Text: Matthew 21:28-32 (ESV) 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

Text: Matthew 21:23-27 (ESV) 23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Text: Matthew 21:18-22 (ESV) 18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Text: Romans 4:25–5:1 (ESV) 25 (Jesus) was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Text: Isaiah 53:4-6, 10, 12 (ESV) 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Text: Matthew 21:14-17 (ESV) 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,“‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Text: Matthew 21:12-13 (ESV) 12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

Text: Matthew 21:1-11 (ESV) 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (ESV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 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. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Text: Galatians 5:16-23 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Text: Matthew 20:29-34 (ESV) 29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord,[a] have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.

Text: Matthew 20:20–28 (ESV) 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Text: Matthew 20:17–19 (ESV) 17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Text: Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV) 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Text: Matthew 20:1–16 (ESV) 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Text: Galatians 5:16-23 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, selfcontrol; against such things there is no law.

Text: Ephesians 4:11–16 (ESV) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Preaching Point: As a church and as individual believers, we must continually and actively look to teach others to be like Christ.

Teaching Points:

1. Take Your Charge to Teach Seriously (vv. 1-2)
2. Take the Threats to Sound Teaching Seriously (vv. 3-4)
3. Take the Lifestyle of Teaching Seriously (vv. 5)

Main Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV) 4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Main Text: Acts 17:16–34 (ESV) 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. 22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ 29 Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

6 Truths for Christmas Hope

1. God is Always on Time

2. God Came Down to Us

3. Jesus Became Like Us

4. Jesus Lived for Us

5. Jesus Paid the Price for Us

6. God Adopts Us

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV) 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV) 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV) 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Preaching Point: To become God’s kid, you must reject idolatry in all forms and decisively follow Jesus, knowing that those who do will receive eternal life and the lasting rewards God promises to all who follow Him.

Preaching Point: God’s kids must value and welcome children, in part, because their humility and trust display the very qualities God expects from everyone who belongs to His Kingdom.

Preaching Point: God’s kids must align their thinking with God’s Word by honoring marriage as a lifelong covenant and confronting the hardheartedness that leads to divorce, while embracing singleness as a valid calling for those who are uniquely gifted for it.

Preaching Point: As God’s kids, we must consistently reflect our Heavenly Father’s character by extending the same extravagant forgiveness toward his children that he extends to us.

Preaching Point: Prayerfully correcting God’s kids in the prescribed biblical manner is a responsibility we must administer with great care, knowing that God approves of it and Christ is in the midst of it.

Preaching Point: God’s faithfulness to fulfill all of his promises for us in Christ must propel our own spirit-empowered faithfulness in everyday life.

Preaching Point: We should reflect God’s heart by showing the same vigilant care for one another that God and his angels show toward us.

Teaching Points:

1. Prepare for Your Tomb
2. Trust in Christ’s Substitutionary Death
3. Always Keep the Empty Tomb in View

Teaching Points:

1. Justification: Jesus’ Death Legally Cleared All Charges Against You.
2. Substitution: Jesus Took Your Place Under God’s Judgment.
3. Propitiation: Jesus Removed God’s Wrath, Granting His Favor.
4. Redemption: Jesus Paid the Price to Purchase You from Sin’s Penalty.
5. Reconciliation: Jesus Transferred You Into Right Relationship with God.

Preaching Point: God provides abundant peace to those who deliberately seek Him and follow Him. 

Preaching Point: A sufficient understanding of God's grace should motivate Christians to strive for godly lives as we eagerly await Christ's return.

Preaching Point: We must ensure that cultural or familiar ideas about Jesus do not lead us to doubt His true identity or reject His message and mission.

Preaching Point: The urgency of the gospel message requires us to take God's impending judgment seriously, using every page of Scripture to make the case for salvation.

Preaching Point: The Kingdom of Heaven is so infinitely valuable that you should consider everything else as loss in order to gain it!

Preaching Point: Joy should be one of the most defining characteristics of every Christian, manifesting in their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Main Text: Matthew 13:31–35 (ESV) 31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” 33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” 34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Main Text: Matthew 13:24–30; 36–43 (ESV) 24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn. 36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Main Text: Matthew 13:1–9; 18–23 (ESV) 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”...18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

Main Text: James 4:1–10 (ESV) 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Main Text: Matthew 13:10–17 (ESV) 10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Main Text: Galatians 5:16–26 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 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. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Main Text: John 15:1–11 (ESV) 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 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. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

1 Corinthians 15:50–58 (ESV)

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Main Texts: Genesis 3:1–19, Genesis 4:25, Genesis 6:9–10, Genesis 9:20–29, Genesis 12:1–3, Genesis 17:1–21, Genesis 21:12, Genesis 28:10–14, Genesis 49:8–10

Matthew 12:46–50 (ESV)

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Main Text : Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV) 43 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

Main Text: Matthew 12:33–37 (ESV) 33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Main Text: Matthew 12:22–32 (ESV) 22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Main Text: Matthew 12:15-21 (ESV) 15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Main Text: Matthew 12:9–14 (ESV) 9 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

Main Text: Mark 1:14–15 (ESV) 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 

Main Text: Matthew 12:1–8 (ESV) 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Main Text: Matthew 11:25–30 (ESV) 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Main Text: Matthew 11:20–24 (ESV) 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Main Text: Matthew 11:1-19 (ESV) 1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Main Text: Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Main Text: John 3:1–15 (ESV) 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Main text: Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 (ESV) 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Main Text: Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Main Text: Luke 22:14–20 (ESV) 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Acts 4:23–31 (ESV)

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Ephesians 5:18–19 (ESV) 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom[a] you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work.

4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[c] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Matthew 10:40–42 (ESV)

40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Acts 1:12-14

Main Text: Matthew 10:34–39 (ESV) 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Main Text: Matthew 10:26–33 (ESV) 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 2:1–3 (ESV) 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Main Text: Matthew 10:16–25 (ESV)

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Main Text: Matthew 10:5–15 (ESV) 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Main Text: Matthew 9:32–34 (ESV) 32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

Main Text: Matthew 9:27–31 (ESV) 27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (ESV) 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Romans 5:6–11 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Main Text: Matthew 9:18–26 (ESV) 18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.

Main Text: Matthew 9:14–17 (ESV) 14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Main Text: Matthew 9:9–13 (ESV) 9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Main Text: 1 Timothy 1:12–17 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Teaching Points:

1. Prove You Knew the Cost of Sin vv13,15

2. Emphasize Christ’s Work on Your Behalf vv14-16

3. Share What God is Doing in Your Life Now v12

Main Text: Luke 14:15–24 15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ”

Teaching Points: 

1. Don’t Let Excuses Keep You from God’s Banquet vv15-20,24
2. Take God’s Invitation Seriously vv21-23
3. Get Others on Board vv21-23

Application Questions:

1. Write down one application or observation you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Luke 14:15–24. How do you feel knowing that many will miss out on God's eschatological banquet because they make excuses for not surrendering to Jesus today? (a) What response ought this reality invoke in your life as a Christian? 
3. Read Luke 13:22–30 and Acts 17:30–31. What is the effect of a laissez-faire attitude toward obedience to God’s word, His will, and an invitation to His banquet?  (a) How does a Christian’s daily obedience to God show the seriousness and imminence everyone should have toward Christ’s return? 
4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 and Acts 26:12–18. Why would separating your relationship with God and your role as His ambassador be a mistake? 
5. How do you plan on improving your role as an ambassador of Christ moving forward? 

MAIN TEXT: Matthew 6:9–15 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Teaching Points:

1. Pray with a High View of God vv9-10
2. Our Father In Heaven
3.  Holy is your name
4. Your Kingdom Come
5. Your will be done
6. Pray for Daily Provisions vv11-15
7. Daily Sustenance 
8. Daily forgiveness
9. Daily Deliverance 

Application Questions: 

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. 
2. Read Matthew 6:9 and Isaiah 57:15. What is at stake if you don’t pray with God’s transcendence and holiness in mind? 
3. In what ways can you incorporate the concept of God’s holiness and transcendence into your prayers?
4. Read John 1:11–13 and 1 John 3:1-3. How does the title of God as our Father influence the way you pray and relate to God? 
5. Read 1 John 5:14. Why do you believe Jesus wants you to pray with God’s coming Kingdom and God’s will at the forefront of your mind? 
6. How does a focus on God’s eschatological Kingdom and His will alter your daily prayers? 
7. Read Matthew 6:11-15. What does the simplicity of these three petitions teach you about what God prioritizes in your daily life? 
8. Read Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25-26. What is the relationship between interpersonal forgiveness in the community of believers and your prayers?
9. Why does God care so much about you forgiving others when He has already forgiven you? 
10. Read Lamentations 3:22-23 and Psalm 32:5. What are the benefits of regular repentance when you pray to God? 
11. Read Psalm 19:13 and Matthew 6:13. How might praying for deliverance from temptations impact your ability to focus on God’s Kingdom and His will? 
12. On the other hand, how does falling into temptations often hinder you from focusing on God’s will?

