Responding to Suffering

Responding to Suffering (Mark 15:1-20)

1.     Personal Application How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2.     Self-Examination: Reflecting on your own responses to suffering, do you tend to react out of fear, envy, or obedience?

3.     Identifying Envy: Can you recognize instances in your life where envy has influenced your thoughts or actions, particularly in comparison to others' possessions, relationships, or circumstances?

4.     Overcoming Envy: What steps can you take to overcome feelings of envy and cultivate a heart of gratitude for the blessings in your own life?

5.     Fear of Man: In what areas of your life do you find yourself succumbing to the fear of man, seeking approval or avoiding conflict at the expense of obedience to God?

6.     Fearing God: How can you cultivate a greater fear of God in your life, recognizing His sovereignty and authority above the opinions and judgments of others?

7.     Acceptance of Suffering: When faced with suffering, do you find yourself lashing out in resentment or quietly accepting it as an opportunity for obedience and growth?

8.     Suffering as a Test: How does your response to suffering reveal the strength of your faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?

9.     Living Sacrificially: In light of Christ's sacrificial love in dying as your substitute, how can you demonstrate that same love to others, willingly sacrificing your own comfort and desires for the sake of their well-being?

Darkness Over the Land

Darkness Over the Land (Exodus 7-10)

1. Understanding God's Authority: How does the story of the plagues in Egypt illustrate God's ultimate authority and power over all creation?

2. The Consequences of Pluralism: What can we learn from Pharaoh's attitude towards God's command to let the Israelites go, especially in a culture that embraces pluralism and multiple gods?

3. Recognizing God's Sovereignty: In what ways do we sometimes question or doubt God's authority in our lives, similar to Pharaoh's initial response?

4. The Significance of God's Judgment: Why is it important to understand God's role as Judge, particularly in a world that often questions or denies the concept of divine judgment?

5. Lessons from the Plagues: How do each of the plagues sent upon Egypt reveal God's power over creation and His ability to judge sin while offering redemption?

6. The Symbolism of Darkness: What significance does the darkness over the land of Egypt for three days hold in terms of God's authority and His role as the ultimate Judge?

7. God’s Commands: How are God’s commands to work hard and rest well for your good? How are His commands to forgive for your good?

8. Responding to God's Call: In what ways are we called to respond to God's authority and sovereignty in our lives, particularly when faced with challenges or uncertainties?

9. Living in Obedience: What practical steps can we take to align our lives with God's will and submit to His authority, recognizing Him as both Judge and Savior?

The Emtpy Tomb

The Empty Tomb (John 20:11-18)

1.     Comfort in Crisis: How can you find comfort in Christ during times of disappointment, grief, or struggle?

2.     Facing Disappointment: What disappointments are you currently experiencing, and how can you process them in light of God's love and care for us?

3.     Overcoming Evil: In what ways do you see evil prevailing in our world, and how can you trust in God's sovereignty to ultimately triumph over it?

4.     Dealing with Loss: How does the resurrection of Jesus offer hope to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one?

5.     Embracing a New Identity: How does knowing that you are called by name and loved by God impact the way you view yourselves and others?

6.     Discovering Purpose: What mission has Jesus given us as His followers, and how can you actively engage in sharing the Good News with others?

7.     Trusting God: In what areas of your lives do you need to release control and trust in God's plan, rather than trying to accomplish things on your own?

8.     Responding to Jesus' Call: When Jesus calls us by name, how should you respond in terms of surrendering to His Lordship and embracing your identity as His disciples?

9.     Sharing the Good News: How can you practically fulfill your mission to "go and tell" others about the hope found in Christ's resurrection?

Unlike a Rock

Unlike a Rock

Mark 14:66-72

Outline:

I.      Peter’s Insecurity in His Denial (66-72a)

a.     He ignored Christ’s warning.

b.     He had an inflated view of himself.

c.     He failed to pray

II.    God’s Second Chance in His Grace (72b)

Questions:

1. Self-Reflection on Pride:

• In what ways do you see elements of Peter's self-inflation mirrored in your own life?

