Every follower of Jesus Christ is expected and equipped to grow.
“Grow” at GCC is about pursuing spiritual and emotional maturity in the context of community.
Every follower of Jesus Christ is expected and equipped to grow. (Eph. 4:13, 15)
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:13
Being a Christians isn’t just about being saved from judgment, it’s about growing in maturity and becoming a whole and healthy human being.
What kind of growth?
1) We’re expected to grow in “unity in the faith.” (v. 13)
2) We’re expected to grow in the knowledge of Christ. (v. 13)
3) We’re expected to grow in speech and love. (v. 15)
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
“Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it. God's saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God's mercy and grace.”
~Tim Keller
What’s at stake if we don’t grow?
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.
Ephesians 4:14
The healthiest growth takes place in community. (vv. 12-13, 16)
Environments to pursue growth in community at GCC:
- God created companionship and community for our good (Gen. 2:18a)
- God exists in community, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:26; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; 2 Cor. 13:14)
- Jesus valued community and lived in community (Luke 5:1-11; John 17:22)
- The early church functioned in community (Acts 2:46-47, 4:32-35)
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32 (CSB)
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Heart and Soul: Grow
Text: Acts 4:32-35, Hebrews 10:23-35, Acts 15:35-41
Campus: Rivermont
4 G’s: Gather, Go, Grow, and Give.
01:DISCOVER, 02:BELONG, 03:EQUIP
NEXT {click to see slide}
GROW: In community
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Holy-Spirit empowered practices shaped by the gospel create character deep within the community.
This practice of GROW is the Holy Spirit’s work of maturing us over time in every way - heart, soul, mind, and strength - as we practice the way of Jesus in the context of relationships.
Two postures of the heart which are necessary for growth in Jesus: humility and curiosity.
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works,
Hebrews 10:24
But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.
After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.”
Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark.
But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.
They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.
But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:35-41
Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.
Proverbs 19:20
The way of a fool is right in their own eyes, but a wise person listens to counsel.
Proverbs 12:15
not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13
Three main environments for growing in community:
- Gospel Communities (small groups)
- DNA Groups
- Equipping Groups
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Grow
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
Campus: College Hill
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (CSB)
Every follower of Jesus Christ is expected and equipped to grow.
“Grow” at GCC is about pursuing spiritual and emotional maturity in the context of community.
Every follower of Jesus Christ is expected and equipped to grow. (Eph. 4:13, 15)
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Ephesians 4:13
Being a Christians isn’t just about being saved from judgment, it’s about growing in maturity and becoming a whole and healthy human being.
What kind of growth?
1) We’re expected to grow in “unity in the faith.” (v. 13)
2) We’re expected to grow in the knowledge of Christ. (v. 13)
3) We’re expected to grow in speech and love. (v. 15)
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
“Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it. God's saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God's mercy and grace.”
~Tim Keller
What’s at stake if we don’t grow?
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.
Ephesians 4:14
The healthiest growth takes place in community. (vv. 12-13, 16)
Environments to pursue growth in community at GCC:
- Gospel Communities.
- Equipping Groups.
- DNA groups.
- God created companionship and community for our good (Gen. 2:18a)
- God exists in community, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:26; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; 2 Cor. 13:14)
- Jesus valued community and lived in community (Luke 5:1-11; John 17:22)
- The early church functioned in community (Acts 2:46-47, 4:32-35)
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32 (CSB)
______________________________________________________________________
August 29th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Go
Text: Matthew 28
Campus: Rivermont
The Church is a Spirit-filled, gospel-centered, community living on mission with God.
When we say GO: individual, and collective, commitment to God’s global mission (the Great Commission).
Click her to see slide
The mission of every follower of Jesus Christ is to demonstrate and declare the love of God and the hope of the resurrection.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.
Matthew 28:1-8 (CSB)
The two-fold pattern of the Christian life:
1) Come and see (v. 8)
2) Go and tell (v. 9)
Christianity is an invitation to follow a risen, and living, Savior who is actively working in our lives today through his Holy Spirit.
We stay at the empty tomb - we go and tell others the good news.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 (CSB)
GCC exists to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others with the love of Christ.
Who is sent out to make disciples? —> All of us.
Where do we make disciples? —> Among all of the nations.
How do we make disciples?
1) Baptize
2) Teach
Discipleship is helping people who are far from God, and who have a warped identity, to find a new identity in Christ.
Discipleship is teaching others the way of Jesus and everything that he commanded us to do.
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
United in friendship and purpose (Acts 4:32)
Committed to ongoing gospel proclamation (Acts 4:33)
Overflowing with grace and exceedingly generous (Acts 4:32b, 33-35)
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart and Soul: Go
Text: Acts 4:32-25; Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
4 G’s: Gather, Go, Grow, and Give
01:DISCOVER
02:BELONG
03:EQUIP
Go - witnessing to the resurrected Jesus, living all of life on mission.
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:32-33
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission is every follower of Jesus making disciples by demonstrating and declaring the love of God and the hope of the resurrection.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Matthew 28:1-10
We cannot be witness to what we have not experienced. And, if we have experienced the love of God in the Risen Jesus, then we can’t help talking about it.
Do I know Jesus? Or have I simply settled for knowing about him?
When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:17
Jesus came near to them…
Matthew 28:18
When the anxious energy of doubt is converted into a hunger and thirst for the Living God, then we are poised for a work of renewal, worship, and delight.
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
James 4:8
The Church of Jesus Christ is a gospel-centered, Spirit-filled, family of people who practice the way of Jesus together, and who live all of life as witnesses to the resurrected Jesus.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Heart and Soul: Go
Text: Matthew 28
Campus: Rivermont
The Church is a Spirit-filled, gospel-centered, community living on mission with God.
When we say GO: individual, and collective, commitment to God’s global mission (the Great Commission).
Click her to see slide
The mission of every follower of Jesus Christ is to demonstrate and declare the love of God and the hope of the resurrection.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.
Matthew 28:1-8 (CSB)
The two-fold pattern of the Christian life:
1) Come and see (v. 8)
2) Go and tell (v. 9)
Christianity is an invitation to follow a risen, and living, Savior who is actively working in our lives today through his Holy Spirit.
We stay at the empty tomb - we go and tell others the good news.
The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 (CSB)
GCC exists to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out to others with the love of Christ.
Who is sent out to make disciples? —> All of us.
Where do we make disciples? —> Among all of the nations.
How do we make disciples?
1) Baptize
2) Teach
Discipleship is helping people who are far from God, and who have a warped identity, to find a new identity in Christ.
Discipleship is teaching others the way of Jesus and everything that he commanded us to do.
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
United in friendship and purpose (Acts 4:32)
Committed to ongoing gospel proclamation (Acts 4:33)
Overflowing with grace and exceedingly generous (Acts 4:32b, 33-35)
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart and Soul: Go
Text: Acts 4:32-25; Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
4 G’s: Gather, Go, Grow, and Give
01:DISCOVER
02:BELONG
03:EQUIP
Go - witnessing to the resurrected Jesus, living all of life on mission.
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:32-33
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission is every follower of Jesus making disciples by demonstrating and declaring the love of God and the hope of the resurrection.
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Matthew 28:1-10
We cannot be witness to what we have not experienced. And, if we have experienced the love of God in the Risen Jesus, then we can’t help talking about it.
Do I know Jesus? Or have I simply settled for knowing about him?
When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:17
Jesus came near to them…
Matthew 28:18
When the anxious energy of doubt is converted into a hunger and thirst for the Living God, then we are poised for a work of renewal, worship, and delight.
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
James 4:8
The Church of Jesus Christ is a gospel-centered, Spirit-filled, family of people who practice the way of Jesus together, and who live all of life as witnesses to the resurrected Jesus.
______________________________________________________________________
August 22nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Heart and Soul: Gather
Text: Acts 4:32-27
Campus: Rivermont
God has raised this Jesus from the dead; we are all witnesses of this...Therefore let every person here know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Acts 2:32, 34
The Church of Jesus Christ is a gospel-centered, Spirit-filled, family of people who practice the way of Jesus together, and who live all of life as witnesses to the resurrected Jesus.
NEXT
If you are brand new to GCC, this is for you. We’ll share more of the nuts and bolts of our mission and vision, and how to get connected, and ask questions. Just a few minutes after the gathering, right here in the room.
4 G’s: Gather Go, Grow, and Give.
01:DISCOVER, 02:BELONG, 03:EQUIP.
GATHER: Corporate Worship
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brough the proceeds of what was sold,
and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Holy-Spirit empowered practices shaped by the gospel create character deep within the community.
4 G’s: Gather Go, Grow, and Give.
GATHER: Corporate Worship.
Hallelujah!
I will praise the Lord with all my heart
in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
The Lord’s works are great,
studied by all who delight in them.
All that he does is splendid and majestic;
his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He has provided food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works
by giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are truth and justice;
all his instructions are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
enacted in truth and in uprightness.
He has sent redemption to his people.
He has ordained his covenant forever.
His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his instructions have good insight.
His praise endures forever.
Psalm 111:1-10
Immersion in the story of God, the presence and power of God, among the people of God is what the gathering is all about.
Three Reasons to Practice Gathering in Corporate Worship:
Worship
Formation
Witness
Reason #1: Worship
We gather to be filled with the Spirit as we worship Jesus.
We gather in worship to express allegiance to Jesus alone.
Gathered worship with the people of God is active defiance against a bankrupt pantheon of lesser gods worshipped by the culture around us.
Our relationships and our consistent practices over time are the things that shape who we are more than anything else.
Reason #2: Formation.
And in the gathering, God fills us with his Spirit in worship, he forms us as a family overtime.
We gather in corporate worship to reimagine our story inside of God’s story. This practice of spiritual formation syncs up our lives with the life of Jesus.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:33
Reason #3: Witness
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Gather
Text: Acts 4:32-36
Campus: College Hill
How do we view the church?
How do we view each other?
What are our commitments to Christ, each other, and to the world?
The Church is a gospel-centered community of people who are living on mission with God.
Jesus is alive and he’s establishing a new family.
God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.”
Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Acts 4:32-36 (CSB)
How did that first century family look and function?
United in friendship and purpose (v. 32)
How did that first century family look and function?
Committed to ongoing gospel proclamation (v. 33)
How did that first century family look and function?
Overflowing with grace and exceedingly generous (vv. 32b, 33-35)
Church = ecclesia: “assembly” or “gathering.”
Why gather?
1) Corporate gatherings are an opportunity to give witness to the resurrection.
Why gather?
2) Corporate gatherings are a time of intentional spiritual formation.
Consider some of the practices of the early church.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Acts 2:42 (CSB)
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (CSB)
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Heart and Soul: Gather
Text: Acts 4:32-27
Campus: Rivermont
God has raised this Jesus from the dead; we are all witnesses of this...Therefore let every person here know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Acts 2:32, 34
The Church of Jesus Christ is a gospel-centered, Spirit-filled, family of people who practice the way of Jesus together, and who live all of life as witnesses to the resurrected Jesus.
NEXT
If you are brand new to GCC, this is for you. We’ll share more of the nuts and bolts of our mission and vision, and how to get connected, and ask questions. Just a few minutes after the gathering, right here in the room.
4 G’s: Gather Go, Grow, and Give.
01:DISCOVER, 02:BELONG, 03:EQUIP.
GATHER: Corporate Worship
Now, the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but instead they held everything in common.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brough the proceeds of what was sold,
and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35
Holy-Spirit empowered practices shaped by the gospel create character deep within the community.
4 G’s: Gather Go, Grow, and Give.
GATHER: Corporate Worship.
Hallelujah!
I will praise the Lord with all my heart
in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
The Lord’s works are great,
studied by all who delight in them.
All that he does is splendid and majestic;
his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He has provided food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works
by giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are truth and justice;
all his instructions are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
enacted in truth and in uprightness.
He has sent redemption to his people.
He has ordained his covenant forever.
His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his instructions have good insight.
His praise endures forever.
Psalm 111:1-10
Immersion in the story of God, the presence and power of God, among the people of God is what the gathering is all about.
Three Reasons to Practice Gathering in Corporate Worship:
Worship
Formation
Witness
Reason #1: Worship
We gather to be filled with the Spirit as we worship Jesus.
We gather in worship to express allegiance to Jesus alone.
Gathered worship with the people of God is active defiance against a bankrupt pantheon of lesser gods worshipped by the culture around us.
Our relationships and our consistent practices over time are the things that shape who we are more than anything else.
Reason #2: Formation.
And in the gathering, God fills us with his Spirit in worship, he forms us as a family overtime.
We gather in corporate worship to reimagine our story inside of God’s story. This practice of spiritual formation syncs up our lives with the life of Jesus.
With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:33
Reason #3: Witness
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Heart and Soul: Gather
Text: Acts 4:32-36
Campus: College Hill
How do we view the church?
How do we view each other?
What are our commitments to Christ, each other, and to the world?
The Church is a gospel-centered community of people who are living on mission with God.
Jesus is alive and he’s establishing a new family.
God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.”
Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Acts 4:32-36 (CSB)
How did that first century family look and function?
United in friendship and purpose (v. 32)
How did that first century family look and function?
Committed to ongoing gospel proclamation (v. 33)
How did that first century family look and function?
Overflowing with grace and exceedingly generous (vv. 32b, 33-35)
Church = ecclesia: “assembly” or “gathering.”
Why gather?
1) Corporate gatherings are an opportunity to give witness to the resurrection.
Why gather?
2) Corporate gatherings are a time of intentional spiritual formation.
Consider some of the practices of the early church.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Acts 2:42 (CSB)
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (CSB)
______________________________________________________________________
August 15th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: From Alienation to Reconciliation
Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Campus: Rivermont
“The apocalypse of Jesus is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
Ethnic Reconciliation is the great sign of the presence and power of God.
So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (ethnē, ethnic alienation) in the flesh - called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands.
At that time you were without Christ, alienated (ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι) from the the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God (atheos) in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12
This is the problem: The pain of alienation and hostility.
Alienation - meaning, to be excluded from the community, without God, without hope in the world.
Alienation from God breeds alienation from ourselves and from others.
When we ourselves are hurting, we tend to hurt others
How have I experienced alienation from God, myself, or others?
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the Law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new humanity from the two, resulting in peace.
He did this so that he might reconcile (ἀποκαταλλάξῃ) both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.
He came and proclaimed the good news (εὐαγγελίζω) of peace to you who were far off (outsiders) and peace to those where near (insiders).
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-18
The solution: Reconciliation & peace through the cross
If we are reconciled to God in Christ, then in Christ we are also reconciled to one another.
Our hope for racial reconciliation is this: Jesus reconciles us together by pulling us deeper into himself.
Preaching the gospel to insiders is just as vital to racial and ethnic reconciliation, as preaching the gospel to outsiders.
So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
This place where hostility is replaced with humility, and enmity is replaced with empathy, where criticism gives way to compassion in Jesus, this Paul is saying, is where the Spirit of God dwells. Where heaven and earth collide. This is the kingdom of God.
What if we were committed to the work of racial reconciliation and healing as a normal part of our discipleship?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 6)
Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Campus: College Hill
So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace.He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:11-22 (CSB)
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
The gospel paves the way for a new, diverse, and counter-cultural family, one where radically different outsiders become redeemed insiders.
The gospel transcends our human divisions; divisions we impose and ones that are imposed on us.
1) The problem - alienation, hostility, and hopelessness (vv. 11-12)
So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12
Paul is directly addressing: 1) cultural/ethnic divisions, and 2) a dual alienation which culminates in hostility and hopelessness.
2) The solution - reconciliation and peace through Christ and the cross (vv. 13-18)
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-18
Christ shatters the divisions that are in place as a result of sin and the absence of God in our lives.
Ethnic (racial) reconciliation happens as Jesus pulls all of us deeper into himself.
“Imagine all the people, living for today…imagine all the people, living in peace…imagine all of the people, sharing all of the world.”
~John Lennon, “Imagine”
3) The outcome - a new family and a new structure for life (vv. 19-22)
So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household,
Ephesians 2:19
This passage confronts our Western individualism
This passage confronts all forms of racism and classism
This passage gives us a present way of operating based on Christ’s past sacrifice and our hopeful future
______________________________________________________________________
Title: From Alienation to Reconciliation
Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Campus: Rivermont
“The apocalypse of Jesus is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
Ethnic Reconciliation is the great sign of the presence and power of God.
So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (ethnē, ethnic alienation) in the flesh - called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands.
At that time you were without Christ, alienated (ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι) from the the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God (atheos) in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12
This is the problem: The pain of alienation and hostility.
Alienation - meaning, to be excluded from the community, without God, without hope in the world.
Alienation from God breeds alienation from ourselves and from others.
When we ourselves are hurting, we tend to hurt others
How have I experienced alienation from God, myself, or others?
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the Law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new humanity from the two, resulting in peace.
He did this so that he might reconcile (ἀποκαταλλάξῃ) both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.
He came and proclaimed the good news (εὐαγγελίζω) of peace to you who were far off (outsiders) and peace to those where near (insiders).
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-18
The solution: Reconciliation & peace through the cross
If we are reconciled to God in Christ, then in Christ we are also reconciled to one another.
Our hope for racial reconciliation is this: Jesus reconciles us together by pulling us deeper into himself.
Preaching the gospel to insiders is just as vital to racial and ethnic reconciliation, as preaching the gospel to outsiders.
So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
This place where hostility is replaced with humility, and enmity is replaced with empathy, where criticism gives way to compassion in Jesus, this Paul is saying, is where the Spirit of God dwells. Where heaven and earth collide. This is the kingdom of God.
What if we were committed to the work of racial reconciliation and healing as a normal part of our discipleship?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 6)
Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Campus: College Hill
So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace.He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:11-22 (CSB)
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
The gospel paves the way for a new, diverse, and counter-cultural family, one where radically different outsiders become redeemed insiders.
The gospel transcends our human divisions; divisions we impose and ones that are imposed on us.
1) The problem - alienation, hostility, and hopelessness (vv. 11-12)
So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12
Paul is directly addressing: 1) cultural/ethnic divisions, and 2) a dual alienation which culminates in hostility and hopelessness.
2) The solution - reconciliation and peace through Christ and the cross (vv. 13-18)
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-18
Christ shatters the divisions that are in place as a result of sin and the absence of God in our lives.
Ethnic (racial) reconciliation happens as Jesus pulls all of us deeper into himself.
“Imagine all the people, living for today…imagine all the people, living in peace…imagine all of the people, sharing all of the world.”
~John Lennon, “Imagine”
3) The outcome - a new family and a new structure for life (vv. 19-22)
So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household,
Ephesians 2:19
This passage confronts our Western individualism
This passage confronts all forms of racism and classism
This passage gives us a present way of operating based on Christ’s past sacrifice and our hopeful future
______________________________________________________________________
August 8th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Called to Belong (Week 5)
Text: Ephesians 2:8-10
Campus: Rivermont
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Called to Belong (Week 5)
Text: Ephesians 2:8-10
Campus: College Hill
Two needs that every human desires: security and significance
Security: unwavering acceptance, feeling safe, belonging, knowing you are loved
Significance: purpose, a reason for being and doing
We are designed to seek security and significance, but we will never truly find either outside of Jesus.
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Grace = unmerited (or un-earned) favor, loving-kindness, delight, benefit, gifts, good will
Faith = belief + trust; or to rely on someone or something
Biblical Faith is believing and trusting that Jesus is who He says He is, and that He does what He says He does.
and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Any teaching or religion that promotes the idea that you can somehow do good things, pay money, or attain a high status to earn salvation is not true Christianity; it’s not the true good news of Jesus.
The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:22-24
Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.
Romans 4:4-5
God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.
Ephesians 2:4-5, underline added for emphasis
This is security. This is grace. He freely offers us salvation out of His love for us; we cannot earn it and we cannot un-earn it. It is His gift to us, that He gave because He loved us, received through faith in Jesus.
When you place your faith in Jesus, God makes you one of His children, and He will not abandon His children.
You cannot live out verse 10 until you are resting in the grace of Jesus.
“Religion: I obey therefore I am accepted.
Gospel: I'm accepted therefore I obey.”
~Tim Keller
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
God gives us a new life and purpose that will glorify Him and benefit others.
Workmanship = masterpiece, beautiful work of art, amazing creation
Good = righteous, upright, valuable, useful, beneficial, beautiful or pleasing
Works = deeds, actions, that which one undertakes to do
This is purpose and significance: The most fulfilling life we could ever have is resting in the immovable love and Grace of God, using the gifts He has given us to benefit others and show the world how awesome He is.
Application:
Title: Called to Belong (Week 5)
Text: Ephesians 2:8-10
Campus: Rivermont
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: Called to Belong (Week 5)
Text: Ephesians 2:8-10
Campus: College Hill
Two needs that every human desires: security and significance
Security: unwavering acceptance, feeling safe, belonging, knowing you are loved
Significance: purpose, a reason for being and doing
We are designed to seek security and significance, but we will never truly find either outside of Jesus.
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Grace = unmerited (or un-earned) favor, loving-kindness, delight, benefit, gifts, good will
Faith = belief + trust; or to rely on someone or something
Biblical Faith is believing and trusting that Jesus is who He says He is, and that He does what He says He does.
and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Any teaching or religion that promotes the idea that you can somehow do good things, pay money, or attain a high status to earn salvation is not true Christianity; it’s not the true good news of Jesus.
The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:22-24
Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.
Romans 4:4-5
God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.
Ephesians 2:4-5, underline added for emphasis
This is security. This is grace. He freely offers us salvation out of His love for us; we cannot earn it and we cannot un-earn it. It is His gift to us, that He gave because He loved us, received through faith in Jesus.
When you place your faith in Jesus, God makes you one of His children, and He will not abandon His children.
You cannot live out verse 10 until you are resting in the grace of Jesus.
“Religion: I obey therefore I am accepted.
Gospel: I'm accepted therefore I obey.”
~Tim Keller
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
God gives us a new life and purpose that will glorify Him and benefit others.
Workmanship = masterpiece, beautiful work of art, amazing creation
Good = righteous, upright, valuable, useful, beneficial, beautiful or pleasing
Works = deeds, actions, that which one undertakes to do
This is purpose and significance: The most fulfilling life we could ever have is resting in the immovable love and Grace of God, using the gifts He has given us to benefit others and show the world how awesome He is.
Application:
- Have you placed your faith in Jesus, trusting Him alone for your salvation?
- Is there any area of your life where you are not resting in His grace and love right now?
- Do you prioritize “doing for God (or staying busy)” over “being with God”? Our good works will always flow out of our love for God and resting in His grace.
- What gifts and desires has God given you? Does it please God and benefit others? Start to work through this in a community of believers.
- Pray and ask Him for opportunities to use your gifts, talents, and desires where you are right now.
August 1st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Called to Belong (Week 4)
Text: Ephesians 2:1-7
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see slide
Today is a Celebration of Biblical Realities
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.”
Ephesians 2:1-3 CSB
“You” – Gentiles (v. 1)
“We” – Jews (v. 3)
Big Picture - We Were All Spiritually Dead (vv. 1-3)
“Mostly dead is slightly alive. All dead, you can’t do anything.”
~Miracle Max
Why does Paul address our life prior to Jesus?
Why does Paul address our life prior to Jesus?
Do you know what happens when you mix cultural amnesia with finding ultimate meaning within oneself?
You are left with an inability to reckon with the denial of self, which puts one at opposition with the gospel message.
Why does Paul address our life prior to Jesus?
But, God.
“These two words, they will save your soul.”
-James Montgomery Boice
“These two words contain the whole gospel of Christ.”
-Martin Lloyd Jones
Your testimony is the good news about what God has done for you.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 CSB
Celebrations:
Our being raised with Christ in the past, is to be “co-resurrected” with Christ in the present.
Celebrations:
Celebrations:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 4)
Text: Ephesians 2:1-7
Campus: College Hill
Ephesians 2:1-7 is one sentence:
the subject of the sentence is “God” (in v. 4) and the main verb is “made us alive” (v. 5).
1) BIOS: basically refers to existence.
2) ZOE: is a much higher understanding of life; a quality of life that nothing can destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
1) Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead (vv. 1-3).
2) In Christ, we are made fully alive (vv. 4-7).
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1-7 (CSB)
1) Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead (vv. 1-3).
God’s Story:
Creation (in Gen. 1 and 2),
Fall (Gen. 3),
Redemption (Jesus),
New-Creation (Rev. 21-22)
…sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.
Romans 5:12 (CSB)
God approaches sin with fierce justice and scandalous grace.
God’s justice is not absent of grace.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 (CSB)
2) In Christ, we are made fully alive (vv. 4-7).
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (CSB)
So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.”
But the father told his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24 (CSB)
God has displayed such radical grace toward us so we might be the demonstration of his grace, from now, for all of eternity.
Conclusion:
Abundance isn’t something that we can manufacture; it’s not based on us, or our performance, it’s based entirely on the character of God.
Application:
If you are not a follower of Jesus, you can receive abundant life by confessing your sins and inviting Jesus to be the Lord of your life.
If you are a follower of Jesus, let’s orient our hearts in two ways: 1) gratitude toward God, and 2) grace toward others.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong (Week 4)
Text: Ephesians 2:1-7
Campus: Rivermont
Click here to see slide
Today is a Celebration of Biblical Realities
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.”
Ephesians 2:1-3 CSB
“You” – Gentiles (v. 1)
“We” – Jews (v. 3)
Big Picture - We Were All Spiritually Dead (vv. 1-3)
“Mostly dead is slightly alive. All dead, you can’t do anything.”
~Miracle Max
Why does Paul address our life prior to Jesus?
- Apart from Christ - different paths of human failure still lead to the same fatal cliff edge.
Why does Paul address our life prior to Jesus?
- Apart from Christ - different paths of human failure still lead to the same fatal cliff edge.
- You can’t believe in new life if you never believed you once were dead.
Do you know what happens when you mix cultural amnesia with finding ultimate meaning within oneself?
You are left with an inability to reckon with the denial of self, which puts one at opposition with the gospel message.
Why does Paul address our life prior to Jesus?
- Apart from Christ - different paths of human failure still lead to the same fatal cliff edge.
- You can’t believe in new life if you never believed you once were dead.
- Paul creates tension to set the stage for his main emphasis and point - the work of God in Christ.
But, God.
“These two words, they will save your soul.”
-James Montgomery Boice
“These two words contain the whole gospel of Christ.”
-Martin Lloyd Jones
Your testimony is the good news about what God has done for you.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 CSB
Celebrations:
- God has called you to and promised you abundant life in Christ.
Our being raised with Christ in the past, is to be “co-resurrected” with Christ in the present.
Celebrations:
- God has called you to and promised you abundant life in Christ.
- We have received an undeserved, loving commitment from God through his gift of grace.
Celebrations:
- God has called you to and promised you abundant life in Christ.
- We have received an undeserved, loving commitment from God through his gift of grace.
- By reflecting on the fact that we were once spiritually dead, we are reminded of God’s rich mercy, his great love, and his immeasurable kindness toward us.
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 4)
Text: Ephesians 2:1-7
Campus: College Hill
Ephesians 2:1-7 is one sentence:
the subject of the sentence is “God” (in v. 4) and the main verb is “made us alive” (v. 5).
1) BIOS: basically refers to existence.
2) ZOE: is a much higher understanding of life; a quality of life that nothing can destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
1) Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead (vv. 1-3).
2) In Christ, we are made fully alive (vv. 4-7).
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1-7 (CSB)
1) Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead (vv. 1-3).
God’s Story:
Creation (in Gen. 1 and 2),
Fall (Gen. 3),
Redemption (Jesus),
New-Creation (Rev. 21-22)
…sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.
Romans 5:12 (CSB)
God approaches sin with fierce justice and scandalous grace.
God’s justice is not absent of grace.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 (CSB)
2) In Christ, we are made fully alive (vv. 4-7).
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (CSB)
So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.”
But the father told his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24 (CSB)
God has displayed such radical grace toward us so we might be the demonstration of his grace, from now, for all of eternity.
Conclusion:
Abundance isn’t something that we can manufacture; it’s not based on us, or our performance, it’s based entirely on the character of God.
Application:
If you are not a follower of Jesus, you can receive abundant life by confessing your sins and inviting Jesus to be the Lord of your life.
If you are a follower of Jesus, let’s orient our hearts in two ways: 1) gratitude toward God, and 2) grace toward others.
______________________________________________________________________
July 25th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Called to Belong: Praying for the Apocalypse of Jesus
Text: Ephesians 1:15-23
Campus: Rivermont
“Ephesians is an Essay summarizing the most apocalyptic event in history - Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit to bring new creation right here in the present world.”
~Tim Mackie, The Bible Project
“An apocalypse is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
What if the family or cultural story we have heard (about our lives and the world around us) was only a shadow of a grander, more glorious story, full of redemption & love, abundance & grace, power & joy?
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:9-10
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-16
“Faith” in the Bible: allegiance to Jesus, demonstrated in a way of life.
Father, we pray for wisdom - divine insight, given to us by the Spirit of God, to experience the reality of heaven on earth right now, in Jesus.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Ephesians 1:18-19
Two Realities in Paul’s Mind:
Hope in the Bible: is a present practice, anchored in a future reality. Because I’m certain of this future, I practice and embody hope now.
Prayer: Father, bring more of heaven to earth, more your kingdom, more of your glory, more of your heart to our lives, my families, this church, and city. Fill us with hope, make up people of hope.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
Father, open the eyes of our heart to know from experience resurrection power that is already at work in us and the world now, in Christ.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 3)
Text: Ephesian 1:15-23
Campus: College Hill
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Why would someone want to be a Christian?
Three unhelpful ways that Christians historically respond to cultural change: fight, run, or assimilate with culture (James Hunter, Tim Keller).
Being a Christian is the distinct identity of those who love, and follow, Jesus and those who display love, and compassion, across social, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.
Faith in Jesus and love for the saints are foundational to our Christianity because they shape the different expressions of our Christianity.
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-16 (CSB)
You cannot be an authentic Christian without faith in Jesus.
Love is one of the core characteristics of God, and it defines God’s children.
Gospel-centered love authenticates our faith.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35
What is your relationship with other Christians telling the world about Jesus?
Paul prays:
1) that they would see God clearer and know him better,
2) that they would know, and experience, the benefits of the gospel.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Ephesians 1:17-19 (CSB)
Enlightenment, hope, and true transformational power is found in Jesus.
“…what is the hope of his calling…what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints…what is the immeasurable greatness of his power…(Eph. 1:18-19)”
What is it today that’s distracting us from Jesus?
What is it today that is discouraging us in life and faith?
There are no problems, and no pain, greater than the comfort, and the power, that’s found in Jesus.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23 (CSB)
Our hope must be rooted in something lasting and true - and for Christians, that’s Jesus.
1) Pray that we would see God clearer and know him better,
2) Pray that we would know, and experience, the benefits of the gospel.
Christians must remain faithful to Christ and display his presence in their homes, community, and world.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong: Praying for the Apocalypse of Jesus
Text: Ephesians 1:15-23
Campus: Rivermont
“Ephesians is an Essay summarizing the most apocalyptic event in history - Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit to bring new creation right here in the present world.”
~Tim Mackie, The Bible Project
“An apocalypse is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
What if the family or cultural story we have heard (about our lives and the world around us) was only a shadow of a grander, more glorious story, full of redemption & love, abundance & grace, power & joy?
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:9-10
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-16
“Faith” in the Bible: allegiance to Jesus, demonstrated in a way of life.
Father, we pray for wisdom - divine insight, given to us by the Spirit of God, to experience the reality of heaven on earth right now, in Jesus.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Ephesians 1:18-19
Two Realities in Paul’s Mind:
- The Reality of our world now: Evil and Sin, death, violence, brokenness.
- The Reality of the future: Justice & Love, life, peace, blessing (wholeness)
Hope in the Bible: is a present practice, anchored in a future reality. Because I’m certain of this future, I practice and embody hope now.
Prayer: Father, bring more of heaven to earth, more your kingdom, more of your glory, more of your heart to our lives, my families, this church, and city. Fill us with hope, make up people of hope.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
Father, open the eyes of our heart to know from experience resurrection power that is already at work in us and the world now, in Christ.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Called to Belong (Week 3)
Text: Ephesian 1:15-23
Campus: College Hill
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Why would someone want to be a Christian?
Three unhelpful ways that Christians historically respond to cultural change: fight, run, or assimilate with culture (James Hunter, Tim Keller).
Being a Christian is the distinct identity of those who love, and follow, Jesus and those who display love, and compassion, across social, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.
Faith in Jesus and love for the saints are foundational to our Christianity because they shape the different expressions of our Christianity.
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-16 (CSB)
You cannot be an authentic Christian without faith in Jesus.
Love is one of the core characteristics of God, and it defines God’s children.
Gospel-centered love authenticates our faith.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35
What is your relationship with other Christians telling the world about Jesus?
Paul prays:
1) that they would see God clearer and know him better,
2) that they would know, and experience, the benefits of the gospel.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Ephesians 1:17-19 (CSB)
Enlightenment, hope, and true transformational power is found in Jesus.
“…what is the hope of his calling…what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints…what is the immeasurable greatness of his power…(Eph. 1:18-19)”
What is it today that’s distracting us from Jesus?
What is it today that is discouraging us in life and faith?
There are no problems, and no pain, greater than the comfort, and the power, that’s found in Jesus.
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23 (CSB)
Our hope must be rooted in something lasting and true - and for Christians, that’s Jesus.
1) Pray that we would see God clearer and know him better,
2) Pray that we would know, and experience, the benefits of the gospel.
Christians must remain faithful to Christ and display his presence in their homes, community, and world.
______________________________________________________________________
July 18th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Called to Belong: Apocalypse Now
Text: Ephesians 1:3-14
Campus: Rivermont
The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.
Ephesians 3:3
By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:4
"Ephesians is an Essay summarizing the most apocalyptic event in history - Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit to bring new creation right here in the present world."
~Tim Mackie, The Bible Project
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus[a] at Ephesus.
Ephesians 1:1
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:2
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
“An apocalypse is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
Ephesians 1:4-6
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 1:7-8
In Christ, right here and now we have liberation from sin and its effects, peace in our hearts and in the world, through his blood. Forgiveness of all everything we’ve ever done wrong. And isn’t it just like him to give us more grace than we can stand, at just the right time in just the right way?
Another reading of Ephesians 1:7-8
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
Ephesians 1:9-12
In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
“An apocalypse is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
What if the family or cultural story we have heard was only a shadow of a grander, more glorious story, full of redemption & love, abundance & grace, power and joy?
This is our story! In Christ, this is our inheritance, this is ours. It belongs to us, because we belong to Christ. We are a brand new family, a totally different culture, living in the true and better story.
Taking Communion
LEADER: Take the bread, which is the body of Christ, broken for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:3-4 together:
GROUP: “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.”
Ephesians 1:3-4
LEADER: This is the body of Jesus, broken for us. Take it and eat, in remembrance of him.
*Take the elements*
LEADER: Take the cup, which is the blood of Christ, spilled for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:7-10 together:
ALL: “In Christ, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. All of this was according to his plan - to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.”
Ephesians 1:7-10
LEADER: This is the blood of Jesus, spilled for us. Take it and drink, in remembrance of him.
LEADER: Pray
*Return to seats when finished*
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Tim Geisland
Title: Ephesians: Called to Belong (Week 2)
Text: Ephesians 1:3-14
Campus: College Hill
Ephesians has two parts:
What does it mean to be a gospel-centered community?
“Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it is a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ.”
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together
“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.”
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Notice 4 things in verse 3:
1. Paul begins with God, not us.
Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?
And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid?
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
2. The Gospel begins with God blessing us.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
May God be gracious to us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us so that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Psalms 67:1-2
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
3. God’s blessings are spiritual, not necessarily physical blessings.
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
~C.S. Lewis in The Joyful Christian
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
4. Jesus is all-sufficient.
Apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3
Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:8-10
As humans, we have great needs:
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.
He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
Ephesians 1:4-6
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time — to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:7-10
In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-12
In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
As humans, we have great needs:
As humans, we have great needs:
In our new family, as God’s children, we have many privileges:
Taking Communion
LEADER: Take the bread, which is the body of Christ, broken for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:3-4 together:
GROUP: “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.” Ephesians 1:3-4
LEADER: This is the body of Jesus, broken for us. Take it and eat, in remembrance of him.
*Take the elements*
LEADER: Take the cup, which is the blood of Christ, spilled for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:7-10 together:
ALL: “In Christ, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. All of this was according to his plan - to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.” Ephesians 1:7-10
LEADER: This is the blood of Jesus, spilled for us. Take it and drink, in remembrance of him.
LEADER: Pray
*Return to seats when finished*
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Called to Belong: Apocalypse Now
Text: Ephesians 1:3-14
Campus: Rivermont
The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.
Ephesians 3:3
By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:4
"Ephesians is an Essay summarizing the most apocalyptic event in history - Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit to bring new creation right here in the present world."
~Tim Mackie, The Bible Project
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus[a] at Ephesus.
Ephesians 1:1
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:2
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
“An apocalypse is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
Ephesians 1:4-6
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 1:7-8
In Christ, right here and now we have liberation from sin and its effects, peace in our hearts and in the world, through his blood. Forgiveness of all everything we’ve ever done wrong. And isn’t it just like him to give us more grace than we can stand, at just the right time in just the right way?
Another reading of Ephesians 1:7-8
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
Ephesians 1:9-12
In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
“An apocalypse is when the bond between heaven and earth becomes visible to us.”
~Tim Mackie
What if the family or cultural story we have heard was only a shadow of a grander, more glorious story, full of redemption & love, abundance & grace, power and joy?
This is our story! In Christ, this is our inheritance, this is ours. It belongs to us, because we belong to Christ. We are a brand new family, a totally different culture, living in the true and better story.
Taking Communion
LEADER: Take the bread, which is the body of Christ, broken for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:3-4 together:
GROUP: “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.”
Ephesians 1:3-4
LEADER: This is the body of Jesus, broken for us. Take it and eat, in remembrance of him.
*Take the elements*
LEADER: Take the cup, which is the blood of Christ, spilled for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:7-10 together:
ALL: “In Christ, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. All of this was according to his plan - to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.”
Ephesians 1:7-10
LEADER: This is the blood of Jesus, spilled for us. Take it and drink, in remembrance of him.
LEADER: Pray
*Return to seats when finished*
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Tim Geisland
Title: Ephesians: Called to Belong (Week 2)
Text: Ephesians 1:3-14
Campus: College Hill
Ephesians has two parts:
- Who we are In Christ (chapters 1-3)
- How we are to live for Christ In Community (chapters 4-6)
What does it mean to be a gospel-centered community?
“Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it is a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ.”
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together
“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.”
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Notice 4 things in verse 3:
1. Paul begins with God, not us.
Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?
And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid?
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
2. The Gospel begins with God blessing us.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
May God be gracious to us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us so that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Psalms 67:1-2
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
3. God’s blessings are spiritual, not necessarily physical blessings.
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
~C.S. Lewis in The Joyful Christian
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
4. Jesus is all-sufficient.
Apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3
Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:8-10
As humans, we have great needs:
- A new position, or legal status, before a holy God (Justification)
- A new life (Sanctification)
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.
He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
Ephesians 1:4-6
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time — to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
Ephesians 1:7-10
In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-12
In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
As humans, we have great needs:
- A new position, or legal status, before a holy God (Justification)
- A new life (Sanctification)
As humans, we have great needs:
- A new position, or legal status, before a holy God (Justification)
- A new life (Sanctification)
- A new family (Adoption)
In our new family, as God’s children, we have many privileges:
- We become a new creation.
- We get His inheritance.
- We have freedom and confidence in prayer.
- We get to be disciplined by Our Perfect Father.
- We get brothers & sisters!
Taking Communion
LEADER: Take the bread, which is the body of Christ, broken for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:3-4 together:
GROUP: “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.” Ephesians 1:3-4
LEADER: This is the body of Jesus, broken for us. Take it and eat, in remembrance of him.
*Take the elements*
LEADER: Take the cup, which is the blood of Christ, spilled for us. And let’s say this blessing from Ephesians 1:7-10 together:
ALL: “In Christ, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. All of this was according to his plan - to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.” Ephesians 1:7-10
LEADER: This is the blood of Jesus, spilled for us. Take it and drink, in remembrance of him.
LEADER: Pray
*Return to seats when finished*
______________________________________________________________________
July 11th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: Ephesians Series (Week 1)
Text: Ephesians 1:1-3
Campus: Rivermont
BELONGING:
01:DISCOVER: 63 Attendees
02:BELONG: 52 Attendees, 50 new provisional members
GOSPEL COMMUNITIES: 47 attendees at Group Leader dinner, 9 Group Leader Hangouts, 15+ new leaders coming online in the near future, 6 EHS Groups
LEADERSHIP & CARE:
DEACONS: 19 people praying considering starting the process.
ELDERS: 2 In the candidacy process
FAMILY MINISTRY:
KIDCITY: 70 children each week, 28 new volunteers.
GOSPEL STUDENT MINISTRIES: 40 students each week, 3 new leaders
SUMMER IN THE CITY:
GCR BLOCK PARTY: 150 neighbors, 40 total volunteers
LUNCH & LEARN: 10 families served each week by 13 volunteers
CHURCH IN THE PARK: More than 250 people gathered, and 30+ volunteers served
WORSHIP NIGHTS: 2 gatherings, one at each location
LOOKING AHEAD:
SUMMER IN THE CITY: gospelcc.org/summer
FAMILY MINISTRY: More leaders and volunteers in KidCity and GSM
BELONGING: 01 and 02, More leaders and groups, Group Connect
GENEROSITY: Continue or begin giving financially
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Rich Blessings
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-3 (CSB)
Paul structures the letter by focusing on doctrine in chapters 1-3 and then shifts to living out that doctrine as the church in chapters 4-6.