Main Text: Matthew 6:1–4

Teaching Points:

1. Check Your Motives v1
2. Don’t Settle for Less v2       
3. Give to Glorify God vv3-4

Application Questions: 

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week sermon. 
2. Read Matthew 6:1-2. What is God's motivation for caring so much about your motives when your actions appear to be good at face value?
3. Read Isaiah 1:10–20. What does this passage in Isaiah teach you about God’s perspective on doing “good things” with wrong motives? 
4. What questions can you ask yourself that can help you regularly check to ensure that you are 1. Regularly generous, and 2. Have the proper motivations for your generosity? 
5. Read John 12:43. How does seeking praise from people cause you to settle for less than God desires for you? 
6. In what ways does keeping an eternal perspective prevent you from seeking instant gratification through praise from others? 
7. Read Colossians 3:23–24 and Matthew 6:3-4. According to God's word, what are the appropriate motivations for generosity?

Point 1: Placing your trust in the person and work of Christ

Point 2: The God-given capacity and desire to follow Christ faithfully

Point 3: Persevering in the faith

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful or encouraging from this week’s

baptisms and sermon?

2. Read Acts 4:10-12 and Romans 10:9. What is meant when someone says, “the person

and work of Jesus”?

a. How does biblically defining the person and work of Jesus help you see the gospel of

Jesus clearly?

b. How does this definition help you see that responding to the gospel is not an

ambiguous or otherwise subjective experience, but a clearly defined propositional

truth that requires a response?

3. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:2–8 and Ezekiel 36:26-27. Have you seen someone whose

life was completely transformed by the Holy Spirit once the person surrendered their

life to Christ?

a. How did their transformation give you confidence in that person’s genuine

salvation?

b. If you have professed faith in Jesus, how does watching the Holy Spirit change

your own life grow your assurance of genuine salvation?

4. Read Hebrews 10:19–39. How do these verses explain the connection between

persevering in the faith and having confidence in your relationship with God in Christ?

Main Text: Matthew 5:43–48

Teaching Points:   

1. Love Others Indiscriminately vv43-45
2. Reject the World’s Superficial Definition of Love vv46-47
3. Intentionally Pursue Progressive Holiness v48

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. 
2. Read Romans 5:8–11. Why is defining love according to this passage significant both in your relationship with God and your relationship with others?
3. What does loving indiscriminately look like practically? 
4. Read Matthew 5:46–47. Does your love tend to look more like how the world defines love than how God defines love? How so?
5. Who do you need to specifically improve on loving in a self-giving, self-sacrificial way that seeks their good?
6. What are three practical ways you can accomplish that this week?
7. Read 1 John 3:10 and 1 Timothy 6:11. Why should you intentionally pursue holiness? 
8. Why would believing that you have no part to play in progressing in holiness be biblically misinformed? Look up and write down a Bible reference that addresses your part in pursuing holiness.  
9. How can correctly understanding the role of the Holy Spirit give you confidence that your cooperation with the Holy Spirit to make you progressively holy is God’s plan for every Christian?

Main Text: Matthew 5:33–37 33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Teaching Points:

1. Recognize Every Commitment is Made in God’s Presence vv33-36
2. Communicate Simply and Sincerely v37a
3. Distance Yourself from Satanic Practices v37b

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read Psalm 139:1–12 and Matthew 12:36–37. How should recognizing God’s omnipresence cause you to increase the care you put into making commitments and promises that would please God?
3. What are some examples of subtle verbal manipulations that can be utilized to gain the upper hand in relationships with others?
4. Why are these examples counter to gospel-centered relationships?
5. Read Genesis 3:1–6. How are these examples more akin to what Satan tries to do to people than what Christians should do?
6. Read Philippians 2:3. How does counting others as more important than yourself change the way you communicate with them, especially in regard to making promises? 
7. Read James 5:12 and 1 Peter 3:10. What long-term benefits are there in communicating simply and sincerely in contrast to communicating in a way that gives you loopholes to get out of a commitment?  
8. What temptations exist that might motivate you to use ambiguous statements that do not clearly state your level of commitment to someone or something?
9. How do these kinds of ambiguous or subtle evasive statements harm the progression of otherwise healthy, godly relationships? 
10. What are some ways you can keep your communications with others simple and sincere in a way that honors God and others?
11. How can you utilize these principles in the area of an invitation to an event, party, or hang out?
12. How about in a larger commitment like weekly one-on-one discipleship?

Main Text: Matthew 5:31–32 31

Teaching Points:

1. Recover God’s Permanent Design for Marriage
2. Honor Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church 
3. Tenaciously Guard Your Marriage Covenant

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you made from this week’s sermon. 
2. Read Malachi 2:14-16 and Matthew 19:3–8. Throughout history, man has done his best to lower the standard of marriage and create an abundance of loopholes to dissolve the marriage covenant. How does a biblical view of God’s permanent design for marriage challenge the prevailing idea of divorce and remarriage? 
3. Read Ezekiel 11:19–20. How does recognizing that sinful hearts are at the bottom of every divorce give genuine hope that as the heart is redeemed so the marriage can be redeemed?
4. Read Ephesians 5:22–33 and 2 Corinthians 11:2–3. What changes in your commitment to the marriage covenant once you recognize that our earthly marriage is designed to reflect Jesus’ permanent love for the church and the church’s eternal commitment and obedience to Jesus?   
5. Read Genesis 2:18–25 and Hebrews 13:4. What are some priority shifts you can make to better guard and honor your marriage?

Main Text: Matthew 5:27–30 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.​​

Teaching Points:

1. Increase Your Sensitivity Toward the Prevalence of Adultery vv27-28
2. Trust in Christ as Your Only Solution for Purity v28
3. Employ Extreme Measures to Deal with Lust vv29-30

Application Questions:

1. Write down one helpful observation or application you made from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Matthew 5:27-28. How does Jesus’ words cause you to reconsider what God views as sinful when it comes to lust? 
3. How does your view on lust need to change to align with Jesus?
4. How does an accurate view of lust help you take captive your thoughts and intentions? 
5. Read Ezekiel 36:25–27. Why is a new heart through the work of the Holy Spirit your only hope for any lasting solution for purity?
6. If you are a Christians, how have you experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in your life when it comes to empowering you to overcome sin?
7. Read Proverbs 6:25–29 and Colossians 3:5–6. As a Christian, in what ways can you admit to not taking the task of killing your lust as seriously as Jesus commands? 
8. What are practical tools you can employ in your fight against lust?
9. Read Hebrews 12:4. What sacrifices do you need to make in your battle against lust? 
10. How can you help others in their struggle with lust?

Main Text: Matthew 5:21–26

Teaching Points:

1. Abhor Your Unrighteous Anger (vv. 21-22)
2. Pursue Proper Worship Through Your Reconciliation with Others (vv. 23-24)
3. Reconcile with Others Now (vv. 25-26)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one helpful observation or application from this week’s sermon. 
2. Read Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21:14 & Numbers 35:30-34. Why does God deal with murder so severely? 
3. Read 1 John 3:15 & Matthew 5:22. Since God considers our anger toward someone else murder, in what specific ways do you need to address your anger toward others?  
4. Read Proverbs 29:11 & 22, Ecclesiastes 7:9, & James 1:19-22. How do the truths in these verses challenge your outlook on anger? 
5. Read Isaiah 1:11-17, Psalm 66:18 & Psalm 51:16–17. How do you need to approach corporate and individual worship differently in light of these verses?   
6. Read Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:12-14, & Romans 12:17-21. What are the tools given to Christians to help them reconcile with others? Which tools have you been neglecting to use? 
7. Read Matthew 5:23-26 & John 13:34-35. Why does our reconciliation with others bring God glory?  
8. If there is anyone in this church you need to reconcile with, make it a point to reach out this week and coordinate a time to meet with them. Use the passages in Question 5 to help you reconcile with this person. 
9. If you have questions about what to do, talk with your LifeGroup leader or one of the pastors.