• How can you cultivate humility and guard against pride in your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others?

2. Prioritizing Prayer:

• What role does prayer currently play in your life, especially during times of trial or temptation?

• Are there areas where you've been relying more on your own strength rather than seeking God's guidance through prayer?

3. Accepting Interruptions as Divine Opportunities:

• How do you typically respond to interruptions in your daily life, whether from family, friends, or unexpected circumstances?

• Are you open to viewing interruptions as potential divine appointments, opportunities to serve others, or moments for spiritual growth?

4. Finding Security in Christ Alone:

• Reflect on where you find your sense of security and stability in life. Is it primarily in worldly achievements, relationships, or material possessions?

• How can you shift your focus to find true security in Christ, recognizing His unchanging nature and steadfast love?

5. Embracing God's Second Chances:

• Have you experienced moments of failure or denial in your faith journey? How did you respond to those setbacks?

• Are you open to receiving God's second chances and embracing His forgiveness and restoration in your life?

6. Repentance and Turning Back to God:

• What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of repentance and genuine remorse for any areas of sin or disobedience in your life?

• How can you actively seek reconciliation with God and others, acknowledging your need for His grace and forgiveness?

7. Seeking Strength in Weakness:

• How do you typically respond when faced with challenges or trials that exceed your own strength or abilities?

• Are you willing to embrace your weaknesses as opportunities for God's power to be made perfect, trusting in His sufficiency to carry you through?

8. Extending Grace to Others:

• In what ways can you demonstrate grace and compassion toward those who have experienced failure or denial, offering them encouragement and support?

• How does your understanding of God's grace influence your interactions with others who may be struggling or in need of forgiveness?

9. Cultivating a Heart of Worship and Gratitude:

• How do you respond to moments of God's grace and mercy in your life, especially when He extends second chances or offers forgiveness?

• How can you cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude, recognizing God's faithfulness and goodness despite your shortcomings?

10. Sharing Your Testimony of God's Grace:

• How can you use your own experiences of failure, repentance, and restoration to encourage others in their walk with the Lord?

• Are you willing to share openly and transparently about God's grace and second chances in your life, pointing others to the hope found in Christ?

When Friends Fail

When Friends Fail

Mark 14:37-52

I. Because Friends fail, you need God’s comfort. (37-42; 50-52)

A. The disciples are sleeping. (37)

B. A young man is running naked. (50-52)

II. Because Enemies attack, you need God’s comfort. (43-49)

A. The religious leaders attack with weapons (43)

B. Judas attacks with a kiss (44-45)

1. Reflecting on Your Friendships:

· Can you identify at least one friend who has been there for you in times of need? How do you define friendship based on your experiences?

2. Understanding Betrayal:

· Have you ever experienced betrayal from someone you considered a friend or trusted confidant? How did it impact you emotionally and spiritually?

3. Dependence vs. Self-Reliance:

· In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength rather than depending on God? How can you shift toward a posture of dependence on Him?

4. Cultivating a Prayerful Life:

· What does your current prayer life look like? Are there specific ways you can deepen your prayer practice to cultivate a greater dependence on God's comfort?

5. Recognizing the Weakness of the Flesh:

· Can you recall a time when you relied on your own strength and it led to disappointment or failure? How did that experience shape your understanding of dependence on God?

6. Practical Steps Towards Dependent Prayer:

· What practical steps can you take to incorporate more intentional and dependent prayer into your daily routine? How can you create a space for honest and vulnerable communication with God?

7. Examining Patterns of Reliance:

· Take a moment to reflect on past trials or challenges. Do you notice any patterns in how you respond to difficulties? How do you think these patterns reflect your reliance on God versus self-reliance?

8. Learning from Jesus' Example:

· How does Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane challenge or inspire you in your own spiritual journey? What lessons can you glean from His posture of dependent prayer?

9. Responding to the Weakness of Others:

· When a friend or loved one falls short of your expectations, how do you typically respond? How could you extend compassion and understanding, recognizing the weakness of the flesh in all of us?