The reality is a sanctified life flows out of a justified life.
to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another
Ephesians 4:32
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
Ephesians 1:7
make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
-Ephesians 4:3
in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace.
Ephesians 2:13-15
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
We are faithful saints in Christ Jesus. (1:2)
We’ve been blessed. (1:3)
We’ve been chosen and adopted by the Father. (1:4-6)
We’ve received an inheritance and been redeemed by the Son. (1:7-12)
We’ve sealed in Christ with the promised Holy Spirit. (1:13-14)
He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
Ephesians 1:5-6
so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
Ephesians 1:12
The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:14
Theology was never meant to be divorced from our emotions and experiences. True biblical knowledge is a knowledge that feels and experiences. Doctrine that experiences is a life that sings its praises to God.
Doctrinal precision doesn’t equate to spiritual and emotional health, maturity or sanctification.
“right doctrine is a stewardship for the Christian that leads to worship and greater devotion to Jesus. It’s a living and active belief that always results in a greater love for God and for neighbor.
God “made us alive with Christ” (2:5)
God “raised us up with him and seated us with him” (2:6)
We are “fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household” (2:19)
We are “being put together” as a holy temple” (2:21)
We are “being built together for God’s dwelling” (2:22)
We are “coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus” (3:6)
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend WITH ALL THE SAINTS what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
The love of Christ is so wide, long, high, so deep that we cannot understand and experience this type love by ourselves.
When we’re intentional with one another we each bring a unique perspective and experience to our knowledge and understanding of Christ’s love.
He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
2 Corinthians 1:4
renovation of the relational self is impossible without involvement in Christ-centered community. Participation in the worshipping community transports us into the mystery of God revealed in the liturgy and sacraments. It confronts our inherent selfishness, teaches how to trust and love, comforts in our loneliness, and strengthens virtue and morality. In sum, healthy relationships formed in Christian community nurture true-self attachment patterns that replace destructive, false-self patterns.
~Bruce Demarest
This is the essence of biblical discipleship. If the Fall brought sin and disorder into our being and relationships, then discipleship is the divine reversal of the Fall where we become more like Jesus through relationships.
To live out our full humanity, as God designed, it’s actually becoming more like the relational Jesus that we see in the Gospels.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Ephesians Series (Week 1)
Text: Ephesians 1:1-3
Campus: College Hill
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Rich Blessings
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-3 (CSB)
What does it mean to be gospel-centered and how do we actually live that out individually and collectively?
Who we are in Christ (chapters 1-3)
how we are to live in Christ and in community (chapters 4-6)
Where do I, most, need grace in my life right now?
Where am I lacking peace?
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-2 (CSB)
“Saint” carries the sense of being set apart for a sacred purpose.
Two primary movements that shaped the spiritual atmosphere, and the culture, of Ephesus:
1) the worship of Artemis (also known as the Roman goddess Diana)
2) the presence of the Imperial cult.
Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became hardened and would not believe, slandering the Way in front of the crowd, he withdrew from them, taking the disciples, and conducted discussions every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
Acts 19:8-10 (CSB)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:2
Christians are saved by grace (Eph. 2:5, 8)
and Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14).
Christ gives grace to each believer, so that we can experience healing and contribute to the health and vitality of the church.
Are you in Christ?
Is Christ in you?
What if you stopped trying to fix yourself and others (stopped trying to control your life) and, instead, slowed down with Jesus? ______________________________________________________________________
Title: Ephesians Series (Week 1)
Text: Ephesians 1:1-3
Campus: Rivermont
BELONGING:
01:DISCOVER: 63 Attendees
02:BELONG: 52 Attendees, 50 new provisional members
GOSPEL COMMUNITIES: 47 attendees at Group Leader dinner, 9 Group Leader Hangouts, 15+ new leaders coming online in the near future, 6 EHS Groups
LEADERSHIP & CARE:
DEACONS: 19 people praying considering starting the process.
ELDERS: 2 In the candidacy process
FAMILY MINISTRY:
KIDCITY: 70 children each week, 28 new volunteers.
GOSPEL STUDENT MINISTRIES: 40 students each week, 3 new leaders
SUMMER IN THE CITY:
GCR BLOCK PARTY: 150 neighbors, 40 total volunteers
LUNCH & LEARN: 10 families served each week by 13 volunteers
CHURCH IN THE PARK: More than 250 people gathered, and 30+ volunteers served
WORSHIP NIGHTS: 2 gatherings, one at each location
LOOKING AHEAD:
SUMMER IN THE CITY: gospelcc.org/summer
FAMILY MINISTRY: More leaders and volunteers in KidCity and GSM
BELONGING: 01 and 02, More leaders and groups, Group Connect
GENEROSITY: Continue or begin giving financially
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Rich Blessings
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-3 (CSB)
Paul structures the letter by focusing on doctrine in chapters 1-3 and then shifts to living out that doctrine as the church in chapters 4-6.
The reality is a sanctified life flows out of a justified life.
to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another
Ephesians 4:32
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
Ephesians 1:7
make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
-Ephesians 4:3
in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace.
Ephesians 2:13-15
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
- God desires us to know Him through worship.
- God desires us to know Him through community and relationships as the church.
We are faithful saints in Christ Jesus. (1:2)
We’ve been blessed. (1:3)
We’ve been chosen and adopted by the Father. (1:4-6)
We’ve received an inheritance and been redeemed by the Son. (1:7-12)
We’ve sealed in Christ with the promised Holy Spirit. (1:13-14)
He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
Ephesians 1:5-6
so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
Ephesians 1:12
The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:14
Theology was never meant to be divorced from our emotions and experiences. True biblical knowledge is a knowledge that feels and experiences. Doctrine that experiences is a life that sings its praises to God.
Doctrinal precision doesn’t equate to spiritual and emotional health, maturity or sanctification.
“right doctrine is a stewardship for the Christian that leads to worship and greater devotion to Jesus. It’s a living and active belief that always results in a greater love for God and for neighbor.
God “made us alive with Christ” (2:5)
God “raised us up with him and seated us with him” (2:6)
We are “fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household” (2:19)
We are “being put together” as a holy temple” (2:21)
We are “being built together for God’s dwelling” (2:22)
We are “coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus” (3:6)
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend WITH ALL THE SAINTS what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
The love of Christ is so wide, long, high, so deep that we cannot understand and experience this type love by ourselves.
When we’re intentional with one another we each bring a unique perspective and experience to our knowledge and understanding of Christ’s love.
He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
2 Corinthians 1:4
renovation of the relational self is impossible without involvement in Christ-centered community. Participation in the worshipping community transports us into the mystery of God revealed in the liturgy and sacraments. It confronts our inherent selfishness, teaches how to trust and love, comforts in our loneliness, and strengthens virtue and morality. In sum, healthy relationships formed in Christian community nurture true-self attachment patterns that replace destructive, false-self patterns.
~Bruce Demarest
This is the essence of biblical discipleship. If the Fall brought sin and disorder into our being and relationships, then discipleship is the divine reversal of the Fall where we become more like Jesus through relationships.
To live out our full humanity, as God designed, it’s actually becoming more like the relational Jesus that we see in the Gospels.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Ephesians Series (Week 1)
Text: Ephesians 1:1-3
Campus: College Hill
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Rich Blessings
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-3 (CSB)
What does it mean to be gospel-centered and how do we actually live that out individually and collectively?
Who we are in Christ (chapters 1-3)
how we are to live in Christ and in community (chapters 4-6)
Where do I, most, need grace in my life right now?
Where am I lacking peace?
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-2 (CSB)
“Saint” carries the sense of being set apart for a sacred purpose.
Two primary movements that shaped the spiritual atmosphere, and the culture, of Ephesus:
1) the worship of Artemis (also known as the Roman goddess Diana)
2) the presence of the Imperial cult.
Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became hardened and would not believe, slandering the Way in front of the crowd, he withdrew from them, taking the disciples, and conducted discussions every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
Acts 19:8-10 (CSB)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:2
Christians are saved by grace (Eph. 2:5, 8)
and Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14).
Christ gives grace to each believer, so that we can experience healing and contribute to the health and vitality of the church.
Are you in Christ?
Is Christ in you?
What if you stopped trying to fix yourself and others (stopped trying to control your life) and, instead, slowed down with Jesus? ______________________________________________________________________
June 27th Sermon Guides
Guided Prayer: Brenton Lehman
Text: Luke 11:5-13
Campus: Rivermont
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:1
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:5-13
Mode of Prayer:
Reflection
Ask:
Need
-How do I need or want the Holy Spirit to move in my life?
-Ask the Lord to reveal the need, and to meet the need.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. … If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:9, 13
Mode of Prayer:
Intercession
Seek:
Revival
-On behalf of my neighbor, reveal yourself and be close to them in their needs. In their asking, give more of yourself.
-Reveal the need beneath the need, and fill that space with your love. Bring revival to their heart.
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Luke 11:5-9
Knock:
Surrender
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Asking for the Holy Spirit
Text: Luke 11:5-13
Campus: College Hill
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:5-13
We must continually persist in asking the Lord to meet our needs.
God has promised he will pour out his Spirit to those who persist in asking.
O Lord God,
It is all to common that I feel the absence of your Spirit’s presence,
And I act by my own spirit in many things.
Give me not weak desires, but the power of your Spirit’s presence,
For this is the surest way to experience your graces.
The Spirit can heal, help, quicken, humble suddenly and easily,
Can work grace and life effectually,
And being eternal he can give grace eternally.
Save me from great hindrances and distractions,
From being content with a little measure of the Spirit,
From thinking you will not give me more of yourself.
When I feel my lack of your Spirit, light up life and faith,
For when I lose you, I am either in the dark and cannot see,
Or Satan and my natural abilities convince me only a little light is okay,
So that I seek no further for your Spirit, that brings life
Then, teach me what to do Lord.
Should I merely humble myself and not stir up my heart?
Should I meditate and use whatever practice I may to draw near to you?
Is it a duty or an error to pray and look for the fullness of the Spirit in me?
Am I mistaken in feeling I am empty of the Spirit
Because I do not sense his presence within?
When all the time I am most empty and could be more full by faith in Christ?
Was the fullness of the Spirit in the apostles chiefly just a power for your gifts?
Or by what power did they also find their life and joy?
Teach me to find and know the fullness of life and joy by the power of your Spirit.
~Adapted from The Valley of Vision
Three Angles of formational engagement with the Spirit:
1. Head (Meta)
2. Heart (Reflective)
3. Hands (Experiential)
Action:
Identify a word or truth statement/phrase that stands out to you in the text.
Question:
Does this word or statement point to an underlying need I have, that only the Spirit can provide?
Questions:
Be persistent in asking the Spirit to meet your needs that arise through these emotions.
Question:
What would the Spirit have me do about it?
Action:
Find someone to share what the Spirit is teaching you and pray over one another.
______________________________________________________________________
Text: Luke 11:5-13
Campus: Rivermont
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:1
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:5-13
Mode of Prayer:
Reflection
Ask:
Need
-How do I need or want the Holy Spirit to move in my life?
-Ask the Lord to reveal the need, and to meet the need.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. … If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:9, 13
Mode of Prayer:
Intercession
Seek:
Revival
-On behalf of my neighbor, reveal yourself and be close to them in their needs. In their asking, give more of yourself.
-Reveal the need beneath the need, and fill that space with your love. Bring revival to their heart.
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Luke 11:5-9
Knock:
Surrender
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Asking for the Holy Spirit
Text: Luke 11:5-13
Campus: College Hill
He also said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11:5-13
We must continually persist in asking the Lord to meet our needs.
God has promised he will pour out his Spirit to those who persist in asking.
O Lord God,
It is all to common that I feel the absence of your Spirit’s presence,
And I act by my own spirit in many things.
Give me not weak desires, but the power of your Spirit’s presence,
For this is the surest way to experience your graces.
The Spirit can heal, help, quicken, humble suddenly and easily,
Can work grace and life effectually,
And being eternal he can give grace eternally.
Save me from great hindrances and distractions,
From being content with a little measure of the Spirit,
From thinking you will not give me more of yourself.
When I feel my lack of your Spirit, light up life and faith,
For when I lose you, I am either in the dark and cannot see,
Or Satan and my natural abilities convince me only a little light is okay,
So that I seek no further for your Spirit, that brings life
Then, teach me what to do Lord.
Should I merely humble myself and not stir up my heart?
Should I meditate and use whatever practice I may to draw near to you?
Is it a duty or an error to pray and look for the fullness of the Spirit in me?
Am I mistaken in feeling I am empty of the Spirit
Because I do not sense his presence within?
When all the time I am most empty and could be more full by faith in Christ?
Was the fullness of the Spirit in the apostles chiefly just a power for your gifts?
Or by what power did they also find their life and joy?
Teach me to find and know the fullness of life and joy by the power of your Spirit.
~Adapted from The Valley of Vision
Three Angles of formational engagement with the Spirit:
1. Head (Meta)
2. Heart (Reflective)
3. Hands (Experiential)
Action:
Identify a word or truth statement/phrase that stands out to you in the text.
Question:
Does this word or statement point to an underlying need I have, that only the Spirit can provide?
Questions:
- What emotions arise within me as it relates to this text?
- How do these emotions tie into the word or phrase that stood out to me?
Be persistent in asking the Spirit to meet your needs that arise through these emotions.
Question:
What would the Spirit have me do about it?
Action:
Find someone to share what the Spirit is teaching you and pray over one another.
______________________________________________________________________
June 20th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Global Renewal
Text: Psalm 96
Campus: Rivermont
“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule...the whole earth...’ So God created humankind in his own image; he created them in the image of God; he created them male and female.”
Genesis 1:26-27
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
“Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.”
Psalm 96:1
“ For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.”
Psalm 96:4-5,
“let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice...”
Psalm 96:11a
Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
“let the sea and all that fills it resound.
Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy”
Psalm 96:11b-12,
“ Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.”
Psalm 96:7-9
“ “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all his ways, to love him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul? 13 Keep the Lord’s commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good. 14 The heavens, indeed the highest heavens, belong to the Lord your God, as does the earth and everything in it.”
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them.”
Galatians 3:10-12
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Galatians 3:13
“Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.”
Psalm 96:2
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
“[God] became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
John 1:14 (The Message)
“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15
“Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96:3, 10, 13
“The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham (God’s promise to Abraham that the nations would be blessed, or would be renewed) would come to the nations by Jesus Christ, so that we could receive the promised Spirit through faith.”
Galatians 3:14
It’s the Holy Spirit, indwelling and filling followers of Jesus that brings about the renewal of the world, through the power of the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
“Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96:10, 13
“Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.”
Psalm 96:3
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Revival
Text: Psalm 96
Campus: College Hill
“Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His wondrous works among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and all that fills it resound.
Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96
“We’re embodied creatures, and there are deep connections between our bodies and souls. Practices like singing stir our hearts to joy and affection”
~Mike Cosper
“In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. “
2 Corinthians 4:4
“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
John 7:37-39
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”
Ephesians 3:16-19
“Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.”
Psalms 96:1-3
“Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
Psalms 96:10
Click here for Renewal-Mission picture
Click here for People Groups of the World Map
“For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.”
Psalm 96:4-5
“for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96:13
______________________________________________________________________
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Global Renewal
Text: Psalm 96
Campus: Rivermont
“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule...the whole earth...’ So God created humankind in his own image; he created them in the image of God; he created them male and female.”
Genesis 1:26-27
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
“Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.”
Psalm 96:1
“ For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.”
Psalm 96:4-5,
“let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice...”
Psalm 96:11a
Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
“let the sea and all that fills it resound.
Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy”
Psalm 96:11b-12,
“ Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.”
Psalm 96:7-9
“ “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all his ways, to love him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul? 13 Keep the Lord’s commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good. 14 The heavens, indeed the highest heavens, belong to the Lord your God, as does the earth and everything in it.”
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them.”
Galatians 3:10-12
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Galatians 3:13
“Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.”
Psalm 96:2
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
“[God] became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
John 1:14 (The Message)
“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15
“Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96:3, 10, 13
“The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham (God’s promise to Abraham that the nations would be blessed, or would be renewed) would come to the nations by Jesus Christ, so that we could receive the promised Spirit through faith.”
Galatians 3:14
It’s the Holy Spirit, indwelling and filling followers of Jesus that brings about the renewal of the world, through the power of the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
“Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96:10, 13
“Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.”
Psalm 96:3
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Keith Hoekman
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Revival
Text: Psalm 96
Campus: College Hill
“Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His wondrous works among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and all that fills it resound.
Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy
before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96
“We’re embodied creatures, and there are deep connections between our bodies and souls. Practices like singing stir our hearts to joy and affection”
~Mike Cosper
“In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. “
2 Corinthians 4:4
“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
John 7:37-39
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”
Ephesians 3:16-19
“Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.”
Psalms 96:1-3
“Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
Psalms 96:10
Click here for Renewal-Mission picture
Click here for People Groups of the World Map
“For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.”
Psalm 96:4-5
“for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.”
Psalm 96:13
______________________________________________________________________
June 6th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Spirit and the Church: The Spirit Gifts The Church
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 14:1
Campus: Rivermont
The church the Spirit builds is one that loves and worships Jesus, experiences the power of Spirit through the use of the gifts, celebrates radical unity and diversity, and together testifies to the world that Jesus really is alive.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware.”
1 Corinthians 12:1
“You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus is cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:2-3
There is no Christian, no church, no gospel, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit.
A Christian and a church are Spirit-dependent things.
“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. “
1 Corinthians 12:4
Spiritual gifts are Given by the Father, empowered by the Spirit, and all about Jesus.
“There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. “
1 Corinthians 12:5-6
“A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good:”
1 Corinthians 12:7
When everyone in the church is thriving in their spiritual gifts, the effect is exponential beauty. And for this Christ gets the glory.
“to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit,”
1 Corinthians 12:8
Wisdom
Knowledge
“to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit,”
1 Corinthians 12:9
Faith
Gifts of Healing
“to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues,[b] to another, interpretation of tongues.”
1 Corinthians 12:10
Working of Miracles
Prophecy
“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.”
I Corinthians 14:1
Distinguishing Spirits
Tongues and Interpretation
“One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.”
1 Corinthians 12:11
“For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“ Indeed, the body is not one part but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I’m not a hand, I don’t belong to the body,’ it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,’ it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that are weaker are indispensable.”
1 Corinthians 12:14-22
“On the contrary, those parts of the body that are weaker are indispensable. And those parts of the body that we consider less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unrespectable parts are treated with greater respect, which our respectable parts do not need.
Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable,”
1 Corinthians 12:22-24
“so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
“Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.”
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
“If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. For now we see only a reflection[c] as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.
Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts”
1 Corinthians 13:1-14:1a
The church the Spirit builds is one that loves and worships Jesus, experiences the power of Spirit through the use of the gifts, celebrates radical unity and diversity, and together testifies to the world that Jesus really is alive.
Takeaways on Discovering Spiritual Gifts:
- Spiritual gifts are discovered in community.
- It’s less about what I do, and more about how or in what way I do it.
- We have plenty of needs(...),So we’ve shared with you those needs on this form as a place to start.
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Spiritual Gifts
Text: Acts 1; 1 Corinthians 12
Campus: College Hill
Click to see photo
How can God’s Spirit live in me?
How can the Spirit of God get in me…fit in me?
We don’t know how He gets in us,
but we can know if He’s in us.
“After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. ‘Which,’ he said, ‘you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.’”
Acts 1:3-5
“So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’
He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.’”
Acts 1:6-7
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
When the Holy Spirit is present,
the Father is giving (“you will receive”)
and Christians are living (“you will be”).
“Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.”
1 Corinthians 2:12
“As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, ‘Peace to you!’
But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.
‘Why are you troubled?’ he asked them. ‘And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.’
Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy…”
Luke 24:36-41
“For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “'Abba', Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Romans 8:14-16
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17
“Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.”
Luke 12:32
“He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?”
Romans 8:32
When the Holy Spirit is present,
the Father is giving (you will receive)
and Christians are living (you will be).
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
"Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware…
Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good:"
1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. Now if the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’”
1 Corinthians 12:12,15,21
No one should ever say “I need to be you” or “I don’t need you”.
Spirit-filled and empowered believers come together declaring, “I need you to be you and you need me to be me.”
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:10-11
______________________________________________________________________
May 30th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Paul’s Conversion
Text: Acts 9; Romans 8:11
Campus: Rivermont
The Spirit has been active for all of eternity, but he’s been uniquely present in the lives of Christians after the resurrection and assertion of Jesus.
Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)
Radical transformation, and vibrant faith, is the work of the Spirit as we yield ourselves to him.
It’s possible to honor God with your lips, but for your heart to be far from him.
We are not responsible for our personal spiritual transformation.
“Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”
Acts 9:1-2 (CSB)
“As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul said.
‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’
The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.”
Acts 9:3-9
Click here to see 1601 classical painting by Caravaggio.
"There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’
‘Here I am, Lord,’ he replied.
‘Get up and go to the street called Straight,’ the Lord said to him, ‘to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.’
‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’
But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’
Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’
At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. And after taking some food, he regained his strength.”
Acts 9:10-19
Through Christ, and the work of the Spirit, sworn enemies become family.
“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
Acts 9:31
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:11
Radical transformation, and vibrant faith, is the work of the Spirit as we yield ourselves to him.
• Have I given my whole life to Jesus?
• Am I continually yielding to the Spirit?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Paul’s Conversion
Text: Romans 8:9-11; Acts 9:1-9
Campus: College Hill
“Christian proclamation might make the gospel audible, but Christians living together in local congregations make the gospel visible. The church is the gospel made visible.”
~Mark Dever
Pentecost was when the personal presence of Jesus on earth was replaced with the personal power of Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
“I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Do you believe that the Spirit inside of you is more of a benefit to you than Jesus beside you?
Do your experiences reflect this truth?
It’s possible to have an accurate and sharp theological category for the Holy Spirit but be functionally unaware of His presence in our lives.
Bears divine attributes of eternity – Hebrews 9:14
Omniscience – Isaiah 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Wisdom – Isaiah 11:2
Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-10; Acts 1:8
Incomprehensibility – Isaiah 40:13
Involved in…
Creation – Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30
Judgment – John 16:8-11
Giving of life (physical & spiritual) – Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30; John 3:5-8
Washed, sanctified, & justified – 1 Corinthians 6:11
Teacher – 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 2:27
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:1-11 (CSB)
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make idols.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.
“It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
~Tim Keller
FLESH
Condemnation (v.1)
Sin and death (v.2)
Mind set on the flesh (v.5)
Death (v.6)
Hostile to God (v.7)
Does not submit to God’s law (v.7)
Cannot please God (v.8)
SPIRIT
No condemnation (v.1)
Life (v.2)
Freedom from the law of sin and death (v.2)
Mind set on the Spirit (v.5)
Life and peace (v.6)
Able to please God (v.8)
Belongs to God (v.9)
Redeem our mortal bodies (v.11)
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
Acts 9:31
Do we live lives that can only be explained because of the Spirit’s involvement?
The life the Spirit breathes in us is not some abstract theoretical thing or force or paranormal anomaly but the Spirit gives us himself inviting us to share in this mutual delight within all three persons of the trinity.
The emphasis of the Scriptures in the Spirit’s work is that He gives us everything we need for our present circumstances.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Paul’s Conversion
Text: Acts 9; Romans 8:11
Campus: Rivermont
The Spirit has been active for all of eternity, but he’s been uniquely present in the lives of Christians after the resurrection and assertion of Jesus.
Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)
Radical transformation, and vibrant faith, is the work of the Spirit as we yield ourselves to him.
It’s possible to honor God with your lips, but for your heart to be far from him.
We are not responsible for our personal spiritual transformation.
“Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”
Acts 9:1-2 (CSB)
“As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul said.
‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’
The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.”
Acts 9:3-9
Click here to see 1601 classical painting by Caravaggio.
"There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’
‘Here I am, Lord,’ he replied.
‘Get up and go to the street called Straight,’ the Lord said to him, ‘to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.’
‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’
But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’
Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’
At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. And after taking some food, he regained his strength.”
Acts 9:10-19
Through Christ, and the work of the Spirit, sworn enemies become family.
“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
Acts 9:31
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:11
Radical transformation, and vibrant faith, is the work of the Spirit as we yield ourselves to him.
• Have I given my whole life to Jesus?
• Am I continually yielding to the Spirit?
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Paul’s Conversion
Text: Romans 8:9-11; Acts 9:1-9
Campus: College Hill
“Christian proclamation might make the gospel audible, but Christians living together in local congregations make the gospel visible. The church is the gospel made visible.”
~Mark Dever
Pentecost was when the personal presence of Jesus on earth was replaced with the personal power of Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
“I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Do you believe that the Spirit inside of you is more of a benefit to you than Jesus beside you?
Do your experiences reflect this truth?
It’s possible to have an accurate and sharp theological category for the Holy Spirit but be functionally unaware of His presence in our lives.
Bears divine attributes of eternity – Hebrews 9:14
Omniscience – Isaiah 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Wisdom – Isaiah 11:2
Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-10; Acts 1:8
Incomprehensibility – Isaiah 40:13
Involved in…
Creation – Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30
Judgment – John 16:8-11
Giving of life (physical & spiritual) – Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30; John 3:5-8
Washed, sanctified, & justified – 1 Corinthians 6:11
Teacher – 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 2:27
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:1-11 (CSB)
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make idols.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.
“It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
~Tim Keller
FLESH
Condemnation (v.1)
Sin and death (v.2)
Mind set on the flesh (v.5)
Death (v.6)
Hostile to God (v.7)
Does not submit to God’s law (v.7)
Cannot please God (v.8)
SPIRIT
No condemnation (v.1)
Life (v.2)
Freedom from the law of sin and death (v.2)
Mind set on the Spirit (v.5)
Life and peace (v.6)
Able to please God (v.8)
Belongs to God (v.9)
Redeem our mortal bodies (v.11)
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
Acts 9:31
Do we live lives that can only be explained because of the Spirit’s involvement?
The life the Spirit breathes in us is not some abstract theoretical thing or force or paranormal anomaly but the Spirit gives us himself inviting us to share in this mutual delight within all three persons of the trinity.
The emphasis of the Scriptures in the Spirit’s work is that He gives us everything we need for our present circumstances.
______________________________________________________________________
May 23rd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Relational Healing
Text: Acts 1:8 & 2:1-41
Campus: Rivermont
This season in the life of our church for the next few weeks is about the Spirit’s work in our lives, and the kind of church family the Spirit creates.
Week 1: The Spirit’s work in relational healing
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
”When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.’
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’”
Acts 2:1-12
Jerusalem: Comfort Zone
Judea: Like the suburb of Jerusalem, uncomfortable.
Samaria: Complex. We feel anxious, and out of place.
The end of the Earth: The nations.
The Spirit’s work in relational healing will mean transgressing cultural boundaries others may say, and we may feel, we ought not to cross.
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
Acts 1:12-14
“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit moves in supernatural ways, and without the Spirit, there is no gospel, there is no church, and there’s no us. Any attempt of knowing and following Jesus or doing church apart from the Spirit will be powerless and hollow.
No Christian and no Church is born apart from the work of the Holy Spirit.
The way the church is born points to its nature and identity.
“Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language?’”
Acts 2:5-8
“’Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.’”
Acts 2:9-11
Difference isn’t a consequence of sin, but division is.
When God Almighty whispered the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 that, “In you, all the nations of the earth will be blessed”, he saw Pentecost.
The work of the Spirit in the church increases oneness, brings relational healing, and bridges cultural barriers. This is part of what renewal in the church will look like.
The Spirit’s Work in Relational Healing:
Reflection and Prayer:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Pentecost Sunday
Text: Acts 1:8 & 2:1-41
Campus: College Hill
God’s Spirit that enables each of us to flourish and to fulfill the essential mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.”
John 14:16-17
“...I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
“While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. ‘Which,’ he said, ‘you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.’”
Acts 1:4-5 (CSB)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.’
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’”
Acts 2:1-12
1. The presence of the Spirit is disruptive.
2. The presence of the Spirit is unifying and healing.
The transcendent work of the Spirit, cultivates a transcultural community.
3. The presence of the Spirit is essential for personal, corporate, and global gospel transformation.
“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased (multiplied) in numbers.”
Acts 9:31
How do we access the Spirit of God?
Explicitly - through repentance (Acts 2:38)
Implicitly - through prayer (Acts 1:14)
______________________________________________________________________
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Relational Healing
Text: Acts 1:8 & 2:1-41
Campus: Rivermont
This season in the life of our church for the next few weeks is about the Spirit’s work in our lives, and the kind of church family the Spirit creates.
Week 1: The Spirit’s work in relational healing
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
”When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.’
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’”
Acts 2:1-12
Jerusalem: Comfort Zone
Judea: Like the suburb of Jerusalem, uncomfortable.
Samaria: Complex. We feel anxious, and out of place.
The end of the Earth: The nations.
The Spirit’s work in relational healing will mean transgressing cultural boundaries others may say, and we may feel, we ought not to cross.
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
Acts 1:12-14
“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit moves in supernatural ways, and without the Spirit, there is no gospel, there is no church, and there’s no us. Any attempt of knowing and following Jesus or doing church apart from the Spirit will be powerless and hollow.
No Christian and no Church is born apart from the work of the Holy Spirit.
The way the church is born points to its nature and identity.
“Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language?’”
Acts 2:5-8
“’Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.’”
Acts 2:9-11
Difference isn’t a consequence of sin, but division is.
When God Almighty whispered the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 that, “In you, all the nations of the earth will be blessed”, he saw Pentecost.
The work of the Spirit in the church increases oneness, brings relational healing, and bridges cultural barriers. This is part of what renewal in the church will look like.
The Spirit’s Work in Relational Healing:
| In the New Testament (1st Century) | Today (21st Century) |
| Hebrews & Greeks (Ethnic) | Racial Hostility |
| Rich & Poor (Class) | Socio-Economic Class |
| Male & Female (Gender) | Gender & Sexuality |
| Slave & Free (Social) | Liberal & Conservative |
Reflection and Prayer:
- Let us pray for greater dependence on the Spirit to do what only he can do in your heart and in this church family.
- Would you pray that our church would increasingly reflect the kind of loving, diverse community for which only the Risen Jesus can take credit?
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: The Spirit and the Church: Pentecost Sunday
Text: Acts 1:8 & 2:1-41
Campus: College Hill
God’s Spirit that enables each of us to flourish and to fulfill the essential mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.”
John 14:16-17
“...I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
“While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. ‘Which,’ he said, ‘you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.’”
Acts 1:4-5 (CSB)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.’
They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’”
Acts 2:1-12
1. The presence of the Spirit is disruptive.
2. The presence of the Spirit is unifying and healing.
The transcendent work of the Spirit, cultivates a transcultural community.
3. The presence of the Spirit is essential for personal, corporate, and global gospel transformation.
“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased (multiplied) in numbers.”
Acts 9:31
How do we access the Spirit of God?
Explicitly - through repentance (Acts 2:38)
Implicitly - through prayer (Acts 1:14)
______________________________________________________________________
May 16th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor
Title: Awaken to New Life: Breakfast with Jesus
Text: John 21:1-19
Campus: Rivermont
What does Jesus think about us after we fail?
Where do we go with our failure?
“Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, ‘You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?’
‘I am not,’ he said.
Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.”
John 18:17-18
“After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin” ), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.”
John 21:1-2
“‘I’m going fishing,’ Simon Peter said to them. ‘We’re coming with you,’ they told him.”
John 21:3a
“They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”
John 21:3b
“ When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.”
John 21:4
“‘Friends,’ Jesus called to them, ‘you don’t have any fish, do you? ‘
‘No,’ they answered.”
John 21: 5
“‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat,’ he told them, ‘and you’ll find some.’
So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea.”
John 21:6-7
“Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread.”
John 21:8-9
“‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.
So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish — 153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
‘Come and have breakfast,’ Jesus told them.
None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you? ‘ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.”
John 21:10-14
Jesus sees us with the love and compassion of a good father. He wants to draw us close. He calls out to us.
“ When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked ‘Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my lambs,” he told him.’”
John 21:15
“A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him.
He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said. ‘Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.’
He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, ‘Follow me.’”
John 21:16-19
What does Jesus think about us after we fail?
Where should we go with our failure?
Once we realize, crystalize the truth of how Jesus looks at us after we fail, we should be like Peter when he jumps into the water towards Jesus.
Jesus can heal your wounds. He can restore you to a relationship with him and with others and he can also awaken you to new life.
1. What are the failures in my past that are holding me back from seeing how much you love me?
2. How do you want me to fish for men? How do you want me to feed and care for your sheep?
“The work of the church--- the gathering of fish, the nurture of sheep--- cannot go forward unless its ministers are healed of their histories and renewed by God’s Spirit.”
~Gary M. Burge
We must let Jesus heal our wounds, and replace our failures with his purpose.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Awaken to New Life: Peter’s Restoration
Text: John 21:1-19
Campus: College Hill
What does it take to be awakened to new life in Christ?
What does it take to be awakened to new life in Christ after I have experienced a significant, personal failure?
Am I afraid to fail?
“After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.
‘I’m going fishing,’ Simon Peter said to them.
‘We’re coming with you,’ they told him.
They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
‘Friends,’ Jesus called to them, ‘you don’t have any fish, do you?’
‘No,’ they answered.
‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat,’ he told them, ‘and you’ll find some.’
So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards[e] away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread.
‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.
So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
‘Come and have breakfast,’ Jesus told them.
None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord.
Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my lambs,’ he told him. A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him. He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said. ‘Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.’
He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, ‘Follow me.’”
John 21:1-19 (CSB)
“‘Lord,’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘where are you going?’
Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.’
‘Lord,’ Peter asked, ‘why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’
Jesus replied, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.’”
John 13:36-39 (CSB)
Click here to see slide: Silence
“When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
“Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him. He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said. ‘Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.’
He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, ‘Follow me.’”
John 21:15-19 (CSB)
You may have encounters with Jesus, you may even experience restoration, but that doesn’t mean that you follow Jesus.
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Awaken to New Life: Breakfast with Jesus
Text: John 21:1-19
Campus: Rivermont
What does Jesus think about us after we fail?
Where do we go with our failure?
“Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, ‘You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?’
‘I am not,’ he said.
Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.”
John 18:17-18
“After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin” ), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.”
John 21:1-2
“‘I’m going fishing,’ Simon Peter said to them. ‘We’re coming with you,’ they told him.”
John 21:3a
“They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”
John 21:3b
“ When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.”
John 21:4
“‘Friends,’ Jesus called to them, ‘you don’t have any fish, do you? ‘
‘No,’ they answered.”
John 21: 5
“‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat,’ he told them, ‘and you’ll find some.’
So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea.”
John 21:6-7
“Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread.”
John 21:8-9
“‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.
So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish — 153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
‘Come and have breakfast,’ Jesus told them.
None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you? ‘ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.”
John 21:10-14
Jesus sees us with the love and compassion of a good father. He wants to draw us close. He calls out to us.
“ When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked ‘Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my lambs,” he told him.’”
John 21:15
“A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him.
He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said. ‘Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.’
He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, ‘Follow me.’”
John 21:16-19
What does Jesus think about us after we fail?
- Jesus, looks at us with loving compassion.
- Jesus longs to remind us of his redeeming grace.
- Jesus wants to restore us into right relationship with him.
Where should we go with our failure?
Once we realize, crystalize the truth of how Jesus looks at us after we fail, we should be like Peter when he jumps into the water towards Jesus.
Jesus can heal your wounds. He can restore you to a relationship with him and with others and he can also awaken you to new life.
1. What are the failures in my past that are holding me back from seeing how much you love me?
2. How do you want me to fish for men? How do you want me to feed and care for your sheep?
“The work of the church--- the gathering of fish, the nurture of sheep--- cannot go forward unless its ministers are healed of their histories and renewed by God’s Spirit.”
~Gary M. Burge
We must let Jesus heal our wounds, and replace our failures with his purpose.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Awaken to New Life: Peter’s Restoration
Text: John 21:1-19
Campus: College Hill
What does it take to be awakened to new life in Christ?
What does it take to be awakened to new life in Christ after I have experienced a significant, personal failure?
Am I afraid to fail?
“After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together.
‘I’m going fishing,’ Simon Peter said to them.
‘We’re coming with you,’ they told him.
They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
‘Friends,’ Jesus called to them, ‘you don’t have any fish, do you?’
‘No,’ they answered.
‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat,’ he told them, ‘and you’ll find some.’
So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards[e] away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread.
‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.
So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
‘Come and have breakfast,’ Jesus told them.
None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord.
Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my lambs,’ he told him. A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him. He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said. ‘Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.’
He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, ‘Follow me.’”
John 21:1-19 (CSB)
“‘Lord,’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘where are you going?’
Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.’
‘Lord,’ Peter asked, ‘why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’
Jesus replied, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.’”
John 13:36-39 (CSB)
Click here to see slide: Silence
- Encounter the Resurrection
- Encounter the Resurrection
- Embrace the Restoration
“When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
“Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’
‘Shepherd my sheep,’ he told him. He asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’
‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said. ‘Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.’
He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, ‘Follow me.’”
John 21:15-19 (CSB)
- Encounter the Resurrection
- Embrace the Restoration
- Endure the Renewal
You may have encounters with Jesus, you may even experience restoration, but that doesn’t mean that you follow Jesus.
______________________________________________________________________
May 9th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman and Emily Woody
Title: Awaken to New Life: Thomas
Text: John 20:24-31
Campus: Rivermont
A Congregational Liturgy for Mother’s Day:
Leader: To those who wish to be mothers, but have had that dream deferred or lost entirely:
Congregation: We lament with you.
Leader: To those who have conceived, loved, and lost children:
Congregation: We mourn with you.
Leader: To those who been deeply wounded, neglected, or abandoned by their mothers:
Congregation: We weep with you.
Leader: To those who have loved and lost their mothers:
Congregation: We grieve with you.
Leader: To every mother, who loves their biological, foster & adoptive, and spiritual sons and daughters; to every mother who nurtures life in the face of death; to every beloved mother: today, we say:
Congregation: Thank you. And we rejoice with you.
Leader: For every good and perfect gift comes from above, from God who dwells in heavenly light - motherhood is one of those good gifts, given to humankind by God who loves us, and knows just what we need.
Today, we rejoice with and in mothers of all kids. Today, we honor and celebrate the gift of mothers and motherhood. With serious delight and authentic gratitude, as part of the worship of our good God collectively today, we say to every mother:
Congregation: May God bless you and protect you. May he cause his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord look with favor upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
“But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, ‘We’ve seen the Lord!’
But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.’
A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’
Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jesus said, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
John 20:24-29
Thomas had the right person, but had the wrong expectations.
Are there expectations I’ve had of Jesus, that he never promised, that threaten to bring despair?
““But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, ‘We’ve seen the Lord!’”
John 20:24-25a
“But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.’”
John 20:25b
“A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’
Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jesus said, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
John 20:26-29
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31
What needs to die, or what is experiencing death?
Where do you need resurrection?
What is the new thing the Lord wants to do in my life?
Practicing Resurrection amidst Disorientation:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Awaken to New Life: Thomas
Text: John 20:24-31
Campus: College Hill
Doubt can co-exist alongside of faith.
Faith is not the absence of doubt, it’s a commitment to honest, and humble, curiosity in our personal journey with Jesus.
“But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, ‘We’ve seen the Lord!’
But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.’”
John 20:24-25 (CSB)
What does the Bible reveal to us about doubt?
1) Doubt is normal; it’s a part of being human.
“Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable; but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable.”
~ C. S. Lewis
2) We don’t need to fear doubt.
Doubt has a role to play in confirming and strengthening what we believe.
“If ours is an examined faith, we should be unafraid to doubt. If doubt is eventually justified, we were believing what clearly was not worth believing. But if doubt is answered, our faith has grown stronger. It knows God more certainly and it can enjoy God more deeply.”
~Os Guinness
“A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’”
Read John 20:26-27
“Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Read John 20:28
3) We don’t need to eliminate all doubt, or pursue supernatural encounters, in order to have a vibrant faith.
“Jesus said, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
Read John 20:29
"Proud (dishonest) doubt:
lazy, defiant, and resists the promises of God
it’s closed minded – refusing to consider the possibility that something could exist which challenges our comprehension
makes blind assumptions
Humble (honest) doubt:
grows out of wonder and awe
not afraid to ask genuine questions
vulnerable
takes risks;
clings to the promises of God"
~J.D. Grear
How can we productively manage doubt?
1) Take a posture of humility.
2) Process doubt in community.
3) Doubt your doubts.
"The only way to doubt Christianity rightly and fairly is to discern the alternate belief under each of your doubts and then ask yourself what reasons you have for believing it. How do you know your belief is true? It would be inconsistent to require more justification for Christian belief than you do for your own, but that is frequently what happens. In fairness you must doubt your doubts. My thesis is that if you come to recognize the beliefs on which your doubts about Christianity are based, and if you seek as much proof for those beliefs as you seek from Christians for theirs – you will discover that your doubts are not as solid as they first appeared."
~ Tim Keller
_________________________________________________________
Title: Awaken to New Life: Thomas
Text: John 20:24-31
Campus: Rivermont
A Congregational Liturgy for Mother’s Day:
Leader: To those who wish to be mothers, but have had that dream deferred or lost entirely:
Congregation: We lament with you.
Leader: To those who have conceived, loved, and lost children:
Congregation: We mourn with you.
Leader: To those who been deeply wounded, neglected, or abandoned by their mothers:
Congregation: We weep with you.
Leader: To those who have loved and lost their mothers:
Congregation: We grieve with you.
Leader: To every mother, who loves their biological, foster & adoptive, and spiritual sons and daughters; to every mother who nurtures life in the face of death; to every beloved mother: today, we say:
Congregation: Thank you. And we rejoice with you.