Main Text: Matthew 5:17–20

Teaching Points:

1. Eradicate Legalistic Ideas of Righteousness V20
2. Fear Invalidating Any of Jesus’ Commands V19a
3. Desire an Honorable Position in God’s Kingdom V19b

Application Questions:

1. Write down one helpful observation or application from this week’s sermon. 
2. Read Romans 3:20 and Romans Romans 10:4. How does righteousness that is acceptable to God demolish any feeble attempt to gain favor from God outside of trusting in Jesus for your right standing with God? 
3. Read Matthew 5:19 and Matthew 28:18–20 (emphasis on v20). What are some consequences if Christians do not have a healthy fear of misrepresenting Jesus’ teaching? 
4. Read Matthew 23:23–24. In what ways would the Pharisees have benefited if they had a healthy fear of invalidating God’s commands? 
5. What can you do to keep from falling into the temptation of nullifying Jesus’ commands?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Matthew 19:28–30. Scripture is clear that honor in the Kingdom of Heaven has varying degrees based on how one responds to God’s written revelation. With that in mind:
7. Why is desiring an honorable position in God’s Kingdom a good thing? 
8. How does this truth change how you see your daily life as consequential to eternity?
9. Read Matthew 20:20–28. How can you keep from making the same mistake the disciples did in thinking you could even attempt to manipulate your way into an honorable position in Christ’s coming Kingdom?

Main Text: Matthew 5:17–18 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Teaching Points:

1. Reevaluate Your View of the Old Testament v17a
2. Elevate Your View of Jesus v17b
3. Apply all Scripture in Light of Jesus v18

Application Questions

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In light of Jesus’ own admission on the significance of the Old Testament (Law), how are you reevaluating or building on your own view of the significance of the Old Testament (Law) in your life? 
3. Read Colossians 1:15–20 and Philippians 2:9–11. What changes can you make in how you think about Jesus that will help you elevate your view of Jesus in light of what Scripture teaches about Him? 
4. Read Colossians 2:16–17 and Hebrews 10:1. How do these verses and Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:17–18 cultivate the expectation that learning the Old Testament (law) is beneficial to grow in your faith in Jesus? 
5. Why is learning about the “shadow” and the “Copy” of the ultimate realities found in Jesus from the Old Testament (Law) significant for providing confidence and assurance in God’s never changing plan throughout history to make Jesus the center of worship? 

Main Text: Matthew 5:13–16

Teaching Points:

1. Provide a Distinct Influence to the World v13
2. Produce a Noticeable Presence vv14-16a
3. Properly Understand the Purpose of Good Works v16b

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 and Colossians 4:5-6. Whether your life serves to prevent or slow the decay of others or to add a distinct biblical flavor in the world, how do both of these results of “being salt” point people to their need for Christ? 
3. Read Ephesians 5:8-11 and Philippians 2:14-16. Why is the sentiment that “Christians can live in the background of the world and not attract attention“ a non biblical notion? 
4. What area of influence do you have where you can make the most noticeable presence for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ? 
5. Read 1 Peter 2:11–16 and Colossians 3:17. How do these verses along with Matthew 5:13-16 show you that good works, when understood correctly, are not merely an optional add on to your faith, but a necessary part of faithfully following Jesus? 
6. Read Matthew 6:1. Compare this verse to Matthew 5:16. How can you ensure that your good works are done to glorify God and not to esteem yourself in the sight of others? 

Preaching Point: We need to rejoice in every suffering associated with our connection to Christ, knowing that our persecution is proof of our heavenly citizenship and that all our suffering for Christ comes with the promise of great reward in heaven.

Main Text: Matthew 5:10–12 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Teaching Points:

1. Stand Out in a Sinful World v10
2. Be Willing to Be Counted with Christ vv11,12b 
3. Stay Focused on Your Future with Christ vv10b,12 

 Application Questions

1. What is one observation or application you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read Philippians 1:27–29 and Philippians 2:14–18. Consider how these verses exhort you to stand out in a sinful world. How is suffering and standing firm in Christ profitable for assurance of your faith and proof of the world's coming condemnation outside of Christ? 
3. Why should we see persecution for our faith as more than a possibility if we live out our faith according to the beatitudes?
4. Read 1 Peter 3:14–17. Why is trusting God’s sovereignty in suffering for Christ necessary to remain faithful in our culture? 
5. Read Acts 5:40–42. How does the attitude of Peter and the apostles give you a resolve to be willing to be counted with Christ even when that association includes persecution? 
6. In what ways are Christians persecuted today in North America?
7. Do a quick internet search for “Christian persecution in the world today.” Write down your thoughts on the biblical realities of suffering that our brothers and sisters in Christ endure around the world?  
8. Read 1 Peter 4:12-16 and Romans 8:18-25. What can you do this week to stay focused on your future with Christ in the midst of increasing hostility toward the Christian faith?

Main Text: Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Teaching Points:

1. Recount What it Cost Jesus to Make Peace with You 
2. Sacrifice for the Sake of Peacemaking 
3. Be Christ’s Ambassador for Peacemaking 

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read Isaiah 53:4–6 and Ephesians 2:13-18. How does recounting the tremendous personal cost Jesus went through on your behalf to make peace between you and God help you define the personal cost of being a peacemaker?
3. Read Daniel 7:13-14, Hebrews 12:1–2 and Revelation 5:9–13. Compare the cost that Jesus went through to make peace between God and man with the reward that Jesus receives at the resurrection of the saints.
4. How does the Joy set before Christ and His perseverance motivate you to bear the pain associated with peacemaking knowing that there is great reward awaiting faithful ambassadors of Christ?
5. What sacrifices are often necessary to be an effective peacemaker? Why did you choose your answer?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1. What does this verse teach you about how the Bible prioritizes peace with God through Christ and peace with others over an individual's comforts and personal preferences? 
7. What personal preferences and comforts do you often prioritize over peacemaking?
8. Read Romans 10:13–15 and 2 Corinthians 5:17–20. How do these two scriptures stress the importance of your personal involvement in sharing the gospel with others in order for them to make peace with God?
9. Read John 13:34-35. How does a Christian’s inability to be a peacemaker in every sphere of their life severely hinder their ability to be ambassadors for Christ?
10. Read Colossians 3:12–14. Why is the way church members handle conflict with one another a major indicator of a church’s understanding of the gospel? 

Main Text: Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Preaching Point: Anyone who desires a relationship with God today and for eternity must undergo a complete transformation wherein their heart, soul, mind, and body are ruled by Christ through our unconditional surrender to Him. 

Teaching Points:

1. You Must Be Pure in God’s Valuation
2. Accept your Impurity Before God
3. Respond to God’s Offer to Purify You

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon?
2. Read Hebrews 12:14 and 1 Peter 1:14–16. As you engage with our culture’s current infatuation with subjective truth (or live your truth) why must every Christian stand firm on the objective nature of truth, especially when it comes to God’s objective standards for holiness that without which we will not see God?
3. What are the dangers of living your truth and not God’s truth?  
4. Read Matthew 23:27–28. How does the way Jesus calls out the scribes and Pharisees on their hypocrisy impress on you the need to evaluate your own life in light of God’s concern with the inward purity of a person? 
5. Read Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:10-12. How do verses like these aid in your understanding of how God sees someone when they are outside of the righteousness of Christ? 
6. How can these verses help you engage with others regarding their impurity before a holy God?
7. Read Ezekiel 36:25–27 and Isaiah 1:18. Why is first comprehending your impurity before God foundational to recognizing the tremendous liberation and joy that comes from God’s offer to purify you for himself? 
8. Read Acts 3:18–19. Why was Christ's substitutionary death for you on the cross and your response of total surrender through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ necessary to purify you?
9. Read 1 John 1:8–9 and Psalm 32:5. Why is regular repentance in the life of a Christian necessary and profitable to maintain an intimate relationship with God in the here and now?