10. Committing to Dependent Prayer:

· What specific commitments can you make to prioritize dependent prayer in your life moving forward? How can you create accountability and support structures to maintain this commitment over time?

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God's Comfort for Real Emotions

God's Comfort for Real Emotions (Mark 14:32-36)

Outline:

I.      Because Pressure is real, you need God’s comfort. (32a)

II.    Because Prayer is real, you can find God’s comfort. (32b)

III.  Because Emotions are real, you need God’s comfort. (33-34)

IV.  Because God’s will is real, you can find God’s comfort. (35-36)

1.    Personal Application:

·      How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2.    Faith in the Valleys:

·      How has your faith been tested in the valleys of life, and what struggles are you facing currently?

·      Reflecting on the story of the father in Peter De Vries' book, have you ever felt vulnerable or devastated to the point of losing faith? How did you cope?

3.    Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice:

·      How does the imagery of Gethsemane as an olive press resonate with your understanding of Jesus' suffering for us?

·      In what ways can you remind yourself of Jesus' care for you when you are going through trials?

4.    Prioritizing Prayer:

·      How often do you prioritize spending time alone with God in prayer, especially during challenging times?

·      What distractions do you face when trying to have focused prayer time, and how can you eliminate them?

5.    Handling Emotions:

·      Reflecting on Jesus' emotional distress in Gethsemane, how do you handle your own emotions in times of difficulty?

·      Have you ever felt as overwhelmed as Jesus did in Gethsemane, surrounded by sorrow and grief? How did you cope?

6.    Identifying with Jesus' Humanity:

·      How does knowing that Jesus faced trials and temptations as a human impact your perspective on your own struggles?

·      What does Jesus' submission to God's will in Gethsemane teach you about obedience in difficult circumstances?

7.    Choosing God's Will:

·      How do you typically approach decision-making in your life, and in what areas do you struggle to submit to God's will?

·      When faced with decisions that seem right in your selfish thinking, but may lead to spiritual death, how can you choose God's will instead?

8.    Aligning Life with God's Purposes:

·      Reflect on a recent decision you made or need to make. How can you align it with God's will, even if it's challenging?

·      In what ways can you prioritize submitting every area of your life to the Father's will, even when it's difficult?

9.    Commitment to God's Will:

·      Considering the importance of decision-making and submission to God's will, what steps will you take to align your life more closely with His purposes?

Trusting in Trials

Trusting in Trials (Mark 14:17-31)

1.     Personal Application: How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2.     Response to Adversity: Reflecting on the disciples' abandonment of Jesus in his time of need, how do you respond to adversity in your own life? Do you tend to draw closer to God or withdraw from Him and His community?

3.     Examining Ourselves: In what ways does Jesus' statement, "One of you will betray me," prompt us to engage in self-reflection and examination of our own hearts and actions?

4.     Authentic Faith: Reflecting on Matthew 7:13-23, how can you tell if you have good fruit or bad fruit in your heart?

5.     Self-Examination and Repentance: Why is self-examination crucial before partaking in Communion, and how can this practice deepen our relationship with God and our understanding of our need for His grace?

6.     Hope in Second Chances: Reflecting on Jesus' willingness to give Judas and the disciples opportunities for repentance, how does this demonstrate His boundless grace and desire for reconciliation with humanity? How does Jesus' resurrection offer hope to believers who struggle with feelings of inadequacy, failure, or persistent sin?

7.     Trusting in God's Unconditional Love: In what ways does Jesus' unwavering love and acceptance of flawed individuals challenge our understanding of love, forgiveness, and grace?

8.     Overcoming Failure: Reflecting on Peter's restoration by Jesus after his denial, how can we draw strength from the assurance that God's grace can transform our weaknesses into opportunities for growth and service?

9.     Responding to Trials: In what specific ways can we trust in Jesus as the sovereign Lord during trials and difficulties in our lives, drawing strength from His example of enduring love?

The First Lord's Supper

(Mark 14:12-16)

1. Understanding the Context:

· What significant events are happening in Mark 14 that set the stage for understanding Jesus' actions?