Leader: For every good and perfect gift comes from above, from God who dwells in heavenly light - motherhood is one of those good gifts, given to humankind by God who loves us, and knows just what we need.
Today, we rejoice with and in mothers of all kids. Today, we honor and celebrate the gift of mothers and motherhood. With serious delight and authentic gratitude, as part of the worship of our good God collectively today, we say to every mother:
Congregation: May God bless you and protect you. May he cause his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord look with favor upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
“But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, ‘We’ve seen the Lord!’
But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.’
A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’
Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jesus said, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
John 20:24-29
Thomas had the right person, but had the wrong expectations.
Are there expectations I’ve had of Jesus, that he never promised, that threaten to bring despair?
““But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, ‘We’ve seen the Lord!’”
John 20:24-25a
“But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.’”
John 20:25b
“A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’
Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jesus said, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
John 20:26-29
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31
What needs to die, or what is experiencing death?
Where do you need resurrection?
What is the new thing the Lord wants to do in my life?
Practicing Resurrection amidst Disorientation:
- Invite trusted relationships into the process.
- Practice being as honest as possible with God, no matter what
- Especially in times of transition or disorientation, practice being in the Psalms.
- Practice solitude and silence, listening in prayer.
- Consider: Seeing a really good counselor
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Awaken to New Life: Thomas
Text: John 20:24-31
Campus: College Hill
Doubt can co-exist alongside of faith.
Faith is not the absence of doubt, it’s a commitment to honest, and humble, curiosity in our personal journey with Jesus.
“But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, ‘We’ve seen the Lord!’
But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.’”
John 20:24-25 (CSB)
What does the Bible reveal to us about doubt?
1) Doubt is normal; it’s a part of being human.
“Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable; but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable.”
~ C. S. Lewis
2) We don’t need to fear doubt.
Doubt has a role to play in confirming and strengthening what we believe.
“If ours is an examined faith, we should be unafraid to doubt. If doubt is eventually justified, we were believing what clearly was not worth believing. But if doubt is answered, our faith has grown stronger. It knows God more certainly and it can enjoy God more deeply.”
~Os Guinness
“A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’”
Read John 20:26-27
“Thomas responded to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Read John 20:28
3) We don’t need to eliminate all doubt, or pursue supernatural encounters, in order to have a vibrant faith.
“Jesus said, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
Read John 20:29
"Proud (dishonest) doubt:
lazy, defiant, and resists the promises of God
it’s closed minded – refusing to consider the possibility that something could exist which challenges our comprehension
makes blind assumptions
Humble (honest) doubt:
grows out of wonder and awe
not afraid to ask genuine questions
vulnerable
takes risks;
clings to the promises of God"
~J.D. Grear
How can we productively manage doubt?
1) Take a posture of humility.
2) Process doubt in community.
3) Doubt your doubts.
"The only way to doubt Christianity rightly and fairly is to discern the alternate belief under each of your doubts and then ask yourself what reasons you have for believing it. How do you know your belief is true? It would be inconsistent to require more justification for Christian belief than you do for your own, but that is frequently what happens. In fairness you must doubt your doubts. My thesis is that if you come to recognize the beliefs on which your doubts about Christianity are based, and if you seek as much proof for those beliefs as you seek from Christians for theirs – you will discover that your doubts are not as solid as they first appeared."
~ Tim Keller
_________________________________________________________
May 2nd Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Awaken to New Life (Mary)
Text: John 20:1-18.
Campus: Rivermont
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31
John’s stories are purposed to ignite belief in Jesus and life in us.
“On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.”
John 20:1
“So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”
John 20:2
What they saw on the cross horrified them. What they didn’t see in the tomb horrified them. Yet in both, God was fulfilling his promises.
The cross and the tomb are reminders that God can be trusted when what we see or don’t see, appears horrific at first glance.
“Peter and the other disciple went out heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.
Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.”
John 20:3-6
"The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.”
John 20:7-9
“But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’
‘Because they’ve taken away my Lord,’ she told them, ‘and I don’t know where they’ve put him.’”
John 20:11-13
“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ — which means ‘Teacher.’”
John 20:14-16
There is an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies in Jesus Christ.
~Jonathan Edwards
Jesus is ultimate in power and intimate in person.
“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ — which means ‘Teacher.’”
John 20:14-16
Do you need to be reminded that Jesus is all powerful or all personal?
Jesus gives reason to trust and room to talk.
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:8
“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord! ‘
And she told them what he had said to her”
John 20:1-18
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Awaken to New Life (Mary)
Text: John 20:1-18
Campus: College Hill
Grief is the normal process of reacting to loss.
Mary’s encounter with Jesus doesn’t show us a way out of grief, but it shows us a pathway through grief.
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31 (CSB)
“On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!’
At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.”
John 20:1-3
John often blends multiple stories in order to illustrate a single message.
Who is Mary Magdalene?
“At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.”
John 20:3-4
“For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.”
John 20:9
“But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’
’Because they’ve taken away my Lord,’ she told them, ‘and I don’t know where they’ve put him.’”
John 20:11-13
Grief isn’t linear and it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
If you’re grieving:
1) Pay attention to how grief may be affecting you.
2) Be mindful how substances impact you (often make things worse, not better).
3) Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to pursue professional help. (Cindy Lamothe)
If you are a follower of Jesus, bring your grief to him.
"Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’”
John 14-16a
“Woman, why do you weep?”
John 20:15
“She’d never heard a more foolish question in all her life. But his question was not foolish. His question was laughter. His question was the arrival of April after a lifelong winter. By asking her why she wept, he returned Mary to the place of Eve. He returned her to the tears of all humanity. He bid her look one final time upon the question that scarred and scorched a perfect earth with perfect creatures. And with the rising of the sun, he exploded that question into a million fragments. The first question of a Resurrected God destroyed the curse of the original question forever.
This is the Resurrection power of the God-Who-Asks. It is with asking that he introduces himself to us. It is with asking that he invites us to draw closer. God’s open invitation to know him stands before us.”
Cara Murphy, The Inquisitive Christ, pg. 43
“’Don’t cling to me,’ Jesus told her, ‘since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 20:17
From this point forward, for the rest of her life, Mary will be journeying with her risen Savior and telling others about him (John 20:17)
Conslusion:
What does it mean to be a Christian?
To be a Christian means, “to be known by Christ, to know Christ, and to make him known.”
Is there a wounded, or broken, part of your life where do you need the healing and empowering presence of Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Awaken to New Life (Mary)
Text: John 20:1-18.
Campus: Rivermont
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31
John’s stories are purposed to ignite belief in Jesus and life in us.
“On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.”
John 20:1
“So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”
John 20:2
What they saw on the cross horrified them. What they didn’t see in the tomb horrified them. Yet in both, God was fulfilling his promises.
The cross and the tomb are reminders that God can be trusted when what we see or don’t see, appears horrific at first glance.
“Peter and the other disciple went out heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.
Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.”
John 20:3-6
"The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.”
John 20:7-9
“But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’
‘Because they’ve taken away my Lord,’ she told them, ‘and I don’t know where they’ve put him.’”
John 20:11-13
“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ — which means ‘Teacher.’”
John 20:14-16
There is an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies in Jesus Christ.
~Jonathan Edwards
Jesus is ultimate in power and intimate in person.
“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ — which means ‘Teacher.’”
John 20:14-16
Do you need to be reminded that Jesus is all powerful or all personal?
Jesus gives reason to trust and room to talk.
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:8
“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord! ‘
And she told them what he had said to her”
John 20:1-18
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Awaken to New Life (Mary)
Text: John 20:1-18
Campus: College Hill
Grief is the normal process of reacting to loss.
Mary’s encounter with Jesus doesn’t show us a way out of grief, but it shows us a pathway through grief.
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31 (CSB)
“On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!’
At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.”
John 20:1-3
John often blends multiple stories in order to illustrate a single message.
Who is Mary Magdalene?
- healed by Jesus from demonic oppression (Luke 8)
- followers and friend of Jesus
- financial supporter of Christ’s ministry
“At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.”
John 20:3-4
“For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.”
John 20:9
“But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’
’Because they’ve taken away my Lord,’ she told them, ‘and I don’t know where they’ve put him.’”
John 20:11-13
Grief isn’t linear and it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
If you’re grieving:
1) Pay attention to how grief may be affecting you.
2) Be mindful how substances impact you (often make things worse, not better).
3) Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to pursue professional help. (Cindy Lamothe)
If you are a follower of Jesus, bring your grief to him.
"Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’”
John 14-16a
“Woman, why do you weep?”
John 20:15
“She’d never heard a more foolish question in all her life. But his question was not foolish. His question was laughter. His question was the arrival of April after a lifelong winter. By asking her why she wept, he returned Mary to the place of Eve. He returned her to the tears of all humanity. He bid her look one final time upon the question that scarred and scorched a perfect earth with perfect creatures. And with the rising of the sun, he exploded that question into a million fragments. The first question of a Resurrected God destroyed the curse of the original question forever.
This is the Resurrection power of the God-Who-Asks. It is with asking that he introduces himself to us. It is with asking that he invites us to draw closer. God’s open invitation to know him stands before us.”
Cara Murphy, The Inquisitive Christ, pg. 43
“’Don’t cling to me,’ Jesus told her, ‘since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 20:17
From this point forward, for the rest of her life, Mary will be journeying with her risen Savior and telling others about him (John 20:17)
Conslusion:
What does it mean to be a Christian?
To be a Christian means, “to be known by Christ, to know Christ, and to make him known.”
Is there a wounded, or broken, part of your life where do you need the healing and empowering presence of Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________
April 18th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: The Good News of the Gospel
Text: I Corinthians 15:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
Good news > Good advice
“Now, what I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received,on which you have take your stand, and by which you are being saved (healed, rescued), if you hold to the message I preached to you - unless you believed in vain (without thinking it through). For I passed on to you as most important what I also received…”
~St. Paul, 53 A.D.
The resurrected body of Jesus is the evidence that the gospel really is good news.
At what point does the gospel become good news?
“Evangelion (what we call “the gospel” is a Greek word, signifying good, merry, glad and joyful news, that makes a person’s heart glad and makes them sing, dance, and leap for joy.”
~William Tyndale, 1525 A.D.
“unless you have believed in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:2b
Question for Reflection: Has the gospel ever been good news to me?
For whom is the message of Jesus, the gospel, good news?
Those who know they are:
→ Sinners, and in need of a savior.
→ Broken, and in need of healing.
→ Weary, and in need of rest.
→ Lonely, and in need of love.
→ Afraid, and in need of comfort.
→ Ashamed, and in need of forgiveness.
→ Weak, and in need of strength.
Strength is God’s thing. Weakness is ours.
The gospel is aimed at our hearts; at our point of need, our weakness, feelings, and fears.
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
Mark 2:15-17.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor
Title: Arise: Awaken to New Life (Christ)
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Campus: College Hill
“Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.
For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1. What is the truth of the gospel?
2. What is the proof of the gospel?
3. What is the impact of the gospel?
When we encounter the real and living Jesus, everything changes.
The good news of the Gospel is that God’s knowledge of our sin doesn’t limit his love and grace for us. It only enhances it.
”The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed”
Luke 4:18
The Good news forces us to admit our need, meets that need with unmerited grace, and sustains us with the strength of Christ through the grace of God.
Title: The Good News of the Gospel
Text: I Corinthians 15:1-11
Campus: Rivermont
Good news > Good advice
“Now, what I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received,on which you have take your stand, and by which you are being saved (healed, rescued), if you hold to the message I preached to you - unless you believed in vain (without thinking it through). For I passed on to you as most important what I also received…”
~St. Paul, 53 A.D.
The resurrected body of Jesus is the evidence that the gospel really is good news.
At what point does the gospel become good news?
“Evangelion (what we call “the gospel” is a Greek word, signifying good, merry, glad and joyful news, that makes a person’s heart glad and makes them sing, dance, and leap for joy.”
~William Tyndale, 1525 A.D.
“unless you have believed in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:2b
Question for Reflection: Has the gospel ever been good news to me?
For whom is the message of Jesus, the gospel, good news?
Those who know they are:
→ Sinners, and in need of a savior.
→ Broken, and in need of healing.
→ Weary, and in need of rest.
→ Lonely, and in need of love.
→ Afraid, and in need of comfort.
→ Ashamed, and in need of forgiveness.
→ Weak, and in need of strength.
Strength is God’s thing. Weakness is ours.
The gospel is aimed at our hearts; at our point of need, our weakness, feelings, and fears.
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
Mark 2:15-17.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor
Title: Arise: Awaken to New Life (Christ)
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Campus: College Hill
“Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.
For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
- What is the truth of the gospel?
- What is the proof of the gospel?
- What is the impact of the gospel?
1. What is the truth of the gospel?
- Christ Died for our sins
- Isaiah 53:5-7 “5 But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. 6We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth.”
- Christ’s presence on the cross was the evidence of a God with unconditional love.
- Christ’s death on that cross was the symbol of atonement for our sin that would satisfy a Holy God!
- Christ was Buried
- Christ was raised on the third day
2. What is the proof of the gospel?
3. What is the impact of the gospel?
When we encounter the real and living Jesus, everything changes.
The good news of the Gospel is that God’s knowledge of our sin doesn’t limit his love and grace for us. It only enhances it.
”The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed”
Luke 4:18
The Good news forces us to admit our need, meets that need with unmerited grace, and sustains us with the strength of Christ through the grace of God.
- The Good news forces us to admit our need.
- The Good news meets our needs without our effort.
- The Good news sustains us and gives us strength through the grace of God.
- Where are you hiding your need or sin from God?
- What burden do you need to lay down at the feet of Jesus?
- What mission do you need to be willing to go on for God to use you?
April 11th Sermon Guide
Brenton Lehman, Teaching and Discipleship Pastor
Campus: Rivermont
Our Father who is in heaven, may your name be honored as holy.
May your Kingdom come, and your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.
For Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Prompt 1:
As we consider the households and people in the neighborhood around us, simply ask Jesus to give us his heart for this neighborhood.
Prompt 2:
Using the Lord's prayer as an example, pray for the Kingdom of God to come, and the will of God to be done, in Lynchburg and here on Daniel's Hill/Lower Rivermont as it is in heaven.
Prompt 3:
Pray for the entire city of Lynchburg, and for those who live in other neighborhoods. Pray that Jesus would bring his peace and life through his people all throughout this city.
___________________________________________________________
Campus: Rivermont
Our Father who is in heaven, may your name be honored as holy.
May your Kingdom come, and your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.
For Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Prompt 1:
As we consider the households and people in the neighborhood around us, simply ask Jesus to give us his heart for this neighborhood.
Prompt 2:
Using the Lord's prayer as an example, pray for the Kingdom of God to come, and the will of God to be done, in Lynchburg and here on Daniel's Hill/Lower Rivermont as it is in heaven.
Prompt 3:
Pray for the entire city of Lynchburg, and for those who live in other neighborhoods. Pray that Jesus would bring his peace and life through his people all throughout this city.
___________________________________________________________
April 4th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Luke 24:1-35
Campus: Rivermont
“When they saw him they worshiped, but some doubted.”
Matthew 28:17
If Jesus really is alive, then it changes everything.
Come and see Jesus.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.”
Luke 24:1
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.”
Luke 24:2-5a
“’Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?’ And they remembered his words.”
Luke 24:5b-8
“Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.”
Luke 24:9-11
“Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him.
Then he asked them, ‘What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?’ And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?’
‘What things?’ he asked them.
So they said to him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.’
He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?’
Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther.
But they urged him, ‘Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.”
So he went in to stay with them. It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.
They said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?’
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, ‘The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!’
Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
Luke 24:13-35
It’s possible to know a lot about Jesus but still not know him at all, and totally miss the point.
This is the invitation of the resurrected Jesus to all of us today: Come, be with me. Follow me.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-3
“I did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
“I came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10
“I did not come into the world to judge the world, but to save the world.”
~Jesus of Nazareth (John 3:17)
“Look at me; pay attention. I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If you hear my voice, and you open the door, then I will come in and dine with you.”
~Jesus of Nazareth (Revelation 3:20)
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Luke 24:1-35
Campus: College Hill
“I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20
Jesus is gentle and lowly; patiently waiting for us to have the courage to open the door.
Christ’s life, death, and, his resurrection are a testament to God’s nearness and dependability.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.”
Luke 24:1 (CSB)
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.”
Luke 24:2-5a
“’Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?’ And they remembered his words.”
Luke 24:5b-8
The angels anchor the faith of these women in the Word of God and the gospel.
“But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.”
Luke 24:11
The resurrection is connected to the whole story of God.
“Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they[d] were prevented from recognizing him.”
Luke 24:13-16
“ ‘What things?’ he asked them.
So they said to him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.’”
Luke 24:19-21
You can know a lot about Jesus, but still miss the point.
“He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.”
Luke 24:25-27
Jesus anchors our faith in the Word of God and the gospel.
We study the Bible and retell the story of the gospel because God continues to make himself known to us through Christ.
“I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me, and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, Weary, and worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad.”
~I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
______________________________________________________________________
Title: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Luke 24:1-35
Campus: Rivermont
“When they saw him they worshiped, but some doubted.”
Matthew 28:17
If Jesus really is alive, then it changes everything.
Come and see Jesus.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.”
Luke 24:1
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.”
Luke 24:2-5a
“’Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?’ And they remembered his words.”
Luke 24:5b-8
“Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.”
Luke 24:9-11
“Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him.
Then he asked them, ‘What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?’ And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?’
‘What things?’ he asked them.
So they said to him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.’
He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?’
Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther.
But they urged him, ‘Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.”
So he went in to stay with them. It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.
They said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?’
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, ‘The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!’
Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
Luke 24:13-35
It’s possible to know a lot about Jesus but still not know him at all, and totally miss the point.
This is the invitation of the resurrected Jesus to all of us today: Come, be with me. Follow me.
- What imitations of the gospel message are standing in the way of our wholehearted belief and relationship with Jesus?
- What imitations of the real thing have we as professing Christians bought into, like these people on the road to Emmaus?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-3
“I did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
“I came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10
“I did not come into the world to judge the world, but to save the world.”
~Jesus of Nazareth (John 3:17)
“Look at me; pay attention. I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If you hear my voice, and you open the door, then I will come in and dine with you.”
~Jesus of Nazareth (Revelation 3:20)
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Luke 24:1-35
Campus: College Hill
“I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20
Jesus is gentle and lowly; patiently waiting for us to have the courage to open the door.
Christ’s life, death, and, his resurrection are a testament to God’s nearness and dependability.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.”
Luke 24:1 (CSB)
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.”
Luke 24:2-5a
“’Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?’ And they remembered his words.”
Luke 24:5b-8
The angels anchor the faith of these women in the Word of God and the gospel.
“But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.”
Luke 24:11
The resurrection is connected to the whole story of God.
“Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they[d] were prevented from recognizing him.”
Luke 24:13-16
“ ‘What things?’ he asked them.
So they said to him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.’”
Luke 24:19-21
You can know a lot about Jesus, but still miss the point.
“He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.”
Luke 24:25-27
Jesus anchors our faith in the Word of God and the gospel.
We study the Bible and retell the story of the gospel because God continues to make himself known to us through Christ.
“I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me, and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, Weary, and worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad.”
~I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
______________________________________________________________________
March 28th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Streams in the Wilderness: God’s Glory
Text: Exodus 33:12-22; 34:29-35
Campus: Rivermont
Do you relate to the prodigal heart?
Do you find yourself falling into unhealthy patterns, repent, pursue Jesus, and then fall back into these same patterns again?
Click here to see slide: Map
Our hearts are painfully and deceitfully wicked. They have an infinite appetite for desire.
“Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.” And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.” The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.” He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:12-23 (CSB)
“Please, show me your glory”
Click here to see slide: statue
Kāḇôḏ
Meaning: “heaviness or weightiness”
Used figuratively to represent splendor and honor
“For God who said, ’Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
The manifestation of God’s glory comes in the person of Jesus Christ
Stream = Jesus (God’s glory, wrapped in flesh)
“As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him. But Moses called out to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he commanded them to do everything the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, and the Israelites would see that Moses’s face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the Lord.”
Exodus 34:29-35
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at[e] the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Are you reflecting God’s glory?
Radiating God’s glory requires intimate proximity and a consistent presence with Jesus.
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Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: Streams in the Wilderness: God’s Glory
Text: Exodus 33:12-22
Campus: College Hill
“We tell stories because we’re broken creatures hungering for redemption.”
~Mike Cooper
If God has really given us this story. How we understand it and apply it as our story will influence how we experience the Christian life.
“The Bible presents this world as a divinely made stage for playing out the great story of human history… It’s a theatre above all for the display of God’s glory.”
~Mark Dever
God’s people are never sitting in the audience in the theater of God as spectators but we are active participants in the story God’s unfolding, even today.
Click here to see slide: Moses
““Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.” And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.” The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.” He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.”
Exodus 33:12-22 (CSB)
The favor of God is now given and guaranteed simply by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
“My presence” in verses 14, 20, & 23 in Hebrew literally means “my face.”
God’s presence literally dwelling in you by His Spirit is unique to Christians today than it was with the people of God in the OT. God is uniquely closer to us now than He was with Israel in the OT. This is the new covenant that Ezekiel 36:37 was speaking of, “I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes.”
“I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.”
Exodus 33:19-20
Click here to see slide: Rocks
Deep down in the human heart, whether we consciously feel it or not, we long to see glory. We were wired for glory.
Every glorious sight in creation is intended to point you to the One who infinitely worthy of your attention. Glory is its own argument.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse (or skies) proclaims the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
The Exodus story is our story. Delivering us from the slavery of sin, death, and suffering and leading us in a pilgrimage to the promised land with Jesus as the better and perfect Moses. Leading us to the promised land of the new heaven and new earth.
“The whole story of the Christian life is effectively an exodus story in a different key.”
~Andrew Wilson
“When we hear exodus stories we are listening to variations within the one great Story, a Story that finds its climax in the Great Exodus, as through the Passover sacrifice of his Son, the Father delivers us from the kingdom of Satan, leading us by the Spirit into the new creation.”
~Alastair Roberts
Click here to see slide: sea
Where Moses sought God’s glory. In Jesus we see God’s glory. In Jesus we see the face of God.
“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
The presence of God is now seen in Jesus the face of glory.
“but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Moses radiated a glory that eventually faded. We behold a glory that will never fade because the Spirit of God living in us.
__________________________
Title: Streams in the Wilderness: God’s Glory
Text: Exodus 33:12-22; 34:29-35
Campus: Rivermont
Do you relate to the prodigal heart?
Do you find yourself falling into unhealthy patterns, repent, pursue Jesus, and then fall back into these same patterns again?
Click here to see slide: Map
Our hearts are painfully and deceitfully wicked. They have an infinite appetite for desire.
“Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.” And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.” The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.” He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:12-23 (CSB)
- For God’s presence to remain with the Israelites (Mediating)
- Requesting to know the Lord more fully
“Please, show me your glory”
Click here to see slide: statue
Kāḇôḏ
Meaning: “heaviness or weightiness”
Used figuratively to represent splendor and honor
“For God who said, ’Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
The manifestation of God’s glory comes in the person of Jesus Christ
Stream = Jesus (God’s glory, wrapped in flesh)
“As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him. But Moses called out to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he commanded them to do everything the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, and the Israelites would see that Moses’s face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the Lord.”
Exodus 34:29-35
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at[e] the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Are you reflecting God’s glory?
Radiating God’s glory requires intimate proximity and a consistent presence with Jesus.
______________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: Streams in the Wilderness: God’s Glory
Text: Exodus 33:12-22
Campus: College Hill
“We tell stories because we’re broken creatures hungering for redemption.”
~Mike Cooper
If God has really given us this story. How we understand it and apply it as our story will influence how we experience the Christian life.
“The Bible presents this world as a divinely made stage for playing out the great story of human history… It’s a theatre above all for the display of God’s glory.”
~Mark Dever
God’s people are never sitting in the audience in the theater of God as spectators but we are active participants in the story God’s unfolding, even today.
Click here to see slide: Moses
““Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.” And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.” The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.” He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.”
Exodus 33:12-22 (CSB)
The favor of God is now given and guaranteed simply by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
“My presence” in verses 14, 20, & 23 in Hebrew literally means “my face.”
God’s presence literally dwelling in you by His Spirit is unique to Christians today than it was with the people of God in the OT. God is uniquely closer to us now than He was with Israel in the OT. This is the new covenant that Ezekiel 36:37 was speaking of, “I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes.”
“I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.”
Exodus 33:19-20
Click here to see slide: Rocks
Deep down in the human heart, whether we consciously feel it or not, we long to see glory. We were wired for glory.
Every glorious sight in creation is intended to point you to the One who infinitely worthy of your attention. Glory is its own argument.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse (or skies) proclaims the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
The Exodus story is our story. Delivering us from the slavery of sin, death, and suffering and leading us in a pilgrimage to the promised land with Jesus as the better and perfect Moses. Leading us to the promised land of the new heaven and new earth.
“The whole story of the Christian life is effectively an exodus story in a different key.”
~Andrew Wilson
“When we hear exodus stories we are listening to variations within the one great Story, a Story that finds its climax in the Great Exodus, as through the Passover sacrifice of his Son, the Father delivers us from the kingdom of Satan, leading us by the Spirit into the new creation.”
~Alastair Roberts
Click here to see slide: sea
Where Moses sought God’s glory. In Jesus we see God’s glory. In Jesus we see the face of God.
“For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
The presence of God is now seen in Jesus the face of glory.
“but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Moses radiated a glory that eventually faded. We behold a glory that will never fade because the Spirit of God living in us.
__________________________
March 21st Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor
Title: The Rest of God: Streams in the Wilderness
Text: Exodus 16:13-30
Campus: Rivermont
What is your picture of true rest?
Accepting and practicing the rest of God is a deliberate act of trust that changes our hearts, and transforms our way of living.
“It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat. You may take two quarts per individual, according to the number of people each of you has in his tent.’”
Exodus 16:15b-16
“They gathered it every morning. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat, but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts apiece, and all the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He told them, “This is what the Lord has said: ’Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil, and set aside everything left over to be kept until morning.’” So they set it aside until morning as Moses commanded, and it didn’t stink or have maggots in it. “Eat it today”, Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath day to the Lord. Today you won’t find any in the field. For six days you will gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.” Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find any. Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and instructions? Understand that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he will give you two days worth of bread. Each of you stay where you are; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.”
Exodus 16:21-30
“So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy for on it he rested from all his work of creation.”
Genesis 2:1-3
God rested because he was finished.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
Exodus 20:8
“You must observe my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the Lord who consecrates you. Observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Whoever profanes it must be put to death. If anyone does work on it, that person must be cut off from his people.”
Exodus 31:13-16,
“Israel could let the seventh day, even the seventh year, lie fallow because God himself had promised to feed his people. Israel could enter a land called rest precisely because God had prepared her way, giving her cities she did not build, cisterns she did not dig, vineyards she did not plant (referencing Deuteronomy 6:10–15). - Jen Pollock Michel
“The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27-28
Keeping the sabbath today is still a part of keeping our covenant with God.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
1. Have a Sabbath mind and heart.
“Any deep change in how we live begins with a deep change in how we think. The biblical word for this is repentance - in Greek, metanoia, a change of mind. Repentance is a ruthless dismantling of old ways of seeing and thinking, and then a diligent and vigilant building of new ones.”
~Mark Buchanan
2. Establish Sabbath ways.
God didn’t observe the Sabbath because he was tired, he did it because he was finished. We observe the Sabbath because it proves our dependence and trust in God to provide for all of our needs.
Just like God the father finished creation, Jesus finished the process of our redemption with his death on the cross.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: God’s Rest
Text: Exodus 16:15-30; Exodus 20:8-11
Campus: College Hill
Sabbath is a day of delight; a holy day set aside to rest, feast, and play.
Sabbath is a sign of freedom from the tyranny of this world and a clear display of our affiliation with God.
“Moses told them, ‘It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat. You may take two quarts per individual, according to the number of people each of you has in his tent.’”
Exodus 16:15b-16 (CSB)
“They gathered it every morning. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat, but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts apiece, and all the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He told them, ‘This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil, and set aside everything left over to be kept until morning.’
So they set it aside until morning as Moses commanded, and it didn’t stink or have maggots in it. ‘Eat it today,’ Moses said, ‘because today is a Sabbath to the Lord. Today you won’t find any in the field. For six days you will gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.’
Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find any. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will you refuse to keep my commands and instructions? Understand that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he will give you two days’ worth of bread. Each of you stay where you are; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day.’ So the people rested on the seventh day.”
Exodus 16:21-30
God gave us Sabbath in order to set us apart from the world and to sustain us in the wilderness and beyond.
Sabbath basics:
1. Sabbath is a day of complete rest (v. 23)
2. Sabbath is day set aside to the Lord (v. 23)
“…without rest, we miss the rest of God: the rest he invites us to enter more fully so that we might know him more deeply.”
~Mark Buchanan
3. Sabbath is day that requires preparation and a change to our normal patterns of life (v. 23)
4. Sabbath is not optional (v. 28)
The reason why many of us fail to honor the Sabbath, and why we don’t prioritize it in our lives, is because we don’t fully trust God.
5. Sabbath is a gift from the Lord (v. 29)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.”
Exodus 20:8-11
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
When we choose to practice the Sabbath:
1) We distinguish ourselves from the world and a pace that is unsustainable.
When we choose to practice the Sabbath:
2) We display ourselves as God’s holy people.
When we choose to practice the Sabbath:
3) We learn to delight in God’s rest.
Where do I start?
a. Choose one 24-hour period a week.
b. Prepare in advance.
c. Be open handed, yet intentional
______________________________________________________________________
Title: The Rest of God: Streams in the Wilderness
Text: Exodus 16:13-30
Campus: Rivermont
What is your picture of true rest?
Accepting and practicing the rest of God is a deliberate act of trust that changes our hearts, and transforms our way of living.
“It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat. You may take two quarts per individual, according to the number of people each of you has in his tent.’”
Exodus 16:15b-16
“They gathered it every morning. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat, but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts apiece, and all the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He told them, “This is what the Lord has said: ’Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil, and set aside everything left over to be kept until morning.’” So they set it aside until morning as Moses commanded, and it didn’t stink or have maggots in it. “Eat it today”, Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath day to the Lord. Today you won’t find any in the field. For six days you will gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.” Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find any. Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and instructions? Understand that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he will give you two days worth of bread. Each of you stay where you are; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.”
Exodus 16:21-30
“So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy for on it he rested from all his work of creation.”
Genesis 2:1-3
God rested because he was finished.
- The Sabbath is a day of complete rest. (v.23)
- Sabbath is a day set aside to the Lord. (v.23)
- Sabbath is a day that requires preparation and a change to the normal pattern of life. (v.23)
- Sabbath is not optional (v.28)
- Sabbath is a gift from the Lord (v.29)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
Exodus 20:8
“You must observe my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the Lord who consecrates you. Observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Whoever profanes it must be put to death. If anyone does work on it, that person must be cut off from his people.”
Exodus 31:13-16,
- God is trying to change their hearts from self-dependance to dependance on him.
- He is trying to show them that his character can be trusted.
“Israel could let the seventh day, even the seventh year, lie fallow because God himself had promised to feed his people. Israel could enter a land called rest precisely because God had prepared her way, giving her cities she did not build, cisterns she did not dig, vineyards she did not plant (referencing Deuteronomy 6:10–15). - Jen Pollock Michel
“The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27-28
Keeping the sabbath today is still a part of keeping our covenant with God.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
1. Have a Sabbath mind and heart.
“Any deep change in how we live begins with a deep change in how we think. The biblical word for this is repentance - in Greek, metanoia, a change of mind. Repentance is a ruthless dismantling of old ways of seeing and thinking, and then a diligent and vigilant building of new ones.”
~Mark Buchanan
- Do you need to build your trust in God?
- Do you need to lay down your pride?
2. Establish Sabbath ways.
- Set aside a 24hr period of time.
- Prepare to make this day set apart to honor God.
- Be intentional about creating room for rest and reliance on God.
God didn’t observe the Sabbath because he was tired, he did it because he was finished. We observe the Sabbath because it proves our dependence and trust in God to provide for all of our needs.
Just like God the father finished creation, Jesus finished the process of our redemption with his death on the cross.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: God’s Rest
Text: Exodus 16:15-30; Exodus 20:8-11
Campus: College Hill
Sabbath is a day of delight; a holy day set aside to rest, feast, and play.
Sabbath is a sign of freedom from the tyranny of this world and a clear display of our affiliation with God.
“Moses told them, ‘It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each person needs to eat. You may take two quarts per individual, according to the number of people each of you has in his tent.’”
Exodus 16:15b-16 (CSB)
“They gathered it every morning. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat, but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts apiece, and all the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He told them, ‘This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil, and set aside everything left over to be kept until morning.’
So they set it aside until morning as Moses commanded, and it didn’t stink or have maggots in it. ‘Eat it today,’ Moses said, ‘because today is a Sabbath to the Lord. Today you won’t find any in the field. For six days you will gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.’
Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find any. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will you refuse to keep my commands and instructions? Understand that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he will give you two days’ worth of bread. Each of you stay where you are; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day.’ So the people rested on the seventh day.”
Exodus 16:21-30
God gave us Sabbath in order to set us apart from the world and to sustain us in the wilderness and beyond.
Sabbath basics:
1. Sabbath is a day of complete rest (v. 23)
2. Sabbath is day set aside to the Lord (v. 23)
“…without rest, we miss the rest of God: the rest he invites us to enter more fully so that we might know him more deeply.”
~Mark Buchanan
3. Sabbath is day that requires preparation and a change to our normal patterns of life (v. 23)
4. Sabbath is not optional (v. 28)
The reason why many of us fail to honor the Sabbath, and why we don’t prioritize it in our lives, is because we don’t fully trust God.
5. Sabbath is a gift from the Lord (v. 29)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.”
Exodus 20:8-11
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
When we choose to practice the Sabbath:
1) We distinguish ourselves from the world and a pace that is unsustainable.
When we choose to practice the Sabbath:
2) We display ourselves as God’s holy people.
When we choose to practice the Sabbath:
3) We learn to delight in God’s rest.
Where do I start?
a. Choose one 24-hour period a week.
b. Prepare in advance.
c. Be open handed, yet intentional
______________________________________________________________________
March 14th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Early Miracles
Bible Passage: Mark 1
Story Point: Jesus’ miracles helped people
Key Passage: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Big Picture Question: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in his own image.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Healing Tag
Supplies: Supplies: none
Ask children to spread around the room and pretend to be sick or hurt. Explain that when you or whoever is it tags them, they can stop pretending to be sick or hurt. When they are healed, they may go and heal other people around the room.
Say: Jesus healed many people just by a touch or a word. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is the Son of God. But large crowds gathered around Him and made it hard for Him to keep teaching. So Jesus often snuck away by Himself so He could pray and travel on. He wanted to tell more people about God’s love.
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Loving Relationships in the Wilderness
Text: Exodus 17:8-15, 18:13-18, Numbers 12:1-16
Campus: Rivermont
A family or a community is a group of people who desperately want to love each other, but don’t know how.
“At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel.“
Exodus 17:8
“Moses said to Joshua, ‘Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.’”
Exodus 17:9
“Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.”
Exodus 17:10
“While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.
The Lord then said to Moses, ‘Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.’
And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.”
He said, ‘Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.’”
Exodus 17:11-16
Loving relationships are necessary, especially in the wilderness.
Check in:
If I am in or have been in a wilderness season, what has been my tendency: to pursue healthy, loving relationships? Or to withdraw from community?
Check in:
Right now, do I feel isolated and alone?
Or do I feel a sense of love and belonging?
Check in:
How has that affected my overall sense of peace and joy?
How has that affected my body? My soul?
Or my love for Jesus and my neighbor? My resilience?
“The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. When Moses’s father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, ‘What is this you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?’
Moses replied to his father-in-law, ‘Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I make a decision between one man and another. I teach them God’s statutes and laws.’
‘What you’re doing is not good,’ Moses’s father-in-law said to him. ‘You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.’”
Exodus 18:13-18
Needing help is not being weak, it’s being human. Health, strength, wisdom, and maturity will have us asking for help, acknowledging our limits, and letting people in.
A family or a community is a group of people who desperately want to love each other, but don’t know how.
Loving relationships are necessary, especially in the wilderness. But they are hard.
“Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for he had married a Cushite woman).”
Numbers 12:1
“They said, ‘Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does he not also speak through us?’ And the Lord heard it. Moses was a very humble man, more so than anyone on the face of the earth.
Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, ‘You three come out to the tent of meeting.’ So the three of them went out. Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, he said:
‘Listen to what I say:
If there is a prophet among you from the Lord,
I make myself known to him in a vision;
I speak with him in a dream.
Not so with my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my household.
I speak with him directly,
openly, and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the Lord.
So why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’
The Lord’s anger burned against them, and he left. As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, resembling snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased and said to Moses, ‘My lord, please don’t hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. Please don’t let her be like a dead baby whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.’
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘God, please heal her!’”
Numbers 12:2-13
“The one who walks with the wise will become wise. But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Proverbs 13:20
Loving relationships are necessary, especially in the wilderness. But they are hard. So we need Jesus.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:7-10
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: God’s Love
Text: Exodus 17:8-13, 18:13-23, 1John 4:7-11
Campus: College Hill
All of God’s people go through seasons of plenty and we all go through seasons of little.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were ready to give up, but God brought someone along to walk with you and encourage you?
God gave us the gift of community and companionship as an expression of his faithful and sustaining love.
“At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.’”
Exodus 17:8-9 (CSB)
“Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.”
Exodus 17:10-13
In God’s Kingdom, the people who truly flourish are the ones who humbly acknowledge their limits and invite God and others into their weakness.
“The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. When Moses’s father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, ‘What is this you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?’”
Exodus 18:13-14
“’What you’re doing is not good,’ Moses’s father-in-law said to him. ‘You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.’”
Exodus 18:17-18
“‘Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating dishonest profit. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every major case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.’”
Exodus 18:20-23
You can’t do life alone.
we’re not designed to do life alone
we have limits.
Three things happen when we invite the right people into our lives:
1. we lighten our load (vv. 18, 22),
2. we put ourselves in a position to endure the challenges we’re facing and the tasks that we’re entrusted with (v. 23),
3. we maximize our capacity to bless others (v. 23).
A “safe” person is someone who:
1. Draws us closer to God.
2. Draws us closer to others.
3. Helps us become the real person God created us to be. (Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend)
Community and companionship is an expression of God’s faithful and sustaining love.
God’s love is the soil which enables us to have healthy, sustainable, and lifegiving relationships.
““Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.”
1 John 4:7-11 (CSB)
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Early Miracles
Bible Passage: Mark 1
Story Point: Jesus’ miracles helped people
Key Passage: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Big Picture Question: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in his own image.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
- What did Jesus do for people who were sick? (He healed them)
- When did Jesus go out by Himself to pray? (early in the morning)
- Where did Jesus want to go so He could preach more? (nearby villages; throughout the land)
- Does Jesus care about people? (Yes!)
- What makes people special? (People are special because God made us in His own image)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
- What is a miracle? (Something that can only be explained by God’s work)
- Why did Jesus perform miracles? (because He cared about people and wanted to show He was the Son of God.)
- Why were people amazed by the miracles? (it showed that Jesus had power over sickness and evil spirits.)
- What makes people special? (People are special because God made us in His own image)
Activity: Healing Tag
Supplies: Supplies: none
Ask children to spread around the room and pretend to be sick or hurt. Explain that when you or whoever is it tags them, they can stop pretending to be sick or hurt. When they are healed, they may go and heal other people around the room.
Say: Jesus healed many people just by a touch or a word. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is the Son of God. But large crowds gathered around Him and made it hard for Him to keep teaching. So Jesus often snuck away by Himself so He could pray and travel on. He wanted to tell more people about God’s love.
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Loving Relationships in the Wilderness
Text: Exodus 17:8-15, 18:13-18, Numbers 12:1-16
Campus: Rivermont
A family or a community is a group of people who desperately want to love each other, but don’t know how.
“At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel.“
Exodus 17:8
“Moses said to Joshua, ‘Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.’”
Exodus 17:9
“Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.”
Exodus 17:10
“While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.
The Lord then said to Moses, ‘Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.’
And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.”
He said, ‘Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.’”
Exodus 17:11-16
Loving relationships are necessary, especially in the wilderness.
Check in:
If I am in or have been in a wilderness season, what has been my tendency: to pursue healthy, loving relationships? Or to withdraw from community?
Check in:
Right now, do I feel isolated and alone?
Or do I feel a sense of love and belonging?
Check in:
How has that affected my overall sense of peace and joy?
How has that affected my body? My soul?
Or my love for Jesus and my neighbor? My resilience?
“The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. When Moses’s father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, ‘What is this you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?’
Moses replied to his father-in-law, ‘Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I make a decision between one man and another. I teach them God’s statutes and laws.’
‘What you’re doing is not good,’ Moses’s father-in-law said to him. ‘You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.’”
Exodus 18:13-18
Needing help is not being weak, it’s being human. Health, strength, wisdom, and maturity will have us asking for help, acknowledging our limits, and letting people in.
A family or a community is a group of people who desperately want to love each other, but don’t know how.
Loving relationships are necessary, especially in the wilderness. But they are hard.
“Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for he had married a Cushite woman).”
Numbers 12:1
“They said, ‘Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does he not also speak through us?’ And the Lord heard it. Moses was a very humble man, more so than anyone on the face of the earth.
Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, ‘You three come out to the tent of meeting.’ So the three of them went out. Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, he said:
‘Listen to what I say:
If there is a prophet among you from the Lord,
I make myself known to him in a vision;
I speak with him in a dream.
Not so with my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my household.