Main Text: Luke 15:8–10

Teaching Points:

1. Increase Your Love for the Lost vv8-9
2. Get Your Hands Dirty v8b
3. Celebrate Salvation vv9-10

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week's baptisms and sermon?

2. Read Matthew 18:14 and 1 Thessalonians 3:12. What can you do to demonstrate your love for lost souls and actively seek to bring them into God's kingdom, knowing that each one is made in the image of God and in need of salvation?

3. Read Luke 10:2 and Colossians 4:5-6. What are some areas of personal influence where you can work this week to diligently share the good news of salvation with those who are lost, recognizing that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few? 

a. In what ways whether corporately or individually can you actively engage in more evangelism and discipleship to see more people come to know Christ and experience the joy of salvation?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23–29 and Philippians 2:4–8. When you consider how far the apostle Paul was willing to go to see lost people saved and how much Jesus suffered for the salvation of lost souls, how does that motivate you toward a more sacrificial view of your evangelistic labors? How can you sacrifice this week for the advancement of the gospel?

5. Read Acts 11:15–18 and Luke 15:7, 10. How can you cultivate a heart of joy and gratitude for the souls that have been saved and come into the family of God? 

a. How can you join in the celebration of God and the angels when someone repents and turns to Christ, and allow that joy to fuel your passion for evangelism and disciple-making?

Main Text: Luke 16:19-25

Teaching Points:

1. Recognize "The Good Life" vv19, 22b-25
2. Trust God More vv19-25
3. Cultivate Faith to Help, Not Hoard vv19-21

Main Text: Romans 6:1–11 1

Teaching Points:

1. Expect a New Life with New Desires vv1-4

2. Be Spiritually Motivated by Your Future Resurrection v5

3. Deliberately Live for God Today vv6-11

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.

2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6:12–14. How would you compare these verses to some cultural ideas of what being a Christian looks like? What do you think are some factors contributing to peoples’ increasingly causal attitude toward what your life should look like as a professing Christian?

a. How can you begin changing our culture's perspective of what being a new creation in Christ entails?

3. Read Romans 6:5–7. How can taking the time to explain the significance of Christ's resurrection to a Christian struggling to overcome sin in their life provide a more significant benefit to them than simply confirming that everyone sins and no one is perfect?

4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. Why is encouraging other Christians with their future resurrection and being personally motivated by your resurrection on the last day an important discipline for the Christian?

5. Read Ephesians 2:10 and Luke 1:74–75. Why is choosing to deliberately live for God through the power of Christ’s resurrection a non-negotiable part of one’s new life in Christ? Write down one thing you can do to deliberately live for God this week and share it with your LifeGroup.

Main Text: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Teaching Points:

1. Understand Mercy as a Central Feature of the Gospel v7

2. Expect God’s Mercy When You Respond to the Gospel v7

3. Exercise Mercy as a Central Element of Christian Community v7

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.

2. Read Proverbs 28:13 & Acts 3:19–21. Why is seeing the eagerness of God to show mercy to those who call on Him for forgiveness the correct valuation of God’s character?

a. What verse in the Bible would you share with someone who doesn’t believe that God is eager to show mercy to those who call on Him? Why did you choose this verse?

3. How would you evaluate your own eagerness to extend mercy to others,

 especially those in your church family?

a. Read Matthew 6:14–15. Mercy is the Kingdom standard for all of God’s children. In His Kingdom family, no one withholds mercy and forgiveness who bear the name of Christ. Is there someone in your church family that you need to forgive? Make a plan this week to meet with them and exercise mercy.

4. Read Exodus 34:6–7 & 1 Peter 1:3–5. How does a proper biblical understanding of God's mercy toward people who do not deserve it (like you & me) increase your conviction to show mercy to others, especially when they don't deserve it?

5. Read Matthew 18:21–35. How does God view those who have received His mercy and compassion but do not exercise His mercy and compassion on others?

6. Read Matthew 5:7 & Colossians 3:12–14. What are some specific examples of why you think Christians who excel at showing mercy and compassion have Kingdom Happiness personally and in their Christian community?

compasshillcountry.org

Main Text: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Teaching Points:

1. Find Satisfaction in Christ’s Righteousness v6

2. Pursue Progressive Righteousness v6

3. Long for Complete Righteousness v6

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.

2. Read Psalm 42:1–2 & Psalm 63:1-8. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness (doing what God desires)? Why or why not?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 & Romans 5:17. How does the believer's longing to be found righteous in the sight of God find its ultimate satisfaction in Christ's righteousness?

a. In what specific ways should believers experience Kingdom Happiness through the imputed righteousness of Jesus?

4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 & Proverbs 15:9. Why does God expect his children to pursue progressive righteousness?

a. How would you respond to someone who says they don’t need to pursue progressive righteousness as a Christian? Find scripture that helps you articulate why pursuing progressive righteousness is God’s will for every Christian.

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:51–58 & Matthew 13:43. What does longing for complete righteousness look like in the Christian’s daily attitude, disposition, thoughts and actions?

6. Read Revelation 7:15–17. What are some benefits of taking time to consider and contemplate the complete righteousness every believer will have in eternity?

compasshillcountry.org

Knowing the eschatological plan of God should motivate you to happily submit to the Will of God.

Main Text:

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Teaching Points:

1. Find Kingdom Happiness in Godly Obedience (v. 5)

2. Persevere in Meekness (v. 5)

3. Yearn for Jesus' Coming Kingdom (v. 5)

Application Questions:

1.What is one observation you found helpful from this week's sermon? Why?

2.Read Psalm 37:1-11. How does this passage help you see the benefits of faithfully following God despite the culture's success without God? In what ways do you need to apply Psalm 37 practically?

3. Read Psalm 112:1, Luke 11:28, & Matthew 7:24–25. How does following God's Will lead someone to kingdom happiness? What specific circumstances do you need to address according to God's Word, knowing it will be inconvenient in the short term but will bring long-term kingdom happiness?

4.Read Revelation 3:10-11 & Hebrews 10:36. How do passages like these help you to persevere in submitting to God's Word instead of your wisdom, especially in times of high stress?

5. Read Hebrews 10:24-25 & 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Why is being deeply connected in the community of believers (the local church) critical for you to persevere in meekness? What changes do you need to make to prioritize the community at this church?

6. Read Romans 8:18-23 & 2 Corinthians 4:16–18. Why is a clear focus on the coming of God's perfect kingdom necessary for you to continually submit to God's Will?

7. Read Revelation 21:1-4 & Revelation 22:1-5. Share some of the joy you have, knowing that this is the future for all believers in Jesus Christ. What specific ways can you live differently with the future in mind?

compasshillcountry.org

Preaching Point: Kingdom happiness belongs to people who grieve over their sin and turn to Jesus for forgiveness; they will be comforted.

Main Text: Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Teaching Points:

1. Allow Mourning to Lead You to Repentance v4

2. Rejoice in Your Renewed Position v4

3. Anticipate Comforting & Encouragement v4

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found helpful from this week’s sermon? Why?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 7:10–11. Although paradoxical, how does mourning that leads to repentance actually bring happiness in God’s economy? How has godly grief leading to repentance brought happiness in your life?

3. Read Romans 8:31–39. Why is a regular reminder of your renewed position in Christ, like the one found in this passage, pivotal to living a healthy Christian life and experiencing genuine Kingdom happiness?

4. Read Revelation 7:17 & Isaiah 25:8–9. Why is remembering our eschatological comfort (comfort associated with the return and reign of Christ) so important? Express some of the comfort you can expect knowing you are free from the wrath of God and a resident of His Kingdom?

5. Read John 14:15–18 & John 14:25–27. Along with other New Testament scriptures about the Holy Spirit, describe what comfort the Holy Spirit provides believers.

6. 2 Corinthians 1:3–5. How does this scripture explain the connection between God's comfort for His people and the community of believers comforting one another?

a. Why is being a comfort for other believers not an option but an expectation?

b. How can you be a comfort to someone in our church this month?

7. Colossians 4:7–8 & Acts 2:44–47. Why is regular involvement in the local church a prerequisite to much of the Kingdom comfort God promises us on this side of eternity?

a. In what areas can you improve your involvement in God’s church?

compasshillcountry.org

Preaching Point: Kingdom happiness belongs to those who own up to their spiritual poverty and give themselves over to the riches of Christ.