· How does the historical context of Roman Christians facing trials parallel with our current experiences?

2. The Severity of Trials:

· What are some examples of trials mentioned in the sermon that people might face in their lives?

· How do these trials affect individuals on a personal and emotional level?

3. Jesus' Preparation:

· What specific preparations did Jesus make leading up to His crucifixion according to Mark 14?

· How does Jesus' intentional planning demonstrate His sovereignty and control over the events of His passion?

4. Jesus' Foreknowledge:

· How does Jesus demonstrate foreknowledge and control over the events of His death in Mark 14?

· What significance does this foreknowledge hold for believers facing trials?

5. Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice:

· How does Jesus' willingness to suffer and die for us illustrate His love and commitment?

· In what ways does Jesus' sacrifice provide reassurance for believers facing trials?

6. The Final Sacrifice:

· How does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfill the need for final atonement according to the sermon?

· What implications does this final sacrifice hold for our salvation and redemption?

7. Unity in Christ:

· What is the significance of sharing a communal cup during the Lord's Supper?

· How does this practice symbolize the unity of believers in Christ and our shared participation in His sacrifice?

8. Hope for the Future:

· What hope does Jesus offer believers regarding the future, as mentioned in Mark 14:25?

· How does this hope sustain believers during times of trial and adversity?

9. Personal Reflection:

· Reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice and sovereignty, how does this impact your perspective on trials and difficulties you may face?

· What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's plan and provision during challenging times?

Don't Waste Your Worship

Don’t Waste Your Worship             Mark 14:3-9

Personal Application

How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

Extravagant Encounters: Reflecting on Moments of Profound Worship

Have you ever experienced a moment of extravagant worship, similar to Mary's anointing of Jesus? If so, describe that experience.

Leftovers or Firstfruits: The Challenge of Giving God Your Best

How do you define extravagant worship, and what sacrifices does it require?

Breaking the Jar: Surrendering Your Most Precious Possessions to Jesus

What would it look like for you to break the metaphorical "alabaster jar" and pour out your most valuable possessions for Jesus? Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed with love for Jesus. What prompted that feeling, and how did you respond?

Overflowing Love: Moments of Overwhelming Affection for Jesus

In what ways do you struggle to give Jesus your firstfruits instead of your leftovers?

At His Feet: Finding Humility and Adoration in His Presence

Describe a moment when you found yourself at Jesus' feet in humility and adoration. How did that experience impact your relationship with Him?

Martha or Mary: Balancing Busyness and Devotion

Are you more like Martha, busy with many tasks, or like Mary, choosing to sit at Jesus' feet? Explain your answer.

Discerning True Worship: Avoiding the Trap of Wastefulness

How do you distinguish between wasteful worship and worship that is pleasing to Jesus?

Love as the Motive: Cultivating Heartfelt Worship

How can you ensure that your worship is motivated by love for Jesus rather than mere routine or obligation?

Judgment Day Reflections: Evaluating Life's Works Before Jesus

Imagine standing before Jesus on the Judgment Day. How would you want your life's works to be evaluated in light of His scrutiny?

Christ-like Compassion

Chris Anderson 

Matthew 8-9

Missions Conference

1. Discuss what it means to have compassion on both multitudes and individuals.

2. In what sense were the Jews, despite having many religious leaders, "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd"?

3. How could we be more Christ-like in our compassionate engagement of the lost, and especially of social outcasts?

4. Jesus spent much of His time with social pariahs--lepers, Gentiles, notorious sinners, and the like. Where would Jesus likely minister if He were in the Greenville community today?

5. Jesus met both physical needs and spiritual needs. In what way is that a model for us today? How should we balance the two in our ministries?

6. Jesus contrasted the vast harvest with the few laborers in His day. The need is even greater in our day. How can we cultivate a greater burden for the lost, both at home and abroad?

7. How can you more intentionally carry out Jesus' command to pray for laborers?

8. Why is the concept that missionaries are "heroes" demotivating for normal church members?

9. As we pray for more laborers, have you sincerely prayed for the Lord to send You if He should so choose? Are you ready to leverage your life, passions, and talents to take the gospel where it's not?