I speak with him directly,
openly, and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the Lord.
So why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’
The Lord’s anger burned against them, and he left. As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, resembling snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased and said to Moses, ‘My lord, please don’t hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. Please don’t let her be like a dead baby whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.’
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘God, please heal her!’”
Numbers 12:2-13
“The one who walks with the wise will become wise. But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Proverbs 13:20
Loving relationships are necessary, especially in the wilderness. But they are hard. So we need Jesus.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:7-10
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: God’s Love
Text: Exodus 17:8-13, 18:13-23, 1John 4:7-11
Campus: College Hill
All of God’s people go through seasons of plenty and we all go through seasons of little.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were ready to give up, but God brought someone along to walk with you and encourage you?
God gave us the gift of community and companionship as an expression of his faithful and sustaining love.
“At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.’”
Exodus 17:8-9 (CSB)
“Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.”
Exodus 17:10-13
In God’s Kingdom, the people who truly flourish are the ones who humbly acknowledge their limits and invite God and others into their weakness.
- Have you come to terms with your humanity?
- Who are your people?
“The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. When Moses’s father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, ‘What is this you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?’”
Exodus 18:13-14
“’What you’re doing is not good,’ Moses’s father-in-law said to him. ‘You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.’”
Exodus 18:17-18
“‘Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating dishonest profit. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every major case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.’”
Exodus 18:20-23
You can’t do life alone.
we’re not designed to do life alone
we have limits.
Three things happen when we invite the right people into our lives:
1. we lighten our load (vv. 18, 22),
2. we put ourselves in a position to endure the challenges we’re facing and the tasks that we’re entrusted with (v. 23),
3. we maximize our capacity to bless others (v. 23).
A “safe” person is someone who:
1. Draws us closer to God.
2. Draws us closer to others.
3. Helps us become the real person God created us to be. (Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend)
Community and companionship is an expression of God’s faithful and sustaining love.
God’s love is the soil which enables us to have healthy, sustainable, and lifegiving relationships.
““Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.”
1 John 4:7-11 (CSB)
- Have you come to terms with your humanity?
- Who are your people?)
- Are you resting in the love of God?
- What could it look like for you to welcome God’s love by pressing into loving community?
March 7th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Early Miracles
Bible Passage: Mark 1
Story Point: Jesus’ miracles helped people
Key Passage: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Big Picture Question: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in his own image.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Healing Tag
Supplies: Supplies: none
Ask children to spread around the room and pretend to be sick or hurt. Explain that when you or whoever is it tags them, they can stop pretending to be sick or hurt. When they are healed, they may go and heal other people around the room.
Say: Jesus healed many people just by a touch or a word. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is the Son of God. But large crowds gathered around Him and made it hard for Him to keep teaching. So Jesus often snuck away by Himself so He could pray and travel on. He wanted to tell more people about God’s love.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: God’s Provision in the Wilderness
Text: Exodus 15:22-16:35
Campus: Rivermont
In the wilderness places with God, we are formed as free people.
[click here to see image: Leaving Egypt Book cover]
“Every moment beyond the Red Sea reminded the Israelites that now they lived in a completely new reality called freedom - but it didn’t always feel so free...Israel found out that leaving Egypt was not all that easy.
When Israel emerged from Egypt, she wanted freedom, but she wasn’t yet ready for it. Though kept [by God] in the wilderness, she carried the habits and patterns of Egypt in her heart.
In the words of the Russian Orthodox theologian Nicolas Berdyaev, ‘Humanity is in a state of servitude. We frequently do not notice that we are slaves, and sometimes we love it. But humanity also aspires to be set free. It would be a mistake to think that the average person loves freedom. A still greater mistake would be to suppose that freedom is an easy thing. Freedom is a difficult thing’”.
~ Chuck DeGroat, Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness Places.
In the wilderness, we will be confronted with our need and comforted by God’s provision.
“Then Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went out to the Wilderness of Shur. They journeyed for three days in the wilderness without finding water. 2They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah. The people grumbled to Moses, ‘What are we going to drink?’ So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable.
The Lord made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, and he tested them there. He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.’
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.”
Exodus 15:22-27
Need: → An experienced, real need either brings us into or confronts us in the wilderness (scarcity, financial, emotional, relational, physical, etc).
What are my needs, something for which I need provision? What could the deeper need be in my heart?
“the Lord … tested them there.”
Exodus 15:25b
Need → Invitation
“He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.’”
Exodus 15:26
“Obedience is abundance”.
~ Dallas Willard
The way of obedience: A life under the authority and care of God, living out the ways of his good Kingdom.
Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who Heals
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6
Need → Invitation → Healing
In the wilderness, we will be confronted with our need and comforted by God’s provision.
“If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the scriptures have said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within them.”
John 7:37-38
“I am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again.”
John 6:35
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Tim Geisland
Title: Streams in the Wilderness: God’s Provision
Text: Exodus 15:22-27; 16:1-12
Campus: College Hill
1. Compassion
2. Guidance
3. Provision
4. Love
5. Rest
6. Glory
In the wilderness places with God, we are formed as free people.
“Every moment beyond the Red Sea reminded the Israelites that now they lived in a completely new reality called freedom - but it didn’t always feel so free...Israel found out that leaving Egypt was not all that easy...
... When the people of Israel emerged from Egypt, they wanted freedom, but they were not yet ready for it. Though kept [by God] in the wilderness, they carried the habits and patterns of Egypt in her heart.”
~ Chuck DeGroat, “Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness”
“'Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?'”
Galatians 4:8-9 NIV
“Then Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went out to the Wilderness of Shur. They journeyed for three days in the wilderness without finding water.”
Exodus 15:22 CSB
“They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter — that is why it was named Marah. The people grumbled to Moses, “What are we going to drink?”
Exodus 15:23
“So, he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable.”
Exodus 15:25a
“The Lord made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, and he tested them there. He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.’”
Exodus 15:25b-26
“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.”
Exodus 15:27
Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who Heals.
In the wilderness…
Dependence upon God takes practice.
In the wilderness places with God, we are formed as free people.
How unbelievable was it when God said, “throw a tree into the river”, and the bitter water became sweet?
Even more so, how unbelievable is the Love of God toward us in Christ Jesus, that He would be hung on a tree, drink the bitter wine for us, take the penalty for sin that we deserve, conquer death, and invite us to be with him forever?
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
John 4:7-9 NIV
“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’”
John 4:10 NIV
“’Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this “living water”? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’”
John 4:11-12 NIV
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”
John 4:13-14 NIV
“The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’
He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’
‘I have no husband,’ she replied.”
John 4:15-17a NIV
“Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true’
‘Sir,’ the woman said, ’I can see that you are a prophet…’”
John 4:17b-19 NIV
“If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the scriptures have said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within them.”
John 7:37-38
“I am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again.”
John 6:35
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Early Miracles
Bible Passage: Mark 1
Story Point: Jesus’ miracles helped people
Key Passage: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Big Picture Question: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in his own image.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
- What did Jesus do for people who were sick? (He healed them)
- When did Jesus go out by Himself to pray? (early in the morning)
- Where did Jesus want to go so He could preach more? (nearby villages; throughout the land)
- Does Jesus care about people? (Yes!)
- What makes people special? (People are special because God made us in His own image)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity: Guess Who
Supplies: None
Describe a job in simple terms and invite children to guess whom you are talking about. You may describe a teacher by saying “someone who helps a class of children learn things.” End the activity by describing Jesus as “the Son of God who came to save us.”
Say: You knew exactly who I was talking about! The people in our Bible story today knew that Jesus was the Son of God by the things He did. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that he is the Son of God.
Bible Story Questions
- What is a miracle? (Something that can only be explained by God’s work)
- Why did Jesus perform miracles? (because He cared about people and wanted to show He was the Son of God.)
- Why were people amazed by the miracles? (it showed that Jesus had power over sickness and evil spirits.)
- What makes people special? (People are special because God made us in His own image)
Activity: Healing Tag
Supplies: Supplies: none
Ask children to spread around the room and pretend to be sick or hurt. Explain that when you or whoever is it tags them, they can stop pretending to be sick or hurt. When they are healed, they may go and heal other people around the room.
Say: Jesus healed many people just by a touch or a word. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is the Son of God. But large crowds gathered around Him and made it hard for Him to keep teaching. So Jesus often snuck away by Himself so He could pray and travel on. He wanted to tell more people about God’s love.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: God’s Provision in the Wilderness
Text: Exodus 15:22-16:35
Campus: Rivermont
In the wilderness places with God, we are formed as free people.
[click here to see image: Leaving Egypt Book cover]
“Every moment beyond the Red Sea reminded the Israelites that now they lived in a completely new reality called freedom - but it didn’t always feel so free...Israel found out that leaving Egypt was not all that easy.
When Israel emerged from Egypt, she wanted freedom, but she wasn’t yet ready for it. Though kept [by God] in the wilderness, she carried the habits and patterns of Egypt in her heart.
In the words of the Russian Orthodox theologian Nicolas Berdyaev, ‘Humanity is in a state of servitude. We frequently do not notice that we are slaves, and sometimes we love it. But humanity also aspires to be set free. It would be a mistake to think that the average person loves freedom. A still greater mistake would be to suppose that freedom is an easy thing. Freedom is a difficult thing’”.
~ Chuck DeGroat, Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness Places.
In the wilderness, we will be confronted with our need and comforted by God’s provision.
“Then Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went out to the Wilderness of Shur. They journeyed for three days in the wilderness without finding water. 2They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah. The people grumbled to Moses, ‘What are we going to drink?’ So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable.
The Lord made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, and he tested them there. He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.’
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.”
Exodus 15:22-27
Need: → An experienced, real need either brings us into or confronts us in the wilderness (scarcity, financial, emotional, relational, physical, etc).
What are my needs, something for which I need provision? What could the deeper need be in my heart?
“the Lord … tested them there.”
Exodus 15:25b
Need → Invitation
“He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.’”
Exodus 15:26
“Obedience is abundance”.
~ Dallas Willard
The way of obedience: A life under the authority and care of God, living out the ways of his good Kingdom.
Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who Heals
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6
Need → Invitation → Healing
In the wilderness, we will be confronted with our need and comforted by God’s provision.
“If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the scriptures have said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within them.”
John 7:37-38
“I am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again.”
John 6:35
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Tim Geisland
Title: Streams in the Wilderness: God’s Provision
Text: Exodus 15:22-27; 16:1-12
Campus: College Hill
1. Compassion
2. Guidance
3. Provision
4. Love
5. Rest
6. Glory
In the wilderness places with God, we are formed as free people.
“Every moment beyond the Red Sea reminded the Israelites that now they lived in a completely new reality called freedom - but it didn’t always feel so free...Israel found out that leaving Egypt was not all that easy...
... When the people of Israel emerged from Egypt, they wanted freedom, but they were not yet ready for it. Though kept [by God] in the wilderness, they carried the habits and patterns of Egypt in her heart.”
~ Chuck DeGroat, “Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness”
“'Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?'”
Galatians 4:8-9 NIV
“Then Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went out to the Wilderness of Shur. They journeyed for three days in the wilderness without finding water.”
Exodus 15:22 CSB
“They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter — that is why it was named Marah. The people grumbled to Moses, “What are we going to drink?”
Exodus 15:23
“So, he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable.”
Exodus 15:25a
“The Lord made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, and he tested them there. He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in his sight, pay attention to his commands, and keep all his statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.’”
Exodus 15:25b-26
“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.”
Exodus 15:27
Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who Heals.
In the wilderness…
- We see our need
- God reveals our heart - the deeper need
- God invites us to trust Him
- God provides healing
Dependence upon God takes practice.
In the wilderness places with God, we are formed as free people.
How unbelievable was it when God said, “throw a tree into the river”, and the bitter water became sweet?
Even more so, how unbelievable is the Love of God toward us in Christ Jesus, that He would be hung on a tree, drink the bitter wine for us, take the penalty for sin that we deserve, conquer death, and invite us to be with him forever?
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
John 4:7-9 NIV
“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’”
John 4:10 NIV
“’Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this “living water”? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’”
John 4:11-12 NIV
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”
John 4:13-14 NIV
“The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’
He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’
‘I have no husband,’ she replied.”
John 4:15-17a NIV
“Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true’
‘Sir,’ the woman said, ’I can see that you are a prophet…’”
John 4:17b-19 NIV
“If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the scriptures have said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within them.”
John 7:37-38
“I am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again.”
John 6:35
February 14th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Temptation
Bible Passage: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
Story Point: Jesus was tempted and never sinned
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Trevor hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Timmy hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Yes or No
Supplies: Green sheet of paper; tape; marker
Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no”. Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, etc. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer. Allow children to take turns suggesting situations.
Say: Sometimes we really want to do something that we know is wrong. We call that being tempted. In our Bible story today, Jesus said no to temptation. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. When given the option, Jesus never sinned! He was perfect.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Life on Mission
Text: Colossians 4:2-6
Campus: Rivermont
Epiphany: Revelation.
God wants to be known.
Our vision for 2021:
Making Jesus Known by practicing:
Mission: Latin, “missio” = sent.
“Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.' After saying this, he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
John 20:21-22
“Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”
~Charles Spurgeon
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:2-6 (CSB)
4-2a. - be strongly, firmly devoted, to, make it our posture to endure, always in ... prayer: speaking to and listening to God.
Our fuel for mission is not a passion for mission, to see people come to know Jesus. Our fuel for a life on mission, is a passion for Jesus.
A true movement of the gospel will be the fruit of a movement of the Spirit that first renews the church’s love for Jesus.
4:2b. - Keep awake, eyes wide-open, watching for God in [prayer]
Our public witness is the overflow of our life together in God.
4:3-4. - “At the same time, praying also for us, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known, speaking as I should.”
We can both know Jesus, and never get to the end of what there is to know of him. He is both Word and Mystery.
4:5. - Live in wisdom among a watching world; always season every word with grace, like salt, so that you might discern how to address each person.
Name(s) of people who don’t know Jesus: Take a moment to pray for them.
Benediction:
We are the people of God, rescued by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit to live on mission in our homes, communities, and world.
We strive to love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Life on Mission
Text: Colossians 4:2-6
Campus: College Hill
At Gospel Community – we want to know Jesus and make him known in our homes, community, and world.
“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:14-15 (CSB)
“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.”
John 17:21
“… so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.”
John 17:24
Jesus Christ’s mission and our mission is to display, and to declare, God’s love to the world.
In Colossians 4:2-6, we’re invited into prayerful, wise, and purposeful life.
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:2-6 (CSB)
Prayer is an act of obedience which activates God’s power in our lives.
God’s people are called to pray with mental alertness.
God’s people pray expectant prayers.
God’s people pray grateful prayers.
“At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. “
Colossians 4:3-4
As followers of Jesus Christ, our deepest desires and our earnest prayers should be that God would make himself known.
Christians don’t just pray about gospel proclamation; we actively participate in gospel proclamation.
“Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:5-6
A lack of being with Jesus will amount to a shallow faith which lacks the power of the gospel.
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
Let’s prioritize the practice of being with Jesus, before we do things for Jesus.
Let’s be intentional with those who are lost.
__________________________________________________________
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Temptation
Bible Passage: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
Story Point: Jesus was tempted and never sinned
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Trevor hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do to the stones? (tell them to become bread)
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do on top of the temple? (jump off)
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do on the high mountain? (worship him)
- Did Jesus do what the devil told Him to do? (no)
- Did Jesus sin? (No, Jesus never sinned)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Timmy hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
- What did the Devil tell Jesus to do? (turn stones to bread, jump off the temple, worship the devil.)
- Did Jesus obey the devil? (no, Jesus was tempted but never sinned)
- How was Jesus able to never sin? (He was fully man and fully God.)
- Why did Jesus become human? (Jesus became human to rescue sinners.)
Activity: Yes or No
Supplies: Green sheet of paper; tape; marker
Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no”. Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, etc. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer. Allow children to take turns suggesting situations.
Say: Sometimes we really want to do something that we know is wrong. We call that being tempted. In our Bible story today, Jesus said no to temptation. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. When given the option, Jesus never sinned! He was perfect.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Life on Mission
Text: Colossians 4:2-6
Campus: Rivermont
Epiphany: Revelation.
God wants to be known.
Our vision for 2021:
Making Jesus Known by practicing:
- Gospel Transformation
- Radical Generosity
- Emotional Health
- Membership & Belonging
- Life in Community
- Life on Mission.
Mission: Latin, “missio” = sent.
“Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.' After saying this, he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
John 20:21-22
“Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.”
~Charles Spurgeon
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:2-6 (CSB)
4-2a. - be strongly, firmly devoted, to, make it our posture to endure, always in ... prayer: speaking to and listening to God.
Our fuel for mission is not a passion for mission, to see people come to know Jesus. Our fuel for a life on mission, is a passion for Jesus.
A true movement of the gospel will be the fruit of a movement of the Spirit that first renews the church’s love for Jesus.
4:2b. - Keep awake, eyes wide-open, watching for God in [prayer]
Our public witness is the overflow of our life together in God.
4:3-4. - “At the same time, praying also for us, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known, speaking as I should.”
We can both know Jesus, and never get to the end of what there is to know of him. He is both Word and Mystery.
4:5. - Live in wisdom among a watching world; always season every word with grace, like salt, so that you might discern how to address each person.
Name(s) of people who don’t know Jesus: Take a moment to pray for them.
Benediction:
We are the people of God, rescued by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit to live on mission in our homes, communities, and world.
We strive to love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Life on Mission
Text: Colossians 4:2-6
Campus: College Hill
At Gospel Community – we want to know Jesus and make him known in our homes, community, and world.
“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:14-15 (CSB)
“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.”
John 17:21
“… so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.”
John 17:24
Jesus Christ’s mission and our mission is to display, and to declare, God’s love to the world.
In Colossians 4:2-6, we’re invited into prayerful, wise, and purposeful life.
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:2-6 (CSB)
Prayer is an act of obedience which activates God’s power in our lives.
God’s people are called to pray with mental alertness.
God’s people pray expectant prayers.
God’s people pray grateful prayers.
“At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. “
Colossians 4:3-4
As followers of Jesus Christ, our deepest desires and our earnest prayers should be that God would make himself known.
Christians don’t just pray about gospel proclamation; we actively participate in gospel proclamation.
“Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:5-6
A lack of being with Jesus will amount to a shallow faith which lacks the power of the gospel.
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
Let’s prioritize the practice of being with Jesus, before we do things for Jesus.
Let’s be intentional with those who are lost.
__________________________________________________________
February 7th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Temptation
Bible Passage: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
Story Point: Jesus was tempted and never sinned
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Trevor hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Timmy hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Yes or No
Supplies: Green sheet of paper; tape; marker
Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no”. Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, etc. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer. Allow children to take turns suggesting situations.
Say: Sometimes we really want to do something that we know is wrong. We call that being tempted. In our Bible story today, Jesus said no to temptation. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. When given the option, Jesus never sinned! He was perfect.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor - Executive Pastor
Title: Making Jesus Known: A Community Formed in Christ
Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Campus: Rivermont
The Church is a Christ-centered family – a diverse community that is committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
Church as family, a gospel centered community, is God’s plan for making Jesus known in our world still today.
“Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26
What is the primary source of your thinking?
What is feeding into your thoughts and thought process?
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13
“Compassion is love in action rooted in a tender heart.”
~ Daniel Akin
Kindness is acting on behalf of one another as if they were truly your own blood.
Humility suggests service that may go unnoticed, but without a care for who gets the glory.
Lindemann, a biblical commentator, defines gentleness as, “the power which, in a situation of conflict, enables us to criticize another’s conduct so that they experience it as help and not as condemnation.”
What if we truly sought not to be right, but to be helpful?
Patience is the willingness to tolerate wrongs, and to forgo our right to punish or exact revenge when it is in our power.
These characteristics were designed to be practiced in relationships with one another.
What is in your life that is trying to kill you, but you are allowing it to stay because it has been there so long?
What are you comfortable with that doesn’t fit with the life hidden in Christ?
“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:14-15
“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.”
John 17:21
Relationships bring out the tension between the war of our fleshly desires and the response of the new life hidden in Christ.
“Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17
You see, the family of God cannot resist seeking to glorify their father in heaven.
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this EVERYONE will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Believe in Him
Commit to where you are
Don’t bail when conflict arises
“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:45-47
When we commit to the hard but rewarding work of being a family everything changes.
What God can do with a surrendered church family is unlimited.
He can truly change the world.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: Making Jesus Known: A Community Formed in Christ
Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Campus: College Hill
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
_____________________________________________________________________
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Temptation
Bible Passage: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
Story Point: Jesus was tempted and never sinned
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Trevor hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do to the stones? (tell them to become bread)
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do on top of the temple? (jump off)
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do on the high mountain? (worship him)
- Did Jesus do what the devil told Him to do? (no)
- Did Jesus sin? (No, Jesus never sinned)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Timmy hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
- What did the Devil tell Jesus to do? (turn stones to bread, jump off the temple, worship the devil.)
- Did Jesus obey the devil? (no, Jesus was tempted but never sinned)
- How was Jesus able to never sin? (He was fully man and fully God.)
- Why did Jesus become human? (Jesus became human to rescue sinners.)
Activity: Yes or No
Supplies: Green sheet of paper; tape; marker
Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no”. Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, etc. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer. Allow children to take turns suggesting situations.
Say: Sometimes we really want to do something that we know is wrong. We call that being tempted. In our Bible story today, Jesus said no to temptation. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. When given the option, Jesus never sinned! He was perfect.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor - Executive Pastor
Title: Making Jesus Known: A Community Formed in Christ
Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Campus: Rivermont
The Church is a Christ-centered family – a diverse community that is committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
Church as family, a gospel centered community, is God’s plan for making Jesus known in our world still today.
“Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26
What is the primary source of your thinking?
What is feeding into your thoughts and thought process?
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13
“Compassion is love in action rooted in a tender heart.”
~ Daniel Akin
Kindness is acting on behalf of one another as if they were truly your own blood.
Humility suggests service that may go unnoticed, but without a care for who gets the glory.
Lindemann, a biblical commentator, defines gentleness as, “the power which, in a situation of conflict, enables us to criticize another’s conduct so that they experience it as help and not as condemnation.”
What if we truly sought not to be right, but to be helpful?
Patience is the willingness to tolerate wrongs, and to forgo our right to punish or exact revenge when it is in our power.
These characteristics were designed to be practiced in relationships with one another.
What is in your life that is trying to kill you, but you are allowing it to stay because it has been there so long?
What are you comfortable with that doesn’t fit with the life hidden in Christ?
“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:14-15
“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.”
John 17:21
Relationships bring out the tension between the war of our fleshly desires and the response of the new life hidden in Christ.
“Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17
You see, the family of God cannot resist seeking to glorify their father in heaven.
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this EVERYONE will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Believe in Him
Commit to where you are
Don’t bail when conflict arises
“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:45-47
When we commit to the hard but rewarding work of being a family everything changes.
What God can do with a surrendered church family is unlimited.
He can truly change the world.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Jonathan Ignacio
Title: Making Jesus Known: A Community Formed in Christ
Text: Colossians 3:12-17
Campus: College Hill
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
_____________________________________________________________________
January 31st Sermon Notes
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Temptation
Bible Passage: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
Story Point: Jesus was tempted and never sinned
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Trevor hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Timmy hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Yes or No
Supplies: Green sheet of paper; tape; marker
Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no”. Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, etc. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer. Allow children to take turns suggesting situations.
Say: Sometimes we really want to do something that we know is wrong. We call that being tempted. In our Bible story today, Jesus said no to temptation. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. When given the option, Jesus never sinned! He was perfect.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Church as Family
Text: Colossians 1:2, 4:7-17
Campus: Rivermont
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
Colossians 1:1-2 (CSB)
“Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’”
Colossians 4:7-17
The Church is a Christ-centered family – a diverse community that is committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
There is no church without the gospel. And there is no church without gospel-centered community.
The church is a community of people who are set apart by God and identified by the nature of their relationship with him.
1. The church is a diverse family.
2. The church is a family that serves together and each other.
3. The church is a family that prays together.
4. The church is a family that’s connected within local communities, but it’s also a family that’s connected to a broader global community.
5. The church is an accountable family.
Deacon Team = “Care Team”
Membership is a way to help each other identify who’s actually in our church family, and it’s a pathway to belonging.
Our dream: to be a diverse, Christ-centered, family – committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
Next Steps:
1. Connection Class (sign up online or via app),
2. Look out for upcoming information about the Care Team (Deacon Team)
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Church as Family
Text: Colossians 1:2, 4:7-17
Campus: College Hill
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
Colossians 1:1-2; 4:7-17 (CSB)
“Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.
After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’”
Colossians 4:7-17
The Church is a Christ-centered family – a diverse community that is committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
There is no church without the gospel. And there is no church without gospel-centered community.
The church is a community of people who are set apart by God and identified by the nature of their relationship with him.
1. The church is a diverse family.
2. The church is a family that serves together and each other.
3. The church is a family that prays together.
4. The church is a family that’s connected within local communities, but it’s also a family that’s connected to a broader global community.
5. The church is an accountable family.
Deacon Team = “Care Team”
Membership is a way to help each other identify who’s actually in our church family, and it’s a pathway to belonging.
Our dream: to be a diverse, Christ-centered, family – committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
Next Steps:
1. Connection Class (sign up online or via app),
2. Look out for upcoming information about the Care Team (Deacon Team)
_____________________________________________________________________
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Temptation
Bible Passage: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
Story Point: Jesus was tempted and never sinned
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Trevor hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do to the stones? (tell them to become bread)
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do on top of the temple? (jump off)
- What did the devil tell Jesus to do on the high mountain? (worship him)
- Did Jesus do what the devil told Him to do? (no)
- Did Jesus sin? (No, Jesus never sinned)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Activity
Supplies: White board/paper; markers
Encourage children to name things that are sins. Write sins on chart paper or a dry erase board. Offer suggestions as needed. Be sure to include inward sins as well as external behaviors. (List sins in a generic way such as hitting other people instead of Timmy hitting Johnny)
Say: Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God. Sometimes sins hurt other people, sometimes they hurt us, but all sin makes God sad. We all sin. We make wrong choices such as disobeying our parents. We hurt our friends by saying or doing mean things. We think things that are hateful and wrong. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Because Jesus never sinned, God can forgive us for our sin. He can help us say no to sin when we are tempted too.
Bible Story Questions
- What did the Devil tell Jesus to do? (turn stones to bread, jump off the temple, worship the devil.)
- Did Jesus obey the devil? (no, Jesus was tempted but never sinned)
- How was Jesus able to never sin? (He was fully man and fully God.)
- Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.)
Activity: Yes or No
Supplies: Green sheet of paper; tape; marker
Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no”. Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, etc. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer. Allow children to take turns suggesting situations.
Say: Sometimes we really want to do something that we know is wrong. We call that being tempted. In our Bible story today, Jesus said no to temptation. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. When given the option, Jesus never sinned! He was perfect.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Church as Family
Text: Colossians 1:2, 4:7-17
Campus: Rivermont
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
Colossians 1:1-2 (CSB)
“Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’”
Colossians 4:7-17
The Church is a Christ-centered family – a diverse community that is committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
There is no church without the gospel. And there is no church without gospel-centered community.
The church is a community of people who are set apart by God and identified by the nature of their relationship with him.
1. The church is a diverse family.
2. The church is a family that serves together and each other.
3. The church is a family that prays together.
4. The church is a family that’s connected within local communities, but it’s also a family that’s connected to a broader global community.
5. The church is an accountable family.
Deacon Team = “Care Team”
Membership is a way to help each other identify who’s actually in our church family, and it’s a pathway to belonging.
Our dream: to be a diverse, Christ-centered, family – committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
Next Steps:
1. Connection Class (sign up online or via app),
2. Look out for upcoming information about the Care Team (Deacon Team)
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Church as Family
Text: Colossians 1:2, 4:7-17
Campus: College Hill
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
Colossians 1:1-2; 4:7-17 (CSB)
“Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.
After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’”
Colossians 4:7-17
The Church is a Christ-centered family – a diverse community that is committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
There is no church without the gospel. And there is no church without gospel-centered community.
The church is a community of people who are set apart by God and identified by the nature of their relationship with him.
1. The church is a diverse family.
2. The church is a family that serves together and each other.
3. The church is a family that prays together.
4. The church is a family that’s connected within local communities, but it’s also a family that’s connected to a broader global community.
5. The church is an accountable family.
Deacon Team = “Care Team”
Membership is a way to help each other identify who’s actually in our church family, and it’s a pathway to belonging.
Our dream: to be a diverse, Christ-centered, family – committed to Christ, to each other, and to God’s mission in the world.
Next Steps:
1. Connection Class (sign up online or via app),
2. Look out for upcoming information about the Care Team (Deacon Team)
_____________________________________________________________________
January 24th Sermon Guides
Kid City
View Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Session Title: Jesus’ Baptism
Bible Passage: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1
Story Point: John baptized Jesus.
Key Passage: John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Supplies: None
Lead children to line up on one side of the room. Explain that children will walk from one side of the room to the other until they hear you say the word repent. When you say repent, they should turn around and walk the other direction.
Say: Repent means to turn away from sin and turn to Jesus. John told people to repent and be baptized. People listened to John and they started to repent; they were sorry for their sins and asked God to forgive them. Then John baptized them in the Jordan River. Later, John baptized Jesus even though He had never sinned.
Bible Story Questions
- Where did John the Baptist live? (In the wilderness)
- What did John do when people said they were sorry for their sins? (He baptized them in the Jordan River.)
- What did Jesus ask John to do (baptize Him)
- What happened when John baptized Jesus? (the sky opened, and Jesus saw God’s Spirit coming down on Him like a dove. Then God’s voice came from heaven. “This is my son,” the voice said, “I love Him, and I am very happy with Him!”)
- Why did Jesus become human? (Jesus became human to rescue sinners.)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Supplies: None
Lead children to line up on one side of the room. Explain that children will walk from one side of the room to the other until they hear you say the word repent. When you say repent, they should turn around and walk the other direction.
Say: Repent means to turn away from sin and turn to Jesus. John told people to repent and be baptized. People listened to John and they started to repent; they were sorry for their sins and asked God to forgive them. Then John baptized them in the Jordan River. Later, John baptized Jesus even though He had never sinned.
Bible Story Questions
- What did John do when people said they were sorry for their sins? (He baptized them in the Jordan River.)
- What happened when John baptized Jesus? (the sky opened, and Jesus saw God’s Spirit coming down on Him like a dove. Then God’s voice came from heaven. “This is my son,” the voice said, “I love Him, and I am very happy with Him!”)
- Why did Jesus become human? (Jesus became human to rescue sinners.)
Activity Choice: Drawing Jesus’ baptism
Supplies: Paper and drawing supplies
Give each of the children a piece of construction paper. Instruct the children to draw the scene of Jesus’ baptism step by step (Draw water, land, people on the land, John the Baptist, Jesus, a dove from Heaven).
Say: John taught and preached. Many people came to hear him. When the people said they were sorry for their sins and asked God to forgive them, John baptized them. John was surprised when Jesus asked to be baptized, but John baptized Jesus. Then God’s Spirit came down on Jesus like a dove. God’s voice came from Heaven. “This is My Son. I love Him, and I am very happy with Him!” John knew Jesus was God’s son.
_________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Nate Taylor - Executive Pastor
Title: Making Jesus Known: Hidden in Christ
Text: Colossians 3:1-12
Campus: Rivermont.
What are you thinking about?
The average human will have about 6,200 thoughts per day.
If you are awake for 16 hours and sleeping for 8, that during your waking hours you average 387.5 thoughts per hour, or 6.5 thoughts per minute, or 1 thought every 9.23 seconds.
What is the primary source of your thinking? What is feeding into your thoughts and thought process?
“So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4 (CSB)
“We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4b-5
As we pursue Christ and the heavenly, we are becoming ever more transformed into his image. We are being sanctified, set apart to live a different type of life.
When we are hidden in Christ, we begin to see the world and ourselves differently.
When we trust that we can see ourselves differently, that gives us permission to take a hard look at what is beneath the surface of our thoughts and actions.
“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:5-9
We MUST put our earthly nature to death. The things of this earth are no longer in control, we have been raised with Christ.
What are the sources of deadly thinking in your life?
What is in your life that is trying to kill you, but you are allowing it to stay because it has been there so long? What are you comfortable with that doesn’t fit with the life hidden in Christ?
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:9-12
The new self is in the new family of Jesus that breaks down barriers of race, nationality, class, culture and ethnicity.
When the weeds of sin and death begin to grow, we extricate them, and we water the flowers, and the fruit of a life hidden in Christ.
In Christ we can look below the surface of our lives with his strength, let him take our old self, and replace every part of it with the newness we find in him.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!”
Psalm 139:23
- Where is there the evidence of some of the old self growing like a weed that needs to be plucked out?
- Where is there evidence of the fruit of Christ that needs to be cultivated, and watered and grown?
There is nothing in you that Christ has not dealt with, and that he doesn’t already know about. There is nothing in you he has not defeated.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Epiphany: Live in Christ
Text: Colossians 3:1-12
Campus: College Hill
“So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:1-12 (CSB)
Click here to see Appalachian Trail photo
Click here to see Mount Everest photo
Believers exist for the one in whom the true fullness of treasures, knowledge and wisdom can be found, Christ and Christ alone.
Three Sections:
“Put on” (verses 1-4)
“Put off” (verses 5-9)
“Put on” (verses 10-12)
“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4
1. In Christ, earth is viewed through a heavenly lens.
The Christian life is one spent with the mind placed in the heavenlies with Christ, but our feet planted on the ground.
Every moment of our lives here on earth receives guidance and direction from Christ, who is in heaven.
2. In Christ, the lens of heaven prescribes slaying the earthly
“Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it while you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you.”
~John Owen
“Murder sin with pleasure”
~Richard Chin
Since Jesus took such severe measures to conquer sin for mankind, we must take severe measures to do the same in our own lives.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6
3. In Christ, Believers strive for the things of God.
A believer’s Identity “in Christ”:
I am justified
I am free
I am adopted
I am secure
I am unfinished
“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
Christ + Nothing = Everything
1. Do I believe I have been raised to new life in Christ?
If so, then
2. What earthly things do I need to “put off” and what heavenly things do I need to “put on” so that I may live my life more fully in Christ?
____________________________________________________________
January 17th Sermon Guides
KidsCity
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7960320
Session Title: Jesus as a Child
Bible passage: Matthew 2; Luke 2
Story point: Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
Key passage: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: None
Look around the classroom and choose an item. Describe the item to preschoolers, mentioning its color and shape. Give additional clues and ask a child if he knows where the item is. Guide him to walk over and point to the item. Allow children to take turns describing items and guessing where each item is. Be prepared to offer assistance as needed.
Say: When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with his parents, Mary and Joseph, to Jerusalem. After the celebration, Mary and Joseph started traveling home with a large group of people. Later, they discovered Jesus was not with them! They did not know where He was. Later, they found out that He was in the temple learning from the teacher. Jesus said that the Temple was His Father’s house! Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
Bible Story Questions
1. Why did Jesus’ family travel to Jerusalem? (For a special celebration called Passover)
2. How old was Jesus in today’s story? (12 years old)
3. What did Mary and Joseph realize after they were on their way home to Nazareth? (Jesus was not with them; they couldn’t find Jesus.)
4. Where did Mary and Joseph find Jesus? (the temple)
5. Why did Jesus stay at the temple (to listen to the teachers and ask questions, to be in His Father’s house)
6. Is Jesus God or a human? (Jesus is both fully God and fully human)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: None
Look around the classroom and choose an item. Describe the item to preschoolers, mentioning its color and shape. Give additional clues and ask a child if he knows where the item is. Guide him to walk over and point to the item. Allow children to take turns describing items and guessing where each item is. Be prepared to offer assistance as needed.
Say: When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with his parents, Mary and Joseph, to Jerusalem. After the celebration, Mary and Joseph started traveling home with a large group of people. Later, they discovered Jesus was not with them! They did not know where He was. Later, they found out that He was in the temple learning from the teacher. Jesus said that the Temple was His Father’s house! Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Hide and Seek
Supplies: None
Pick one person in the family to be the “finder.” Have the “finder” countdown from ten while the rest of the family hides in the house. When the “finder” has finished counting, they can look around the room to see where everyone was hiding. Repeat and let others have a turn at being the “finder.”
Say: Mary and Joseph couldn’t find Jesus ANYWHERE on their way back from Jerusalem! But Jesus said that they should have known all along that He was going to be in His Father’s house. Jesus was sent on Earth to do God’s plan, and He knew that even when he was a young boy!
_______________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Making Jesus Known: Radical Generosity
Text: Colossians 1:24-2:3, Revelation 3:15-22
Campus: Rivermont
Epiphany is all about the way that God reveals himself to us through Jesus Christ, and it’s a season of intentional gospel proclamation.
Paul confronts materialism by challenging the Colossian Christians to look beyond this physical world and to pursue the enduring wealth of knowing Christ.
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.”
Colossians 1:24 (CSB)
“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27
Our peace and satisfaction aren’t dependent on outward materialistic superiority but is the fruit of inward transformation.
“I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.”
Colossians 1:29
“For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul wanted followers of Jesus:
1) to be encouraged,
2) to be united in love,
3) having a complete knowledge of Christ.
Knowing Christ breaks the grasp of materialism in our lives.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.’ ‘To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.’ ‘Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:15-22
The Christians in Laodicea had prioritized their wealth and their medicine, but that’s not the right currency for lasting satisfaction and peace.
In what ways are we like Laodicea?
How have we misdirected our faith or misplaced our hope?
When God convicts our hearts, where do we turn?
Jesus offered to cover their shame with His righteousness (v. 18).
Jesus offers intimacy and satisfaction (v. 20).
Jesus doesn’t just want us to feast with him but to be satisfied by him.
At GCC, we want to prioritize and worship Jesus – by practicing silence and solitude and pursuing radical generosity.
What if you adopted those two practices this year?
___________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Making Jesus Known: Radical Generosity
Text: Colossians 1:24-2:3, Revelation 3:15-22
Campus: College Hill
Epiphany is all about the way that God reveals himself to us through Jesus Christ, and it’s a season of intentional gospel proclamation.
Paul confronts materialism by challenging the Colossian Christians to look beyond this physical world and to pursue the enduring wealth of knowing Christ.
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.”
Colossians 1:24 (CSB)
“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27
Our peace and satisfaction aren’t dependent on outward materialistic superiority but is the fruit of inward transformation.
“I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.”
Colossians 1:29
“For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul wanted followers of Jesus:
1) to be encouraged,
2) to be united in love,
3) having a complete knowledge of Christ.
Knowing Christ breaks the grasp of materialism in our lives.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.’ ‘To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.’ ‘Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:15-22
The Christians in Laodicea had prioritized their wealth and their medicine, but that’s not the right currency for lasting satisfaction and peace.
In what ways are we like Laodicea?
How have we misdirected our faith or misplaced our hope?
When God convicts our hearts, where do we turn?
Jesus offered to cover their shame with His righteousness (v. 18).
Jesus offers intimacy and satisfaction (v. 20).
Jesus doesn’t just want us to feast with him but to be satisfied by him.
At GCC, we want to prioritize and worship Jesus – by practicing silence and solitude and pursuing radical generosity.
What if you adopted those two practices this year?
___________________________________________
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7960320
Session Title: Jesus as a Child
Bible passage: Matthew 2; Luke 2
Story point: Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
Key passage: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: None
Look around the classroom and choose an item. Describe the item to preschoolers, mentioning its color and shape. Give additional clues and ask a child if he knows where the item is. Guide him to walk over and point to the item. Allow children to take turns describing items and guessing where each item is. Be prepared to offer assistance as needed.
Say: When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with his parents, Mary and Joseph, to Jerusalem. After the celebration, Mary and Joseph started traveling home with a large group of people. Later, they discovered Jesus was not with them! They did not know where He was. Later, they found out that He was in the temple learning from the teacher. Jesus said that the Temple was His Father’s house! Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
Bible Story Questions
1. Why did Jesus’ family travel to Jerusalem? (For a special celebration called Passover)
2. How old was Jesus in today’s story? (12 years old)
3. What did Mary and Joseph realize after they were on their way home to Nazareth? (Jesus was not with them; they couldn’t find Jesus.)
4. Where did Mary and Joseph find Jesus? (the temple)
5. Why did Jesus stay at the temple (to listen to the teachers and ask questions, to be in His Father’s house)
6. Is Jesus God or a human? (Jesus is both fully God and fully human)
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: None
Look around the classroom and choose an item. Describe the item to preschoolers, mentioning its color and shape. Give additional clues and ask a child if he knows where the item is. Guide him to walk over and point to the item. Allow children to take turns describing items and guessing where each item is. Be prepared to offer assistance as needed.
Say: When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with his parents, Mary and Joseph, to Jerusalem. After the celebration, Mary and Joseph started traveling home with a large group of people. Later, they discovered Jesus was not with them! They did not know where He was. Later, they found out that He was in the temple learning from the teacher. Jesus said that the Temple was His Father’s house! Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
Bible Story Questions
- In what ways does the Bible say Jesus grew when He was a young boy? (Strength, wisdom, and filled with God’s grace)
- Why were Jesus and His parents, Mary and Joseph, in Jerusalem? (To celebrate a Jewish holiday, Passover)
- Where did Mary and Joseph find Jesus after they lost him and what was He doing? (in the temple; learning from the teachers)
- Why did Jesus come to Earth? (To do His Father’s plan)
Activity: Hide and Seek
Supplies: None
Pick one person in the family to be the “finder.” Have the “finder” countdown from ten while the rest of the family hides in the house. When the “finder” has finished counting, they can look around the room to see where everyone was hiding. Repeat and let others have a turn at being the “finder.”