Main Text: Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Teaching Points:

1. Expect Kingdom Happiness v3
2. Admit Your Spiritual Bankruptcy v3
3. Set Your Mind on the Kingdom of Heaven v3

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?
2. Read Psalm 144:15 & Proverbs 16:19–20. Happiness in God’s economy looks quite different than its worldly counterpart. That being said, how should your thought life change when you consider God’s desire for his children to have genuine happiness in their new spiritual status in the Kingdom of Heaven?
3. How can your hyperfocus on happiness derived from circumstantial situations hinder the genuine happiness God desires for every Christian?
4. Read Isaiah 61:1–2. These people knew the bad news of their desperate situation and gladly looked forward to the freedom that would eventually be fulfilled through Jesus. In the same way, why is a sincere announcement of the bad news of everyone's destitute position before God necessary to effectively guide lost souls to gladly look to Jesus as the answer to their spiritual poverty?
5. Read Ephesians 2:4–5. How does the lie of self-sufficiency hinder someone’s ability to see their great need for God?
6. A). How does this same lie hinder your ability to look to God, except perhaps in times of great distress?
7. Read Matthew 6:19–21 & 1 Timothy 6:17–19. What does a person’s life look like that has their mind focused on the Kingdom of Heaven?
8. What are a few things you can do this week to help you shift your focus away from the world and toward the Kingdom of Heaven and the happiness it promises?

compasshillcountry.org

Preaching Point: The power of Jesus revealed through His miraculous acts ought to be sufficient proof for us to fully trust the authority of His message.

Main Text: Matthew 4:23–5:2

Teaching Points:

1. Make Jesus’ Message the Main Thing (v23a)

2. Make Jesus’ Miracles About His Message (v23b-24)

3. Sit Under Trusted Biblical Teaching (vv4:25-5:2)

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Mark 1:35–39 & Matthew 28:18-20. Why is anchoring your life around the good news of the Kingdom vital to staying focused on God amid our chaotic world?

a. What can you do to strategically keep your focus on the message of Jesus in spite of distractions, even within mainstream Christianity and beyond? 

3. Read Matthew 4:23–5:1 & John 20:30–31. What was the purpose of Jesus’ miracles?

a. How did miraculous signs authenticate the message of Jesus?

b. Why was proving his Messianic credentials important for His message and His mission?

c. How can a better understanding of Jesus’ use of miracles help you keep his message the central aspect of Jesus’ mission?

4. Read Revelation 21:4–5. How are you encouraged when you realize that Jesus’ miracles were a small sample of the glory that will be fully revealed at the consummation of the Kingdom of God?

5. Read Acts 2:42 & 2 Timothy 4:1–5. Why is sitting under trusted biblical teaching an important part of following Jesus?

a. What are the benefits of choosing a home church based primarily on the church’s quality of teaching?

compasshillcountry.org

Main Text: Matthew 4:18–22

Teaching Points:

1. Get to Know Jesus (vv18, 21)

2. Reject Ambiguous Definitions of Discipleship (vv19, 21b)

3. Characterize Your Discipleship with Immediacy (vv20, 22)

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Matthew 7:21–23, 1 John 2:4-6 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. How can someone mistakenly claim to follow Jesus but fail at knowing him?

a. What can you do this week to know Jesus more?

3. Read Colossians 1:28-29 and 2 Timothy 2:1–7. Using these passages with others you have found, biblically define the role of a disciple (stick with scripture and you’ll do great).

a. How does your definition compare and contrast with some common misconception of what following Jesus entails?

4. Read Ephesians 5:15-17, and Psalm 119:60. Why is immediacy important as a disciple of Jesus?

5. How do the examples of Andrew, Peter, James and John in Matthew 4:18-22 instruct and motivate you on the proper attitudes of anyone who desires to follow Jesus?

compasshillcountry.org

Preaching Point: Jesus came to conquer the depths of human depravity to give light & life to everyone who turns from their sin & trusts in Him for salvation.

Teaching Points:

1. Grasp the Depths of Your Depravity vv12-16a

2. Behold the Answer to Your Depravity v16b

3. Repent and Trust in Jesus v17

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Romans 3:10–18. Why is grasping the depth of your own depravity fundamental to understanding your need for a savior?

a. Look up some synonyms for the word “Depravity” and write them down.

b. How do those words describe life before you were saved?

c. For Christians, how do these words effectively describe the desires still present in your flesh that are contrary to God’s character?

3. Read Matthew 4:15–16 and Romans 3:23–26. In what ways do you see the darkness of your sinful nature contrast with the light of Christ and His perfect nature? Give examples.

a. What do the contrasts between you and Jesus do to help you recognize Jesus as the perfect substitute for your depravity?

4. Read Matthew 4:17. What is the fundamental message of Jesus' preaching at the beginning of His ministry in Matthew 4?

5. Read Luke 24:46–47. What is the fundamental message of Jesus' preaching at the end of His ministry in Luke 24?

a. How does seeing that Jesus’ message never changed throughout His life grow your confidence in the purpose of Jesus’ ministry and in your stewardship to share that message with others?

Main Text: Matthew 4:1–11

Teaching Points:

1. Trust God Over Your Feelings vv1-4

2. Don’t Abuse God’s Word vv5-7

3. Submit to God in All Things vv8-11

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Matthew 4:1–4 & Psalm 119:9–16. How did Jesus, despite significant fleshly weakness, keep his focus on God’s will?

a. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How does Christ's example of conquering temptation teach Christians, who are, by God's grace in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to focus on God's will in moments of great temptation?

3. Read 2 Timothy 2:15 & Matthew 4:5–7. How did Satan abuse scripture to fit his own narrative?

a. How did Jesus respond in Matthew 4:5–7?

b. What can you do to ensure that your use of scripture is aligned with God’s will and not your own narrative?

4. Read James 4:7-8 & Romans 10:1–3. What does submitting to God look like?

a. How does submitting to God and His word become both a protection and a guide against the schemes of Satan and your own sinful proclivities? 

5. Read Matthew 4:8–11 & Revelation 11:15. How did Jesus model that “the right things in the wrong order are still wrong?”

a. Where in your life are you in danger of putting the right things in the wrong order?

Preaching Point: Jesus unashamedly associating himself with our sinfulness ought to motivate us to boldly associate with Jesus and His mission to see the lost saved.

Main Text: Matthew 3:13–17

Teaching Points:

1. Grasp the Significance of Jesus Associating with Your Sinfulness (vv13-16a).

2. Participate in the Mission of Our Triune God (vv16-17).

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Philippians 2:3–8 & Isaiah 53:12. What does God sending his Son to associate Himself with the sinfulness of humanity say about God’s compassion for the lost?

3. Read Romans 8:1–4. How does the Incarnation of the Son show the seriousness and power of sin?

4. Read John 15:26 & Matthew 28:18–20. What does this week’s sermon and these verses do to highlight God’s desire for his children to participate in the same mission as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

a. How does the amount of attention that our Triune God gives to the salvation of souls force us to reconsider how we manage our time regarding reaching people for Christ?

5. Read Acts 10:37-38, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2 & Matthew 28:19. How do these verses help make you aware that our one God exists in three persons, and all three persons are involved in the life of believers?

a. Why is this awareness important for your faith, specifically in how you relate to the Trinity?

Main Text: Matthew 3:7–12 

Teaching Points:

1. Expect God’s Coming Judgment vv7,12

2. Understand the Work of the Holy Spirit v11

3. Bear Good Fruit as a Necessary Byproduct of Your Faith vv8-10

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Luke 3:16–18 & 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. Why is focusing on both the positive (for believers) and punitive (for unbelievers) components of God’s coming judgment vital if you want a clear understanding of the judgment to come?

a. How is your faith encouraged when considering the positive elements connected to God’s coming judgment?

b. How are you both alarmed & encouraged to share the good news of Christ when you consider the punitive elements of God’s coming judgment and the blessings people forfeit by denying Christ?

3. Read Ephesians 1:7–14 & Romans 8:7–9. How do these scriptures help you define the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation?

4. Read Titus 3:4–8 & Galatians 5:16-26. How do these passages help you understand how the Holy Spirit’s work in your life empowers you to bear good fruit?

Preaching Point: Much like John the Baptist in his day, our mission is to proclaim the coming of Jesus, calling everyone to a biblical response to the gospel.