Declaring His Glory Among the Nations (Pastor Henson)

Declaring His Glory Among the Nations

Psalm 96

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1) Is Missions Conference week about more to you than simply some intense and intentional preaching on the great need of the world and the great responsibility of the church?

2) Is there something more foundational that motivates your thinking about and engagement in missions than merely the reality of human need and a personal sense of guilt or responsibility?

3) In Psalm 96, where does the psalmist root our thinking so that he might motivate our action/engagement?

4) What does the psalmist call us to declare to the “heathen” (literally, the nations of the world)?

5) Has your own heart been gripped by the three foundational truths in this passage (that our Lord is the only true God, that our Lord is worthy of worship, and that our Lord will judge the world)?

6) Which of these three truths are you most convicted by (personally) and then motivated by (missionally)? Why?

7) Based upon what we studied together this morning, what is one specific thing the Lord convicted you about? How do you plan to respond to that conviction? In other words, what will you do or what will you change in response to His work in your heart today?

Polarizing Jesus

Polarizing Jesus

Mark 14:1-11

1.    Personal Application

How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2.    Literary Device:

What literary device is introduced in the sermon, and how does it contribute to the message?

3.    Markan Sandwich:

What is the Markan sandwich in Mark 14, and what does it reveal about the polarization around Jesus? Why is Jesus polarizing?

4.    Sun Analogy:

How is the analogy of the sun melting wax and hardening clay explained in relation to our alignment with Jesus?

5.    Alignment with Jesus:

Why is it important to be aligned with Jesus? What causes you to be aligned or misaligned?

6.    Sacrificial Love:

How can you, like Mary in verses 3-9, sacrifice to love Jesus and His image-bearers in your daily life?

7.    Virtue Signaling:

How are concerns for the poor connected to the actions of Judas and certain groups in contemporary society?

8.    Spiritual Battle:

Who is the real Enemy? Why is it important to remember our battle is not primarily against flesh and blood, but is a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12)?

9.    God's Grace:

How can we receive God's grace even when our lives are marked by sins like abortion? How can we preach the Gospel to ourselves and remember that our sins are many, but His mercy is more?

What to Expect

What to Expect

Mark 13:14-23

Application Questions: 

1. Personal Application

• How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2. Attitudes Towards End-Time Prophecies

• What are common attitudes towards end-time prophecies, and how can you align your perspectives with the importance of being prepared, as emphasized in Mark 13 (v. 5, 9, 23, 33)?

3. Christian Unity in Diverse Views

• How can you cultivate unity with other Christians (in the spirit of Romans 14), despite the diversity of opinions about the end times?

4. Emphasis on Anticipation

• Why should you spend more time contemplating the return of Christ, considering the numerous references (318x) in the New Testament? What are the reasons you don’t?

5. Tribulation for Unbelievers

• What can unbelievers expect during the Tribulation (vv. 14-23), and how does this text encourage unbelievers to turn to Christ? How should this encourage believers to share the Gospel?

6. Impact of Imminent Return on Daily Lives

• How does the imminent nature of Christ's return (seen in the Parable of the Doorkeeper in vv. 34-35) impact your daily life? What practical changes can you make to live with this awareness?

7. Hope in Suffering

• In what ways can anticipating Christ’s return bring hope during suffering?

8. Living a Pure and Holy Life

• How does the awareness of Christ's imminent return inspire believers to live pure and holy lives (1 John 3:3; Titus 2:11-15)?

9. Power to Forgive and Trust in Justice

• In what ways does the return of Christ provide believers with the power to forgive and trust in God's justice, and how can this influence our interactions with others?

Christ's Roadmap for the Future

Christ's Roadmap for the Future 

Mark 13:1-13

1.    Personal Application: How did the Holy Spirit use this message in your life?

2.    Balancing Curiosity: How can curiosity about the end times be balanced between excessive fascination and apathetic indifference, as mentioned in the sermon?