Say: Mary and Joseph couldn’t find Jesus ANYWHERE on their way back from Jerusalem! But Jesus said that they should have known all along that He was going to be in His Father’s house. Jesus was sent on Earth to do God’s plan, and He knew that even when he was a young boy!
_______________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Making Jesus Known: Radical Generosity
Text: Colossians 1:24-2:3, Revelation 3:15-22
Campus: Rivermont
Epiphany is all about the way that God reveals himself to us through Jesus Christ, and it’s a season of intentional gospel proclamation.
Paul confronts materialism by challenging the Colossian Christians to look beyond this physical world and to pursue the enduring wealth of knowing Christ.
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.”
Colossians 1:24 (CSB)
“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27
Our peace and satisfaction aren’t dependent on outward materialistic superiority but is the fruit of inward transformation.
“I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.”
Colossians 1:29
“For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul wanted followers of Jesus:
1) to be encouraged,
2) to be united in love,
3) having a complete knowledge of Christ.
Knowing Christ breaks the grasp of materialism in our lives.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.’ ‘To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.’ ‘Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:15-22
The Christians in Laodicea had prioritized their wealth and their medicine, but that’s not the right currency for lasting satisfaction and peace.
In what ways are we like Laodicea?
How have we misdirected our faith or misplaced our hope?
When God convicts our hearts, where do we turn?
Jesus offered to cover their shame with His righteousness (v. 18).
Jesus offers intimacy and satisfaction (v. 20).
Jesus doesn’t just want us to feast with him but to be satisfied by him.
At GCC, we want to prioritize and worship Jesus – by practicing silence and solitude and pursuing radical generosity.
What if you adopted those two practices this year?
___________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Making Jesus Known: Radical Generosity
Text: Colossians 1:24-2:3, Revelation 3:15-22
Campus: College Hill
Epiphany is all about the way that God reveals himself to us through Jesus Christ, and it’s a season of intentional gospel proclamation.
Paul confronts materialism by challenging the Colossian Christians to look beyond this physical world and to pursue the enduring wealth of knowing Christ.
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.”
Colossians 1:24 (CSB)
“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27
Our peace and satisfaction aren’t dependent on outward materialistic superiority but is the fruit of inward transformation.
“I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.”
Colossians 1:29
“For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul wanted followers of Jesus:
1) to be encouraged,
2) to be united in love,
3) having a complete knowledge of Christ.
Knowing Christ breaks the grasp of materialism in our lives.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.’ ‘To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.’ ‘Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:15-22
The Christians in Laodicea had prioritized their wealth and their medicine, but that’s not the right currency for lasting satisfaction and peace.
In what ways are we like Laodicea?
How have we misdirected our faith or misplaced our hope?
When God convicts our hearts, where do we turn?
Jesus offered to cover their shame with His righteousness (v. 18).
Jesus offers intimacy and satisfaction (v. 20).
Jesus doesn’t just want us to feast with him but to be satisfied by him.
At GCC, we want to prioritize and worship Jesus – by practicing silence and solitude and pursuing radical generosity.
What if you adopted those two practices this year?
___________________________________________
January 10th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Title: Jesus Was Dedicated
Bible Passage: Luke 2
Story Point: Simeon and Anna worshipped Jesus
Key Passage: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: None
Gather preschoolers together. Suggest a simple action, such as run in place, pat your head, or wave to a friend. Instruct them to wait to begin moving until a signal is given. Watch a clock as children anticipate beginning to move. Build excitement and finally give the signal for the boys and girls to move. Continue playing and emphasize the waiting, pre-movement time.
Say: Simeon and Anna waited a long time to meet Jesus. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Savior had been born. Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus and told others the good news.
Bible Story Questions:
Activity: Coloring
Supplies: Paper and coloring utensils
Draw a picture of Simeon celebrating Jesus being born!
Say: People waited for Jesus to be born for so long! They were so excited when they realized the savior was finally here! Jesus was sent to the world as fully God and fully Human to save us from our sin.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: Paper and Pen
Write out each word of the passage and then erase one word at a time. Try to have the kids remember the blanks in the passages as you erase them.
Say: The Bible says that Jesus was with God from the beginning and that He was God!
Bible Story Questions:
Activity: Coloring
Supplies: Paper and coloring utensils
Draw a picture of Simeon celebrating Jesus being born!
Say: People waited for Jesus to be born for so long! They were so excited when they realized the savior was finally here! Jesus was sent to the world as fully God and fully Human to save us from our sin.
___________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Making Jesus Known: Gospel Transformation
Text: Colossians 1:9-20
Campus: Rivermont
God gave us his gospel and the Church to be a vehicle for discipleship and transformation.
“...discipleship means being an apprentice of Jesus in our daily existence.”
“...a disciple is simply someone who has decided to be with another person…in order to learn to do what that person does, or to become what that person is.”
~Dallas Willard
Epiphany: comes from a Greek word which points to an act of revealing, unveiling, or appearing.
Jesus is God in the flesh; Sovereign leader over all creation and our enduring hope in life and death.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:15-20 (CSB)
1. Jesus is the visible expression of God (vv. 15, 19)
2. Jesus is the head of the Church (v. 18)
3. Jesus is God’s instrument of redemption and peace (vv. 19-20)
Our vision: life transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We desire:
Personal transformation.
Corporate transformation.
Global transformation.
“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.”
Colossians 1:9-12 (CSB)
What does gospel transformation look like?
* People are filled with the knowledge of God’s will, displaying divine wisdom and understanding (v. 9).
* People are living lives that are pleasing to God, bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God (v. 10).
* People are experiencing God’s supernatural presence and strength in every season and every circumstance (v. 11).
We want this Epiphany season to be accompanied by deep gospel transformation and by stories of life change.
info@gospelcc.org
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: JESUS/EPIPHANY - Gospel Transformation
Text: Colossians 1:15-20, 9-13
Campus: College Hill
God gave us his gospel and the Church to be a vehicle for discipleship and transformation.
“...discipleship means being an apprentice of Jesus in our daily existence.”
“...a disciple is simply someone who has decided to be with another person…in order to learn to do what that person does, or to become what that person is.”
~Dallas Willard
Epiphany: comes from a Greek word which points to an act of revealing, unveiling, or appearing.
Jesus is God in the flesh; Sovereign leader over all creation and our enduring hope in life and death.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:15-20 (CSB)
1. Jesus is the visible expression of God (vv. 15, 19)
2. Jesus is the head of the Church (v. 18)
3. Jesus is God’s instrument of redemption and peace (vv. 19-20)
Our vision: life transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We desire:
Personal transformation.
Corporate transformation.
Global transformation.
“For this reason, also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.”
Colossians 1:9-12 (CSB)
What does gospel transformation look like?
*People are filled with the knowledge of God’s will, displaying divine wisdom and understanding (v. 9).
*People are living lives that are pleasing to God, bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God (v. 10).
*People are experiencing God’s supernatural presence and strength in every season and every circumstance (v. 11).
We want this Epiphany season to be accompanied by deep gospel transformation and by stories of life change.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done.
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
as we forgive the sins of others.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the Kingdom,
and the glory, and the power.
Amen.
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Title: Jesus Was Dedicated
Bible Passage: Luke 2
Story Point: Simeon and Anna worshipped Jesus
Key Passage: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: None
Gather preschoolers together. Suggest a simple action, such as run in place, pat your head, or wave to a friend. Instruct them to wait to begin moving until a signal is given. Watch a clock as children anticipate beginning to move. Build excitement and finally give the signal for the boys and girls to move. Continue playing and emphasize the waiting, pre-movement time.
Say: Simeon and Anna waited a long time to meet Jesus. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Savior had been born. Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus and told others the good news.
Bible Story Questions:
- Where did Jesus’ earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, take Him to obey God’s rules? (the temple)
- What promise did God make to Simeon? ( Simeon would not die until he saw the Messiah, Jesus)
- What did Simeon say it would be like for Mary to be Jesus’ mother? (very good, but very hard)
- Is Jesus God or a human? (Jesus is both fully God and fully human)
Activity: Coloring
Supplies: Paper and coloring utensils
Draw a picture of Simeon celebrating Jesus being born!
Say: People waited for Jesus to be born for so long! They were so excited when they realized the savior was finally here! Jesus was sent to the world as fully God and fully Human to save us from our sin.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: Paper and Pen
Write out each word of the passage and then erase one word at a time. Try to have the kids remember the blanks in the passages as you erase them.
Say: The Bible says that Jesus was with God from the beginning and that He was God!
Bible Story Questions:
- Where did Jesus’ earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, take Him to obey God’s rules? (the temple)
- What promise did God make to Simeon? ( Simeon would not die until he saw the Messiah, Jesus)
- What did Simeon say it would be like for Mary to be Jesus’ mother? (very good, but very hard)
- Is Jesus God or a human? (Jesus is both fully God and fully human)
Activity: Coloring
Supplies: Paper and coloring utensils
Draw a picture of Simeon celebrating Jesus being born!
Say: People waited for Jesus to be born for so long! They were so excited when they realized the savior was finally here! Jesus was sent to the world as fully God and fully Human to save us from our sin.
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Making Jesus Known: Gospel Transformation
Text: Colossians 1:9-20
Campus: Rivermont
God gave us his gospel and the Church to be a vehicle for discipleship and transformation.
“...discipleship means being an apprentice of Jesus in our daily existence.”
“...a disciple is simply someone who has decided to be with another person…in order to learn to do what that person does, or to become what that person is.”
~Dallas Willard
Epiphany: comes from a Greek word which points to an act of revealing, unveiling, or appearing.
Jesus is God in the flesh; Sovereign leader over all creation and our enduring hope in life and death.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:15-20 (CSB)
1. Jesus is the visible expression of God (vv. 15, 19)
2. Jesus is the head of the Church (v. 18)
3. Jesus is God’s instrument of redemption and peace (vv. 19-20)
Our vision: life transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We desire:
Personal transformation.
Corporate transformation.
Global transformation.
“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.”
Colossians 1:9-12 (CSB)
What does gospel transformation look like?
* People are filled with the knowledge of God’s will, displaying divine wisdom and understanding (v. 9).
* People are living lives that are pleasing to God, bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God (v. 10).
* People are experiencing God’s supernatural presence and strength in every season and every circumstance (v. 11).
We want this Epiphany season to be accompanied by deep gospel transformation and by stories of life change.
info@gospelcc.org
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: JESUS/EPIPHANY - Gospel Transformation
Text: Colossians 1:15-20, 9-13
Campus: College Hill
God gave us his gospel and the Church to be a vehicle for discipleship and transformation.
“...discipleship means being an apprentice of Jesus in our daily existence.”
“...a disciple is simply someone who has decided to be with another person…in order to learn to do what that person does, or to become what that person is.”
~Dallas Willard
Epiphany: comes from a Greek word which points to an act of revealing, unveiling, or appearing.
Jesus is God in the flesh; Sovereign leader over all creation and our enduring hope in life and death.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:15-20 (CSB)
1. Jesus is the visible expression of God (vv. 15, 19)
2. Jesus is the head of the Church (v. 18)
3. Jesus is God’s instrument of redemption and peace (vv. 19-20)
Our vision: life transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We desire:
Personal transformation.
Corporate transformation.
Global transformation.
“For this reason, also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.”
Colossians 1:9-12 (CSB)
What does gospel transformation look like?
*People are filled with the knowledge of God’s will, displaying divine wisdom and understanding (v. 9).
*People are living lives that are pleasing to God, bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God (v. 10).
*People are experiencing God’s supernatural presence and strength in every season and every circumstance (v. 11).
We want this Epiphany season to be accompanied by deep gospel transformation and by stories of life change.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done.
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
as we forgive the sins of others.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the Kingdom,
and the glory, and the power.
Amen.
December 27th Sermon Guides
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: The Spirit’s Movement in Community
Text: Matthew 18:18-20
Campus: Rivermont
Disruption and Direction
“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:18-20
Take notice of God’s discerning voice that rises in the midst of Godly community?
Graduated Responsibility: “To whom much is given, much is required”
We have the same responsibility that the disciples had to be keenly aware of how the Spirit of the living God is moving among us.
Take notice of God’s voice that rises in the midst of Godly community.
It’s not us that affects heaven, but it’s heaven that affects us, and in light of that, heaven’s effects must be discerned from the Father’s will.
In one sense: This text is about the sacred space cultivated when brothers and sisters in Christ enter into a deep, discerning, and prayerful space that seeks understanding and agreement on what God is doing in their midst.
Disruption is an interruption in our thought patterns and our safe emotional ruts. It causes an unplanned deviation from our expected daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly habits.
The routines of our life train our inner character, but routines can sometimes lead to unthinking ways and God’s Spirit wants to disrupt these unthinking ways in our lives.
Direction is God hovering over the chaos of our life and calling forth steps on a different course. It’s that timely help we need on the pathway forward.”
A Kairos moment is a disruption of time when the Kingdom of God comes near to us and elicits a response. It’s a disruptive moment that calls us to respond to God’s invitation.
We cannot fully discern God’s missional activity in our lives in isolation.
We need to recover the expectation that God is going to meet us in our active relationships with other believers.
Communal Sense of Direction > Individual Sense of Direction
Communion: What is the Spirit doing in me?
Community: What is the Spirit doing around me?
Co-Mission: What is the Spirit doing through me?
Next Step: What is our response?
REFLECT, RECORD & RESPOND
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Sermon Notes: Austin Whiteheart
Title: True Rest
Text: Psalm 62
Campus: College Hill
What do I find rest and security in?
Our souls crave the true rest that only God can provide, but the world has endless, counterfeit alternatives which will never truly satisfy our soul.
True rest and security for our soul can only be found in God.
Psalm 62 shows us how to rest in God alone when we are tired, beaten down, and tempted to find rest in counterfeit alternatives.
“I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken. How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you attack as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering fence? They only plan to bring him down from his high position. They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah.
Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor. Place no trust in oppression or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to you, Lord. For you repay each according to his works.”
Psalm 62
“I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken. “
Psalm 62:1-2
Rest = confidence, security, and hope in God
“How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you attack as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering fence? They only plan to bring him down from his high position. They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly.”
Psalm 62:3-4
Are the sources where you found rest and security gone?
“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. “
Psalm 62:5-6
Take command of your thoughts
“My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:7-8
“16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; 17 the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you… 26 the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
John 14:16-17, 26
He is the source of our strength. He is our refuge. Our salvation in Him and the Spirit working in us gives us power to command our thoughts.
Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor. Place no trust in oppression or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, don’t set your heart on it.
Psalm 62:9-10
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.”
James 4:13-14
“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
When we rest in God alone, we have an eternal security that no earthly means can provide.
Where am I finding my rest and security right now?
“God has spoken once; I have heard this twice:
strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to you, Lord. For you repay each according to his works.
Psalm 62:11-12
These truths are the fuel for our rest in God. God is strong enough to be our foundation, God is faithful in His love to us, and He is perfectly just in all He does.
Be rooted in Christ.
“The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Romans 3:22-26
Only Christ is strong enough to save and sustain us. Only Christ has the perfect, faithful love needed to sacrifice Himself on the cross to save us. And only Christ is perfectly just to declare the guilty as innocent through His blood.
Am I rooted in Christ?
Am I currently finding rest and security in God alone?
If not, what false-securities am I trusting in?
What thoughts or actions do I need to take?
December 24th Sermon Guide
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Christ
Text: Luke 2:1-5, Matthew 2:1-6, 16-18.
Congregation: Rivermont & College Hill
Hope
Peace
Joy
Love
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.”
Luke 2:1-6
Bethlehem: Bet + Lechem = place of bread/provision
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.’
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
‘In Bethlehem of Judea,’ they told him, ‘because this is what was written by the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 2:1-6
“Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:16-18
Click to see pictures: The Wall in Bethlehem (1)
The Wall in Bethlehem (2)
The Wall in Bethlehem (3)
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ ‘For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.’”
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Title: Christ
Text: Luke 2:1-5, Matthew 2:1-6, 16-18.
Congregation: Rivermont & College Hill
Hope
Peace
Joy
Love
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.”
Luke 2:1-6
Bethlehem: Bet + Lechem = place of bread/provision
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.’
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
‘In Bethlehem of Judea,’ they told him, ‘because this is what was written by the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 2:1-6
“Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:16-18
Click to see pictures: The Wall in Bethlehem (1)
The Wall in Bethlehem (2)
The Wall in Bethlehem (3)
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ ‘For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.’”
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
December 20th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Bible Passage: Matthew 1:18-25
Story Point: God sent Jesus to us to save us from our sins because God loves us and wanted to save us from our sins!
Key Passage: Matthew 1:21 - She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and pen or pencil
Write: out the verse, read it together pointing to the words if you kids are still learning to read. Then say the verse together normally and then in silly voices (robo voices, deep voices, let your child suggest some). Say the verse 3 or 4 times.
Say: Jesus was sent to earth to save us from our sins. God loved us enough to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Coloring
Supplies: Paper and coloring utensils
Draw a picture of something nice you can do to show love to others.
Say: I Jesus came to earth as a baby and then grew up and lived a perfect life before dying on the cross and then resurrecting. He told us to love one another. So, let’s honor Him and show each other love!
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and Pen
Write: out each word of the passage and then erase one word at a time.
Say: Paul encourages us in these verses to love others and be devoted to them. He tells us to stick to what is good and completely dislike what is evil and not good.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: The kindness game
Supplies: Paper, tape and writing utensils
If your kids are old enough - Everyone tape a piece of paper to their back, then have everyone go around the room and write something nice or something that they love about that person. At the end read the nice things that were written about you.
Say: Sometimes, love looks like saying nice things to one another. Jesus came to earth as a baby and then grew up and lived a perfect life before dying on the cross and then resurrecting. He told us to love one another. So, let’s honor Him and show each other love!
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Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Advent Week 3: Love
Intro/Overview
This Sunday begins week 3 of the advent season. This season is marked by joyful and eager anticipation of Christ’s return. Not only do we, as His people, wait for His return, but we also celebrate His first coming over 2,000 years ago. Christ was born a baby, in the flesh, fully God and fully man. The incarnation of Christ has incredible implications for those that believe, it is foundational to our faith.
As we continue to celebrate Christ and the advent season, the theme for this week is love. Love is a unique and yet complex emotion. As human beings our love is often conditional and wavering, it fluctuates depending on our circumstances. Yet, God’s love is perfect, complete, and ultimate. And He demonstrated His incredible love for humanity by sending His perfect, righteous, and only Son to die for the sins of many.
In Matthew chapter 1 we find the story of Joseph and Mary. Joseph is set to wed Mary, however, he finds out that his fiancé, Mary, is already with child. Because Joseph is a loving and godly man, he decided to divorce Mary quietly so he would not shame her or her family. However, the Lord (via a dream) speaks to Joseph, and what he learns is that she isn’t just carrying any child, the child in her womb has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph had to trust God and believe that promise that his bride-to-be was indeed carrying the Savior of the world. If Joseph didn’t love and trust God (and Mary), that would have made things really difficult. This gave Joseph a unique opportunity to love abs care Mary. In the same way God has shown His love for us. In fact, in an even more powerful and unique way.
We are all sinners that have turned from God. When reading through the Scriptures, we find that as God’s people we have rebelled against Him time and time again. But even when we are faithless, He is faithful and His love is steadfast and eternal. He has shown His love for humanity in the most glorious way, but sending Christ Jesus to save and redeem us.
Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 1:18-25
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Love
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Campus: Rivermont
In the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus, the love of God is revealed to us. In Christ, God is saying - I see you, I know you, and I love you.
“An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:”
Matthew 1:1
“ So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, fourteen generations.”
Matthew 1:17.
“The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us.’
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25
ABRAHAM, SARAI, AND HAGAR
“He said, ‘Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?’
She replied, ‘I’m running away from my mistress Sarai.’
The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.’ The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.’
The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction.’
So she named the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are El-roi,’ for she said, ‘In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me?’”
Genesis 16:8-11, 13.
El-Roi
JUDAH AND TAMAR
RAHAB-RUTH
Our God is named El-Roi: God Who Sees Me. He knows us, the parts that no one else does. And still - he moves toward us in love.
Hesed
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “
Hebrews 4:12
“No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
Hebrews 4:13
“God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
When the gospel’s brand of love defines us, we are free.
“This is how we know what love is: that Christ laid his life down for us…”
1 John 3:16
“We should also lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 3:16
“ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
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Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Love
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Campus: College Hill
What are some of the greatest love stories that have ever been told?
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” –
John 3:16
“An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered King David, David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife
Matthew 1:1-6 (CSB)
Matthew helps us to see the congruency of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
hesed: usually translated as faithful, or steadfast, love.
Hesed always involves an interpersonal relationship.
Hesed is never merely an abstract feeling of goodwill but always entails practical action on behalf of another.
Hesed is enduring.
1) Abraham to David (vv. 2-6)
God never gave up on his promise to Abraham and he continued to further his Kingdom through his dysfunctional family.
2) David to exile (vv. 6-11)
“David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,”
Matthew 1:6b
3) Exile to Christ (vv. 11-16)
“A pronouncement:
The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.
‘I have loved you,’ says the Lord.”
Malachi 1:1-2a
“’For look, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,’ says the Lord of Armies, ‘not leaving them root or branches. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall. You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,’ says the Lord of Armies.”
Malachi 4:1-3
“The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So, her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.’
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25 (CSB)
Observations:
A humble and miraculous conception.
The fulfillment of promises.
Transformational love.
How do you need to respond to this love?
We are seen, fully known and fully loved by God.
_____________________________________________________________________
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Bible Passage: Matthew 1:18-25
Story Point: God sent Jesus to us to save us from our sins because God loves us and wanted to save us from our sins!
Key Passage: Matthew 1:21 - She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and pen or pencil
Write: out the verse, read it together pointing to the words if you kids are still learning to read. Then say the verse together normally and then in silly voices (robo voices, deep voices, let your child suggest some). Say the verse 3 or 4 times.
Say: Jesus was sent to earth to save us from our sins. God loved us enough to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
Bible Story Questions
- What did God do to show us that He loves us? (He sent His son Jesus to save us from our sins.)
- Why did Joseph decide to marry Mary? (An angel visited him in a dream and told him to marry her and to name her baby Jesus.)
- Besides coming to Earth as a baby, what did Jesus to do show us his love for God and for us? (He died on the cross so that those who believe in Him will have eternal life.)
- How are you going to show love for other people during this Christmas season? (Share your toys, help with cleaning up, don’t fight are all good things to do. Ask your siblings or parents how you can show them love.)
Activity: Coloring
Supplies: Paper and coloring utensils
Draw a picture of something nice you can do to show love to others.
Say: I Jesus came to earth as a baby and then grew up and lived a perfect life before dying on the cross and then resurrecting. He told us to love one another. So, let’s honor Him and show each other love!
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and Pen
Write: out each word of the passage and then erase one word at a time.
Say: Paul encourages us in these verses to love others and be devoted to them. He tells us to stick to what is good and completely dislike what is evil and not good.
Bible Story Questions
- What did God do to show us that He loves us? (He sent His son Jesus to save us from our sins.)
- Why did Joseph decide to marry Mary? (An angel visited him in a dream and told him to marry her and to name her baby Jesus.)
- What does Immanuel mean? (It means God with us. When Jesus left Heaven he was still 100% God and 100% man.)
- Why do we celebrate Jesus coming down to earth? Why did he have to come down to earth? (John 3:16 says that God loved the world and so He sent us His only Son, to save us from our sins.)
- Besides coming to Earth as a baby, what did Jesus to do show us his love for God and for us? (He died on the cross so that those who believe in Him will have eternal life.He took the punishment of our sin so we could be saved!)
- How are you going to show love for other people during this Christmas season? (Share your toys, help with cleaning up, don’t fight are all good things to do. Ask your siblings or parents how you can show them love.)
Activity: The kindness game
Supplies: Paper, tape and writing utensils
If your kids are old enough - Everyone tape a piece of paper to their back, then have everyone go around the room and write something nice or something that they love about that person. At the end read the nice things that were written about you.
Say: Sometimes, love looks like saying nice things to one another. Jesus came to earth as a baby and then grew up and lived a perfect life before dying on the cross and then resurrecting. He told us to love one another. So, let’s honor Him and show each other love!
__________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Advent Week 3: Love
Intro/Overview
This Sunday begins week 3 of the advent season. This season is marked by joyful and eager anticipation of Christ’s return. Not only do we, as His people, wait for His return, but we also celebrate His first coming over 2,000 years ago. Christ was born a baby, in the flesh, fully God and fully man. The incarnation of Christ has incredible implications for those that believe, it is foundational to our faith.
As we continue to celebrate Christ and the advent season, the theme for this week is love. Love is a unique and yet complex emotion. As human beings our love is often conditional and wavering, it fluctuates depending on our circumstances. Yet, God’s love is perfect, complete, and ultimate. And He demonstrated His incredible love for humanity by sending His perfect, righteous, and only Son to die for the sins of many.
In Matthew chapter 1 we find the story of Joseph and Mary. Joseph is set to wed Mary, however, he finds out that his fiancé, Mary, is already with child. Because Joseph is a loving and godly man, he decided to divorce Mary quietly so he would not shame her or her family. However, the Lord (via a dream) speaks to Joseph, and what he learns is that she isn’t just carrying any child, the child in her womb has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph had to trust God and believe that promise that his bride-to-be was indeed carrying the Savior of the world. If Joseph didn’t love and trust God (and Mary), that would have made things really difficult. This gave Joseph a unique opportunity to love abs care Mary. In the same way God has shown His love for us. In fact, in an even more powerful and unique way.
We are all sinners that have turned from God. When reading through the Scriptures, we find that as God’s people we have rebelled against Him time and time again. But even when we are faithless, He is faithful and His love is steadfast and eternal. He has shown His love for humanity in the most glorious way, but sending Christ Jesus to save and redeem us.
Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 1:18-25
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- What is your definition of love? What are some ways that we can show love to others, and how has God shown His love for us?
- Considering the situation, it would have been really easy for Joseph to walk away. How was Joseph able to care for Mary through this situation? What was his motivation?
- The text in Matthew 1 tells us that this child (Jesus) would be a savior to his people. How has Christ saved us? What does that mean for those that believe?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? How can you show Christ to your extended (and immediate) family during the holiday season? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Love
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Campus: Rivermont
In the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus, the love of God is revealed to us. In Christ, God is saying - I see you, I know you, and I love you.
“An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:”
Matthew 1:1
“ So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, fourteen generations.”
Matthew 1:17.
“The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us.’
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25
ABRAHAM, SARAI, AND HAGAR
“He said, ‘Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?’
She replied, ‘I’m running away from my mistress Sarai.’
The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.’ The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.’
The angel of the Lord said to her, ‘You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction.’
So she named the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are El-roi,’ for she said, ‘In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me?’”
Genesis 16:8-11, 13.
El-Roi
JUDAH AND TAMAR
RAHAB-RUTH
Our God is named El-Roi: God Who Sees Me. He knows us, the parts that no one else does. And still - he moves toward us in love.
Hesed
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “
Hebrews 4:12
“No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
Hebrews 4:13
“God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
When the gospel’s brand of love defines us, we are free.
“This is how we know what love is: that Christ laid his life down for us…”
1 John 3:16
“We should also lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 3:16
“ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Love
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Campus: College Hill
What are some of the greatest love stories that have ever been told?
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” –
John 3:16
“An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered King David, David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife
Matthew 1:1-6 (CSB)
Matthew helps us to see the congruency of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
hesed: usually translated as faithful, or steadfast, love.
Hesed always involves an interpersonal relationship.
Hesed is never merely an abstract feeling of goodwill but always entails practical action on behalf of another.
Hesed is enduring.
1) Abraham to David (vv. 2-6)
God never gave up on his promise to Abraham and he continued to further his Kingdom through his dysfunctional family.
2) David to exile (vv. 6-11)
“David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,”
Matthew 1:6b
3) Exile to Christ (vv. 11-16)
“A pronouncement:
The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.
‘I have loved you,’ says the Lord.”
Malachi 1:1-2a
“’For look, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,’ says the Lord of Armies, ‘not leaving them root or branches. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall. You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,’ says the Lord of Armies.”
Malachi 4:1-3
“The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So, her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.’
When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25 (CSB)
Observations:
A humble and miraculous conception.
The fulfillment of promises.
Transformational love.
How do you need to respond to this love?
We are seen, fully known and fully loved by God.
_____________________________________________________________________
December 13th Sermon Guides
Kid City
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: Luke 1: 46-55 & Psalm 16:11
Story point: Mary had great joy because she was carrying Jesus, God’s Son!
Key passage: Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Psalm 16:11, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Then take a ball and pass it around and whoever has the ball must say the next word until the verse is complete.
Say: Being in the presence of God, brings us more joy than anything else can. We get tired of toys, our favorite food changes over time, but God’s love remains the same.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 1:46-55
Activity
Supplies: Paper, pencil, drawing utensils/crayons
Say: Draw a picture or write a list of things that bring you joy and how God has brought you joy.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Psalm 16:11, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Then take a ball and pass it around and whoever has the ball must say the next word until the verse is complete.
Say: Being in the presence of God, brings us more joy than anything else can. We get tired of toys, our favorite food changes over time, but God’s love remains the same.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 1:46-55
Activity
Supplies: Pencils/paper, Drawing utensils, crayons
Say: Draw a picture or write a list of things that bring you joy and how God has brought you joy.
________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
Advent Week 3: Joy
Intro/Overview
The holiday season is filled with great excitement and celebration. We look forward to decorating our homes, spending time with our families and friends, having time off work/school, and of course giving and receiving gifts from our loved ones. This Christmas season is filled with joy. However, as followers of Christ, our joy isn’t limited to the holiday season, material possessions, or earthly circumstances. We have reason to rejoice always.
In Luke chapter 1, we find the story of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting babies (Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist, and of course Mary would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God), so they have reason to rejoice. Earlier in Luke chapter 1, Mary had been visited by an angel of the Lord. The angel told her that she had found favor with God, and that the Lord was with her. This angel even promised her that she would conceive a child and by the power of the Holy Spirit. And of course, this isn’t just any child, but this child would be the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Of course, Mary decides to visit her cousin Elizabeth and share this wonderful and miraculous news. Elizabeth was aware of the Holy Spirit and the power of God being upon Mary. She knew of the Savior in Mary’s womb, in fact, the child Elizabeth was carrying leaped when Mary entered her home! Elizabeth then tells Mary that she is blessed because of this and blessed because she has believed the promises of God.
Following this encounter, Mary immediately gives praise to the Lord. She is overcome by His grace and His faithfulness to fulfill His promise. In verse 47, Mary says “my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Mary has great joy in God because she has found favor with Him and He has been faithful to keep His promise. God has taken a lowly, ordinary, and humble young woman and allowed her to carry the Savior of the world. While this is certainly incredible, it is important that we don’t miss the application of this text.
Yes, Mary, an ordinary, humble young woman had found favor with God, but we too, as the people of God, those chosen by Him have also found favor with God. We too have reason to rejoice as lowly, ordinary, people. That God of all creation, the Maker of heaven and earth sent his only Son to live, die, and resurrect for our redemption. For those that believe in Christ Jesus, we are saved, we are forgiven, and we also have found favor with God. This is the reason that we rejoice at ALL times, not just during the holiday season. What we have in Christ is an eternal, unwavering, legitimate joy. This is different from what the world offers us, and different from what the world considers joy. It isn’t about presents, it is about the greatest gift in all of existence, Christ Jesus, the perfect Son of God.
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 1:46-55
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy
Text: Luke 1:46-55
Campus: Rivermont
“Ultimate happiness is really just about enjoying life.” — Tony Hsieh
Deep and lasting joy cannot be bought, manipulated, or wished into existence.
Advent is a season on the church calendar which annually points us to the source of lasting joy and ultimate happiness.
Joy is found in humble obedience, in promises fulfilled, in the character of God, in the presence of God, and in the person of Jesus.
Joy is found in the shadow of our disappointments and broken dreams—and even in our doubts and confusion.
“And Mary said:
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.
He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;
he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.’”
Luke 1:46-55 (CSB)
Gabriel's announcement to Mary was surprising and confusing.
“I am the Lord’s servant…May it be done to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
Luke 1:45
Mary chose faith over fear.
Joy can be found in the shadow of our disappointments and broken dreams; it can be found in the midst of pain and confusion because joy is found in Jesus, who is God WITH us.
Who did she understand God to be? Why is she praising Him?
Luke 1:54-55
5) God fulfills his promises (vv. 54-55)
When you experience something surprising or disappointing, are you still able to respond with joyful praise?
We will never be able to respond the way that Mary did if we don’t tether ourselves to Scripture–the written word; and to Jesus—the living Word.
________________________
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Joy
Text: Luke 1:46-55
Campus: College Hill
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!
And Mary said:
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.
He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;
he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.’”
Luke 1:45-55
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you.
In his love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
________________________
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: Luke 1: 46-55 & Psalm 16:11
Story point: Mary had great joy because she was carrying Jesus, God’s Son!
Key passage: Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Psalm 16:11, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Then take a ball and pass it around and whoever has the ball must say the next word until the verse is complete.
Say: Being in the presence of God, brings us more joy than anything else can. We get tired of toys, our favorite food changes over time, but God’s love remains the same.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 1:46-55
- What does Joy mean? What is something or someone that brings you joy? (Joy is a feeling of happiness. Something or someone that brings you joy is someone who makes you feel warm and good inside. Maybe your friends, your pets, a special toy you have, maybe looking at Christmas lights with your family or eating a yummy cake.)
- What brought Mary joy? (She rejoiced in the Lord, she didn’t rejoice in what she would receive or in her circumstance. She recognized that God keeps His promises.)
- What is the greatest gift of all time? (Jesus, His love and friendship is the best present anyone can ever receive! He brings joy that cannot compare to any pretty princess dress, a new playstation or the prettiest Christmas tree.)
Activity
Supplies: Paper, pencil, drawing utensils/crayons
Say: Draw a picture or write a list of things that bring you joy and how God has brought you joy.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Psalm 16:11, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Then take a ball and pass it around and whoever has the ball must say the next word until the verse is complete.
Say: Being in the presence of God, brings us more joy than anything else can. We get tired of toys, our favorite food changes over time, but God’s love remains the same.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 1:46-55
- What does Joy mean? What is something or someone that brings you joy? (Joy is a feeling of happiness. Something or someone that brings you joy is someone who makes you feel warm and good inside. Maybe your friends, your pets, a special toy you have, maybe looking at Christmas lights with your family or eating a yummy cake.)
- What brought Mary joy? (She rejoiced in the Lord, she didn’t rejoice in what she would receive or in her circumstance. She recognized that God keeps His promises.)
- What is the greatest gift of all time? (Jesus, His love and friendship is the best present anyone can ever receive! He brings joy that cannot compare to any pretty princess dress, a new playstation or the prettiest Christmas tree.)
Activity
Supplies: Pencils/paper, Drawing utensils, crayons
Say: Draw a picture or write a list of things that bring you joy and how God has brought you joy.
________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
Advent Week 3: Joy
Intro/Overview
The holiday season is filled with great excitement and celebration. We look forward to decorating our homes, spending time with our families and friends, having time off work/school, and of course giving and receiving gifts from our loved ones. This Christmas season is filled with joy. However, as followers of Christ, our joy isn’t limited to the holiday season, material possessions, or earthly circumstances. We have reason to rejoice always.
In Luke chapter 1, we find the story of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting babies (Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist, and of course Mary would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God), so they have reason to rejoice. Earlier in Luke chapter 1, Mary had been visited by an angel of the Lord. The angel told her that she had found favor with God, and that the Lord was with her. This angel even promised her that she would conceive a child and by the power of the Holy Spirit. And of course, this isn’t just any child, but this child would be the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Of course, Mary decides to visit her cousin Elizabeth and share this wonderful and miraculous news. Elizabeth was aware of the Holy Spirit and the power of God being upon Mary. She knew of the Savior in Mary’s womb, in fact, the child Elizabeth was carrying leaped when Mary entered her home! Elizabeth then tells Mary that she is blessed because of this and blessed because she has believed the promises of God.
Following this encounter, Mary immediately gives praise to the Lord. She is overcome by His grace and His faithfulness to fulfill His promise. In verse 47, Mary says “my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Mary has great joy in God because she has found favor with Him and He has been faithful to keep His promise. God has taken a lowly, ordinary, and humble young woman and allowed her to carry the Savior of the world. While this is certainly incredible, it is important that we don’t miss the application of this text.
Yes, Mary, an ordinary, humble young woman had found favor with God, but we too, as the people of God, those chosen by Him have also found favor with God. We too have reason to rejoice as lowly, ordinary, people. That God of all creation, the Maker of heaven and earth sent his only Son to live, die, and resurrect for our redemption. For those that believe in Christ Jesus, we are saved, we are forgiven, and we also have found favor with God. This is the reason that we rejoice at ALL times, not just during the holiday season. What we have in Christ is an eternal, unwavering, legitimate joy. This is different from what the world offers us, and different from what the world considers joy. It isn’t about presents, it is about the greatest gift in all of existence, Christ Jesus, the perfect Son of God.
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 1:46-55
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- The theme for the second week of advent is joy. How would you define the word joy?
- What brings you the greatest amount of joy? It could be any number of things: gifts, video games, sports, school, relationships, etc. (make sure you are honest about this!).
- Mary (the mother of Jesus) is given the great responsibility of carrying and caring for the Messiah, the Savior of the world, Christ Jesus. As a young woman, she rejoices in this blessing greatly. How can we rejoice in God consistently?
- During the Christmas/advent season, we celebrate with great joy. As believers, what is it that Jesus has done that allows us to rejoice so greatly? What has His life, death, and resurrection accomplished for us?
- How does joy in God/Christ differ from the joy that the world offers?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? How can you show Christ to your extended (and immediate) family during the holiday season? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Joy
Text: Luke 1:46-55
Campus: Rivermont
“Ultimate happiness is really just about enjoying life.” — Tony Hsieh
Deep and lasting joy cannot be bought, manipulated, or wished into existence.
Advent is a season on the church calendar which annually points us to the source of lasting joy and ultimate happiness.
Joy is found in humble obedience, in promises fulfilled, in the character of God, in the presence of God, and in the person of Jesus.
Joy is found in the shadow of our disappointments and broken dreams—and even in our doubts and confusion.
“And Mary said:
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.
He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;
he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.’”
Luke 1:46-55 (CSB)
Gabriel's announcement to Mary was surprising and confusing.
“I am the Lord’s servant…May it be done to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
Luke 1:45
Mary chose faith over fear.
Joy can be found in the shadow of our disappointments and broken dreams; it can be found in the midst of pain and confusion because joy is found in Jesus, who is God WITH us.
Who did she understand God to be? Why is she praising Him?
- Mary saw God as her Savior (v. 47)
- God takes notice of the lowly and does great things in their lives (vv. 48-49)
- God is both holy and merciful (vv. 49-50)
- In Christ, God would display his might and power by reversing the world’s value system (vv. 51-53)
Luke 1:54-55
5) God fulfills his promises (vv. 54-55)
When you experience something surprising or disappointing, are you still able to respond with joyful praise?
We will never be able to respond the way that Mary did if we don’t tether ourselves to Scripture–the written word; and to Jesus—the living Word.
________________________
Sermon Notes: Matt Bradner
Title: Joy
Text: Luke 1:46-55
Campus: College Hill
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!
And Mary said:
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.
He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;
he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.’”
Luke 1:45-55
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you.
In his love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
________________________
December 6th Sermon Guides
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Luke 1:67-79
Advent Week 2: Peace
Intro/Overview
This Sunday marks the second week of our advent season. Initially we talked about the meaning of advent, and wow this season is marked by our eager anticipation of Christ’s return. The theme for the first Sunday of advent is hope. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a great hope and assurance, one that is steadfast and eternal. The hope that we have in Christ is unlike the hope we have in things of this world. With Christ, we don’t have to wonder or doubt, instead, our hope is certain and unwavering.
As we enter week 2 of our advent season, the theme for this week is peace. Peace should be a constant familiar reality for those in Christ. Yet, in a world full of sin, and death, chaos and trials, it is easy for us to become overwhelmed and lose our sense of peace. For believers, it is important that we understand the two-fold meaning of the word peace.
Luke chapter 1 sets the stage for the birth of Jesus and follows the story of the birth of John the Baptist. After the wife of Zechariah gives birth to a baby boy, it is evident to all the people that this baby is blessed/special. Zechariah, who was previously unable to talk, prophesies about this baby boy and says that he will clear the way for the coming of the Lord. Zechariah also informs his hearers that God has provided redemption and salvation for His people and has been incredibly merciful and compassionate to the nation of Israel. This great redemption and salvation of course is realized in and through Jesus. Finally at the end of chapter 1, Zechariah says that God will guide His people to the way of peace (verse 79).
The Bible says that (because of our sin) we were born as enemies of God, but because of Christ, we are now at peace with God (Romans 5:1). But what is this peace that comes from God? First of all, peace is no longer being at war with holy Creator God. We are no longer His enemies, but now we are His children. What a glorious reality! Second, peace (biblically speaking) is a sense of assurance, rest, and serenity (spiritually speaking). Because of the finished work of Christ and the redemption He has assured for those who believe, we can live each day with a great sense of peace as we eagerly await eternity with our King.
For believers, we know that Christ holds us fast and keeps us secure. It is the Lord that preserves us. This should be a great comfort to every believer; a reality that we celebrate and embrace daily, not simply during the advent season.
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 1:67-79
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Text: Luke 1:67-79 (CSB)
Title: Peace
Congregation: Rivermont
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times;
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us.
He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant that we, having been rescued from the hand of our enemies, would serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.“
Luke 1:67-79
Click Here to see the Image: Kellogg-Briand Pact
שָׁלוֹם - “shalom”, peace
In what ways do I need peace?