1. Herald the Return of Jesus vv 1-2

2. Associate Yourself with Jesus vv 3-4

3. Invite People to Rightly Response to Jesus vv 5-6

Application Questions:

1. What is one observation you found helpful from this week’s sermon?

2. Read Acts 1:7-11 & Matthew 25:31–46. What do these passages do to heighten your attentiveness toward telling everyone you can about the return of Christ?

3. Read Luke 9:26, Romans 1:16–17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31–33. How do these verses explain the significance of associating with Christ and his gospel?

a. How have you been guilty of advertently or passively disassociating yourself from Jesus and his message when talking with others?

b. What are some ways you have or can begin associating yourself with Jesus and his gospel?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:3. What is the role of an ambassador?

a. How does this description of an ambassador do an excellent job of defining the responsibility of every Christian?

b. In what scenario can you, as an ambassador of Christ, invite someone to rightly respond to the gospel of Jesus this week?

Main Text : Matthew 28:18–20

Teaching Points:

1.) Reach People for Christ v19a

2.) Teach People to be Like Christ v19b

3.) Train People to Serve Christ v20

Application Questions:

1.) What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2.) Read Matthew 28:16–20 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–5. The mission of making disciples does not allow us to paint with broad strokes when defining what it means to make disciples. And even though many great service-oriented projects can accompany this mission, how do these verses firmly and decisively define how we make disciples?

3.) Read Acts 1:8 and Romans 10:14-15. How do these verses serve as motivation for you to respond to God’s mission to reach people for Christ?

a.) What are ways you can be “going” throughout your week to make disciples?

4.) Read Acts 2:38–41, Acts 8:30–38, and Romans 6:3–4. How do these verses prove the importance of being symbolically immersed into the water as a part of the disciple-making process to present outwardly what Romans 6:3–4 says has already happened inwardly?

5.) Read 2 Timothy 4:1–4 and Colossians 1:28–29. The Great Commission places a premium on the church's responsibility to teach disciples to observe everything Christ commanded and teach others to do the same. What opportunities can you take advantage of here at Compass to help equip you to be like Christ and teach others to be like Christ? If you have not, create a plan to capitalize on those opportunities this year!

Main Text: 1 Timothy 4:7–10

Teaching Points:

1.) Get Familiar with Scripture v7a

2.) Pursue Godliness vv7b-9

3.) Stay Motivated by the End Goal vv10-11

Application Questions:

1.) What is one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon?

2.) Read Psalm 119:9-16. According to Psalm 119, why is familiarizing yourself with God’s words vital if you want to live a godly life? What commitments can you implement to become more familiar with the Bible this year?

3.) Read 2 Timothy 2:21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How is the pursuit of godliness directly related to God’s desire to use you for his good purposes?

4.) Read 1 Peter 1:13–16. How do these verses define the proper attitude you should have towards the pursuit of holiness? How can you begin to:

a.) Plan -

b.) Prepare -

c.) Partner up -

d.) Persevere -

5.) Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and Romans 12:1–3. How do these scriptures motivate you to keep the end goal in mind as you pursue personal godliness? Write down two helpful exercises that will motivate you to keep the end goal in mind as you pursue holiness this year.

Main Text: Isaiah 9:6

Teaching Points:

1.) Heighten Your View of Jesus v6

2.) Admit Jesus is Your Only Way into God’s Family v6

Application Questions:

1.) Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2.) Read Revelation 11:15 & Philippians 2:9–11. How do these two verses help you heighten your view of Jesus?

a.) What specifically changes in your day to day life when you have a heightened view of Jesus?

3.) Read John 14:6 & Galatians 3:13–16. How do these two scriptures explain how people can inherit a place in God’s eternal family through the blessing of God to Abraham that is fulfilled in Jesus?

a.) How should the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham through Christ help you appreciate God’s commitment to keeping His word?

b.)What are the implications for us if we know God will keep His word concerning everything He has said to us in the Bible, especially concerning the return of Jesus and the world's future judgment?

4.) Read Revelation 7:9–10. God's promise to Abraham was ultimately fulfilled in Christ, in whom the whole world finds its blessing. So how does the scene in Revelation 7:9-10 show the result of God's abundant blessing to people worldwide who trust in Jesus?

Main Text: John 6:1–51

Teaching Points:

1.) Admit Your Need for God’s Provision vv7-15

2.) Reject Temporary Solutions to Eternal Problems vv25-34

3.) Respond to Christ’ Offer of Eternal Life vv35-51

Application Questions:

1.) Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2.) Read Matthew 9:35–36. In what ways should your felt needs point you to the reality of your eternal needs?

a.) How does properly understanding the reason Jesus did miracles help you understand Jesus’ earthly ministry more, especially when it comes to your responsibility to advance his gospel?

3.) Read John 4:13–15 & John 6:25–27. After reading these verses, why was looking past their temporary problems necessary for the woman at the well and the crowd to see the eternal problem Christ came to solve?

a.) Using Jesus’ example, how can you help people look beyond their temporary problems to see their eternal problems more clearly, hoping they will respond to the gospel?

4.) Read Mark 1:15 and Luke 24:46–47. The crowds in John 6 ask Jesus what they need to do to be doing the works of God. How do these verses describe the biblical response to the gospel that God produces in a person for salvation?

MAIN TEXT: Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Teaching Points:

1. Discard the Counsel of Our Culture
2. Entrust yourself to the Peace of Christ
3. Employ Biblical Counsel to Every Area of Life

Application Questions:

1.)Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2.)Read Isaiah 8:11–17 & Isaiah 9:2–7. What is the historical context of Isaiah 8 & 9?

a.)How does the context lead you to see the significance of trusting God instead of what the culture around you tells you to do?

3.) Read Luke 12:4–5 & Psalm 33:8–11. What do these verses teach you about how God views the counsel of the world in contrast with his counsel?

a.)How can you apply your answer to question 3 to your life this week?

4.)Read Ephesians 2:14 & Philippians 4:6-7. Why is peace with God through Christ's offer of salvation a prerequisite to finding peace in other areas of life as well?

5.)Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & 2 Peter 1:3. How do these verses explain the necessity of applying the Bible in every area of life so you can experience the peace of Christ?

6.)Read Hebrews 4:15–16. What is significant about the ability to entrust the counsel of your life to Christ, who has been tempted by all your problems without failing at any of them?

MAIN TEXT: Romans 8:28-30

POINT 1: Find Comfort in God’s Agency (v. 28)

POINT 2: Engage Your Present Circumstances with God’s Purpose in Mind (v. 29)

POINT 3: Fortify Your Faith with God’s Guaranteed Work (v. 30)

Application Questions:

1.) Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2.) Read Acts 11:19–21 & Philippians 1:12-14. How do these passages display God’s agency in the seemingly problematic positions these Christians faced?

a.) Using these passages, how can you view your present circumstances differently?

3.) Read Romans 8:29 & Ephesians 4:22-24. Why is remembering God’s goal to conform you in the image of Christ critical when you consider all of the obstacles you face?

a.)How does God’s goal of Christlikeness for you change the way you define what is good for you?

4.) Read Psalm 119:105 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How does God’s Word help you engage the specific situations you are facing?

a.) How can using Bible Study methods like T-A-N (Then | Always | Now) prepare you for future situations where you need Biblical wisdom to make wise decisions?

5.) Read Philippians 1:6 & Philippians 3:20–21. Knowing that God is working His Willto competition, how does this help you confidently live for Christ despite the difficult situations you are currently facing?

MAIN TEXT: Matthew 2:13-23

PREACHING POINT:

1. Expect God to Use Open Opposition for His Glory (vv13-15)
2. Understand Christ Came to Deal with the Problem of Evil (vv16-18)
3. Recognize that God Uses People, Places & Things for His Redemptive Purposes (vv19-23)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's

sermon.

2. Read Acts 2:22–24. When thinking about the most evil event in history; the

murder of God, how does this evil also serve to give God the most glory

possible? How does the way God uses evil for His glory change the way you

think and see current opposition to your Christian faith?

3. Read Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. How can you have great confidence that

all of the opposition to Christ and his people actually serve for the good of God’s

redemptive purpose?

4. Read Galatians 1:3–5. How does the existence of evil prove both the existence

of God and the great need for Christ to solve the problem of evil?

5. Read Acts 17:26–27. How does understanding that God certainly uses people,

places & things for His redemptive purpose motivate you to be a person God

uses to see lost people saved and saved people discipled in the places you live

and using the things He has given you?

Text: Matthew 2:7-12

Main Points:

1) Demolish All of Your False Worship (vv. 7-8)

2) See the Gratification of Proper Worship (vv. 9-11)

3) Let God’s Supremacy Propel Your Obedience (v. 12)

Main Text: John 4:26-42

Application Questions

1. Read Psalm 51:12. What are some of the reasons you drift from “the joy of our salvation”? What are some ways you can be intentional to renew or cultivate this joy on a daily basis?

2. Read John 4:35-36. What are the white fields that God has provided for you? What does sowing and harvesting look like for you in those fields? Who are some specific names we can be praying for?

3.  Read 2 Cor 4:1-2.  What are some ways you can be tempted to tamper with the gospel or turn to cunning ways rather than trusting in the power of the word of Christ to save?

4. With all of the excitement of the launch of Compass Hill Country how can you ensure that we maintain our evangelistic fervor after the newness wears off?

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-6

Teaching Points:

1. Take Your Place in Christ's Kingdom (vv.1-2)
2. Joyfully Surrender Your Life (vv.2-3)
3. Act on the Truth of God's Word (vv.4-6)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2. Read Matthew 25:31–34. How does this verse help you understand the privilege of a Christian in Christ's Kingdom?

a. How should the privilege of sharing in the Kingdom of Christ impact your daily life?

3. Read Matthew 16:24–27. How does this verse articulate the humility necessary for anyone who wants a place in Christ’s Kingdom?

a. What practical ways can the humility and surrender described in Matthew 16:24-27 show up in your life?

4. Read 1 John 2:3–6 and Ezekiel 36:26–27. Why is taking action on the truths found in God’s Word a necessary and fulfilling part of true worship?

Main Text: Matthew 1:18–25

Teaching Points:

1. Plan for God’s Unexpected Events vv18-19

2. Seek Counsel from God’s Word vv20-23

3. Strive for Immediate Obedience vv24-25

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2. Read Matthew 1:18-25 and Acts 16:6–10. Unbeknownst to them, Joseph and Paul’s original plans were to do the opposite of what God intended, but through a few unexpected events, God made it clear to Joseph and Paul what he wanted them to do. What practical decisions could Joseph and Paul have made that would have prevented them from accomplishing what God intended?

a. What practical decisions can you make during unexpected circumstances that can keep you from accomplishing what God wants?

b. How can you plan today for God’s unexpected events?

3. Read Proverbs 15:22 and 2 Peter 1:3. How do these verses define ways you can and should receive Godly instruction, including in times of uncertainty?

a. Write down one example in your life when you needed instruction and God’s word gave you the answer.

4. Read Matthew 1:24-25. What was at stake in Joseph’s decision to take Mary as his wife?

a. Write down a time when you made a godly decision that was costly but you knew it was God’s desire for you.

5. Read Psalm 119:11. Why is storing God’s word in your heart a prerequisite to being able to respond with immediate obedience?

6. Read Luke 9:62 and Luke 11:27–28. What are practical blessings associated with immediate obedience to God?

a. Likewise, what are consequences of delayed obedience or disobedience in the life of a Christian?

Teaching Points:

1. Let God’s Promises Illuminate God’s Will for You. V13
2. Remove Any Doubt About the Truthfulness of Scripture vv1-17
3. Focus Your Efforts on Living for Christ’s Coming Kingdom vv16-17

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2. Read Isaiah 44:28 and Daniel 8:20-22. How can a 150-year-old prophecy from Isaiah and a 200-year-old prophecy from Daniel that comes to fruition in great detail help you trust scripture to illuminate God’s will for you as it did for Zerubbabel, Ezra & Nehemiah

3. Why is predictive prophecy one of the strongest proofs of the Bible’s trustworthiness?

a. How does the fulfillment of predictive prophecy in the Bible give you confidence to trust everything else the Bible says about future events yet to be fulfilled?

4. Read Revelation 11:15. Why should verses like Revelation 11:15 reposition your focus to live for the coming Kingdom of God?

a. Colossians 3:1–4. How can you live this week for the Kingdom of God?

5. As we wrap up this series, how has the genealogy of Christ in Matthew encouraged you and strengthened your faith in the promises of God?

Main Text: Matthew 1:7–11 (ESV) 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

Teaching Points:

1. Fully Trust in God’s Covenant Promise vv7-11
2. Eliminate Idols in Your Life vv7-11
3. Patiently Await Your Vindication vv11

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2. Read Hebrews 8:6–13. Unlike the bilateral covenant given to Moses, how do the unilateral Covenants between King David (Davidic Covenant) and King Jesus (New Covenant) provide us with confidence to fully trust God’s covenant promise?

3. Read Colossians 3:5–8 and Romans 1:21–25. According to these verses, how do you define an Idol?

a. How can you identify Idols in your own life?

b. What does eliminating idols consist of in the life of a Christian?

4. Read Revelation 22:10–12 and Isaiah 11:1–10. How do Jesus' words in Revelation and Isaiah's description of the coming reign of Christ help you arrive at a proper response to this waiting period before the future vindication of Christ?

Main Text: Matthew 1:6–7a 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam...

Teaching Points:

1. Get Real About Your Deficiencies V6a

2. Invest in Eternal Affairs V6b-7a

3. Eagerly Await the Coming of Our King VV1-17

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week's sermon.

2. Read 2 Samuel 12:9–12. How does propping up King David as the model King diminish the coming of Christ as the model King?

a. How does getting real about David’s deficiencies help you understand Israel’s need for a better king?

b. How does getting real about your deficiencies help you see your need for a Lord & Savior?

3. Read Ecclesiastes 2:10–11. What does Solomon’s testimony of filling his life up with earthly pleasures teach you about the snare of focusing on the world?

a. Read Matthew 6:19–21. What is Jesus’ purpose in teaching this metaphor, especially in light of Jesus being the model King?

4. Read Deuteronomy 17:14–20. What does Deuteronomy, written hundreds of years before there was a King in Israel describe as Solomon's & Rehoboam's temptation and eventual downfall?

a. Read Romans 15:4. Similarly, although the Bible was written hundreds of years before us, why should we look to the words of scripture to guide us in life and give us hope?

5. Read Isaiah 9:6-7. How does this sermon & these verses from Isaiah help you see the connection between Israel’s failed Kings & our anticipation of Christ’s return as King of Kings?

Student Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found helpful from this week's sermon.

2. Read 2 Samuel 12:9–12. How does propping up King David as the model King diminish the coming of Christ as the model King?

a. How does getting real about David’s deficiencies help you understand Israel’s need for a better king?

b. How does getting real about your deficiencies help you see your need for a Lord & Savior?

3. Read Ecclesiastes 2:10–11. What does Solomon’s testimony of filling his life up with earthly pleasures teach you about the trap of focusing on the world?

a. Read Matthew 6:19–21. What is Jesus’ purpose in teaching this metaphor, especially in light of Jesus being the model King?

4. Read Isaiah 9:6-7. How does this sermon & these verses from Isaiah help you see the connection between Israel’s failed Kings & our anticipation of Christ’s return as King of Kings?

Ask Your Parents This:

How would you live differently if you knew Christ was coming back next month?

Main Text: Matthew 1:5–6a 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6a and Jesse the father of David the king.

Teaching Points:

1. Expect God to Honor Your Faith (v.5a)
2. Anticipate Consequences When You Forget God (v.5b)
3. Trust God to Provide for His Plans (v.6a)

Application Questions:

#1. So far in this series, how does God’s faithfulness through the lives of those in the genealogy of Christ help you understand more about God’s character?

#2. Read Hebrews 11:6. What does this verse say about faith? From your notes on Sunday, where were some places you saw God honoring people’s faith in Joshua, Judges or Ruth?

Why can you expect the same response from God regarding your faithfulness toward him?

What are some practical steps of faith you can take this week that reveal your trust in God’s plan, whether that is personal decisions, discipleship steps, or steps of reconciliation with God or others?

#3. Read Jeremiah 2:12–13 & Jeremiah 2:17–19. How do these verses drive home the sermon’s point that Christians are not exempt from consequences when we forget God in our life?