3.    Importance of End Times: Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of understanding and preparing for the end times, as seen in the repetition of "Take heed" in Mark 13?

4.    Imminence of Christ's Return: How does the concept of Jesus' return being imminent impact your perspective on preparing for the end times?

5.    Signs of Progression: According to Mark 13:5-13, what are the four general signs of progression toward the end that Jesus outlines?

6.    Dealing with Deceivers: In what ways can believers guard against being deceived by false messiahs and misleading teachings, as warned by Jesus in Mark 13:5-6?

7.    Response to Persecution: How does the promise of salvation connected to endurance (Mark 13:13) impact your perspective on facing potential persecution for your faith?

8.    Sharing the Gospel: How can believers use times of persecution or difficulty as opportunities to share the gospel, as suggested in the sermon?

9.    Rejoicing in Suffering: Reflecting on Acts 5:41, how can believers cultivate a mindset that rejoices in suffering for the sake of Christ, as exemplified by the early disciples?

God With Us

God with Us 

Matthew 1:18-25

• Surrendering to the Savior: Like Joseph, are you currently willing to surrender everything – your wants, wishes, dreams, desires, plans, and pride – for Jesus, recognizing that He is not just an add-on but the very essence of your life? How can you practically surrender more aspects of your life to Jesus?

• Authority of His Name: In what areas of your life are you acknowledging the authority of Jesus' name? Are there areas where you are struggling to submit to His authority, and how can you overcome those challenges?

• Delegated Authority: How does the concept of God delegating authority through naming impact your understanding of Jesus as Lord? In what ways can you acknowledge and submit to Jesus' authority in your daily life?

• Jesus' Deity: How often do you consciously reflect on the deity of Jesus Christ? How does understanding that Jesus fulfills the names of God in the Old Testament impact your perspective on His divine nature?

• Immanuel, God With Us: How does the truth that Jesus is God with us change your approach to daily challenges, joys, and the overall journey of life? Are there specific situations where you can be more conscious of God's presence?

• Transcendence and Immanence: How do you balance the understanding of God's transcendence with His immanence in your spiritual journey? In what ways do you need a God who is both beyond the stars and present in your daily life?

• God in Your Service: Reflect on your service within the church or community. How does the assurance of God being with you in your service impact your attitude, motivation, and endurance in serving others?

• God in Your Witness: As a follower of Jesus, how does the knowledge that Jesus is Immanuel empower and inspire your efforts in sharing the Gospel with others? In what ways can you rely on God's presence as you fulfill the Great Commission?

• God in Your Trials: Consider a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did the awareness of God's presence affect your response and outlook during that time? How can you deepen your trust in God's presence during future trials?

• Balancing Hurry and Stillness: Evaluate your current pace of life. In what areas can you intentionally slow down to create moments of stillness and reflection on God's presence? How might this practice benefit your spiritual well-being?

• Focusing on Jesus: How can you practically "set your mind on things above" amidst the busyness of life? Are there specific habits or disciplines you can adopt to fix your mind on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith?

• Distractions in Listening to God: Reflect on Elijah's experience with God's still small voice. What distractions in your life hinder you from hearing God's voice? How can you create a space for quiet listening and attentiveness to God's leading?

• Prioritizing Eternal Perspective: Considering the hurried nature of our lives, how can you prioritize an eternal perspective in your thoughts and actions? What adjustments can you make to align more with Paul's encouragement to "set your mind on things above"?

• God's Presence in Mundane Moments: In your daily routine, how can you become more aware of God's presence in the ordinary and mundane aspects of life? Are there specific practices or habits that can help you recognize God's nearness?

• Practicing Presence Into the New Year: As the new year approaches, what resolutions or commitments can you make to continue practicing the awareness of God's presence in your life? How can you carry the truth of Immanuel into the coming year?

"Jesus Saves" (Matt. 1:18-25); "The Savior Is Born" Christmas Program

“Jesus Saves” / Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon Outline:

I. Exploring the Backstory of Christmas (Matt. 1:18)

• Introducing Joseph, a humble carpenter with no desire for fame.