Where do I tend to go to find a sense of peace?
“Zechariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”
Luke 1:18
How might Jesus be inviting us into a quiet, still, and unhurried pace of life?
Being with God in silence and stillness transforms our hearts from doubting to delighting.
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times;“
Luke 1:67-70
“Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.”
“Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:68, 78-79
“Afterward he was on his way to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were traveling with him. Just as he neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the town was also with her. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said, ‘Don’t weep.’ Then he came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And he said, ‘Young man, I tell you, get up!’
The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Then fear came over everyone, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us,’ and ‘God has visited his people.”
Luke 7:11-16
“to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.’”
Luke 1:77
Christ himself is our peace (Eph. 2:14)
Repentance is the practice of the peaceful.
In what ways do I need peace? Where do I tend to go to find a sense of peace?
_______________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Peace
Text: Luke 1:67-79
Campus: College Hill
Advent helps us to slow down and to focus on something lasting, eternal, and true.
Advent holds pain and promise in tension.
Peace is found in the tension of the already, and not yet; it’s found in the fulfillment of God’s promises and in our anticipation of our eternal reality.
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us.
He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant that we, having been rescued from the hand of our enemies, would serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.“
Luke 1:67-79 (CSB)
The Story of God: Creation. Fall. Redemption. Restoration.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters…God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed.”
Genesis 1:1-2, 31a
Shalom (peace, wholeness) was shattered in Genesis chapter three.
God’s justice is not absent of grace.
“Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.”
Deuteronomy 18:15
Partial obedience is disobedience.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.”
Isaiah 9:2
Three Overarching Reasons for Praise (Luke 1:67-79):
1) God has not forgotten his people (vv. 68-69)
2) God rescues and heals his people (vv. 69-71)
3) God has fulfilled, and is fulfilling, his promises to his people (vv. 69-73)
Salvation is healing.
The purpose of God’s salvation is not simply to make our lives temporarily better—or to keep us out of hell—but for us to serve him in holiness (Luke 1:74-75)
Healing and peace is found when we tether ourselves to Jesus.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (CSB)
We can welcome peace (Christ) through:
1) Repentance and
2) Praise
_______________________________________
Scripture: Luke 1:67-79
Advent Week 2: Peace
Intro/Overview
This Sunday marks the second week of our advent season. Initially we talked about the meaning of advent, and wow this season is marked by our eager anticipation of Christ’s return. The theme for the first Sunday of advent is hope. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a great hope and assurance, one that is steadfast and eternal. The hope that we have in Christ is unlike the hope we have in things of this world. With Christ, we don’t have to wonder or doubt, instead, our hope is certain and unwavering.
As we enter week 2 of our advent season, the theme for this week is peace. Peace should be a constant familiar reality for those in Christ. Yet, in a world full of sin, and death, chaos and trials, it is easy for us to become overwhelmed and lose our sense of peace. For believers, it is important that we understand the two-fold meaning of the word peace.
Luke chapter 1 sets the stage for the birth of Jesus and follows the story of the birth of John the Baptist. After the wife of Zechariah gives birth to a baby boy, it is evident to all the people that this baby is blessed/special. Zechariah, who was previously unable to talk, prophesies about this baby boy and says that he will clear the way for the coming of the Lord. Zechariah also informs his hearers that God has provided redemption and salvation for His people and has been incredibly merciful and compassionate to the nation of Israel. This great redemption and salvation of course is realized in and through Jesus. Finally at the end of chapter 1, Zechariah says that God will guide His people to the way of peace (verse 79).
The Bible says that (because of our sin) we were born as enemies of God, but because of Christ, we are now at peace with God (Romans 5:1). But what is this peace that comes from God? First of all, peace is no longer being at war with holy Creator God. We are no longer His enemies, but now we are His children. What a glorious reality! Second, peace (biblically speaking) is a sense of assurance, rest, and serenity (spiritually speaking). Because of the finished work of Christ and the redemption He has assured for those who believe, we can live each day with a great sense of peace as we eagerly await eternity with our King.
For believers, we know that Christ holds us fast and keeps us secure. It is the Lord that preserves us. This should be a great comfort to every believer; a reality that we celebrate and embrace daily, not simply during the advent season.
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 1:67-79
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- The theme for the second week of advent is peace. How would you define the word peace?
- The world is such a busy and chaotic place, so much so that we often become incredibly stressed and overwhelmed. What brings you peace in your moments of anxiety?
- Through Christ Jesus we have incredible peace. Peace, in a biblical context, has two meanings. What is the two-fold meaning of God’s peace?
- How does God’s peace differ from the world’s peace?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? How can you show Christ to your extended (and immediate) family during the holiday season? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Text: Luke 1:67-79 (CSB)
Title: Peace
Congregation: Rivermont
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times;
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us.
He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant that we, having been rescued from the hand of our enemies, would serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.“
Luke 1:67-79
Click Here to see the Image: Kellogg-Briand Pact
שָׁלוֹם - “shalom”, peace
In what ways do I need peace?
Where do I tend to go to find a sense of peace?
“Zechariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”
Luke 1:18
How might Jesus be inviting us into a quiet, still, and unhurried pace of life?
Being with God in silence and stillness transforms our hearts from doubting to delighting.
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times;“
Luke 1:67-70
“Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.”
“Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:68, 78-79
“Afterward he was on his way to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were traveling with him. Just as he neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the town was also with her. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said, ‘Don’t weep.’ Then he came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And he said, ‘Young man, I tell you, get up!’
The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Then fear came over everyone, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us,’ and ‘God has visited his people.”
Luke 7:11-16
“to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.’”
Luke 1:77
Christ himself is our peace (Eph. 2:14)
Repentance is the practice of the peaceful.
In what ways do I need peace? Where do I tend to go to find a sense of peace?
_______________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: Peace
Text: Luke 1:67-79
Campus: College Hill
Advent helps us to slow down and to focus on something lasting, eternal, and true.
Advent holds pain and promise in tension.
Peace is found in the tension of the already, and not yet; it’s found in the fulfillment of God’s promises and in our anticipation of our eternal reality.
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us.
He has dealt mercifully with our ancestors and remembered his holy covenant—the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant that we, having been rescued from the hand of our enemies, would serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.“
Luke 1:67-79 (CSB)
The Story of God: Creation. Fall. Redemption. Restoration.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters…God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed.”
Genesis 1:1-2, 31a
Shalom (peace, wholeness) was shattered in Genesis chapter three.
God’s justice is not absent of grace.
“Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.”
Deuteronomy 18:15
Partial obedience is disobedience.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.”
Isaiah 9:2
Three Overarching Reasons for Praise (Luke 1:67-79):
1) God has not forgotten his people (vv. 68-69)
2) God rescues and heals his people (vv. 69-71)
3) God has fulfilled, and is fulfilling, his promises to his people (vv. 69-73)
Salvation is healing.
The purpose of God’s salvation is not simply to make our lives temporarily better—or to keep us out of hell—but for us to serve him in holiness (Luke 1:74-75)
Healing and peace is found when we tether ourselves to Jesus.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (CSB)
We can welcome peace (Christ) through:
1) Repentance and
2) Praise
_______________________________________
November 29th Sermon Guides
KidsCity
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: Luke 2:25-32
Story point: HOPE - We can have hope in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Key passage: Luke 2:26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Luke 2:26, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Erase or cross out one word at a time until the verse is memorized.
Say: Simeon had been promised by God through the Holy Spirit that he would live to see Jesus. Throughout his life he was patient, did what was right, and held on to hope, knowing God would keep His promise. In the next verses we will see that God was true to His promise, and Simeon met Jesus.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 2:25 - 32 and listen to Mr. Brandon’s lesson
Activity: Hope Potato (Hot Potato)
Supplies: A ball, or potato, or anything to pass around in a circle.
Pass around the item chosen, and play some Christmas music, whoever ends up with the item at the end, say something that gives you hope.
Ex. The hope you have in Jesus as our savior, hope in a wonderful Christmas season because we love each other.
Say: Simeon waited years for Jesus, we are so blessed to have been born in a time where we don’t have to wait for Him, He has already come! Go throughout this week remembering the great hope we have in Jesus.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Luke 2:26, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Erase or cross out one word at a time until the verse is memorized.
Say: Simeon had been promised by God through the Holy Spirit that he would live to see Jesus. Throughout his life he was patient, did what was right, and held on to hope, knowing God would keep His promise. In the next verses we will see that God was true to His promise, and Simeon met Jesus.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 2:25 - 32 and listen to Mr. Brandon’s lesson
Activity: Hope Potato (Hot Potato)
Supplies: A ball, or potato, or anything to pass around in a circle.
Pass around the item chosen, and play some Christmas music, whoever ends up with the item at the end, say something that gives you hope.
Ex. The hope you have in Jesus as our savior, hope in a wonderful Christmas season because we love each other.
Say: Simeon waited years for Jesus, we are so blessed to have been born in a time where we don’t have to wait for Him, He has already come! Go throughout this week remembering the great hope we have in Jesus!
____
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Luke 2:25-32
Advent Week 1: Hope
Intro/Overview
Well, it's official, the holiday season is upon us. This is such a wonderful (and busy) time of year. We are all so excited to decorate our homes, make plans with friends and family, take time away from work, shop for loved ones, etc. There is so much to be done and so much to look forward to at this time of year. But as believers in Jesus Christ, we have a hope that transcends any holiday; we anticipate something so much greater than any present can offer us.
This week marks the beginning of the Advent season. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” For Christians, the advent season marks the birth of Christ (His first coming) but during this season we also eagerly await the second coming of Jesus. This first Sunday of Advent means hope. Hope is really synonymous with the Christian faith. As sinful human beings that are destined for death and destruction, we are utterly hopeless apart from Christ Jesus. However, He has given us reason to believe and to hope.
In Luke chapter 2, we find the birth of Jesus Christ recorded. The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, had been waiting for this promised Messiah. God sent His prophets and given the people His written word and foretold of the Savior to come. He had promised them deliverance and salvation through His chosen One. Thankfully, God is a God that keeps His promises!! So here in Luke chapter 2, we find a man named Simeon who had been told by God that he would not die before seeing the Savior. So, upon hearing of Jesus’ birth and seeing Him in the temple, Simeon knew that God had again stayed true to His word. Simeon takes the child Jesus in his arms and blesses Him, knowing that He is fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope of His people.
There are a lot of things that we can place our hope in. Some of us hope in money, for some of us it is our family/friends, for others we hope in our performance or the way that others view us. If we consider Christmas time, a lot of us are hoping for what we will receive on Christmas morning. But as those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, our hope is ultimately in Him. This hope isn’t simply tied to a certain time of year, or any of our earthly circumstances, we are hopeful and assured of what Christ has accomplished for us through His life, death, and resurrection. And as His people, we eagerly await His second coming, when His glory is revealed to all of creation. He is our Hope.
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 2:25-32
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Hope: The Spirit of Advent
Text: Luke 2:25-35
Campus: Rivermont
Image 1 - Click Here
Image 2: Light and Dark - Click Here
Image 3: God and Humanity - Click Here
Image 4: Slavery in Egypt - Click Here
How long, O God?
Image 5: Sinai_Epiphany - Click Here
How long, O God?
Image 6: Exile - Click Here
How long, O Lord?
“How long, Lord?
Will you forget us forever?
How long will you hide your face from us?
How long will we store up anxious concerns within us, agony in our minds every day?
How long will our enemies dominate us?
Consider us and answer, Lord our God. Restore brightness to our eyes; otherwise we will sleep in death. Our enemies are saying, “We have triumphed over them,” and our foes are rejoicing because we are trembling.
But we have trusted in your faithful love; our hearts will rejoice in your deliverance in the past. We will sing to the Lord because you have treated us generously. So, we will wait on you.”
Psalm 13
“There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, “
Luke 2:25-27
“Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
For my eyes have seen your salvation.
You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32
“Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, ‘Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[d] of many hearts may be revealed.’”
Luke 2:34-35
Where are you?
Who told you?
What have you done?
Where are you? Am I dislocated from God, in some way estranged from him?
Who told you? What voices other than God’s have I been listening to?
What have you done? What have we done with Jesus? God in the flesh? Who is he to me? Is it time to stop admiring (or rejecting) him from afar?
The story of Advent means - Jesus has come close to us. Will we not also come near to him?
The spirit of Advent: Waiting in Hope
The people of God in waiting, are to be fervent in prayer, filled with the Holy Spirit, and marked by hope. Because prayer is the practice of the hopeful.
_____
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Advent: Hope in Christ
Text: Luke 2:25-32
Campus: College Hill
Image: The Seasons - Click Here
This calendar becomes a powerful tool for discipleship. A tool that is going to help us both Remember and Retell the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, ‘Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples — a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.’”
Luke 2:25-32
This morning, what are you placing your hope in?
We often tend to place hopes in things that offer us safety and security
Hope bridges the gap between where you are now and where you will experience peace.
We need hope in Christ now in a way that will sustain us beyond the Christmas season.
What if our seasons here on earth become moments that propel us into a deeper, more grounded, and relentless hope in a future Kingdom?
“It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, ‘Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.’”
Luke 2:26-29
5. Simeon’s hope was complete yet anticipatory of the future Salvation of God’s people
What kind of work do we need to let the Spirit do in our hearts in order to allow our material hopes to be properly submitted to our ultimate hope in Christ?
May the Spirit drive us to a comforting hope in the object of our faith - Jesus Christ.
____
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: Luke 2:25-32
Story point: HOPE - We can have hope in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Key passage: Luke 2:26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Luke 2:26, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Erase or cross out one word at a time until the verse is memorized.
Say: Simeon had been promised by God through the Holy Spirit that he would live to see Jesus. Throughout his life he was patient, did what was right, and held on to hope, knowing God would keep His promise. In the next verses we will see that God was true to His promise, and Simeon met Jesus.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 2:25 - 32 and listen to Mr. Brandon’s lesson
- Who was Simeon? (He was an Israelite who lived a righteous life. God has promised him that he would meet Jesus.)
- Do you think that Simeon waited for a short or a long time? (The Bible doesn’t tell us how old Simeon was, and it doesn’t tell us how long he waited, but we know that he waited and did not give up. He trusted in God and in God’s promises.)
- What is something that we Christians hope for? (Our hope is in Jesus Christ. It is knowing that he lived, died, and rose again and that one day, we Christians will be in heaven with him.
Activity: Hope Potato (Hot Potato)
Supplies: A ball, or potato, or anything to pass around in a circle.
Pass around the item chosen, and play some Christmas music, whoever ends up with the item at the end, say something that gives you hope.
Ex. The hope you have in Jesus as our savior, hope in a wonderful Christmas season because we love each other.
Say: Simeon waited years for Jesus, we are so blessed to have been born in a time where we don’t have to wait for Him, He has already come! Go throughout this week remembering the great hope we have in Jesus.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, Luke 2:26, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Erase or cross out one word at a time until the verse is memorized.
Say: Simeon had been promised by God through the Holy Spirit that he would live to see Jesus. Throughout his life he was patient, did what was right, and held on to hope, knowing God would keep His promise. In the next verses we will see that God was true to His promise, and Simeon met Jesus.
Bible Story Questions
Read Luke 2:25 - 32 and listen to Mr. Brandon’s lesson
- Who was Simeon? (He was an Israelite who lived a righteous life. God has promised him that he would meet Jesus.)
- Do you think that Simeon waited for a short or a long time? (The Bible doesn’t tell us how old Simeon was, and it doesn’t tell us how long he waited, but we know that he waited and did not give up. He trusted in God and in God’s promises.)
- What is something that we Christians hope for? (Our hope is in Jesus Christ. It is knowing that he lived, died, and rose again and that one day, we Christians will be in heaven with him.)
Activity: Hope Potato (Hot Potato)
Supplies: A ball, or potato, or anything to pass around in a circle.
Pass around the item chosen, and play some Christmas music, whoever ends up with the item at the end, say something that gives you hope.
Ex. The hope you have in Jesus as our savior, hope in a wonderful Christmas season because we love each other.
Say: Simeon waited years for Jesus, we are so blessed to have been born in a time where we don’t have to wait for Him, He has already come! Go throughout this week remembering the great hope we have in Jesus!
____
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: Luke 2:25-32
Advent Week 1: Hope
Intro/Overview
Well, it's official, the holiday season is upon us. This is such a wonderful (and busy) time of year. We are all so excited to decorate our homes, make plans with friends and family, take time away from work, shop for loved ones, etc. There is so much to be done and so much to look forward to at this time of year. But as believers in Jesus Christ, we have a hope that transcends any holiday; we anticipate something so much greater than any present can offer us.
This week marks the beginning of the Advent season. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” For Christians, the advent season marks the birth of Christ (His first coming) but during this season we also eagerly await the second coming of Jesus. This first Sunday of Advent means hope. Hope is really synonymous with the Christian faith. As sinful human beings that are destined for death and destruction, we are utterly hopeless apart from Christ Jesus. However, He has given us reason to believe and to hope.
In Luke chapter 2, we find the birth of Jesus Christ recorded. The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, had been waiting for this promised Messiah. God sent His prophets and given the people His written word and foretold of the Savior to come. He had promised them deliverance and salvation through His chosen One. Thankfully, God is a God that keeps His promises!! So here in Luke chapter 2, we find a man named Simeon who had been told by God that he would not die before seeing the Savior. So, upon hearing of Jesus’ birth and seeing Him in the temple, Simeon knew that God had again stayed true to His word. Simeon takes the child Jesus in his arms and blesses Him, knowing that He is fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope of His people.
There are a lot of things that we can place our hope in. Some of us hope in money, for some of us it is our family/friends, for others we hope in our performance or the way that others view us. If we consider Christmas time, a lot of us are hoping for what we will receive on Christmas morning. But as those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, our hope is ultimately in Him. This hope isn’t simply tied to a certain time of year, or any of our earthly circumstances, we are hopeful and assured of what Christ has accomplished for us through His life, death, and resurrection. And as His people, we eagerly await His second coming, when His glory is revealed to all of creation. He is our Hope.
Discussion Questions
Read Luke 2:25-32
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- This Sunday marks the beginning of the advent season. The word advent means “coming” or “arrival.” As Christians, what are we anticipating or waiting for during the advent season?
- The theme for this first Sunday is hope. What are some things that you hope for consistently? Are these things that line up with the will and word of God?
- As Christians, our hope is in Christ Jesus. How is hoping in Him different from hoping in the things of the world?
- How can you live out this hope consistently? Are there some people in your life that you can share this hope with?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? How can you show Christ to your extended (and immediate) family during the holiday season? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Hope: The Spirit of Advent
Text: Luke 2:25-35
Campus: Rivermont
Image 1 - Click Here
Image 2: Light and Dark - Click Here
Image 3: God and Humanity - Click Here
Image 4: Slavery in Egypt - Click Here
How long, O God?
Image 5: Sinai_Epiphany - Click Here
How long, O God?
Image 6: Exile - Click Here
How long, O Lord?
“How long, Lord?
Will you forget us forever?
How long will you hide your face from us?
How long will we store up anxious concerns within us, agony in our minds every day?
How long will our enemies dominate us?
Consider us and answer, Lord our God. Restore brightness to our eyes; otherwise we will sleep in death. Our enemies are saying, “We have triumphed over them,” and our foes are rejoicing because we are trembling.
But we have trusted in your faithful love; our hearts will rejoice in your deliverance in the past. We will sing to the Lord because you have treated us generously. So, we will wait on you.”
Psalm 13
“There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, “
Luke 2:25-27
“Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
For my eyes have seen your salvation.
You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32
“Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, ‘Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[d] of many hearts may be revealed.’”
Luke 2:34-35
Where are you?
Who told you?
What have you done?
Where are you? Am I dislocated from God, in some way estranged from him?
Who told you? What voices other than God’s have I been listening to?
What have you done? What have we done with Jesus? God in the flesh? Who is he to me? Is it time to stop admiring (or rejecting) him from afar?
The story of Advent means - Jesus has come close to us. Will we not also come near to him?
The spirit of Advent: Waiting in Hope
The people of God in waiting, are to be fervent in prayer, filled with the Holy Spirit, and marked by hope. Because prayer is the practice of the hopeful.
_____
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Advent: Hope in Christ
Text: Luke 2:25-32
Campus: College Hill
Image: The Seasons - Click Here
This calendar becomes a powerful tool for discipleship. A tool that is going to help us both Remember and Retell the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, ‘Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples — a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.’”
Luke 2:25-32
This morning, what are you placing your hope in?
We often tend to place hopes in things that offer us safety and security
Hope bridges the gap between where you are now and where you will experience peace.
We need hope in Christ now in a way that will sustain us beyond the Christmas season.
What if our seasons here on earth become moments that propel us into a deeper, more grounded, and relentless hope in a future Kingdom?
- That Jesus’ has come, God incarnate, to call his people into a new Kingdom.
- That Jesus’ has come, God incarnate, to call his people into a new Kingdom.
- A triumphal coming of our king is coming, once and for all, to redeem his saints for all-time.
- Simeon is a common Jewish man without an extraordinary story
- Simeon, an un-extraordinary man by worldly terms, was meant to represent common Israel in their hope that awaited the coming of the extraordinary - the Messiah.
- Comfort endures when our hope is realized
- The anticipation of our hope is complete in the person of Jesus
“It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, ‘Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.’”
Luke 2:26-29
5. Simeon’s hope was complete yet anticipatory of the future Salvation of God’s people
What kind of work do we need to let the Spirit do in our hearts in order to allow our material hopes to be properly submitted to our ultimate hope in Christ?
May the Spirit drive us to a comforting hope in the object of our faith - Jesus Christ.
____
November 22nd Sermon Guides
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7-14
Peter’s Final Encouragement: Firm in the Faith
Intro/Overview
So, as we have studied through the first letter of the Apostle Peter, we have found him writing to believers in exile and consistently instructing them and encouraging them to live with great faith and to lead lives of humility, hope, and holiness. Peter has done an excellent job of continuously preaching the Gospel and pointing us towards Jesus. Peter has not only encouraged the body of Christ, but he has spent time instructing and exhorting the elders and leaders within the body of Christ as well. The purpose of this letter is to remind us of our purpose and our responsibility to live holy and set apart from the world; to demonstrate the supremacy and majesty of Christ by the way that we live. As Peter ends this letter, he exhorts these believers to lean and depend on God, and to flee from temptation.
In chapter 5, verse 7, Peter says that we can cast all of our anxieties on him [Christ]. Now this would imply that anxiety and fear are consistent with the human experience, in other words it is to be expected. However, as the people of God, we have our own anxieties and fears associated with following Christ. If you recall, this letter is being written to exiles, and they more than likely faced a lot of hostility and persecution. This undoubtedly leads to anxiety, hesitation and fear. But Peter reminds his readers to cast all of their burdens and concerns upon Him [Christ Jesus], why? Because He cares for His people. What a great comfort to know that we have such a loving and caring heavenly Father (and He demonstrates that love/care in the most incredible way, the cross).
Peter then warns his readers, as he reminds them of the great adversary they face in Satan. He says be “sober-minded (v. 8),” the devil is on the prowl like a lion searching for those that he can devour. That is a constant reality, one we must never neglect or overlook. Satan seeks to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31). But Peter encourages believers to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith. It is only through faith in Christ that we are delivered and victorious. It is not based upon our own strength and ability, but succeeding in fleeing temptation is only by the gift of grace and power of the Spirit.
Finally Peter tells us that this is suffering, and that this is the life of every believer. In verse 9 he says that suffering is the experience for Chrisitians throughout the world. In other words, we can expect suffering and tribulation if we are going to live for Jesus. However, we are compelled to live for Him because of the glory that awaits us. In verse 10 Peter says that it is God who will restore, confirm, and strengthen us. This is a great reminder of that God that we serve and belong to. As those living in “exile,” even in the year 2020, we will be tempted and we will face trials. As His people, we must be totally dependent upon God at every moment in order to stand firm in our faith.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 5:7-14
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Peaceful, Non-Anxious Presence
Text: 1 Peter 5:6-14 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Faithfulness to Jesus in exile means being a peaceful, non-anxious presence in highly anxious spaces.
“ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time,”
1 Peter 5:6.
Proximity to Jesus breeds humility and a peace, or contentment, with who we are. So we’re relieved of the stress and anxiety of needing to prove or defend ourselves.
“casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:7
2. Cast your anxieties on God.
Followers of Jesus are set apart in that our peaceful non-anxious presence is found in the person of Jesus.
3. Slow down & pay attention.
4. Resist and stand firm by practicing faith.
“Resist him, firm in the faith”
1 Peter 5:9a.
In the practice of humbling myself instead of defending myself God meets me and he transforms me. He is my peace; he is my relief from anxiety.
“knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:9b.
Suffering is the way our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls remember pain.
5. Remember the Gospel in the midst of suffering.
“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus is not just forgiving our sins, but freeing us from our sin and its effects.
“Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
1 Peter 5:12-14.
The peace of Christ is tethered to being in loving fellowship with other followers of Jesus.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: 1 Peter 5:6-14 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen. Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."
1 Peter 5:6-14 (CSB)
Peter is giving Christian exiles tools to endure, and overcome, the various challenges to our faith.
1) Warning: recognize and resist the enemy (vv. 8-9a)
2) Encouragement: continually rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace (vv. 10-11)
3) Observation: in order to endure, we must press into, healthy, gospel-centered community with other imperfect Christians (vv. 9b, 12-14)
1) Warning: recognize and resist the enemy (vv. 8-9a)
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith,”
1 Peter 5:8-9a
How does the Bible describe the enemy?
He is a cunning deceiver (2 Cor. 11:3)
He is the “father of all lies” (John 8:44)
He is the slanderer (Rev. 13:6)
He is the tempter (Matt. 4:3)
He is the destroyer (Rev. 9:11)
He is a thief who comes to kill and destroy (John 10:10)
He is a murderer (John 8:44)
He is the “evil one” (Matt. 13:19)
He is the “accuser of the brothers” (Rev. 12:10)
He is the ruler of the darkness (Eph. 6:12)
He blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4);
He is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4)
He is lawless (2 Thess. 2:8-9)
He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)
He is clever (2 Cor. 2:11)
He is a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour (1 Pet. 5:8).
When we humbly continue to trust God, believing that he truly cares for us, we silence the lies of the evil one.
When we faithfully practice the teachings of Jesus, and live out the way of Jesus, there’s no room for the enemy to sink his teeth into us.
2) Encouragement: continually rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace (vv. 10-11); grace which is evident in God’s calling, presence and promises.
“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11
The one who called us by his grace will also enable us, by his grace, to persevere until the end.
We rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace because God is not absent from our trouble, he’s powerful over all of creation, and he will see us through.
3) Observation: in order to endure, we must press into, healthy, gospel-centered community with other imperfect Christians (vv. 9b, 12-14)
One of the ways that the true grace of God is manifest in our lives is through the imperfect Christians around us.
Consider:
-How might I need to expose, and call out, the work of the enemy?
-Where do I need to apply God’s grace to myself and others?
-Am I pressing into gospel-centered community?
__________________________________________________________________
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7-14
Peter’s Final Encouragement: Firm in the Faith
Intro/Overview
So, as we have studied through the first letter of the Apostle Peter, we have found him writing to believers in exile and consistently instructing them and encouraging them to live with great faith and to lead lives of humility, hope, and holiness. Peter has done an excellent job of continuously preaching the Gospel and pointing us towards Jesus. Peter has not only encouraged the body of Christ, but he has spent time instructing and exhorting the elders and leaders within the body of Christ as well. The purpose of this letter is to remind us of our purpose and our responsibility to live holy and set apart from the world; to demonstrate the supremacy and majesty of Christ by the way that we live. As Peter ends this letter, he exhorts these believers to lean and depend on God, and to flee from temptation.
In chapter 5, verse 7, Peter says that we can cast all of our anxieties on him [Christ]. Now this would imply that anxiety and fear are consistent with the human experience, in other words it is to be expected. However, as the people of God, we have our own anxieties and fears associated with following Christ. If you recall, this letter is being written to exiles, and they more than likely faced a lot of hostility and persecution. This undoubtedly leads to anxiety, hesitation and fear. But Peter reminds his readers to cast all of their burdens and concerns upon Him [Christ Jesus], why? Because He cares for His people. What a great comfort to know that we have such a loving and caring heavenly Father (and He demonstrates that love/care in the most incredible way, the cross).
Peter then warns his readers, as he reminds them of the great adversary they face in Satan. He says be “sober-minded (v. 8),” the devil is on the prowl like a lion searching for those that he can devour. That is a constant reality, one we must never neglect or overlook. Satan seeks to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31). But Peter encourages believers to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith. It is only through faith in Christ that we are delivered and victorious. It is not based upon our own strength and ability, but succeeding in fleeing temptation is only by the gift of grace and power of the Spirit.
Finally Peter tells us that this is suffering, and that this is the life of every believer. In verse 9 he says that suffering is the experience for Chrisitians throughout the world. In other words, we can expect suffering and tribulation if we are going to live for Jesus. However, we are compelled to live for Him because of the glory that awaits us. In verse 10 Peter says that it is God who will restore, confirm, and strengthen us. This is a great reminder of that God that we serve and belong to. As those living in “exile,” even in the year 2020, we will be tempted and we will face trials. As His people, we must be totally dependent upon God at every moment in order to stand firm in our faith.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 5:7-14
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- The letter of 1 Peter has been full of some wonderful instruction and encouragement. What are some of the major themes that you have taken away from 1 Peter?
- In verse 7, Peter tells believers to cast all of their anxieties on God. What are some things that make you anxious? Have you taken these burdens and fears to God?
- We are told to be sober-minded and alert, constantly aware of Satan who is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. In what ways have you felt tempted? And how can we be successful in resisting temptation?
- Suffering is to be expected for the life of the believer. In what ways are Christians suffering around the world? Have you experienced suffering in any way because of your faith?
- What is it that motivates us to endure suffering (look at verse 10)?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Peaceful, Non-Anxious Presence
Text: 1 Peter 5:6-14 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
Faithfulness to Jesus in exile means being a peaceful, non-anxious presence in highly anxious spaces.
“ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time,”
1 Peter 5:6.
- Be humble.
Proximity to Jesus breeds humility and a peace, or contentment, with who we are. So we’re relieved of the stress and anxiety of needing to prove or defend ourselves.
“casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:7
2. Cast your anxieties on God.
Followers of Jesus are set apart in that our peaceful non-anxious presence is found in the person of Jesus.
3. Slow down & pay attention.
4. Resist and stand firm by practicing faith.
“Resist him, firm in the faith”
1 Peter 5:9a.
In the practice of humbling myself instead of defending myself God meets me and he transforms me. He is my peace; he is my relief from anxiety.
“knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:9b.
Suffering is the way our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls remember pain.
5. Remember the Gospel in the midst of suffering.
“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus is not just forgiving our sins, but freeing us from our sin and its effects.
“Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
1 Peter 5:12-14.
The peace of Christ is tethered to being in loving fellowship with other followers of Jesus.
__________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: 1 Peter 5:6-14 (CSB)
Campus: College Hill
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen. Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."
1 Peter 5:6-14 (CSB)
Peter is giving Christian exiles tools to endure, and overcome, the various challenges to our faith.
1) Warning: recognize and resist the enemy (vv. 8-9a)
2) Encouragement: continually rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace (vv. 10-11)
3) Observation: in order to endure, we must press into, healthy, gospel-centered community with other imperfect Christians (vv. 9b, 12-14)
1) Warning: recognize and resist the enemy (vv. 8-9a)
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith,”
1 Peter 5:8-9a
How does the Bible describe the enemy?
He is a cunning deceiver (2 Cor. 11:3)
He is the “father of all lies” (John 8:44)
He is the slanderer (Rev. 13:6)
He is the tempter (Matt. 4:3)
He is the destroyer (Rev. 9:11)
He is a thief who comes to kill and destroy (John 10:10)
He is a murderer (John 8:44)
He is the “evil one” (Matt. 13:19)
He is the “accuser of the brothers” (Rev. 12:10)
He is the ruler of the darkness (Eph. 6:12)
He blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4);
He is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4)
He is lawless (2 Thess. 2:8-9)
He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)
He is clever (2 Cor. 2:11)
He is a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour (1 Pet. 5:8).
When we humbly continue to trust God, believing that he truly cares for us, we silence the lies of the evil one.
When we faithfully practice the teachings of Jesus, and live out the way of Jesus, there’s no room for the enemy to sink his teeth into us.
2) Encouragement: continually rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace (vv. 10-11); grace which is evident in God’s calling, presence and promises.
“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11
The one who called us by his grace will also enable us, by his grace, to persevere until the end.
We rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace because God is not absent from our trouble, he’s powerful over all of creation, and he will see us through.
3) Observation: in order to endure, we must press into, healthy, gospel-centered community with other imperfect Christians (vv. 9b, 12-14)
One of the ways that the true grace of God is manifest in our lives is through the imperfect Christians around us.
Consider:
-How might I need to expose, and call out, the work of the enemy?
-Where do I need to apply God’s grace to myself and others?
-Am I pressing into gospel-centered community?
__________________________________________________________________
November 15th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview:
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Story Point: We need to act with humility and obey those that are in positions of authority over us.
Key Passage: 1 Peter 5:5b Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and pencil
Practice saying the verse a few times to start. Then take turns writing the verse with each person only writing one word of the verse at a time. Move the paper in a circle to complete the verse as a family.
Say: We need to wrap ourselves in humility so that we can better follow Jesus’ example.
Bible Story Questions:
Activity: Simon Says
Supplies: Space
Say: Listening is super important when it comes to playing Simon Says and when it comes to humility. If we are carefully listening we can obey better and can hear what others need. Listening carefully shows others that we care about them, and that is a humble thing to do.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and pencil
Practice saying the verse a few times to start. Then take turns writing the verse with each person only writing one word of the verse at a time. Move the paper in a circle to complete the verse as a family.
Say: We had to work together to write this verse as a family. Our key verse tells us that everyone who is led by the Spirit of God becomes God’s children. God loves when his children work together to bring Him praise.
Bible Story Questions
Activity: Simon Says
Supplies: Space
Say: Listening is super important when it comes to playing Simon Says and when it comes to humility. If we are carefully listening, we can obey better and can hear what others need. Listening carefully shows others that we care about them, and that is a humble thing to do
__________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-9
Christian, Clothe Yourself in Humility
Intro/Overview
Honestly, humility does not come easily. There is just something about human beings, something in our DNA that makes humbling ourselves incredibly difficult at times. It feels counterintuitive, it goes against our very nature, and quite frankly, we just don’t like it. But as the people of God, He clearly calls for humility to be one of our attributes; a prominent characteristic for followers of Christ. Here is 1 Peter 5, Peter reminds those believers in exile to live with great humility.
He begins by telling the younger men to subject themselves to the leadership of the elders within the church (verse 5). This is really a call to submit to authority. Again, this doesn’t come easily or naturally to us as sinful and rebellious human beings. But God has called and established the elders/leaders in the church for a reason. And just as we submit to God and His authority, as the body of Christ and His people we must subject ourselves to the appropriate authorities that are in place over us. This will not happen apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and an incredible amount of humility.
This is why Peter says, to “clothe yourselves with humility.” As Christians, humility should be central to who we are. If we look to Christ Jesus and the example He set for us, we can’t help but be moved by His incredible display of humility. Here, Peter says that we should clothe ourselves in humility. This means that all that we are and do should exemplify a humble disposition. Think about wrapping yourself in a robe, a gown, or towel. That garment covers you and really engulfs you. If we think of humility in this way, it really begins to infiltrate every area of our lives.
Peter also reminds believers why it is so important to consistently demonstrate humility. He says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Here, he paraphrases part of Proverbs 3:34 by saying God gives grace to the humble. Let’s focus on the first half of that statement, “God opposes the proud.” This should really stop us in our tracks and make us stand up and pay attention. The reason humility is so important, is because God is in opposition to those that are proud; He is against those that lack humility. In our flesh, apart from Christ and His redeeming work, this is who we all are, opponents of God. If you ever wonder whether or not you are in fellowship with Creator God and whether or not you have been regenerated, truly consider your heart and the level of humility you do or do not consistently display. God may oppose the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. This is glorious news! God has shown His amazing grace in the most evident and powerful way, by sending Christ Jesus to pay for the sins of wicked and rebellious people. That should be enough to humble the proudest individual.
Peter ends this section by telling us that most importantly, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. As the great Creator, and our redeemer, we should be humble before Him. Apart from His saving grace and mercy, we are doomed, destined for death and destruction as objects of His wrath. But in His great love for us, He put forth Christ as a substitute for our sins to secure eternal life and forgiveness all for His glory and our good. Furthermore, Peter says that those that are humbled, God will exalt at the proper time. This a Kingdom principle, that Christ Himself taught His disciples (see Luke 14:7-11).
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 5:5-9
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Faith in Exile
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Campus: Rivermont
Three Imperatives:
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Rather, in light of God, thinking more significantly of those around you, in order that you are so captivated and motivated to love and care for those around you.
“In the same way, you who are younger; be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.”
1 Peter 5:5a (CSB)
1. Humility is the clothing that identifies us.
Your attitude, your language, your demeanor, and the very presence that is carried with you are seasoned with that of an eager servanthood.
Humility is found in the shadow that follows God’s presence.
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5b (CSB)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time.”
1 Peter 5:6 (CSB)
Humility doesn’t seek another’s affirmation, sacrificing exultation from Christ.
-Rather-
It willingly submits to one another—not considering their affirmation—while waiting upon God’s exultation.
“Casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (CSB)
Identify the sources of pride that are keeping you from pressing into this glorious virtue of humility.
-Then-
Empty yourself and set up boundaries that will help you be firmly saturated in the fullness of God’s grace.
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Campus: College Hill
“I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
Read 1 Pet. 5:1-7 (CSB).
Godly Elders: shepherd God’s church willingly, serve eagerly, and are an example to the church.
Elders are to live in such a way that everyone around them knows the chief Shepherd (Jesus) and knows that He’s coming back (v. 4).
“I, _________, understand my role as a ___Lead/Local_____ Elder and the responsibilities that are assigned to me by Christ and my fellow elders. Without any hesitation, I commit to fulfilling my role to the best of my ability. I submit myself to Christ and to my fellow elders. I will cheerfully follow Christ, love my family, and serve my church. I will faithfully pursue humility and seek to lead in a way that glorifies Christ and benefits His church. I will not abuse my authority or neglect my responsibilities. If at any point – I am no longer capable, or my fellow elders feel that I am incapable of fulfilling my responsibilities – I will step down graciously, discreetly, and un-contentiously.”
Humility is a reflection of God’s presence in our lives; it helps us to rightly engage with each other and to deal with our burdens in a Christ-like manner.
Those who are in positions of spiritual authority are stewards of that authority and their authority is meant to magnify Christ.
Those who are in a position of submission shouldn’t resist godly spiritual authority.
“All you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”
1 Peter 5:5b
Humility is the clothing that helps to identify every Christian.
Humility prioritizes God, and the needs of others, above self.
“God resists…”
1 Peter 5:5c
Pride is putting self above God and others.
God lavishly bestows his favor on those who acknowledge their need for him.
“ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
When our cares are many, and our burdens are heavy, our response should be one of humble trust.
Humble ourselves BY casting our cares on the Lord.
Incessant worry exposes where we’re failing to trust God.
Followers of Jesus humble themselves by casting their cares and anxieties on the Lord.
God invites us to fear him, but not as a way to manipulate us but to liberate us.
Three spiritual practices for anxious souls:
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview:
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Story Point: We need to act with humility and obey those that are in positions of authority over us.
Key Passage: 1 Peter 5:5b Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and pencil
Practice saying the verse a few times to start. Then take turns writing the verse with each person only writing one word of the verse at a time. Move the paper in a circle to complete the verse as a family.
Say: We need to wrap ourselves in humility so that we can better follow Jesus’ example.
Bible Story Questions:
- What does being “humble” mean? (Mr. Brandon explains being humble as not seeing yourself as better.)
- How can we act humbly? (We can act humbly by obeying our parents, sharing with our brothers and sisters. When we put the needs of others above our own, we are acting humbly.)
- Our verse talks about clothing or wrapping ourselves with humility, how can we do that? (Wrapping ourselves in humility is making it a part of everything that we do. Thinking of others and their needs, and listening is a great way to be humble.)
- Who is the greatest example of humility? Why, what are some things He did? (Jesus. Remind the kids that He came to Earth, left the perfection of Heaven, to become a man, in order to glorify God by living a perfect life and then dying on the cross to save us.)
- Talk about some different ways you can show humility this week.
Activity: Simon Says
Supplies: Space
Say: Listening is super important when it comes to playing Simon Says and when it comes to humility. If we are carefully listening we can obey better and can hear what others need. Listening carefully shows others that we care about them, and that is a humble thing to do.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper and pencil
Practice saying the verse a few times to start. Then take turns writing the verse with each person only writing one word of the verse at a time. Move the paper in a circle to complete the verse as a family.
Say: We had to work together to write this verse as a family. Our key verse tells us that everyone who is led by the Spirit of God becomes God’s children. God loves when his children work together to bring Him praise.
Bible Story Questions
- What does being “humble” mean? (Mr. Brandon explains being humble as not seeing yourself as better.)
- How can we act humbly? (We can act humbly by obeying our parents, sharing with our brothers and sisters. When we put the needs of others above our own, we are acting humbly.)
- Our verse talks about clothing or wrapping ourselves with humility, how can we do that? (Wrapping ourselves in humility is making it a part of everything that we do. Thinking of others and their needs, and listening is a great way to be humble.)