Recall a time in your life where you received consequences because you forgot/disregarded God. What biblical counsel would you give yourself during that time to move you to remember God?

#4. Read Matthew 6:25–33 & look at your notes from this week’s sermon. Why should you trust God to provide for his plans and those who are walking in his plans? Like Rahab, how can walking in God’s plan give you protection and community?

Student Application Questions

#1. Write down one application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.

#2. Read Hebrews 11:6. What does this verse say about faith? From your notes on Sunday, where were some places you saw God honoring people’s faith in Joshua, Judges or Ruth?

What are some practical steps of faith you can take this week that reveal your trust in God’s plan, whether that is personal decisions, discipleship steps, or steps of reconciliation with God or others?

#3. Read Jeremiah 2:12–13. How does this verse drive home the sermon’s point that Christians are not exempt from consequences when we forget God in our life?

Recall a time in your life where you received consequences from God because you forgot/disregarded him. What should you have done differently to remember God rather than disregard him?

#4. Read Matthew 6:25–33 & look at your notes from this week’s sermon. Why should you trust God to provide for those who are walking in his plans? What are some benefits of following God’s plan?

Ask your parents this:

How have your own times of forgetting God and dealing with the consequences led you to grow in faith toward God?

Main Text: Romans 6:1–4 (ESV) 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Teaching Points

1. Continually Pursue the Gift of Righteousness
2. Embrace the Purpose of Your New Life VV3-4

Application Questions

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon and baptisms.
2. Read Matthew 28:18-20 & 1 Corinthians 12:13 What is the definition of the word baptism? How would you biblically define each of the two most frequent uses of the word baptism in the New Testament (I.e. water baptism & baptism of the Holy Spirit)?
3. Read 1 Peter 2:24–25 & Colossians 3:1–10. According to scripture, why is pursuing righteousness once you have been placed into Christ the proper pursuit for Christian living as we await the return of Christ?
4. Read Romans 6:12-13. Practically speaking, how can you present your body to God as an instrument of righteousness this week? 
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 & Romans 8:28–30. How do these verses describe the purpose of your life in Christ? How would you explain to someone the process of sanctification in the life of all believers? 

Student Application Questions

1. Write down one thing you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Matthew 28:18-20 & 1 Corinthians 12:13. What is the definition of the word baptism? How would you biblically define each of the two most frequent uses of the word baptism in the New Testament (I.e. water baptism & baptism of the Holy Spirit)?
3. Read 1 Peter 2:24 –25. According to scripture, why is pursuing righteousness once you have been placed into Christ the proper pursuit for Christian living?
4. Read Romans 6:12-13. What can you do this week to present your body to God as an tool of righteousness? 
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8. How does this verse describe the purpose of a Christian’s life?
6. What is sanctification? How would you explain to someone the process of sanctification in the life of all believers? 

Ask Your Parents This:

1. How did your life change once you were placed into Christ?

Main Text: Matthew 1:3–4 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,

Teaching Points:

1. Entrust Your Suffering to God v3
2. Grasp God’s Plan for Deliverance V4a
3. Embrace God’s Discipline V4

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Philippians 3:8–10 and Romans 5:3-4. Using these verses (and others you may know) Explain how suffering is a normal part of the Christian experience? How does your faith in God’s plan increase when you realize that suffering and faith are not mutually exclusive?
3. Read Isaiah 53:2–6, Matthew 26:26–29 and Romans 3:21-26. How does grasping the continuity of God’s redemptive plan in the Old Testament through the New Testament help you understand God’s plan to deliver his people through Christ?
4. Read Hebrews 12:11, Revelation 3:19, and Deuteronomy 8:5-6. Why is accepting that God is a disciplinarian hard for some people? What fruit do you see in your own life that is directly related to God’s discipline in your life?
5. What can you do to better embrace God’s discipline moving forward?

Student Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Philippians 3:8–10 and Romans 5:3-4. Using these verses (and others you may know) Explain how suffering is a normal part of the Christian experience? How does your faith in God’s plan increase when you realize that suffering and faith are both necessary for Christians?
3. Read Romans 3:21-26. How does grasping the connection of God’s redemptive plan in the Old Testament through the New Testament help you understand God’s plan to save his people through Christ?
4. Read Deuteronomy 8:5-6. Why is accepting that God is a disciplinarian hard for some people? If you are a Christian what fruit do you see in your own life that is directly related to God’s discipline in your life?
5. What can you do to better embrace God’s discipline moving forward?

Ask Your Parents This:

What does it mean that Jesus is our Passover Lamb?

Teaching Points:

1. Let God’s Promises Bolster Your Faith V2a
2. Allow God’s Promises to Produce Patience V2b
3. Trust God’s Promises in the Dysfunction V2c
4. Believe God’s Promises in the Obscurity V2d

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Hebrews 11:1. What does a good understanding of God’s long standing track record of promise keeping throughout history do to bolster your faith in Him?
3. Read Genesis 17:15–19. What does the story of Isaac and Ishmael show you about the necessity of patient faith? What can you do this week to allow faith to produce patience in your life?
4. Read Genesis 50:15–21 & Acts 4:27–28. Why is trusting God in dysfunctional situations pivotal for your faith to grow? How do these verses reiterate the need to trust God in dysfunctional situations?
5. Read 2 Peter 3:9–10 and Romans 8:22–25. Like Judah’s life, much of our own lives seem to sit in seasons of obscurity. How do these verses teach you to wait on God in seasons of ambiguity; especially when it concerns the promises of God?

Teaching Points:

The Gospel of Matthew will Direct you to

1. Identify That Jesus is The Promised Solution
2. Know How to Walk With God
3. Deal with the Here and Now While Focusing on the Kingdom of God

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Matthew 2:22-23, Matthew 2:4-5, and Matthew 5:17-20. Matthew uses Old Testament (OT) references over 55 times and points to Jesus fulfilling OT scripture 12 times in his gospel account. How does Jesus’ fulfillment of so many Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah undergird your faith with confidence?
3. Read Matthew 1:18–23, Matthew 9:1-8, and Matthew 26:26–29. What do these scriptures explain as the purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry? As we study the Gospel of Matthew, why is keeping this central theme of “forgiveness of sins” pivotal to understanding all of Jesus’ parables and narratives?
4. Read Matthew 6:33–34, Matthew 6:9–10, and Matthew 19:23–30. These verses show how much Jesus taught us to deal with our lives here by singularly focusing on the Kingdom of God. Why do you think Jesus spent so much time telling people to focus on the Kingdom? What can you do this week to ensure that your heart, mind, and hands are staying focused on the Kingdom of God and not the Kingdom of Earth? 

Luke 18:18–27 (ESV): 18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For 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.” 26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Jonah 4:1–11 (ESV) 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?” 5Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. 6 Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” 10 And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”

Jonah 2:1-10

Jonah 1:4-17

Jonah 1:1-4

1 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. 4 But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:16–4:2 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 

Matthew 9:35–10:4 (ESV) 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Colossians 4:14, 17–18 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas…17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Main Text: Colossians 4:12–13,15–16 (ESV) 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis…15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Our Christian assignment is to provide comfort to one another, even at great personal cost, as we go about the mission of God.

Colossians 4:9 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Philemon 1–25 1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Colossians 4:7–9 (ESV) 7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.       

Special Guest: Pastor Mike Fabarez

Colossians 4:5–6 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:3–4

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:2

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (ESV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 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. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Colossians 3:25–4:1

25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 3:22–24 (ESV) 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Colossians 3:18-19

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Colossians 3:16-17

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Colossians 3:14-15

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:12–13 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 

Colossians 3:5–11

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:2-4 - 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

Colossians 2:20–3:1 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 2:16–19 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Colossians 2:9–15

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Colossians 2:6–8 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Matthew 7:24–27 (ESV) 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Series: Looking Back, Looking Forward

Text: Psalm 34:8-10

7 (ESV) 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

As Christians we ought to give exuberant thanksgiving to God this Christmas knowing that he has extended to us his unmerited favor, while holding ample evidence that shows us unfaithful to his word.

Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 

Luke 7:36-50

Colossians 2:6–7

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:1–5 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Colossians 1:28–29 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. 

Colossians 1:24-27 - Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:21-23 - And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Colossians 1:18-20 - And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:12-14 - giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.