• Joseph's unexpected involvement in the Christmas narrative.

• The scandal and drama surrounding Mary's pregnancy during their betrothal.

II. The Dilemma of Surrender (Matt. 1:18-19)

• Understanding the Jewish betrothal custom and its significance.

• Joseph's shock and humiliation upon discovering Mary's pregnancy.

• Joseph's initial decision to divorce Mary privately, highlighting his just and kind nature.

III. God's Intervention (Matt. 1:20)

• The angel's appearance to Joseph in a dream.

• Confirmation of Mary's explanation and the divine nature of her pregnancy.

• The pivotal choice presented to Joseph: Surrender to God's plan or protect personal reputation.

IV. The Purpose of Christmas (Matt. 1:21)

• Unveiling the significance of the name "Jesus" (Yeshua) as the Savior.

• Jesus's mission to save people from their sins.

• Connecting Joseph's surrender to the overarching purpose of Christmas.

V. Joseph's Obedience (Matt. 1:24-25)

• Joseph's immediate and unwavering obedience to the angel's message.

• The act of surrendering personal plans, reputation, and life to God's will.

• The birth of Jesus, the culmination of Joseph's surrender.

Application Questions:

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. How do you think Joseph felt when he discovered Mary's pregnancy, considering the cultural context and his character as a humble carpenter?

3. In what ways do you relate to Joseph's initial decision to divorce Mary privately? Can you recall a time when you faced a difficult decision that challenged your values?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to surrender your plans, reputation, or desires to follow God's will. What was the outcome?

5. Why do you think surrendering to Jesus can be challenging, even for those who consider themselves good or nice people?

6. Consider the significance of the name "Jesus" and its connection to the mission of salvation. How does understanding Jesus as the Savior impact your perception of Christmas?

7. In what ways can you surrender to Jesus in your daily life? Are there areas where you find it particularly challenging to let go of control?

8. Reflect on Joseph's obedience and immediate response to the angel's message. What lessons can we draw from his example in terms of surrender and obedience?

9. Share a personal story or testimony of surrendering to Jesus and experiencing the transformative power of His grace.

Gifts for Growth

Gifts for Growth

Ephesians 4:12-14

1.             Reflect on your own life – are you using the gifts that your ascended Lord has given you, or are you indifferent to them?

2.             How does the concept of being God's workmanship created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) impact the way you view your own life and purpose?

3.             What does it mean to be equipped for the work of the ministry, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:12?

4.             In what ways does the analogy of pastors as spiritual doctors and the church as a body help you understand the role of leadership in the church?

5.             Reflect on the statement that 20% of the people in a typical church do 80% of the work. How can this dynamic change in your church community?

6.             How does the goal of equipping saints contribute to the growth of the church, both numerically and spiritually?

7.             In what ways does the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God contribute to the overall growth and health of the church, as discussed in Ephesians 4:13?

8.             How are immature Christians vulnerable based on the three analogies Paul uses in Ephesians 4:14?

9.             Consider the concept of maturity in the context of spiritual growth. How does spiritual maturity benefit the individual believer as well as the church as a whole?

Leaders as Gifts

Leaders as Gifts

Eph. 4:11

Outline:

Who are the leaders God gives as gifts to the church?

I. Apostles: Laying the Foundation (11a)

A. Definition of Apostles and their Unique Commission

B. The Limited Number of Apostles Chosen by Christ

C. The Exclusive Qualification: Personal Encounter with the Risen Christ

II. Prophets: Conveyors of Direct Revelation (11b)

A. Role of Prophets in Sharing God's Direct Messages

B. The Cessation of Prophetic Gifts with the Foundation Laid

C. Caution Against Extrabiblical Revelation and Trust in Scripture's Sufficiency

III. Evangelists: Bearers of the Good News (11c)

A. Definition of Evangelists and Their Role in Spreading the Gospel

B. The Shared Responsibility of All Believers in Evangelism

C. Recognizing Evangelism as Essential for Church Vitality

IV. Pastor-Teachers: Shepherding and Nourishing the Flock (11d)

A. Combined Role of Pastors and Teachers in Church Leadership

B. The Necessity of Teaching for Church Growth and Edification

C. The Call to Repentance and Returning to the Good Shepherd

 Application questions:

1.    What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2.    Identify the leadership roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. How are these roles essential for the functioning of the church?

3.    What is the role of evangelists, and how does it differ from having the gift of evangelism?

4.    How can individuals engage in evangelism even if they don't have the specific gift of evangelism?

5.    Think about the concept of undershepherds pointing to the Chief Shepherd. How does this perspective shape your understanding of pastoral leadership?

6.    Consider the illustration of the jogger on Venus, the snowman in Miami, and the fish on a couch. In what ways have you been attempting to live outside the design and purpose God has for you, and how can you align your life more closely with His intended plan?

7.    Think about the challenges mentioned in the sermon, such as worry and anxiety. How can you apply the teaching about casting your cares on Christ to overcome these challenges in your life?

8.    Examine your prayer life. Are you regularly praying for your church leaders, including pastors, evangelists, and other spiritual mentors? How can you deepen your commitment to interceding for those who lead and teach in your church?

9.    Evaluate your involvement in evangelism. Are you actively sharing the Good News, and how can you contribute to the church's evangelistic efforts?

Your Gift

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. How are you currently using your grace gift (Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 12:4)?

3. How do you view your spiritual gift in light of Christ's generosity (Eph. 4:7)?

4. Why should your spiritual gift cause humility, not pride (see 1 Pet. 4:10)?

5. In what ways does your uniqueness contribute to the body of Christ (Eph. 2:10)?

6. Are you fully embracing the workmanship God has created you to be (Eph. 2:10)?

7. How does recognizing Christ's authority impact your view of your spiritual gift (Ps. 68)?

8. Why do you think all the saints (not just the pastors, teachers, evangelists) are called to do the work of the ministry (Eph. 2:12)?

9. Are you finding your place at Morningside, using your gifts for God, and actively contributing to the work of the ministry?

Father of All

Father of All | Ephesians 4:6

Outline:

 I. Foundational Unity in the Trinity (Ephesians 4:4-6)

A. Shared body (v. 4) - Unity through the Spirit

B. Shared faith (v. 5) - Unity through the Son

C. Shared family (v. 6) - Unity through the Father

II. Understanding Our Father's Role (Ephesians 4:6)

A. Comfort in the Father's pleasure (v. 6a)

B. Comfort in the Father's place (v. 6b)

C. Comfort in the Father's providence (v. 6c)

D. Comfort in the Father's presence (v. 6d)

III. How Do These ‘Alls’ about God as Father Affect Your Life? (Ephesians 4:6)

A.   “In all”- we long for riches (v. 6d)

B.    “Through all” – we long for purpose (v. 6c)

C.    “Above all” – we long for security (v. 6b)

D.   “Of all”- we long to belong (v. 6a)

IV. Belonging in the Father’s Family

A. Allowing the Father's love to dispel fear (Romans 8:15)

B. The privilege of calling Him “Abba” (Mark 14:36; Galatians 4:4)

C. Our new status: from sinners to sonship (John 20:7)

D. The promise of a place in the Father's house (John 14:1-3)

Application:

1.    What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2.    How does the concept of unity in the Trinity shape our understanding of Christian unity?

3.    In what ways does the analogy of God as a Father differ from the "school principal" analogy?

4.    Reflect on your view of the Gospel. Do you see it as a mere escape from punishment or an invitation into a new life of love and belonging?

5.    What does it mean to you personally that God takes pleasure in adopting you as His child?

6.    Consider the idea that God is "above all." How does His supremacy bring comfort and security to your life?

7.    In what areas of your life can you see God's providence at work, turning even challenging situations for good?

8.    How does the concept of calling God "Abba" impact your understanding of your relationship with Him?

9.    In moments of guilt or self-condemnation, how does the truth that God loves you as His child (not based on your performance) provide comfort?

10.         Reflect on the imagery of being welcomed by the Father with open arms. How does this influence your perspective on God's acceptance?