- Who is the greatest example of humility? Why, what are some things He did? (Jesus. Remind the kids that He came to Earth, left the perfection of Heaven, to become a man, in order to glorify God by living a perfect life and then dying on the cross to save us.)
- Talk about some different ways you can show humility this week.
Activity: Simon Says
Supplies: Space
Say: Listening is super important when it comes to playing Simon Says and when it comes to humility. If we are carefully listening, we can obey better and can hear what others need. Listening carefully shows others that we care about them, and that is a humble thing to do
__________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-9
Christian, Clothe Yourself in Humility
Intro/Overview
Honestly, humility does not come easily. There is just something about human beings, something in our DNA that makes humbling ourselves incredibly difficult at times. It feels counterintuitive, it goes against our very nature, and quite frankly, we just don’t like it. But as the people of God, He clearly calls for humility to be one of our attributes; a prominent characteristic for followers of Christ. Here is 1 Peter 5, Peter reminds those believers in exile to live with great humility.
He begins by telling the younger men to subject themselves to the leadership of the elders within the church (verse 5). This is really a call to submit to authority. Again, this doesn’t come easily or naturally to us as sinful and rebellious human beings. But God has called and established the elders/leaders in the church for a reason. And just as we submit to God and His authority, as the body of Christ and His people we must subject ourselves to the appropriate authorities that are in place over us. This will not happen apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and an incredible amount of humility.
This is why Peter says, to “clothe yourselves with humility.” As Christians, humility should be central to who we are. If we look to Christ Jesus and the example He set for us, we can’t help but be moved by His incredible display of humility. Here, Peter says that we should clothe ourselves in humility. This means that all that we are and do should exemplify a humble disposition. Think about wrapping yourself in a robe, a gown, or towel. That garment covers you and really engulfs you. If we think of humility in this way, it really begins to infiltrate every area of our lives.
Peter also reminds believers why it is so important to consistently demonstrate humility. He says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Here, he paraphrases part of Proverbs 3:34 by saying God gives grace to the humble. Let’s focus on the first half of that statement, “God opposes the proud.” This should really stop us in our tracks and make us stand up and pay attention. The reason humility is so important, is because God is in opposition to those that are proud; He is against those that lack humility. In our flesh, apart from Christ and His redeeming work, this is who we all are, opponents of God. If you ever wonder whether or not you are in fellowship with Creator God and whether or not you have been regenerated, truly consider your heart and the level of humility you do or do not consistently display. God may oppose the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. This is glorious news! God has shown His amazing grace in the most evident and powerful way, by sending Christ Jesus to pay for the sins of wicked and rebellious people. That should be enough to humble the proudest individual.
Peter ends this section by telling us that most importantly, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. As the great Creator, and our redeemer, we should be humble before Him. Apart from His saving grace and mercy, we are doomed, destined for death and destruction as objects of His wrath. But in His great love for us, He put forth Christ as a substitute for our sins to secure eternal life and forgiveness all for His glory and our good. Furthermore, Peter says that those that are humbled, God will exalt at the proper time. This a Kingdom principle, that Christ Himself taught His disciples (see Luke 14:7-11).
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 5:5-9
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- Peter says there must be submission. As members of the church we are to subject ourselves to the leadership and authority of elders. Why is submitting to authority so difficult? Do you have a hard time with authority? Maybe certain people?
- We are told to clothe ourselves in humility. How would you define the word humility and where have you seen it in action? What does it mean to clothe ourselves in humility and why is this so important for the life of the believer?
- Verse 5 says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Why would God be in opposition to the proud? And does it mean for God to give/show us grace?
- For those that do humble themselves before God, He will exalt them at the appropriate time. Does the Bible tell us anything about God’s plan to exalt believers? If so, what do we know about this? How does He plan to exalt those who belong to Him?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Faith in Exile
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Campus: Rivermont
Three Imperatives:
- Be subject to the elders
- Clothe yourselves in humility
- Humble yourselves
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Rather, in light of God, thinking more significantly of those around you, in order that you are so captivated and motivated to love and care for those around you.
“In the same way, you who are younger; be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.”
1 Peter 5:5a (CSB)
1. Humility is the clothing that identifies us.
Your attitude, your language, your demeanor, and the very presence that is carried with you are seasoned with that of an eager servanthood.
Humility is found in the shadow that follows God’s presence.
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5b (CSB)
- Humility is the clothing that identifies us.
- Humility is not something we do; it is an emptiness to be pursued in order to be full of grace.
- Humility is about being more, by emptying yourself—to become a fountain of God’s overflowing grace to the world around you.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time.”
1 Peter 5:6 (CSB)
- Humility is the clothing that identifies us.
- Humility is not something we do; it is an emptiness to be pursued in order to be full of grace.
- Humility trusts in God’s sovereign power over outcomes.
Humility doesn’t seek another’s affirmation, sacrificing exultation from Christ.
-Rather-
It willingly submits to one another—not considering their affirmation—while waiting upon God’s exultation.
“Casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (CSB)
- Humility is the clothing that identifies us.
- Humility is not something we do; it is an emptiness to be pursued in order to be full of grace.
- Humility trusts in God’s sovereign power over outcomes.
- Humility demonstrates trust by casting our anxieties on the Lord.
Identify the sources of pride that are keeping you from pressing into this glorious virtue of humility.
-Then-
Empty yourself and set up boundaries that will help you be firmly saturated in the fullness of God’s grace.
_______________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Campus: College Hill
“I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
Read 1 Pet. 5:1-7 (CSB).
Godly Elders: shepherd God’s church willingly, serve eagerly, and are an example to the church.
Elders are to live in such a way that everyone around them knows the chief Shepherd (Jesus) and knows that He’s coming back (v. 4).
“I, _________, understand my role as a ___Lead/Local_____ Elder and the responsibilities that are assigned to me by Christ and my fellow elders. Without any hesitation, I commit to fulfilling my role to the best of my ability. I submit myself to Christ and to my fellow elders. I will cheerfully follow Christ, love my family, and serve my church. I will faithfully pursue humility and seek to lead in a way that glorifies Christ and benefits His church. I will not abuse my authority or neglect my responsibilities. If at any point – I am no longer capable, or my fellow elders feel that I am incapable of fulfilling my responsibilities – I will step down graciously, discreetly, and un-contentiously.”
Humility is a reflection of God’s presence in our lives; it helps us to rightly engage with each other and to deal with our burdens in a Christ-like manner.
Those who are in positions of spiritual authority are stewards of that authority and their authority is meant to magnify Christ.
Those who are in a position of submission shouldn’t resist godly spiritual authority.
“All you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”
1 Peter 5:5b
Humility is the clothing that helps to identify every Christian.
Humility prioritizes God, and the needs of others, above self.
“God resists…”
1 Peter 5:5c
Pride is putting self above God and others.
God lavishly bestows his favor on those who acknowledge their need for him.
“ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
When our cares are many, and our burdens are heavy, our response should be one of humble trust.
Humble ourselves BY casting our cares on the Lord.
Incessant worry exposes where we’re failing to trust God.
Followers of Jesus humble themselves by casting their cares and anxieties on the Lord.
God invites us to fear him, but not as a way to manipulate us but to liberate us.
Three spiritual practices for anxious souls:
- Fasting (from news media/social media)
- Feasting (on the Lord)
- Serving (look for opportunities at home, church, community)
November 8th Sermon Guides
Kids City
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: 1 Peter 5:1-4
Story point: Prepare and have the right tool for the battle against sin
Key passage: 1 Peter 5:2 "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve."
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 5:2, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Think about the kind of the friends and leaders you want in your life. Think of people who are leading because they love God and want to serve Him. When we become leaders, we should do it to help others and bring God glory.
Bible Story Questions
Activity:
Supplies: Draw a picture of you being a good leader.
Say: What did you draw? What do you think are important things to do as leaders?
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 5:2, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Think about the kind of the friends and leaders you want in your life. Think of people who are leading because they love God and want to serve Him. When we become leaders, we should do it to help others and bring God glory.
Bible Story Questions
Activity:
Supplies: Draw a picture or list out some leadership qualities that you think are important.
Say: Why did you choose those qualities? What qualities do you see in yourself that would make you a good leader?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GSM Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4
The Calling and Responsibility of an Elder
Intro/Overview
Leading a church is an incredible responsibility, one not to be taken lightly. God has established His church, the bride of Christ for His own glory and praise. And although Christ Jesus has ascended to the right hand of the Father, He has not left His people to fend for themselves. Instead, He has called, equipped, and entrusted certain individuals to lead His church, to care for His bride. Pastors and elders have this great responsibility of shepherding the people of God. This means they must lead, teach, and care for the church consistently. Again, keeping watch over the souls of human beings is a great calling, so it must be done with great care and integrity.
In 1 Peter chapter 5, the apostle Peter encourages those that are called to care for the flock, specifically elders within the church. But Peter begins by establishing his own authority as an elder among the people of God. As one who actually walked with Jesus, sat under His teaching, and was given the mission to teach and proclaim the Gospel, Peter was established as an apostle and leader within the body of believers. He first challenges elders not to lead from a place of compulsion but instead to lead “willingly as God would have you (verse 2).” This means there is indeed a right and a wrong way to lead the people of God.
Peter says not to serve the body because we feel forced, but rather serve and care for God’s people willingly. In other words, elders should serve because they want to, not because they have to. That makes all the difference in the world, the heart and motivation behind our serving of others. Peter expands on this a little bit more and says that elders/shepherds shouldn’t lead when they are motivated by greed or money. Unfortunately, this is a reality that Peter encountered in his day, and it is reality in 2020 as well. There are many individuals who get involved in the ministry only for financial reasons. But the word of God is clear, we should not lead and care for the people of God because we received some sort of financial gain. Greed can not be the motivation for our serving.
After challenging the motivation of elders, Peter says in verse 3 that elders are not to lord it over those under their care, but instead to “be examples to the flock.” This means the way that elders (and pastors, church leaders) lead those within the church must be appropriate. They must not abuse their authority or be domineering as those leading and caring for the people of God. Godly leaders show genuine care, compassion, and tenderness for their flock. Elders and pastors must be a Christ-like example to those that they lead.
Finally, Peter reminds those that lead within the body of Christ of the most glorious reality. He says those who are faithful to God will receive an unfading crown of Glory, when the chief Shepherd returns. This chief Shepherd is Christ Jesus. For those that have been called and purposed to lead His bride, that is a great calling and responsibility. And if you remain faithful in that calling, on the day that Christ’s glory is revealed to the world, you too will receive and share in that glory as well.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Exilic Eldership
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-4 (My own translation)
Campus: Rivermont
“Absolutely nothing is more important in a church family than the DNA of the leadership culture. The healthiest churches I know are those that are led by pastors and elders who are captured by the gospel, smitten with Jesus, and transformed by God's grace.”
~Scotty Smith
The character and culture of a local church is not likely to exceed that of its leaders.
“Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed...”
1 Peter 5:1
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care”
1 Peter 5:2
“Leadership is stewardship. It is temporary, and you’re accountable.”
Character matters more than gifting.
“You can learn from another person’s knowledge but you can lead from someone else’s wisdom.”
~David Brooks
“serving as overseers”
1 Peter 5:2
I can’t love you and use you at the same time.
In the Kingdom of God, you’ve got to die in order to lead.
“not because you have to but because you want to.”
1 Peter 5:2
“not greedy for money, but wholeheartedly.”
1 Peter 5:2
“Not lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock”
1 Peter 5:3
IMAGE: CLICK HERE
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
1 Peter 5:4
Glory for spiritual leaders comes not by success, numbers, growth, or fame, but by humble service and sacrificial love.
“Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7
“Listen to your spiritual leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: 1 Peter 5:1-4
Story point: Prepare and have the right tool for the battle against sin
Key passage: 1 Peter 5:2 "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve."
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 5:2, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Think about the kind of the friends and leaders you want in your life. Think of people who are leading because they love God and want to serve Him. When we become leaders, we should do it to help others and bring God glory.
Bible Story Questions
- Can you think of two things that Mr. Trevor said to describe elders? (Mr. Trevor said elders are in positions of authority, they are leaders, and they are faithful.)
- What does Peter tell the elders of the church? (He tells them to be shepherds of the church because they want to serve.)
- Why are elders compared to shepherds? (A good shepherd is someone who looks after his sheep and serves his sheep well. Our elders should be seeking to serve God and others.)
- How should elders use their power? (They should guide us and protect us and help us obey God.)
Activity:
Supplies: Draw a picture of you being a good leader.
Say: What did you draw? What do you think are important things to do as leaders?
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 5:2, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Think about the kind of the friends and leaders you want in your life. Think of people who are leading because they love God and want to serve Him. When we become leaders, we should do it to help others and bring God glory.
Bible Story Questions
- Can you think of two things that Mr. Trevor said to describe elders? (Mr. Trevor said elders are in positions of authority, they are leaders, and they are faithful.)
- What does Peter tell the elders of the church? (He tells them to be shepherds of the church because they want to serve.)
- Why are elders compared to shepherds? (A good shepherd is someone who looks after his sheep and serves his sheep well. Our elders should be seeking to serve God and others.)
- How should elders use their power? (They should guide us and protect us and help us obey God.)
- How can you be a good leader in your friend group? (Open discussion. You should be pointing each other closer to God and to glorifying him through obedience.)
Activity:
Supplies: Draw a picture or list out some leadership qualities that you think are important.
Say: Why did you choose those qualities? What qualities do you see in yourself that would make you a good leader?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GSM Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4
The Calling and Responsibility of an Elder
Intro/Overview
Leading a church is an incredible responsibility, one not to be taken lightly. God has established His church, the bride of Christ for His own glory and praise. And although Christ Jesus has ascended to the right hand of the Father, He has not left His people to fend for themselves. Instead, He has called, equipped, and entrusted certain individuals to lead His church, to care for His bride. Pastors and elders have this great responsibility of shepherding the people of God. This means they must lead, teach, and care for the church consistently. Again, keeping watch over the souls of human beings is a great calling, so it must be done with great care and integrity.
In 1 Peter chapter 5, the apostle Peter encourages those that are called to care for the flock, specifically elders within the church. But Peter begins by establishing his own authority as an elder among the people of God. As one who actually walked with Jesus, sat under His teaching, and was given the mission to teach and proclaim the Gospel, Peter was established as an apostle and leader within the body of believers. He first challenges elders not to lead from a place of compulsion but instead to lead “willingly as God would have you (verse 2).” This means there is indeed a right and a wrong way to lead the people of God.
Peter says not to serve the body because we feel forced, but rather serve and care for God’s people willingly. In other words, elders should serve because they want to, not because they have to. That makes all the difference in the world, the heart and motivation behind our serving of others. Peter expands on this a little bit more and says that elders/shepherds shouldn’t lead when they are motivated by greed or money. Unfortunately, this is a reality that Peter encountered in his day, and it is reality in 2020 as well. There are many individuals who get involved in the ministry only for financial reasons. But the word of God is clear, we should not lead and care for the people of God because we received some sort of financial gain. Greed can not be the motivation for our serving.
After challenging the motivation of elders, Peter says in verse 3 that elders are not to lord it over those under their care, but instead to “be examples to the flock.” This means the way that elders (and pastors, church leaders) lead those within the church must be appropriate. They must not abuse their authority or be domineering as those leading and caring for the people of God. Godly leaders show genuine care, compassion, and tenderness for their flock. Elders and pastors must be a Christ-like example to those that they lead.
Finally, Peter reminds those that lead within the body of Christ of the most glorious reality. He says those who are faithful to God will receive an unfading crown of Glory, when the chief Shepherd returns. This chief Shepherd is Christ Jesus. For those that have been called and purposed to lead His bride, that is a great calling and responsibility. And if you remain faithful in that calling, on the day that Christ’s glory is revealed to the world, you too will receive and share in that glory as well.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- In this section of chapter 5 Peter is addressing elders within the church. What are the qualifications of an elder (see 1 Timothy 3)? Why are these particular qualifications/attributes so important?
- What is the job of an elder/pastor? What makes their duty or task different from the rest of the congregation?
- What does it mean to lead out of compulsion? What does it mean to lead willingly? Are there moments in your life where you lead and serve with the wrong motivations?
- In chapter 4, Peter reminds those elders/leaders of the crown of glory that awaits them. This is our motivation to serve faithfully. What motivates you most? Is it the glory of God? Is the sacrificial love of Jesus? (this is a great place to really examine your heart and your motivations)
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: Exilic Eldership
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-4 (My own translation)
Campus: Rivermont
“Absolutely nothing is more important in a church family than the DNA of the leadership culture. The healthiest churches I know are those that are led by pastors and elders who are captured by the gospel, smitten with Jesus, and transformed by God's grace.”
~Scotty Smith
The character and culture of a local church is not likely to exceed that of its leaders.
- What an Elder is
- Who Elders lead
- How Elders lead
- What Elders do
- And why that matters
“Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed...”
1 Peter 5:1
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care”
1 Peter 5:2
“Leadership is stewardship. It is temporary, and you’re accountable.”
Character matters more than gifting.
“You can learn from another person’s knowledge but you can lead from someone else’s wisdom.”
~David Brooks
“serving as overseers”
1 Peter 5:2
I can’t love you and use you at the same time.
In the Kingdom of God, you’ve got to die in order to lead.
“not because you have to but because you want to.”
1 Peter 5:2
“not greedy for money, but wholeheartedly.”
1 Peter 5:2
“Not lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock”
1 Peter 5:3
IMAGE: CLICK HERE
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
1 Peter 5:4
Glory for spiritual leaders comes not by success, numbers, growth, or fame, but by humble service and sacrificial love.
“Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7
“Listen to your spiritual leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
November 1st Sermon Guides
Kids City
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Story point: We can expect to suffer as Christians, however, suffering for Jesus is a good thing.
Key passage: 1 Peter 4: 12-13 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.”
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 4:12-13, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these 2 verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus promised His disciples that they would face hard times (see John 16:33), and that is true for every person that wants to follow Him. But if we suffer well and continue to honor Jesus, we will be glorified with Him whenever He returns.
Bible Story Questions
Activity:
Supplies: Paper, pencil, drawing utensils - Have your children write or draw some ways in which they can suffer well for the glory of God. Talk through some scenarios that allow for Christian suffering.
Say: Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering for the glory of God. Although He was perfect and sinless, He was nailed to the cross and killed for our forgiveness. When we are facing hard times, let Jesus be the example that we follow.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 4:12-19, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these 2 verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus promised His disciples that they would face hard times (see John 16:33), and that is true for every person that wants to follow Him. But if we suffer well and continue to honor Jesus, we will be glorified with Him whenever He returns.
Bible Story Questions
Activity:
Supplies: Pencils/paper - Write out some ways that we suffer here in this life (for example, if we steal we go to jail, if we fall, we get hurt, we can get sick, etc.). Now, write/discuss some ways in which we can use suffering for the glory of God and to point people to Jesus.
Say: Jesus is the suffering servant. He suffered death on the cross, satisfying the will of God for His glory and our good. If we suffer well for the name of Jesus, we are simply following the example that Jesus has set for us.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GSM Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Expect Suffering, for the Glory of God
Intro/Overview
As believers in Jesus Christ, we can expect to face difficult times. In fact, hard times are expected as a result of living in a fallen and broken world. However, the Bible tells us that we should not be surprised when difficulty comes our way, especially as a result of our allegiance to Christ. In 1 Peter chapter 4, the apostle Peter reminds his readers of this reality. He tells this group of exiles that suffering, and persecution are not unusual, quite the contrary, they are to be expected.
Instead of facing these difficult times with bitterness and grumbling, we are told to rejoice. Now this certainly seems like an incredible contradiction. How in the world are we going to rejoice in our sufferings? Peter says to rejoice because we are sharing in the suffering of Christ Jesus, our Savior. This is a radically different concept than anything that the world will teach you. When we suffer for doing well, we are actually blessed; this is a good thing. This is a good and glorious thing because we are sharing in the sufferings of Jesus. The reality is this: we are never more like Christ than when we are suffering for the sake of righteousness.
Peter reminds his readers again here of an important distinction between righteous suffering and suffering for wrongdoing. In verse 15 he says, “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.” So, we know that suffering comes when we do evil, there are consequences and punishment associated with our wrongdoings. But Peter says to the people of God, don’t suffer for that. Instead he says to suffer as Christians, for the sake and name of Christ Jesus. Again, this is a truly blessed thing (for more on that, read Matthew 5:10-12).
Finally, Peter ends chapter 4 by reminding us that we can trust God even in our suffering, for this too is His will. This is often overlooked by many Christians; we forget that God is sovereign and totally in control of all things. So, because of this reality, and because He is a loving heavenly Father, we can entrust ourselves to Him, continue to pursue His will and do good even in the face of suffering and adversity. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. That means even our suffering, trials, and persecution are part of His good plan.
Discussion Questions
Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Guided Prayer & Worship)
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Congregation: Rivermont
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.”
1 Peter 4:12
“Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. “
1 Peter 4:13
“So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.”
1 Peter 4:19
“For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17
Prayers for Commitment and Surrender
“If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.”
1 Peter 4:14-16.
There is a joy that will always remain just out of reach if we are unwilling to name and carry that pain to Jesus.
Prayer Prompts
Open Doors USA—in just the last year:
“Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.”
Hebrews 13:3
Corporate Prayer
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Guided Prayer & Worship)
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Congregation: College Hill
We all suffer in different ways, and some of us suffer for our faith.
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.”
Read 1 Pet. 4:12 (CSB)
Christians rejoice in the midst of suffering because:
“Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.””
Read 1 Pet. 12:15-16
“So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.”
Read 1 Pet. 12:19
Christians can suffer well, and bear fruit, by fully entrusting ourselves to God.
Prayers of commitment and surrender.
When we follow Jesus in our context, we do put ourselves in positions where we might be misunderstood.
Not all of our suffering is the result of obeying the Lord, but we all suffer while being obedient.
In what ways have you suffered? In what ways are you suffering?
Prayer prompts:
-Jesus, help us to count the cost of following you.
-Help us to be faithful and obedient, even when it’s hard.
-Pray for the challenges that are named, and that are represented in our church and community.
-Pray for those who are suffering physically, spiritually, or emotionally in our church family.
“Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.” - Heb. 13:3
Corporate prayer
Prayer prompts:
-Pray for protection, encouragement, and healing.
-Pray for justice and peace.
-Pray for freedom from oppression and freedom to follow Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12-19, The Message
“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!
If good people barely make it, What’s in store for the bad?
So, if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here to watch our Kid City video that corresponds to this sermon guide. https://vimeo.com/showcase/7026436
Bible passage: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Story point: We can expect to suffer as Christians, however, suffering for Jesus is a good thing.
Key passage: 1 Peter 4: 12-13 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.”
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 4:12-13, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these 2 verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus promised His disciples that they would face hard times (see John 16:33), and that is true for every person that wants to follow Him. But if we suffer well and continue to honor Jesus, we will be glorified with Him whenever He returns.
Bible Story Questions
- Verse 12 says we shouldn’t be surprised when trials and hard times come our way. Why should we expect this as followers of Jesus? (Because the world is opposed to God (see Romans 1) and the things of God. As God’s people, those who represent Him, we will face opposition from the world as well. When we read through the Bible, we see how the disciples faced great persecution because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.)
- Suffering for Jesus is actually a good thing. Now, this may seem really odd, so how is this possible? (When we continue to follow Jesus, even when it is hard, this brings God great glory. All of the disciples and followers that were killed because of Jesus have now entered heaven and the presence of God with great honor (if you have time, read the story of Stephen from Acts 7).
- Here in verse 15 Peter says not to suffer as one that does evil (like a thief or murderer, etc.). How is suffering as Christian different than suffering as an evildoer? (Suffering for doing evil is deserved. The punishment and persecution you face is a result of doing evil. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, our suffering leads to a great reward and brings honor rather than shame.)
- Peter ends this section of chapter 4 by telling us to entrust ourselves to God while we suffer, because this is part of His will. How can we trust God even in the middle of our difficult times? (By remembering that God is a loving Father that cares for all His children. God uses all things, even our hard times, for His glory and for our good. (See Romans 8:28).
Activity:
Supplies: Paper, pencil, drawing utensils - Have your children write or draw some ways in which they can suffer well for the glory of God. Talk through some scenarios that allow for Christian suffering.
Say: Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering for the glory of God. Although He was perfect and sinless, He was nailed to the cross and killed for our forgiveness. When we are facing hard times, let Jesus be the example that we follow.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity:
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write: the key passage, 1 Peter 4:12-19, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these 2 verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus promised His disciples that they would face hard times (see John 16:33), and that is true for every person that wants to follow Him. But if we suffer well and continue to honor Jesus, we will be glorified with Him whenever He returns.
Bible Story Questions
- Verse 12 says we shouldn’t be surprised when trials and hard times come our way. Why should we expect this as followers of Jesus? (Because the world is opposed to God (see Romans 1) and the things of God. As God’s people, those who represent Him, we will face opposition from the world as well. When we read through the Bible, we see how the disciples faced great persecution because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.)
- Suffering for Jesus is actually a good thing. Now, this may seem really odd, so how is this possible? (When we continue to follow Jesus, even when it is hard, this brings God great glory. All of the disciples and followers that were killed because of Jesus have now entered heaven and the presence of God with great honor (if you have time, read the story of Stephen from Acts 7).
- Here in verse 15 Peter says not to suffer as one that does evil (like a thief or murderer, etc.). How is suffering as Christian different than suffering as an evildoer? (Suffering for doing evil is deserved. The punishment and persecution you face is a result of doing evil. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, our suffering leads to a great reward and brings honor rather than shame.)
- Peter ends this section of chapter 4 by telling us to entrust ourselves to God while we suffer, because this is part of His will. How can we trust God even in the middle of our difficult times? (By remembering that God is a loving Father that cares for all His children. God uses all things, even our hard times, for His glory and for our good. (See Romans 8:28)
Activity:
Supplies: Pencils/paper - Write out some ways that we suffer here in this life (for example, if we steal we go to jail, if we fall, we get hurt, we can get sick, etc.). Now, write/discuss some ways in which we can use suffering for the glory of God and to point people to Jesus.
Say: Jesus is the suffering servant. He suffered death on the cross, satisfying the will of God for His glory and our good. If we suffer well for the name of Jesus, we are simply following the example that Jesus has set for us.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GSM Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Expect Suffering, for the Glory of God
Intro/Overview
As believers in Jesus Christ, we can expect to face difficult times. In fact, hard times are expected as a result of living in a fallen and broken world. However, the Bible tells us that we should not be surprised when difficulty comes our way, especially as a result of our allegiance to Christ. In 1 Peter chapter 4, the apostle Peter reminds his readers of this reality. He tells this group of exiles that suffering, and persecution are not unusual, quite the contrary, they are to be expected.
Instead of facing these difficult times with bitterness and grumbling, we are told to rejoice. Now this certainly seems like an incredible contradiction. How in the world are we going to rejoice in our sufferings? Peter says to rejoice because we are sharing in the suffering of Christ Jesus, our Savior. This is a radically different concept than anything that the world will teach you. When we suffer for doing well, we are actually blessed; this is a good thing. This is a good and glorious thing because we are sharing in the sufferings of Jesus. The reality is this: we are never more like Christ than when we are suffering for the sake of righteousness.
Peter reminds his readers again here of an important distinction between righteous suffering and suffering for wrongdoing. In verse 15 he says, “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.” So, we know that suffering comes when we do evil, there are consequences and punishment associated with our wrongdoings. But Peter says to the people of God, don’t suffer for that. Instead he says to suffer as Christians, for the sake and name of Christ Jesus. Again, this is a truly blessed thing (for more on that, read Matthew 5:10-12).
Finally, Peter ends chapter 4 by reminding us that we can trust God even in our suffering, for this too is His will. This is often overlooked by many Christians; we forget that God is sovereign and totally in control of all things. So, because of this reality, and because He is a loving heavenly Father, we can entrust ourselves to Him, continue to pursue His will and do good even in the face of suffering and adversity. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. That means even our suffering, trials, and persecution are part of His good plan.
Discussion Questions
Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- Verse 12 tells us that we can expect fiery ordeals, so we should not be surprised by difficult times. Why would we as followers of Christ be expected to face so much tribulation? What is it about following Jesus that leads us to difficulty?
- Peter tells this group of exiles that suffering for doing well is actually a good thing. This is so counter-cultural, and really counter-intuitive. In what ways (specifically) can we suffer for the glory of God? (discuss some examples or scenarios)
- Here in verse 15, Peter warns this group of believers not to suffer for doing evil, like a thief, or murderer, or meddler, etc. We know that there are natural consequences for sin/evil deeds. How is suffering in this way different than suffering for Jesus?
- When we suffer for doing good, this is all part of the will of God (verse 19). It is even in these moments of difficulty that we can entrust ourselves to God. How can we trust Him in these dark and difficult times? What motivates us to do this?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Title: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Guided Prayer & Worship)
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Congregation: Rivermont
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.”
1 Peter 4:12
“Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. “
1 Peter 4:13
“So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.”
1 Peter 4:19
“For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17
Prayers for Commitment and Surrender
- Repentance: Expose our idols
- Surrender: Jesus, help us to follow you wherever you lead, no matter the cost.
“If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.”
1 Peter 4:14-16.
There is a joy that will always remain just out of reach if we are unwilling to name and carry that pain to Jesus.
Prayer Prompts
- Name the pain: In what ways have you suffered? In what ways are you suffering?
- Pray for those who are suffering physically, spiritually, or emotionally in our church family.
Open Doors USA—in just the last year:
- Over 260 million Christians living in places where they experience high levels of persecution
- 2,983 Christians killed for their faith
- 9,488 churches and other Christian buildings attacked
- 3,711 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned
“Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.”
Hebrews 13:3
Corporate Prayer
- Pray for protection, encouragement, and healing
- Pray for justice and peace
- Pray for freedom from oppression and freedom to follow Jesus
- Pray for revival and awakening
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Title: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Guided Prayer & Worship)
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Congregation: College Hill
We all suffer in different ways, and some of us suffer for our faith.
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.”
Read 1 Pet. 4:12 (CSB)
Christians rejoice in the midst of suffering because:
- We don’t suffer in vain.
- Our suffering is not indefinite (v. 13).
- There’s a unique blessing that is extended toward those who suffer for Christ, and God is uniquely present with those who suffer for their faith (v. 14).
“Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.””
Read 1 Pet. 12:15-16
“So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.”
Read 1 Pet. 12:19
Christians can suffer well, and bear fruit, by fully entrusting ourselves to God.
Prayers of commitment and surrender.
When we follow Jesus in our context, we do put ourselves in positions where we might be misunderstood.
Not all of our suffering is the result of obeying the Lord, but we all suffer while being obedient.
In what ways have you suffered? In what ways are you suffering?
Prayer prompts:
-Jesus, help us to count the cost of following you.
-Help us to be faithful and obedient, even when it’s hard.
-Pray for the challenges that are named, and that are represented in our church and community.
-Pray for those who are suffering physically, spiritually, or emotionally in our church family.
“Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.” - Heb. 13:3
Corporate prayer
Prayer prompts:
-Pray for protection, encouragement, and healing.
-Pray for justice and peace.
-Pray for freedom from oppression and freedom to follow Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12-19, The Message
“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!
If good people barely make it, What’s in store for the bad?
So, if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
October 25th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Story Point: Be prepared for Christ’s return and love one another constantly.
Key Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-8. “The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write the verse: 1 Peter 4:7-8, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these 2 verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus has promised us that He will return one day, so we must be prepared and constantly watching/waiting for Him. He commands us, during that time, to love each other, that is how we show the world that we belong to Him.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:7-11
Activity
Supplies: Paper, pencil, drawing utensils - Have your children write the names of some people in their lives that they can show hospitality towards (siblings, friends, neighbors, etc.). Next, have them write or draw some things they can do to show hospitality.
Say: God has welcomed us (hospitality) by allowing us as sinful people to be His children, part of His family, and members of His eternal Kingdom.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write the verse: 1 Peter 4:7-8, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these two verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus has promised us that He will return one day, so we must be prepared and constantly watching/waiting for Him. He commands us, during that time, to love each other, that is how we show the world that we belong to Him.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:7-11
Activity
Supplies: Pencils/paper - Have them write down the names of certain people in their lives that they can show hospitality and love towards. (Also, have them share some ways that they haven’t always succeeded at this. Are there times where you could’ve been more loving?). Write and/or draw some ways you can be hospitable towards people.
Say: God is the most gracious and loving Host. He has welcomed us as sinful and rebellious people into His family (read John 1:12), that is an incredible demonstration of his hospitality.
__________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Loving and Radical Hospitality
Intro/Overview
As the people of God, we have an assured inheritance and an eternal glory that awaits us. While our destiny is certain, we can also be certain that Christ will return for His bride one day (see Matt. 24:44, Heb. 9:28, Rev. 1:7, 22:12). Until then, as His people, we are to consistently watch and wait for His return. Peter writes to a group of exiles to remind them of this reality. In 1 Peter 4:7, he tells them the end of time is near (really, no man knows when Jesus will return, for He will come as a thief in the night). And because of this, Peter says that this group of believers should be “alert and sober-minded.” As God’s people we should be joyfully and eagerly awaiting Christ’s return.
After reminding us to be alert and sober-minded, Peter says that above all things, we are to love one another. This is not a new teaching or something that followers of Christ are unfamiliar with. Jesus taught His disciples to love one another, in fact, He says that people will know that you are disciples of Christ by the way that you love each other (see John 13). Here Peter says in verse 8 that “love covers a multitude of sins.” What an incredible reminder for the people of God. God the Father, in His great love for us, sent Jesus Christ to die so that our sins would be forgiven and covered by His blood.
Peter then begins to tell us how we can show our love for each other. In verse 9 he writes “be hospitable to one another.” The way that we welcome and care for each other says a lot about Christ and our relationship with Him. Hospitality was a big part of the Jewish culture, and people took a lot of pride in being known as a good host. God Himself is the most gracious and loving host. He demonstrates unmatched hospitality by allowing sinful, rebellious people to have a seat at His table and place among His kingdom. This reality is what compels us to be hospitable to one another. And it is in this, that God is glorified.
Peter ends this section by pointing his readers to Christ Jesus. In verse 11 he says that “God is glorified through Christ Jesus in everything.” That is our goal and our purpose as Christians. We worship, exalt, and magnify the name of Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God. And it is through our devotion and praise of Him, that we ultimately glorify Creator God.
Discussion Questions
Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: I Peter 4:7-11
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus consistently leads us toward unrestrained surrender while the culture encourages unrestrained behavior.
To be a Christian means that we live and love in such a way that Christ is made known, and God is glorified in everything we do.
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:7-11 (CSB)
The primary purpose of our lives and our Christianity is to love God, love people, and to glorify God in everything.
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.”
1 Peter 4:7
Any pain, discomfort, or discouragement we currently experience is not going to last forever.
Prayer shows our utter dependence on God and gives him an opportunity to glorify himself.
God doesn’t always give us what we want, or what we ask for, but he always uses prayer to help us discern, and align ourselves with, his will.
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
One of the ways that we glorify God, and make him known, is seen in our commitment to sacrificial love.
The gospel calls us to love beyond politeness, pretense, and political correctness.
What are we really telling the world about Jesus?
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:10
Hospitality is one of the ways we make Christ known in our world.
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words;"
1 Peter 4:10-11a
By serving others, we help them to experience the tangible presence and grace of God.
“…if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11b
Christian’s live and love in such a way that Christ is made known, and God is glorified in everything we do.
A hunger for God’s presence and glory leads us to cultivate a life of prayer which overflows into a life of love.
God’s love → Primary motivator of our hospitality and generous stewardship
The Spirit of God is prompting us to go deeper.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
The New Family Of Jesus
Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Campus: College Hill
“Home is the place that when you have have to go there, they have to take you in.” ~Robert Frost
God designed the new family of Jesus to be one of the most compelling demonstrations of the power of the gospel and the glory of God that the world around can see.
“The end of all things is near,”
1 Peter 4:7a
“Jesus began to preach, saying, The Kingdom of God has come near! Repent and believe in this gospel!”
Mark 1:15
“so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever! Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11c
The glory of God = the weight of the fullness of who God is on display.
“Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
14 And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here.
16 How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
17 The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
19 He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.”
21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock,
22 and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:13-23.
“ The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. “
1 Peter 4:7
A hunger for the glory and presence of God, leads to a praying life.
A hunger for the presence and glory of God, for the weight of who he is on display in us and through to the world, makes us a praying people.
And this kind of awake, alert, passionate, glory-soaked prayer overflows in a life of love.
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
God’s glorious love shows up in how we Welcome on another, speak to one another, and serve one another.
“Be hospitable to one another without complaining.”
1 Peter 4:9
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:10
“If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words;”
1 Peter 4:11a
“If anyone serves, let it be from the strength that God provides.”
1 Peter 4:11b
God designed the new family of Jesus to be one of the most compelling demonstrations of the power of the gospel and the glory of God that the world around can see.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Story Point: Be prepared for Christ’s return and love one another constantly.
Key Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-8. “The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write the verse: 1 Peter 4:7-8, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these 2 verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus has promised us that He will return one day, so we must be prepared and constantly watching/waiting for Him. He commands us, during that time, to love each other, that is how we show the world that we belong to Him.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:7-11
- Verse 7 says to “be alert and sober-minded.” What do you think this means? (This means that we must be focused on God and honoring Jesus, not distracted, or pulled away by the things of this world. Also, talk about what it means to wait and watch for Jesus’ return patiently and joyfully.)
- Love covers a multitude of sins. How has love covered our sins? (God, in His great love for us, sent His only Son Jesus to die so that our sins would be covered and forgiven.)
- What does it mean to be hospitable? And what are some ways we can be hospitable to our family/siblings/friends/neighbors? (Being hospitable simply means to welcome people and care for their needs. When we open our home and provide for people, even those that are different from us, we are being hospitable.)
- We want to glorify God in everything that we do. How can we do this? (Verse 11 says that it is through Christ Jesus that God is glorified. So, if we show honor and praise to Jesus, God is glorified in that.)
Activity
Supplies: Paper, pencil, drawing utensils - Have your children write the names of some people in their lives that they can show hospitality towards (siblings, friends, neighbors, etc.). Next, have them write or draw some things they can do to show hospitality.
Say: God has welcomed us (hospitality) by allowing us as sinful people to be His children, part of His family, and members of His eternal Kingdom.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write the verse: 1 Peter 4:7-8, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Have the kids try to memorize these two verses. Help and encourage them by offering some sort of treat or incentive for memorizing this verse.
Say: Jesus has promised us that He will return one day, so we must be prepared and constantly watching/waiting for Him. He commands us, during that time, to love each other, that is how we show the world that we belong to Him.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:7-11
- Verse 7 says to “be alert and sober-minded.” What do you think this means? (This means that we must be focused on God and honoring Jesus, not distracted, or pulled away by the things of this world. Also, discuss what it means to be prepared for Jesus’ return.)
- Love covers a multitude of sins. How has love covered our sins? (God, in His great love for us, sent His only Son Jesus to die so that our sins would be covered and forgiven.)
- What does it mean to be hospitable? And what are some ways we can be hospitable to our family/siblings/friends/neighbors? (Being hospitable simply means to welcome people and care for their needs. When we open our home and provide for people, even those that are different from us, we are being hospitable.)
- We want to glorify God in everything that we do. How can we do this? (Verse 11 says that it is through Christ Jesus that God is glorified. So, if we show honor and praise to Jesus, God is glorified in that.)
Activity
Supplies: Pencils/paper - Have them write down the names of certain people in their lives that they can show hospitality and love towards. (Also, have them share some ways that they haven’t always succeeded at this. Are there times where you could’ve been more loving?). Write and/or draw some ways you can be hospitable towards people.
Say: God is the most gracious and loving Host. He has welcomed us as sinful and rebellious people into His family (read John 1:12), that is an incredible demonstration of his hospitality.
__________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Loving and Radical Hospitality
Intro/Overview
As the people of God, we have an assured inheritance and an eternal glory that awaits us. While our destiny is certain, we can also be certain that Christ will return for His bride one day (see Matt. 24:44, Heb. 9:28, Rev. 1:7, 22:12). Until then, as His people, we are to consistently watch and wait for His return. Peter writes to a group of exiles to remind them of this reality. In 1 Peter 4:7, he tells them the end of time is near (really, no man knows when Jesus will return, for He will come as a thief in the night). And because of this, Peter says that this group of believers should be “alert and sober-minded.” As God’s people we should be joyfully and eagerly awaiting Christ’s return.
After reminding us to be alert and sober-minded, Peter says that above all things, we are to love one another. This is not a new teaching or something that followers of Christ are unfamiliar with. Jesus taught His disciples to love one another, in fact, He says that people will know that you are disciples of Christ by the way that you love each other (see John 13). Here Peter says in verse 8 that “love covers a multitude of sins.” What an incredible reminder for the people of God. God the Father, in His great love for us, sent Jesus Christ to die so that our sins would be forgiven and covered by His blood.
Peter then begins to tell us how we can show our love for each other. In verse 9 he writes “be hospitable to one another.” The way that we welcome and care for each other says a lot about Christ and our relationship with Him. Hospitality was a big part of the Jewish culture, and people took a lot of pride in being known as a good host. God Himself is the most gracious and loving host. He demonstrates unmatched hospitality by allowing sinful, rebellious people to have a seat at His table and place among His kingdom. This reality is what compels us to be hospitable to one another. And it is in this, that God is glorified.
Peter ends this section by pointing his readers to Christ Jesus. In verse 11 he says that “God is glorified through Christ Jesus in everything.” That is our goal and our purpose as Christians. We worship, exalt, and magnify the name of Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God. And it is through our devotion and praise of Him, that we ultimately glorify Creator God.
Discussion Questions
Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- In verse 7, Peter says that the end of all things is near, and because of this, we must “be alert and sober-minded.” What does it mean to be alert and sober-minded?
- We are told that love covers a multitude of sins. In what way has God’s love covered our sins? And how can we consistently demonstrate this for one another?
- Hospitality should be common amongst the people of God. However, we don’t always succeed in this area. How has God been hospitable towards us? Name some people in your life that you can be hospitable towards (siblings, friends, neighbors, etc.). Also, discuss some tangible ways of showing hospitality.
- Finally, verse 11 says that God is glorified in/through Christ Jesus. How can we bring glory to God through Jesus?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Andrew Moroz
Text: I Peter 4:7-11
Campus: Rivermont
Jesus consistently leads us toward unrestrained surrender while the culture encourages unrestrained behavior.
To be a Christian means that we live and love in such a way that Christ is made known, and God is glorified in everything we do.
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:7-11 (CSB)
The primary purpose of our lives and our Christianity is to love God, love people, and to glorify God in everything.
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.”
1 Peter 4:7
Any pain, discomfort, or discouragement we currently experience is not going to last forever.
Prayer shows our utter dependence on God and gives him an opportunity to glorify himself.
God doesn’t always give us what we want, or what we ask for, but he always uses prayer to help us discern, and align ourselves with, his will.
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
One of the ways that we glorify God, and make him known, is seen in our commitment to sacrificial love.
The gospel calls us to love beyond politeness, pretense, and political correctness.
What are we really telling the world about Jesus?
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:10
Hospitality is one of the ways we make Christ known in our world.
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words;"
1 Peter 4:10-11a
By serving others, we help them to experience the tangible presence and grace of God.
“…if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11b
Christian’s live and love in such a way that Christ is made known, and God is glorified in everything we do.
A hunger for God’s presence and glory leads us to cultivate a life of prayer which overflows into a life of love.
God’s love → Primary motivator of our hospitality and generous stewardship
The Spirit of God is prompting us to go deeper.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
The New Family Of Jesus
Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Campus: College Hill
“Home is the place that when you have have to go there, they have to take you in.” ~Robert Frost
God designed the new family of Jesus to be one of the most compelling demonstrations of the power of the gospel and the glory of God that the world around can see.
“The end of all things is near,”
1 Peter 4:7a
“Jesus began to preach, saying, The Kingdom of God has come near! Repent and believe in this gospel!”
Mark 1:15
“so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever! Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11c
The glory of God = the weight of the fullness of who God is on display.
“Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
14 And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here.
16 How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
17 The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
19 He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.”
21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock,
22 and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:13-23.
“ The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. “
1 Peter 4:7
A hunger for the glory and presence of God, leads to a praying life.
A hunger for the presence and glory of God, for the weight of who he is on display in us and through to the world, makes us a praying people.
And this kind of awake, alert, passionate, glory-soaked prayer overflows in a life of love.
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
God’s glorious love shows up in how we Welcome on another, speak to one another, and serve one another.
“Be hospitable to one another without complaining.”
1 Peter 4:9
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:10
“If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words;”
1 Peter 4:11a
“If anyone serves, let it be from the strength that God provides.”
1 Peter 4:11b
God designed the new family of Jesus to be one of the most compelling demonstrations of the power of the gospel and the glory of God that the world around can see.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
October 18th Sermon Guides
KID CITY NOTES
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview:
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Story Point: Prepare and have the right tool for the battle against sin
Key Passage: 1 Peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: paper; pen/pencil
Write the key passage: 1 Peter 4:1, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Christ died on the cross for us, that we might live and not sin. We need to arm ourselves for the glory of God.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:1-6
1. What did Mr. Brandon say it means to “arm ourselves”? (To be ready or prepared with the right weapons for battle or the right tools. In reading this passage we need to arm ourselves with the Word of God. )
2. What did Mr. Brandon say our greatest weapon is? (Mr. Brandon says it is our mind. But first, we need to have our mentality in a place that is ready to do what is right and to go through hard times for the glory of God.)
3. If you are living for Jesus what can you expect? (You can expect others to be surprised and ask questions and sometimes they might even be rude to you because you are choosing to do what is right and honor God.)
4. What does Ephesians say we should arm ourselves with? (With the Bible which is our sword.)
Activity:
Supplies: Paper and drawing utensils - Read over Ephesians 6:10-18 draw a picture of yourself in the full armor of God.
Say: Talk about what they chose to arm themselves with and why.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write the verse: 1 Peter 4:1, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Christ died on the cross for us, that we might live and not sin. We need to arm ourselves for the glory of God.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:1-6
1. What did Mr. Brandon say it means to “arm ourselves”? (To be ready or prepared with the right weapons for battle or the right tools. In reading this passage we need to arm ourselves with the Word of God. )
2. What did Mr. Brandon say our greatest weapon is? (Mr. Brandon says it is our mind. But first, we need to have our mentality in a place that is ready to do what is right and to go through hard times for the glory of God.)
3. If you are living for Jesus what can you expect? (You can expect others to be surprised and ask questions and sometimes they might even be rude to you because you are choosing to do what is right and honor God.)
4. What does Ephesians say we should arm ourselves with? (With the Bible which is our sword.)
Activity:
Supplies: Paper and drawing utensils - Read over Ephesians 6:10-18 draw a picture of yourself in the full armor of God.
Say: Talk about what they chose to arm themselves with and why.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GOSPEL STUDENT MINISTRY NOTES
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Obediently Following Christ: Suffering in the Flesh
Intro/Overview
There are so many things fighting for our attention these days. Whether it be social media, entertainment, politics, people, etc., we are constantly bombarded and having to battle all the things that are attempting to pull us in different directions. As Christians, as the people of God, Christ has given us a particular mission. We are to be devoted to His divine purpose, and that is glorifying Him and making Him known throughout all of creation. God has made His plan evident and given us an example to follow through His perfect Son, Christ Jesus.
As Peter is writing to those believers in exile, he reminds them of Christ Jesus, the suffering servant, and he challenges this group to have the same mindset as Christ. This means that we must be committed to the mission of glorifying God and making disciples. And this mission is going to require us to live differently, to be holy and set apart. Rather than being overcome by our flesh and our earthly desires, we must be committed to live for God rather than simply seeking to please and satisfy ourselves. Our motivation to live for God rather than man is Christ Jesus Himself. He suffered in the flesh (v.1), for each of us, setting us free and reconciling us to God, leaving an example for us to follow.
This kind of devotion will require us to have the right mindset. If we look at the current culture, it is one that is self-centered, self-seeking, the dominant message is to do whatever pleases you. We are constantly encouraged to give in to every temptation. But as Christians, we are called to something greater; we are called to sacrifice and die to self for the glory of God. Again, this is going to take a massive shift in our thinking/mindset. Not only that, but this kind of radical living will inevitably lead to suffering and ridicule. If you suffer for doing right (which Peter has talked about a lot), and still move forward in obedience despite that suffering, you have made clear your break from sin. Obviously, this doesn’t mean you won’t ever sin, but sin isn’t dominating you, the old has gone and you are a new creation in Christ.
Peter continues his letter by reminding his readers of the importance of time, particularly how they used to spend it, and how they should spend their time now that they have been purchased by the blood of Christ. In verse 3, he essentially says that we have already spent enough time living in the flesh and giving in to our sin. Prior to knowing Jesus, we all lived in sin, we were dead in our trespasses and cut off from God. Peter tells this group of believers that they have lived like the world long enough. As the people of God, we have put off the old and put on the new, and this evidenced by how we make use of our time.
Again, you will be slandered for this change of behavior (v.4). This commitment to Christ will lead to persecution/suffering. However, those that persecute you for obedience to God will ultimately face judgment. In fact, we will all stand before God and be judged accordingly. Peter says that is why the Gospel was preached to those who are now dead (v.6). We are all dead spiritually apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Unless God Himself intervenes for us, we have no hope on the day of judgment. We are desperately in need, which is why we are devoted to living in holiness and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to ALL people.
Discussion Questions
Read: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
SERMON NOTES: Brenton Lehman
Christ, Culture, & Compromise
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-6 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same understanding …”
1 Peter 4:1a
“… because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin— in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.”
1 Peter 4:1b-2.
The way of Jesus is the way of unrestrained surrender: there’s nothing I won’t give up to follow Jesus.
Am I willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads, no matter the cost?
“ For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.”
1 Peter 4:3
Then the way of Culture is unrestrained behavior - there’s nothing I won’t do to get to my culture’s vision of the Good Life.
“They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of sin-sick living. And they slander you.”
1 Peter 4:4
Consumer Christianity uses Jesus to sanctify our idolatry.
“They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.”
1 Peter 4:5
“For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.”
1 Peter 4:6
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
Lesson Overview:
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Story Point: Prepare and have the right tool for the battle against sin
Key Passage: 1 Peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: paper; pen/pencil
Write the key passage: 1 Peter 4:1, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Christ died on the cross for us, that we might live and not sin. We need to arm ourselves for the glory of God.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:1-6
1. What did Mr. Brandon say it means to “arm ourselves”? (To be ready or prepared with the right weapons for battle or the right tools. In reading this passage we need to arm ourselves with the Word of God. )
2. What did Mr. Brandon say our greatest weapon is? (Mr. Brandon says it is our mind. But first, we need to have our mentality in a place that is ready to do what is right and to go through hard times for the glory of God.)
3. If you are living for Jesus what can you expect? (You can expect others to be surprised and ask questions and sometimes they might even be rude to you because you are choosing to do what is right and honor God.)
4. What does Ephesians say we should arm ourselves with? (With the Bible which is our sword.)
Activity:
Supplies: Paper and drawing utensils - Read over Ephesians 6:10-18 draw a picture of yourself in the full armor of God.
Say: Talk about what they chose to arm themselves with and why.
Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills
Key Passage Activity
Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil
Write the verse: 1 Peter 4:1, on a piece of paper to read with the kids. Then cut or rip the paper to separate the words. Have the kids put the passage in order and hold a thumbs up when they’re done. Time the kids and challenge them to beat their time.
Say: Christ died on the cross for us, that we might live and not sin. We need to arm ourselves for the glory of God.
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 4:1-6
1. What did Mr. Brandon say it means to “arm ourselves”? (To be ready or prepared with the right weapons for battle or the right tools. In reading this passage we need to arm ourselves with the Word of God. )
2. What did Mr. Brandon say our greatest weapon is? (Mr. Brandon says it is our mind. But first, we need to have our mentality in a place that is ready to do what is right and to go through hard times for the glory of God.)
3. If you are living for Jesus what can you expect? (You can expect others to be surprised and ask questions and sometimes they might even be rude to you because you are choosing to do what is right and honor God.)
4. What does Ephesians say we should arm ourselves with? (With the Bible which is our sword.)
Activity:
Supplies: Paper and drawing utensils - Read over Ephesians 6:10-18 draw a picture of yourself in the full armor of God.
Say: Talk about what they chose to arm themselves with and why.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GOSPEL STUDENT MINISTRY NOTES
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Obediently Following Christ: Suffering in the Flesh
Intro/Overview
There are so many things fighting for our attention these days. Whether it be social media, entertainment, politics, people, etc., we are constantly bombarded and having to battle all the things that are attempting to pull us in different directions. As Christians, as the people of God, Christ has given us a particular mission. We are to be devoted to His divine purpose, and that is glorifying Him and making Him known throughout all of creation. God has made His plan evident and given us an example to follow through His perfect Son, Christ Jesus.
As Peter is writing to those believers in exile, he reminds them of Christ Jesus, the suffering servant, and he challenges this group to have the same mindset as Christ. This means that we must be committed to the mission of glorifying God and making disciples. And this mission is going to require us to live differently, to be holy and set apart. Rather than being overcome by our flesh and our earthly desires, we must be committed to live for God rather than simply seeking to please and satisfy ourselves. Our motivation to live for God rather than man is Christ Jesus Himself. He suffered in the flesh (v.1), for each of us, setting us free and reconciling us to God, leaving an example for us to follow.
This kind of devotion will require us to have the right mindset. If we look at the current culture, it is one that is self-centered, self-seeking, the dominant message is to do whatever pleases you. We are constantly encouraged to give in to every temptation. But as Christians, we are called to something greater; we are called to sacrifice and die to self for the glory of God. Again, this is going to take a massive shift in our thinking/mindset. Not only that, but this kind of radical living will inevitably lead to suffering and ridicule. If you suffer for doing right (which Peter has talked about a lot), and still move forward in obedience despite that suffering, you have made clear your break from sin. Obviously, this doesn’t mean you won’t ever sin, but sin isn’t dominating you, the old has gone and you are a new creation in Christ.
Peter continues his letter by reminding his readers of the importance of time, particularly how they used to spend it, and how they should spend their time now that they have been purchased by the blood of Christ. In verse 3, he essentially says that we have already spent enough time living in the flesh and giving in to our sin. Prior to knowing Jesus, we all lived in sin, we were dead in our trespasses and cut off from God. Peter tells this group of believers that they have lived like the world long enough. As the people of God, we have put off the old and put on the new, and this evidenced by how we make use of our time.
Again, you will be slandered for this change of behavior (v.4). This commitment to Christ will lead to persecution/suffering. However, those that persecute you for obedience to God will ultimately face judgment. In fact, we will all stand before God and be judged accordingly. Peter says that is why the Gospel was preached to those who are now dead (v.6). We are all dead spiritually apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Unless God Himself intervenes for us, we have no hope on the day of judgment. We are desperately in need, which is why we are devoted to living in holiness and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to ALL people.
Discussion Questions
Read: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- This text tells us that Christ suffered in the flesh. We know that this is referring to His physical death by crucifixion. How can we follow Jesus’ example here? What are some ways that we too can suffer for the glory of God?
- Peter tells the exiles to have “the same understanding (v.1).” What was the mindset that Jesus had? And how can we arm ourselves with the same mindset that Jesus had?
- As Christians we constantly battle with sin. Daily we struggle to overcome temptations and the desires of the world. Identify some of the temptations and desires that may be ruling you currently. How can you overcome those stumbling blocks?
- Inevitably, turning from the world and living for Christ is going to lead to persecution. Peter writes here that we have used enough time living for the world, we must commit ourselves to living for Christ. How are you using your time? Are you devoted to making Christ known and battling your sin and the desires of the flesh? If not, why? What do you need in order to move forward and make the best use of your time?
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
SERMON NOTES: Brenton Lehman
Christ, Culture, & Compromise
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-6 (CSB)
Campus: Rivermont
- Christ
- Culture
- Compromise
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same understanding …”
1 Peter 4:1a
“… because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin— in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.”
1 Peter 4:1b-2.
The way of Jesus is the way of unrestrained surrender: there’s nothing I won’t give up to follow Jesus.
Am I willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads, no matter the cost?
“ For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.”
1 Peter 4:3
Then the way of Culture is unrestrained behavior - there’s nothing I won’t do to get to my culture’s vision of the Good Life.
“They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of sin-sick living. And they slander you.”
1 Peter 4:4
Consumer Christianity uses Jesus to sanctify our idolatry.
“They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.”
1 Peter 4:5
“For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.”
1 Peter 4:6
- Is there one way or another that you most identify with right now?
- Am I willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads, no matter the cost? If not, What is holding me back from going all-in with Jesus?
October 11th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22
Suffering Well for the Glory of God
Intro/Overview
As a result of the fall, suffering is to be expected. And the suffering manifests itself in a lot of different ways. Whether it is through sickness and disease, pain, trauma, or ultimately death. Suffering a reality when living on this side of eternity. As believers, as the people of God, how do we respond to suffering? Especially when we feel it is undeserved?
In 1 Peter chapter 3, the apostle Peter is writing to a group of believers currently in exile. He reminds them to continuously live as a people set apart for the glory of God. He tells them to do good even in the face of adversity, and in verse 13, he says that people won’t generally persecute you or harm you if you are committed to doing good at all times. However, even if you do face persecution for your good/righteous behavior it is really a blessing. Think about how counterintuitive and counter-cultural that really is. Peter reminds his readers to keep their minds focused on Christ Jesus, the suffering servant.
Peter also reminds believers to be ready. We must be ready to defend the hope that is inside of each of us. But Peter makes sure to tell this group of exiles that even the way that they defend their hope matters. He says to do it with gentleness and respect (v. 15). Conducting ourselves in a God-honoring, Christ-like manner at all times is what we are called to do as the people of God. This is an incredibly important point, especially as we wrestle through some of the political and racial tensions that are currently plaguing our country. The way that we interact with and respond to others (especially those that don’t agree or even mistreat us) says a lot about our relationship with Christ. Peter knew it was necessary to point those exiles to their external behavior and how important it is to conduct ourselves accordingly at all times.
Finally, we are reminded of the most important truth or reality of the Christian walk: suffering well is really following the example of Christ Jesus. In verse 18 Peter says that Christ also suffered as the righteous for the unrighteous. Christ, the perfect, spotless, son of God was persecuted, ridiculed and crucified for all of the good that He did. In fact, He was crucified and killed to save and redeem His very accusers. He endured suffering for the glory that awaited Him and ultimately for the glory of God. That is the kind of radical kindness and peace that we are to pursue with others. As the people of God, we are to endure suffering even if it comes on account of our good deeds.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 3:13-22
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
As Christians, our hope and our confidence should ultimately rest in Christ Jesus.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Nothing to Lose, Nothing to Prove
Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22
Campus: Rivermont
Do I know Jesus? Are there ways in which I have settled for knowing only things about him?
Jesus, I want to know you more.
“Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good?”
1 Peter 3:13
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed.”
1 Peter 3:14a
“Do not fear what they fear or be intimidated”
1 Peter 3:14b
2019 Top 5 Fears. (click here)
What is it that I fear?
“But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy”
1 Peter 3:15a
Awe in the presence of the real Jesus is more powerful than fear of people or circumstances.
To help overcome fear in highly anxious times, make space to be with Jesus.
“Ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15b
To be with Jesus is to be transformed by his perfect love, which drives out fear, settles our hearts, and makes us peaceful, non-anxious people.
“Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused,[a] those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.”
1 Peter 3:16
Our gentleness, respect, and humble integrity is what will dismantle the hostility in this world.
“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
1 Peter 3:17
No matter how high the stakes, followers of Jesus, rooted deeply in him, can be a peaceful, non-anxious presence and model a curious and attractive hope.
The good news of the gospel: In Jesus, we have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.
Abiding in Jesus produces the fruit of a peaceful, non-anxious, differentiated, and surprisingly hopeful life even in highly anxious and even unjust circumstances.
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God.”
1 Peter 3:18a
“He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”
1 Peter 3:18b
“in which[a] he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison 20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people[b]—were saved through water.”
1 Peter 3:19-20
By his death, Jesus is our reconciliation to God and our redemption from sin, and by his resurrection, he is our victory over sin and death now and in the age to come.
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge[a] of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
1 Peter 3:21
Baptism (click here)
“who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.”
1 Peter 3:22
With the real Jesus, the good news of the gospel is that we have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
| Lesson overview: | Sunday, October 11 |
| Bible passage: | 1 Peter 3:13-22 |
| Story point: | We should be nice to others always, no matter how they treat us. |
| Key Passage: | 1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. |
| Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills |
| Key Passage Activity: Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil Write the key passage: 1 Peter 3:15, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Practice it several times, then when you feel comfortable pass a ball around and say the verse while passing around a ball. Whoever has the ball should say the next word. Say: People might disagree with us about a lot of different things, and they may not always treat us the way we want them to, but we should always treat others and speak to others with gentleness and respect. |
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 3:13-22
|
| Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills |
| Key Passage Activity: Supplies: Paper, Pen/Pencil Write the key passage: 1 Peter 3:15, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Practice it several times, then when you feel comfortable pass a ball around and say the verse while passing around a ball. Whoever has the ball should say the next word. When you can, write the verse out on a piece of paper. Say: People might disagree with us about a lot of different things, and they may not always treat us the way we want them to, but we should always treat others and speak to others with gentleness and respect. |
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 3:13-22
|
Activity: Scavenger Hunt Supplies: Items around your house or yard Go around your house and find 3 items that you think are gentle or soft then find 3 items that are rough or hard. Soft items might be a blanket, cotton balls, stuffed animals, pillow. Hard items might be a toy car, a lego, a book. If you had to pick the gentle item or the hard item to snuggle with what would you choose? The soft item! Soft toys, like our favorite teddy bear or blanket help us feel safe and good. We love cuddling those things! We want to make sure the words we use and the things we do make others feel safe and comfortable with us! We want to use kind words that are welcoming. Even when others aren’t nice, we need to be nice to them. |
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22
Suffering Well for the Glory of God
Intro/Overview
As a result of the fall, suffering is to be expected. And the suffering manifests itself in a lot of different ways. Whether it is through sickness and disease, pain, trauma, or ultimately death. Suffering a reality when living on this side of eternity. As believers, as the people of God, how do we respond to suffering? Especially when we feel it is undeserved?
In 1 Peter chapter 3, the apostle Peter is writing to a group of believers currently in exile. He reminds them to continuously live as a people set apart for the glory of God. He tells them to do good even in the face of adversity, and in verse 13, he says that people won’t generally persecute you or harm you if you are committed to doing good at all times. However, even if you do face persecution for your good/righteous behavior it is really a blessing. Think about how counterintuitive and counter-cultural that really is. Peter reminds his readers to keep their minds focused on Christ Jesus, the suffering servant.
Peter also reminds believers to be ready. We must be ready to defend the hope that is inside of each of us. But Peter makes sure to tell this group of exiles that even the way that they defend their hope matters. He says to do it with gentleness and respect (v. 15). Conducting ourselves in a God-honoring, Christ-like manner at all times is what we are called to do as the people of God. This is an incredibly important point, especially as we wrestle through some of the political and racial tensions that are currently plaguing our country. The way that we interact with and respond to others (especially those that don’t agree or even mistreat us) says a lot about our relationship with Christ. Peter knew it was necessary to point those exiles to their external behavior and how important it is to conduct ourselves accordingly at all times.
Finally, we are reminded of the most important truth or reality of the Christian walk: suffering well is really following the example of Christ Jesus. In verse 18 Peter says that Christ also suffered as the righteous for the unrighteous. Christ, the perfect, spotless, son of God was persecuted, ridiculed and crucified for all of the good that He did. In fact, He was crucified and killed to save and redeem His very accusers. He endured suffering for the glory that awaited Him and ultimately for the glory of God. That is the kind of radical kindness and peace that we are to pursue with others. As the people of God, we are to endure suffering even if it comes on account of our good deeds.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 3:13-22
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- What is your view of suffering? Share some examples of how you may have suffered unjustly in your lifetime. How did you respond?
- Peter tells us to continue to do good even when we are mistreated, because this is a blessed thing. Can you think of some times in your life where you were able to do this?
- As Christians, we have a blessed hope in Christ Jesus. Here, Peter tells us that we should be ready to defend that hope at all times. How can we gently and respectfully defend ourselves?
- When we suffer for doing well, this really makes us just like Christ. In what way has Christ suffered unjustly, and what does that mean for us as believers?
As Christians, our hope and our confidence should ultimately rest in Christ Jesus.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Brenton Lehman
Nothing to Lose, Nothing to Prove
Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22
Campus: Rivermont
Do I know Jesus? Are there ways in which I have settled for knowing only things about him?
Jesus, I want to know you more.
“Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good?”
1 Peter 3:13
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed.”
1 Peter 3:14a
“Do not fear what they fear or be intimidated”
1 Peter 3:14b
2019 Top 5 Fears. (click here)
What is it that I fear?
“But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy”
1 Peter 3:15a
Awe in the presence of the real Jesus is more powerful than fear of people or circumstances.
To help overcome fear in highly anxious times, make space to be with Jesus.
“Ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15b
To be with Jesus is to be transformed by his perfect love, which drives out fear, settles our hearts, and makes us peaceful, non-anxious people.
“Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused,[a] those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.”
1 Peter 3:16
Our gentleness, respect, and humble integrity is what will dismantle the hostility in this world.
“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
1 Peter 3:17
No matter how high the stakes, followers of Jesus, rooted deeply in him, can be a peaceful, non-anxious presence and model a curious and attractive hope.
The good news of the gospel: In Jesus, we have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.
Abiding in Jesus produces the fruit of a peaceful, non-anxious, differentiated, and surprisingly hopeful life even in highly anxious and even unjust circumstances.
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God.”
1 Peter 3:18a
“He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”
1 Peter 3:18b
“in which[a] he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison 20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people[b]—were saved through water.”
1 Peter 3:19-20
By his death, Jesus is our reconciliation to God and our redemption from sin, and by his resurrection, he is our victory over sin and death now and in the age to come.
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge[a] of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
1 Peter 3:21
Baptism (click here)
“who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.”
1 Peter 3:22
With the real Jesus, the good news of the gospel is that we have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.
October 4th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
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Gospel Student Ministries Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Doing Good in the Face of Adversity
Intro/Overview
It can be really hard to be nice to people all the time. Even when people aren’t intentionally doing something to harm or wrong you, if you spend enough time with someone, they will eventually aggravate you in some way (I think a lot of us figured this out during quarantine with our families). So, how do we respond when people don’t just aggravate or frustrate us, but they mistreat us? How do we react to evil, suffering, and persecution?
Naturally, as sinful people operating in our flesh, we retaliate. When someone harms or wrongs us, our desire is revenge. We feel that justice isn’t served until we reciprocate. But as the people of God, we are to live by a different standard. God calls His people to do good towards others at all times. Even when people present you with evil, we are to bless them continuously.
In 1 Peter 3, the apostle Peter is writing a group of exiles continuously encouraging them to live in such a way that God is glorified. Here he reminds them (and us) of the importance of unity and brotherly love (v. 8). As the people of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, we must pursue unity amongst believers. It is important for us to build on the foundation of the Gospel message, and be unified in this truth. Remembering the abundant grace and forgiveness we have received in and through Christ is what compels us to repay people with good even though they deserve evil.
Peter says we have been called to this life of humility and sacrifice. When we continue to do good and bless even those that persecute us, we are simply following the example of Christ. Jesus came to bring peace where there was conflict. As sinful people, born in opposition to God, we were His enemies, destined for death and destruction. But by the blood of Christ we are now at peace with God Romans 5:1 tells us. Just God Himself made peace with us, as the people of God we are to seek and pursue peace (v.11), especially with those that have wronged us. Suffering for doing well, doing good for the sake of others is how we show Christ to the world.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
As Christians, our hope and our confidence should ultimately rest in Christ Jesus.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Faith in Exile
Text: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Campus: Rivermont
“American Christians have softened their practice and their sudden and quick decline raises questions for urgent implications.” ~Barna Group
Jerusalem Perspective vs Exilic Perspective: Click here for picture
Saint Benedict: Click here for picture
“Christians today are on the losing side of the culture, right now, we are going to have to start seeing ourselves as a people in exile to move forward… If we continue to live in the world as if nothing has changed, or is wrong, we are at risk of losing our faith.” ~Rod Dreher, The Benedict Option.
“Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.
For the one who wants to love life
and to see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit,
and let him turn away from evil
and do what is good.
Let him seek peace and pursue it,
because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against
those who do what is evil.”
1 Peter 3:8-12 (CSB)
Why these five adjectives?
Like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, compassionate, humble
Why these five adjectives?
Like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, compassionate, humble
Like-mindedness
“differentiation is understanding yourself in a way in which you remain connected to people, yet your reactions or behaviors are determined by others. It’s the ability to be calm and consistent in what you think and feel, not demanding or even forcing others to think and be the same way.” ~Pete Scazerro
Our Pursuit to be like-minded should subvert our tendency to dig chasms between brothers and sisters and Christ.
Sympathetic
Love One another
Compassionate
Humble
“not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9 (CSB)
As the family of God, as you sojourn in this foreign land, you too will be delivered in due time because of your affliction that you experience from your faith in God.
We are called to live out this inherited blessing to both one another and to the outside world. We bless because we have been blessed.
The most powerful tool for social change is going to come in the way that we “bless others.”
It is very difficult to give blessing when we haven’t understood and experienced the blessing given to us by the Lord.
Question for reflection:
Do I truly believe in the eternal blessing of inheritance that God has promised me? If no, then what is Jesus asking me to do right now? If yes, then does my life model a blessing to the family of God and to the watching world?
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
| Lesson overview: | Sunday, October 4 |
| Bible passage: | 1 Peter 3:8-12 |
| Story point: | We need to see and pursue peace. |
| Key Passage: | 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. |
| Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills |
| Key Passage Activity: Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil Write the key passage:1 Peter 3:9 on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Say: Peter calls us to live in peace and unity with one another. We are to love others and to bless others. |
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 3:8-12
|
| Activity: Hang Man Supplies: Paper & Pencils or a Whiteboard Play several rounds of Hang Man, choose words that help reinforce how we should treat one another. |
| Olderer Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills |
| Key Passage Activity: Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil Write the key passage: 1 Peter 3:9 on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Say: Peter calls us to live in peace and unity with one another. We are to love others and to bless 0thers. |
Bible Story Questions: Read 1 Peter 3:8-12
|
Activity: Hang Man Supplies: Paper & Pencils or a Whiteboard Play several rounds of Hang Man, choose words that help reinforce how we should treat one another. |
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Gospel Student Ministries Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Doing Good in the Face of Adversity
Intro/Overview
It can be really hard to be nice to people all the time. Even when people aren’t intentionally doing something to harm or wrong you, if you spend enough time with someone, they will eventually aggravate you in some way (I think a lot of us figured this out during quarantine with our families). So, how do we respond when people don’t just aggravate or frustrate us, but they mistreat us? How do we react to evil, suffering, and persecution?
Naturally, as sinful people operating in our flesh, we retaliate. When someone harms or wrongs us, our desire is revenge. We feel that justice isn’t served until we reciprocate. But as the people of God, we are to live by a different standard. God calls His people to do good towards others at all times. Even when people present you with evil, we are to bless them continuously.
In 1 Peter 3, the apostle Peter is writing a group of exiles continuously encouraging them to live in such a way that God is glorified. Here he reminds them (and us) of the importance of unity and brotherly love (v. 8). As the people of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, we must pursue unity amongst believers. It is important for us to build on the foundation of the Gospel message, and be unified in this truth. Remembering the abundant grace and forgiveness we have received in and through Christ is what compels us to repay people with good even though they deserve evil.
Peter says we have been called to this life of humility and sacrifice. When we continue to do good and bless even those that persecute us, we are simply following the example of Christ. Jesus came to bring peace where there was conflict. As sinful people, born in opposition to God, we were His enemies, destined for death and destruction. But by the blood of Christ we are now at peace with God Romans 5:1 tells us. Just God Himself made peace with us, as the people of God we are to seek and pursue peace (v.11), especially with those that have wronged us. Suffering for doing well, doing good for the sake of others is how we show Christ to the world.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- Peter begins this section of his letter by telling his readers to be unified, tender hearted, and to show love and sympathy towards one another. Why is this so important to this idea of suffering for the sake of righteousness?
- Can you think of a time where you repaid someone for what they did to you? What could you have done instead of retaliating?
- As God’s people we are told to seek peace continuously. How can we do this (what compels us)? And how does this show people Christ/the Gospel?
- The face of the Lord is upon the righteous. However, we know that in our own strength, we have no righteousness of our own. So how can one be counted among the righteous? Is it simply by doing good? Praying a lot? Etc.
As Christians, our hope and our confidence should ultimately rest in Christ Jesus.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
- Consider ways to leverage the time that you have with your students. How can you utilize this time to help them see Jesus/own the mission?
- In what ways can you love/serve your neighbors? Think of some practical (and safe!) ways that you and your student(s) can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time.
Sermon Notes: Preston Burling
Title: Faith in Exile
Text: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Campus: Rivermont
“American Christians have softened their practice and their sudden and quick decline raises questions for urgent implications.” ~Barna Group
Jerusalem Perspective vs Exilic Perspective: Click here for picture
Saint Benedict: Click here for picture
“Christians today are on the losing side of the culture, right now, we are going to have to start seeing ourselves as a people in exile to move forward… If we continue to live in the world as if nothing has changed, or is wrong, we are at risk of losing our faith.” ~Rod Dreher, The Benedict Option.
“Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.
For the one who wants to love life
and to see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit,
and let him turn away from evil
and do what is good.
Let him seek peace and pursue it,
because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against
those who do what is evil.”
1 Peter 3:8-12 (CSB)
Why these five adjectives?
Like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, compassionate, humble
- It’s these characteristics that root the Christian community in being a place of refuge and support, for the exilic disciple of Jesus
Why these five adjectives?
Like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, compassionate, humble
- It’s these characteristic that root the Christian community in being a place of refuge and support, for the exilic disciple of Jesus
- These five adjectives will help reinforce Christian cohesion within the church family, ultimately preparing us to stand firm in the midst of adversity and hostility.
Like-mindedness
- Cohesion within the community of faith
- Subverts cohesion to the world around us
“differentiation is understanding yourself in a way in which you remain connected to people, yet your reactions or behaviors are determined by others. It’s the ability to be calm and consistent in what you think and feel, not demanding or even forcing others to think and be the same way.” ~Pete Scazerro
Our Pursuit to be like-minded should subvert our tendency to dig chasms between brothers and sisters and Christ.
Sympathetic
Love One another
Compassionate
Humble
“not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9 (CSB)
As the family of God, as you sojourn in this foreign land, you too will be delivered in due time because of your affliction that you experience from your faith in God.
We are called to live out this inherited blessing to both one another and to the outside world. We bless because we have been blessed.
The most powerful tool for social change is going to come in the way that we “bless others.”
It is very difficult to give blessing when we haven’t understood and experienced the blessing given to us by the Lord.
Question for reflection:
Do I truly believe in the eternal blessing of inheritance that God has promised me? If no, then what is Jesus asking me to do right now? If yes, then does my life model a blessing to the family of God and to the watching world?
September 27th Sermon Guides
Kid City Notes
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
___________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Honorable Submission Through the Covenant of Marriage
Intro/Overview
We can learn a lot from marriage, particularly a Christ-centered, God-honoring marriage. The institution of marriage is a sacred covenant not only between a man and a woman, but also the God that created them. This union is meant to represent the relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church. A godly, and Biblical marriage should be a living and breathing demonstration of the Gospel message. Husbands and wives should be continuously showing one another grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love as they point one another to Jesus. However, this can be incredibly difficult when you consider that every marriage consists of two sinful people, and even in some cases, this is made more difficult when one individual is a believer and the other is not.
In the 1 Peter 3, Peter, as he is writing to the exiles, reminds his readers of the importance of godly and holy conduct (a theme throughout this letter). But here in chapter 3, Peter shifts his focus to believing husbands and wives. He begins by telling wives to submit to their husbands, even the ones that aren’t believers. This can be incredibly difficult. Submitting to authority is difficult in itself, but that can become even more frustrating when you’re asked to submit to someone you don’t agree with. Peter points out something really helpful here and really essential to the Christian life. He says in verse 1, that wives can win over their husbands without a word, simply by their reverent and godly behavior.
Peter then goes on to say, in verse 7, that husbands should live with their wives “in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor.” I think it’s important to have the right idea of the word “weaker” that is used here. Now, this does not mean that women are of any lesser value, importance, or intelligence than men. While women are fully equal to men as image bearers of God and heirs to the kingdom, because they are physically weaker, men have a duty to protect, provide, and care for their wives.
The main idea here is simple: the way that we treat each other matters. The way that we respond to those that mistreat us or don’t agree with us, or don’t believe what we believe, essentially makes a statement about Jesus and our actions/conduct have a massive impact on others. Respond to others graciously and humbly, especially when they least deserve it, is how we can be a living demonstration of the Gospel. This goes beyond the covenant of marriage, as we have the opportunity to show Christ to people daily, in all of our earthly relationships.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
As Christians, our hope and our confidence should ultimately rest in Christ Jesus.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents:
View all Kid City lesson videos by clicking HERE.
| Lesson overview: | Sunday, September 27, 2020 |
| Bible passage: | 1 Peter 3:1-7 |
| Story point: | It is better when we love, honor and respect each other. God made us different for a reason! |
| Key Passage: | 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy and brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind. |
| Younger Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills |
| Key Passage Activity: Supplies: Paper, pen/pencil Write the key passage, 1 Peter 3:8, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Then take a ball and pass it around and whoever has the ball must say the next word until the verse is complete. Say: God made men and women to be husband and wives. Husbands and wives each have different roles, but they are called to love and respect one another. God wants us to love and respect all others. |
| Bible Story Questions: 1. Why should we care about this passage about husbands and wives? (Because all boys have friends that are girls and all boys have friends that are girls. Mr. Trevor even said that some of you might get married, so it is good to learn how to treat other people with respect.) 2. Do you know what honor means? (It means respecting, treating them well, and caring about their feelings. In the book of Romans we are told to “outdo one another in showing honor.” We are supposed to care about other people and their feelings and making sure we are caring about them. ) 3. How can you honor others? (Parents, discuss different ways to care about others - sharing, complementing, helping, being kind.) 4. Who did God create in His image? (Boys and girls are both made in His image. Even those boys and girls are different, both boys and girls show us parts of God’s character. So, we need to be glad that we are different because we can see more of who God is in some of our differences!) |
| Activity: Paper Chains Supplies: Strips of Paper, and glue or tape, pen On strips of paper write down the different things that make you feel respected and loved. Ex. Playing nicely, sharing, cleaning up together, using kind words. Hang up your paper chain so you can see throughout the week different ways we can show our family members love and respect. Say: God has created everyone in His image. We need to love and respect others. |
| Older Kids: Bible Story Review & Bible Skills |
| Key Passage Activity: Supplies - Paper, pen/pencil Write the key passage,1 Peter 3:8, on a piece of paper and have the kids repeat it after you. Then take a ball and pass it around and whoever has the ball must say the next word until the verse is complete. Say - God made men and women to be husband and wives. Husbands and wives each have different roles, but they are called to love and respect one another. God wants us to love and respect all others. |
| Bible Story Questions: 1. Why should we care about this passage about husbands and wives? (Because all boys have friends that are girls and all boys have friends that are girls. Mr. Trevor even said that some of you might get married, so it is good to learn how to treat other people with respect.) 2. Do you know what honor means? (It means respecting, treating them well, and caring about their feelings. In the book of Romans we are told to “outdo one another in showing honor.” We are supposed to care about other people and their feelings and making sure we are caring about them. ) 3. How can you honor others? (Parents, discuss different ways to care about others - sharing, complementing, helping, being kind.) 4. Who did God create in His image? (Boys and girls are both made in His image. Even those boys and girls are different, both boys and girls show us parts of God’s character. So, we need to be glad that we are different because we can see more of who God is in some of our differences!) |
| Activity: Paper Chains Supplies: Strips of Paper, and glue or tape, pen On strips of paper write down the different things that make you feel respected and loved. Ex. Playing nicely, sharing, cleaning up together, using kind words. Hang up your paper chain so you can see throughout the week different ways we can show our family members love and respect. Say: God has created everyone in His image. We need to love and respect others. |
___________________________________________________________________
Gospel Student Ministry Notes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Honorable Submission Through the Covenant of Marriage
Intro/Overview
We can learn a lot from marriage, particularly a Christ-centered, God-honoring marriage. The institution of marriage is a sacred covenant not only between a man and a woman, but also the God that created them. This union is meant to represent the relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church. A godly, and Biblical marriage should be a living and breathing demonstration of the Gospel message. Husbands and wives should be continuously showing one another grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love as they point one another to Jesus. However, this can be incredibly difficult when you consider that every marriage consists of two sinful people, and even in some cases, this is made more difficult when one individual is a believer and the other is not.
In the 1 Peter 3, Peter, as he is writing to the exiles, reminds his readers of the importance of godly and holy conduct (a theme throughout this letter). But here in chapter 3, Peter shifts his focus to believing husbands and wives. He begins by telling wives to submit to their husbands, even the ones that aren’t believers. This can be incredibly difficult. Submitting to authority is difficult in itself, but that can become even more frustrating when you’re asked to submit to someone you don’t agree with. Peter points out something really helpful here and really essential to the Christian life. He says in verse 1, that wives can win over their husbands without a word, simply by their reverent and godly behavior.
Peter then goes on to say, in verse 7, that husbands should live with their wives “in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor.” I think it’s important to have the right idea of the word “weaker” that is used here. Now, this does not mean that women are of any lesser value, importance, or intelligence than men. While women are fully equal to men as image bearers of God and heirs to the kingdom, because they are physically weaker, men have a duty to protect, provide, and care for their wives.
The main idea here is simple: the way that we treat each other matters. The way that we respond to those that mistreat us or don’t agree with us, or don’t believe what we believe, essentially makes a statement about Jesus and our actions/conduct have a massive impact on others. Respond to others graciously and humbly, especially when they least deserve it, is how we can be a living demonstration of the Gospel. This goes beyond the covenant of marriage, as we have the opportunity to show Christ to people daily, in all of our earthly relationships.
Discussion Questions
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Reflect on these verses
These questions are meant to generate conversations with your students.
- Why is godly conduct so important? What does your conduct/behavior say about your relationship with Jesus?
- Within the covenant of marriage, husbands and wives have the opportunity to point each other to Christ daily. However, we can also do this in other relationships as well. Name some people in your life that you are in relationship with, that you could demonstrate the Gospel for more consistently.
- How can you use your conduct and your response to conflict/confrontation to point people to Jesus?
- What is our motivation for being understanding, forgiving, gracious to people especially when they least deserve it?
As Christians, our hope and our confidence should ultimately rest in Christ Jesus.
End your time together by praying as a family. Pray specifically for the things that you’ve discussed (and confessed), pray for each other, and pray for our world as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and the racial and political tensions currently facing our nation.
Parents: