LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Baptism Sunday | Unstoppable Advancement | Philippians 1:12-14

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Philippians 1:12–14 (ESV) 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Preaching Point: You need to prioritize sharing the Gospel because God has placed you where you are for His redemptive purpose to reach unlikely people

Teaching Points:

Trust God is at Work (v. 12)
Remember God Reaches Unlikely People (v. 13)
Fearlessly Proclaim the Gospel Together (v. 14)

How the Guilty are Freed | Romans 4:25-5:1

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.

Preaching Point: We must trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the only means of dealing with our sin and securing our peace with God.

Teaching Points:

Own Your Sin (v. 25a)
Trust in the Risen Christ (vv. 25b-1a)
Enjoy Peace with God (v. 1b)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Isaiah 53:4-6 and 1 Peter 2:24. How do these passages show that your sin, not just sin in general, put Christ on the cross?
Why must anyone who claims to trust in Jesus fully own their culpability in his death?
Read Galatians 2:16 and Romans 10:9-10. If you stood before God today, what would you point to as the basis for your acquittal, and does your answer match what these passages teach? How so?
How would you explain to a friend or family member how the death and resurrection of Christ make it possible for them to be declared righteous before God? (Be ready to share in LifeGroup this week.)
Read Jeremiah 6:14-15. Israel’s leaders falsely assured the people they had peace with God, even though God promised judgment unless they repented. It is possible to believe you have peace with God when you don’t. How can someone know for certain that they are not deceived about their position before God?
Read Romans 5:9-11 and Isaiah 53:5. According to these passages and Romans 4:25-5:1, why should a genuine Christian have confidence that they have true peace with God?
What other benefits does the Bible say belong to those who have peace with God? (Write down the verses you find below.)

The King and Counterfeit Kingdoms: Praise to the King | Matthew 21:14-17

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.

Preaching Point: We must respond to Jesus’ authority with humility and praise, knowing that our response reveals whether our relationship with God is genuine or merely a counterfeit commitment to Christ.

Teaching Points:

Notice the Kinds of People Who Come to Jesus (vv. 14,15b)
Distinguish Religious Activity from Genuine Faith (vv. 15a,15c,16a)
Speak Wonderfully of Jesus (vv. 16b-17)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Matthew 18:3-4, James 4:6 and Isaiah 57:15. What do these passages teach you about the kind of people who truly come to Jesus?
What area of your life do you need the reminder that God opposes the proud but draws near to the humble and contrite?
Read Acts 17:22-31. Why is it possible to be very religious and yet not truly know God? What are some ways this can show up even in a church context?
Where might you be relying on religious habits, knowledge, or background instead of genuine trust in the person and work of Jesus?
Read Romans 14:23. Paul teaches that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Where are you tempted to engage in “religious activity” that is not flowing from real faith?
What steps can you take to ensure that your beliefs, convictions, and actions are flowing from a genuine relationship with Christ and submission to his authority?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 and 1 Peter 2:9. How are you doing at speaking wonderfully of Jesus in your interactions with others?
Where are you most tempted to stay quiet about Jesus? How can you be more bold about speaking more wonderfully about Jesus in your daily life?

The King and Counterfeit Kingdoms: Confronting Counterfeit Worship | Matthew 21:12-13

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.”

Preaching Point: We must confront and eliminate all forms of counterfeit worship and strive to establish true worship that pleases God.

Textual Points:

Decisively Remove Counterfeit Worship (v. 12)
Share Christ’s Zeal for Pure Worship (v. 13)
Share Christ’s Zeal for the Nations to Worship
Share Christ’s Zeal for Your Worship

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Matthew 21:12. What does Jesus’ response in the temple teach you about how seriously you should deal with anything in your life that opposes God’s Word?
What is something in your life that you have had to, or need to, remove because it leads you to twist or reject God’s Word?
Read 2 Kings 22:8-13 and 2 Kings 23:24-25. How did King Josiah recognize the presence of counterfeit worship, and what stands out about how he responded? What can you learn from his example?
Read John 2:13-17. How does your attitude toward worship and reverence for God compare to Jesus’? Where do you see a need for growth?
Read Isaiah 56:1-8. How does Jesus’ quotation of Isaiah 56 in Matthew 21:13 deepen your understanding of Jesus’ desire for the nations to worship God?
Do you share Jesus’ desire for all nations to worship God? What in your life shows that you do, or don’t?
Read John 4:23-24. How are you actively pursuing genuine, God-centered worship? Where do you need to grow in sincerity, consistency, or reverence?

The King and Counterfeit Kingdoms: The Coronation of the King | Matthew 21:1-11

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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, 2saying 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.”

Preaching Point: Jesus reveals himself as the promised King of Kings and urges each of us to decide whether we will worship him as King or remain uncertain about who he is.

Teaching Points:

Recognize That Jesus Came to Be Your King (vv. 1-6)
Welcome Jesus as Your King (vv. 7-9)
Correct Your Deficient View of Jesus (vv. 10-11)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Matthew 21:1-7 and Zechariah 9:9-10. Why did Jesus intentionally ride a donkey into Jerusalem, and what does this fulfillment of prophecy reveal about the King he came to be?
Read Matthew 25:31-34 and Philippians 2:10-11. How do these passages show that Jesus is King over everyone, not just those who acknowledge him as such? How should this shape the way we think about evangelism and calling all people to submit to Christ?
Read Matthew 21:6-9 and 2 Kings 9:12-13. How do the actions of the people in these passages demonstrate honor and submission to a king?
What are some ways you can actively welcome and honor Jesus as King in everyday life? (think of your priorities, time, obedience, love etc.)
Read Matthew 21:10-11. The crowds described Jesus as a prophet, but their understanding of him was incomplete. What are some common misunderstandings people today have about Jesus?
What are some deficient views of Jesus that you have had to correct in your life either in the past or present? And how can you guard yourself against a distorted or deficient view of Jesus moving forward?

House Rules: Unashamed Dependence | Matthew 20:29–34 (ESV)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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, 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!” 32And 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.

Preaching Point: Recognizing the compassionate authority of the Son of David should cause us to unashamedly depend on his mercy as we follow him daily.

Teaching Points:

Do You: Recognize the Merciful Son of David? (vv. 29-30)
Do You: Shamelessly Depend on Jesus? (v. 31)
Do You: Faithfully Follow Jesus? (vv. 32-34)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read 2 Samuel 7:12-17, Ezekiel 34:23-24, and Luke 1:30-33. How do these passages deepen your understanding of why the blind men’s recognition of Jesus as the “Son of David” in Matthew 20:29-34 was so significant?
What could you miss about the identity of Jesus if you don’t recognize him as the Son of David?
How does God’s desire for your shameless dependence on him strengthen your resolve to “cry out all the more” (cf. Matt 20:31) in reliance on him?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Why might shameless dependence on Jesus be viewed as weakness in our culture? How can you resist the pressure to project independence when what you truly need is deeper dependence on him?
Read Mark 8:34-35 and Galatians 2:20. After encountering Jesus in Matthew 20, the blind men immediately followed him as his disciples. Since encountering the saving work of Christ, how would you characterize your pursuit of following Jesus?
In what area of your life have you been slow to follow Jesus, and what necessary change will you make to pursue faithful obedience in that area?

House Rules: How You Can Be Great! | Matthew 20:20–28 (ESV)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.”

Preaching Point: We must pursue greatness not by amassing power and authority, or by seeking greater status, but by serving and sacrificing for others as Christ did for us.

Teaching Points:

Stop Seeking Status (vv. 20-21)
Trust God’s Placement Plan (vv. 22-24)
Imitate Christ’s Costly Service (vv. 25-28)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read James 3:13-16 and 2 Corinthians 10:17-18. Where are you most tempted to selfishly seek power, status, or recognition, and how can that pursuit hinder your relationship with God?
How would you distinguish between a selfish pursuit of status and a humble ambition that seeks to honor God through excellence?
Read Matthew 20:20-21. How can you make sure that the things you want are not selfish attempts at grabbing power, status, or recognition?
Read 1 Peter 5:6-7 and 1 Chronicles 29:12. Why can trusting God’s plan for your life and your eternity be so difficult?
How does trusting God’s placement for you free you to serve sacrificially instead of worrying about missed opportunities?
Read John 13:12-16 and Matthew 20:25-28. What does imitating Christ’s costly service look like to you?
Where can you imitate Christ’s costly service this week, and what might that service or sacrifice look like practically?

House Rules: God’s Will Will Be Done | Matthew 20:17-19 (ESV)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.”

Preaching Point: We must unequivocally accept that God uses human means, including human evil, to accomplish his sovereign, predetermined will, chiefly displayed in the suffering and death of Jesus, which secured our salvation.

Teaching Points:

Recognize That God’s Plan Is Settled Before it Unfolds (vv. 17-19)
Accept God’s Use of Human Means to Accomplish His Plan (vv. 17-19)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Matthew 20:17-19, Acts 2:22-24, and Acts 4:27-28. What do these passages teach you about God’s sovereign control over the suffering and death of Jesus?
Read Acts 2:23. Peter tells the people of Israel that “you” crucified and killed Jesus, even though this happened according to God’s definite plan. Why is it important to hold together both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility?
Where are you most tempted to emphasize one at the expense of the other?
Read Isaiah 46:9-11, Genesis 50:15-21, and Psalm 139:16. How do these passages influence your understanding that God is orchestrating both the greatest events of history and the smallest details of life according to his will?
How should this perspective change the way you understand hardship, injustice, or disappointment?
Read Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 21:1, and Philippians 2:12-13. What do these passages teach you about the relationship between God’s sovereign plans and human decisions?
How can a firm belief in God’s sovereignty bring you comfort, confidence, and humility this week?

Real Contentment | Philippians 4:10-20

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.

Preaching Point: As wonderful as gift-giving and receiving are within a Christian community, we must pursue real contentment by looking beyond our circumstances and seeking the strength of Christ, which enables us to remain genuinely content in every situation.

Teaching Points:

Seek to Benefit Other Christians with Your Generosity (vv10, 14-16)
Affirm the Great Benefits of Christian Generosity (vv. 17-20)
Depend on Christ, not Things for Your Contentment (vv. 11-13)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Galatians 6:9-10 and Romans 12:9-13. How has a lack of contentment with your own circumstances kept you from being generous with others in the past?
How can genuine contentment help increase your generosity toward other believers?
Read Philippians 4:17-20 and 2 Corinthians 9:11-13. According to these passages, what benefits can you expect your generosity to produce?
Based on the passages above, what spiritual and practical consequences can come from a lack of generosity rooted in discontentment?
Read Philippians 4:11-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. What are some of the dangers of discontentment?
What does leaning on Christ for strength in the area of contentment practically look like for you?

House Rules: The Father’s Grace | Matthew 20:1–16

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Preaching Point: God’s kids must recognize God’s sovereign right to dispense grace as he chooses, while celebrating his generosity toward others rather than resenting those who receive his favor.

Teaching Points:

Recognize God’s Willingness to Give Grace (vv. 1-16)
Kill the Attitude of Entitlement (vv. 10-16)
Celebrate God’s Grace Toward Others (vv. 1-16)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
Read Titus 3:4-7, Romans 5:20-21, and Psalm 103:8-12. What does God’s readiness to show grace teach you about the character of God?
Read Philippians 2:3-4 and Luke 14:8-11. In what ways can you be guilty of an attitude of entitlement, especially regarding what God chooses to do or not to do with his grace?
How does an entitlement mindset reveal a misunderstanding of God’s grace? How can you practically kill this unbiblical attitude?
Read Luke 15:11-32. In what ways can you be more like the older brother than the father or the servants in this parable?
How can you grow in celebrating God’s grace toward others while guarding against resentment?

The Fruits of Grace: Gentleness | Galatians 5:16–26

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Preaching Point: Spirit-empowered gentleness should produce a lifestyle of strength under restraint in every arena of your life.

Teaching Points:

Consider God’s Gentleness Toward You
Exercise Strength Under Restraint
Toward Christians
Toward Non-Christians

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
Read Isaiah 40:10-11 and Matthew 11:28-30. How does God’s gentleness help you see the necessity of gentleness, especially when it comes to his dealings with you?
How does the world’s views of gentleness contrast the biblical understanding of gentleness?
How has the Bible helped correct or refine your understanding of gentleness?
Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and Galatians 6:1. How can a distorted view of gentleness excuse and promote fear, passivity, or inaction? According to these passages, what does exercising strength under restraint entail, i.e., gentleness?
Read Ephesians 4:2 and Colossians 3:12. How can you practically show gentleness in your interactions with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Read Titus 3:2. What challenges do you face in responding with gentleness toward non-Christians who reject your beliefs, and how does Paul’s instruction to Titus shape the way you should practically engage unbelievers?

Back to the Basics: Training People to Serve Christ | Ephesians 4:11-16

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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, 13until 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, 16from 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: Christ expects each of us to take the corporate pursuit of spiritual growth seriously through training that equips us to use the giftings he provides, under the leaders he appoints, to build up his church.

Teaching Points:

Train for Your Spiritual Duties (vv. 11-12)
Honestly Evaluate Your Continued Need for Training (v. 13)
Train for Ongoing Protection (v. 14)
Train for Progressive Christlikeness (vv. 15-16a)
Train for Church Growth (v. 16b)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
Read Ephesians 4:11-12 and Matthew 28:19-20. How are you doing at training for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ?
Where do you need to step it up in your training and participation to more effectively partner with your church family to make disciples?
Read Ephesians 4:12-14 and Ephesians 6:10-18. According to these verses what is at stake if you lack or neglect training for spiritual maturity?
On the other hand, how can you envision yourself advancing and persevering in your faith through ongoing training in your spiritual life?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 4:7-10 and Philippians 1:6. How does understanding the synergistic relationship between you and the Holy Spirit empower you to train hard for progressive Christlikeness?
Read 2 Timothy 2:2 and Acts 9:31. God expects his church to grow and multiply. How are you partnering with your church to grow and multiply the ministry of Christ?
Our 8th distinctive is, “We are always working to plant new churches.” Multiplying leaders is essential to this mission. Where are you currently serving, and how can you take your next step in leadership, so we can equip someone to replace you, as you replace those we prepare to plant new churches?

Back to the Basics: Teaching People to Be Like Christ | 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

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

Teaching Points:

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

Application Questions

What is one observation or application you found helpful from Sunday’s sermon?
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Paul roots his charge in four eternal realities (God’s presence, judgment, Christ’s return, His kingdom). How should those realities affect the way we approach teaching others?
What does it look like to be “ready in season and out of season” in your current stage of life?
Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4 and Psalm 37:4. How are these verses related and what do they tell us about the root cause of people following false teaching?
Read Acts 17:10-12. What safeguards help you stay anchored in truth when culture, media, or even so-called Christian voices pull you elsewhere?
Read 2 Timothy 4:5. What does “fulfilling your ministry” look like in your life right now—at home, work, school, or church?
Is there someone God may be calling you to intentionally teach or disciple right now? What might obedience look like this week?

Christmas Presents: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King | Matthew 2:1-12

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: The Wise Men’s gift of gold should remind us to revere Jesus as the unrivaled King of the universe.

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.

Teaching Points:

Affirm Jesus’ Divine Kingship
Offer Jesus Your Best, Not Just What’s Left
Anticipate Jesus’ Eternal Kingship

Application Questions:

What is one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon?
Read John 18:36-37, Matthew 2:1-2, and Micah 5:2. How does affirming the Divine Kingship of Jesus reshape your priorities and ambitions?
What practical steps should you take this Christmas season to orient your life fully around the Divine Kingship of Jesus?
Read 2 Samuel 24:18-25 and Matthew 10:37-39. Where are you tempted, and even guilty, of giving Jesus less than your best and settling to give him whatever is left over?
What are the most common culprits that lead you into this pattern, and what steps can you take to eradicate them moving forward?
How do these passages, along with the Wise Men and their gifts in Matthew 2:11, challenge you to be intentional about giving Jesus what he truly deserves?
Read Luke 1:30-33 and Isaiah 9:6-7. How can you use this Christmas season to better prepare yourself and your family for Jesus’ eternal reign as King?

When Gratitude Meets Grace | Luke 17:11-19

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Luke 17:11-19 (ESV) 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Preaching Point: You must act in accordance with your faith in Jesus and glorify Him as you continually experience the goodness of His grace in salvation.

Teaching Points:

Put Your Faith in Jesus Into Action (VV. 11-14)
Respond to God’s Grace with Praise and Gratitude (VV. 15-16)
Recognize that God Has Met Your Greatest Need Through Christ (VV. 17-19)

Application Questions:

What is one observation or application that you found helpful from this week’s sermon?
Read Luke 17:11-14. Identify one area where you need to put your faith into action this week. What concrete step will you take to do so?
Read Luke 6:46, 1 Peter 1:14-16. Where in your life is Jesus calling you to obey without full clarity or comfort?
When you take an honest look at your prayer life, is it dominated more by requests or by thanksgiving?
Read Psalm 100:1-5. What daily or weekly practices could you add to better cultivate gratitude to God?
How does remembering what Christ has done for you (Eph. 2:1–7; 2 Cor. 5:17) fuel gratitude and worship?
Who in your life needs to hear about how Jesus has met your greatest need? Who will you share with this week?

House Rules: God’s Kids and Their Kids | Matthew 19:13-15

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Title: House Rules: God’s Kids and Their Kids

Main Text: Matthew 19:13-15 (ESV) 13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.

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.

Teaching Points:

Parents: Make Jesus Your Kids’ Number One Priority (V. 13a)
Church: Seize Every Opportunity to Teach Our Kids More About Jesus (VV. 13b-15)
Grasp The Childlike Nature of Saving Faith (VV. 13b-15)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. If you are a parent with kids at home, what practical steps can you take to ensure that, as far as it depends on you, Jesus truly becomes your children’s number-one priority?
In what situations might you say that Jesus is your top priority, while your daily decisions and habits reveal that He is not?
Read Psalm 78:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; and Proverbs 22:6. Why must we as a church seize every opportunity to teach our kids more about Jesus?
What wrong attitudes could you adopt toward children that resemble the disciples in Matthew 19:13 rather than Jesus’ attitude in 19:14-15?
Read Matthew 18:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 3:18-19. How does thinking about the nature of children help clarify your understanding of the humility and dependence involved in saving faith?
How does being part of a church filled with children help you see aspects of the gospel and saving faith that might be harder to grasp in a congregation without many kids?

House Rules: Marrying God’s Kids | Matthew 19:1–12

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 19:1–12 (ESV) 1 Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

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.

Teaching Points:

Focus on Marriage not Divorce (VV. 1-6)
Deal with the Hard Heart Surrounding Divorce Talk (VV. 7-9)
Value Singleness as a Valid Biblical Option (VV. 10-12)

Application Questions:

Write down one observation or application you found helpful in this week’s sermon.
Read Matthew 19:3-6 What should you take away from Jesus’ tactic to focus on marriage and define it biblically when the Pharisees bring up the topic of “any cause” divorce?
What does your commitment toward biblical marriage look like practically in a world that inundates you with the convenience of divorce when marriage gets hard?
Read Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Matthew 19:7-9. How can you guard yourself against cultivating a hard heart against your spouse? If you’re not married, how can you guard yourself against cultivating a hard heart against your family?
Why should recognizing that hard hearts are at the bottom of every divorce give genuine hope that as the heart is redeemed so the marriage can be redeemed?
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?
Read Genesis 2:18-25 and Hebrews 13:4. What are some priority shifts you can make to better guard and honor your marriage? If you are single, what are some priority shifts you can make to better guard and honor your future marriage?
Read Matthew 19:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. How do Jesus and Paul’s word show you the validity and even the benefit of singleness for the sake of gospel advancement?

House Rules: Forgiving God’s Kids | Matthew 18:21–35

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Title: House Rules: Forgiving God’s Kids

Main Text: Matthew 18:21–35 (ESV) 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

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.

Teaching Point:

Get Serious About Extending Abundant Forgiveness (VV. 21-22)
Grasp the Unpayable Debt You Were Released From (VV. 23-27)
Confess the Hypocrisy of Your Unforgiveness (VV. 28-30)
Fear the Implications of an Unforgiving Heart (VV. 31-35)

House Rules: Correcting God’s Kids | Matthew 18:15–20

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 18:15–20 (ESV) 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

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.

Teaching Points:

Stick to the Biblical Pattern (VV. 15-17)
Grasp the Church’s Divine Responsibility (V. 18)
Seek God’s Presence and Approval (VV. 19-20)

Fruits of Grace: Faithfulness | Galatians 5:16-26

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

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.

Teaching Points:

Recall God’s Perfect Faithfulness
Respond to God’s Faithfulness
Exhibit Christlike Reliability

House Rules: Care for God’s Kids | Matthew 18:10-14

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 18:10-14 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

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:

Match Heaven’s Concern for God’s Kids (V. 10)
Value Every Single One of God’s Kids (V. 12)
Eagerly Welcome Back God’s Wayward Kids (VV. 13-14)

House Rules: Cherish God’s Children | Matthew 18:5–9

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 18:5–9 (ESV) 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

Preaching Point: Christians must cherish one another as they cherish Christ by promoting behavior that prevents themselves and others from stumbling.

Teaching Points:

Treat One Another as God’s Kids (V. 5)
Prefer Death Over Causing God’s Kids to Stumble (V. 6)
Dread the Thought of Causing God’s Kids to Stumble (V. 7)
Do Whatever It Takes to Eliminate Opportunities for Sin (VV. 8-9)

House Rules: Who is the Greatest? | Matthew 18:1-4

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main text: Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV) 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Preaching Point: We must remember that in God’s House, the greatest are not ranked by their accolades or how fast they climb the ladder, but by how much they humble themselves in the name of Christ.

Teaching Points:

Stop Thinking You’re Better Than the Next Christian (V. 1)
Understand the Terms for Joining God’s Household (VV. 2-3)
Excel in Displaying Christlike Humility (V. 4)

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Privileges and Preferences | Matthew 17:24-27

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main text: Matthew 17:24-27 (ESV) 24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Preaching Point: Our identities in Christ should empower us to stand up for biblical principles while humbly setting aside our own preferences for the sake of the gospel.

Teaching Points:

Recognize Your Privileges in Christ (VV. 24-26)
Concede Your Preferences (V. 27)

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Faith that Moves Mountains | Matthew 17:14–23

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 17:14–23 (ESV) 14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” 22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

Preaching Point: We must counter any lack of faith on our part by remembering that even the smallest measure of faith, empowered by God, is sufficient to accomplish anything He wants us to do!

Teaching Points:

Stop Downplaying Your Lack of Faith (vv. 14-18)
Resolve to Act According to Your Faith in God’s Revealed Will (vv. 19-20)
Pray for a Faith that Perseveres (vv. 22-23)

If you notice, I did not dive into textual criticism as much during the podcast as I thought I would, but below you will find more content than you can intake that will be helpful for you through the weeks, months, and years to come! Dive in and enjoy!

Resources on the reliability of scripture and textual criticism:

Video Resources:

Can I trust the Bible? - Dr Robert Plummer (6 min)
Why do the footnotes in my Bible say, "Some manuscripts say..."? - Dr Robert P. (5 min)
Is the Bible we have what the original authors even wrote? - Wes Huff (30 min)

Video/Audio Lectures:

Origins of the Bible - Dr. Mike Fabarez (12-part series)

Books:

Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter J Williams (160 pages)
Why I Trust the Bible: Answers to Real Questions and Doubts People Have about the Bible by William Mounce (280 pages)
Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism edited by Elijah Hixon & Peter Gurry (400 pages)
The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate by Michael Kruger (256 pages)
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James White

Website:

The Center for the Study of the New Testament: This website has scans of different manuscripts, including the earliest fragments we have of the New Testament!

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Unveiling Jesus’ Identity | Matthew 17:1–13

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 17:1–13 (ESV) 1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Preaching Point: We must strongly uphold our affirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God while insisting that the Messianic Age has already started!

Teaching Points:

See Jesus for Who He Really is (vv. 1-3)
Insist on Jesus’ Divine Identity (vv. 4-8)
Distinguish the Phases of Jesus’ Mission (vv. 9-13)

The Fruits of Grace: Goodness | Galatians 5:16-26

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Title: The Fruits of Grace: Goodness

Preaching Point: Resolve to display the Holy Spirit’s fruit of goodness in every arena of your life.

Teaching Points:

Grasp The Greatness of God’s Goodness
By God’s Power: Resolve to do Good

The Purpose of Life | Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV) 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Preaching Point: Fulfill your life's purpose by fearing God and obeying His commandments, while keeping the final judgment in view.

Teaching Points:

Make Fearing God a Non-Negotiable (v. 13a)
Make Obedience a Non-Negotiable (v. 13b)
Live in light of Your Final Evaluation (v. 14)

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: The Costs and Benefits of Following the King | Matthew 16:24–28

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 16:24–28 (ESV) 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Preaching Point: Every Christian must willingly accept the costs associated with following Jesus, knowing that the sacrifices made in this life pale in comparison to the benefits of eternity in God’s Kingdom.

Teaching Points:

Ask: Am I Really Following Jesus? V24
Soberly Evaluate the High Price of Living for Yourself vv25-26
Live with Your Final Recompense in Mind vv27-28

Title: The King’s Authority and World Opposition: The King of the Unstoppable Kingdom | Matthew 16:13–20

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Title: The King’s Authority and World Opposition: The King of the Unstoppable Kingdom

Text: Matthew 16:13–20 (ESV)

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Main Point: To make a real difference for God’s Kingdom, deepen your love for Him first.

Teaching Points:

Love God for Who He is (vv. 13-17)
Love God as You Serve Him (vv. 18-19)
Love God as You Wait (v. 20)

Baptisms: The Gospel | Various Texts

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Title: The Gospel

Main Text: Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Matthew 15:18-20: Acts 26:18; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 20:18-21; Galatians 5:22-25; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 2:11-14; Acts 2:22-41; and Romans 1:16-17.

Preaching Point: The good news that Christ bore our judgment on the cross should cause us to take sin seriously, turn from it, and trust that Jesus absorbed the wrath we deserve and gives us His righteousness.

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Fragile Faith and False Teachers | Matthew 16:5–12

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Title: The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Fragile Faith and False Teachers

Main Text: Matthew 16:5–12 (ESV) 5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Preaching Point: In a world flooded with dangerous and deceptive teaching, we must continue maturing in our faith or risk being swept away by error.

Teaching Points:

Identify Your Twofold Danger vv5-7
Make Your Spiritual Maturity a Priority vv8-11a
Put Your Spiritual Maturity to Work vv11b-12

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Signs of Unbelief | Matthew 16:1–4

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 16:1–4 (ESV) 1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

Preaching Point: We must reject the temptation to demand more signs from God and place our confidence in the ultimate sign He has already provided in the death and resurrection of Christ.

Teaching Points:

Expose the Intent Behind Sign Seeking v1
Beware of Spiritual Blindness vv2-3
Focus on God’s Ultimate Sign v4

The Fruits of Grace: Kindness | Galatians 5:16-26

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Knowing that kindness is a byproduct of our faith should cause us to carefully define biblical kindness so we can commit to practicing it daily.

Teaching Points:

Start with God’s Definition of Kindness
Intentionally Employ Godly Kindness

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Real Purity Part 2 | Matthew 15:10–20

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 15:10–20 (ESV) 10 And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” 12 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” 15But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

Preaching Point: Because God sees beyond external behavioral modification, we must go beyond surface-level change and trust the purifying work of Christ to cleanse us from the inside out.

Teaching Points:

Determine What Actually Defiles You vv10-11
Direct Your Trust to the Right Leaders vv12-14
Deal with the Root Issue vv15-20

Title: The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Real Purity Part 1 | Matthew 15:1-9 (ESV)

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 15:1-9 (ESV) 1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2“Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” 3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 5But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” 6he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: 8 “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Preaching Point: If you want to live a holy life, you can’t rely on outward performance or human traditions; instead, you must rely on God to transform you from the inside out.

Teaching Points:

Identify Where You Are Trusting Tradition Over God vv1-3
Distinguish Human Rules from God’s Commands vv4-6
Resolve to Give God More Than Lip Service vv7-9

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: The Son of God | Matthew 14:22-33

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Preaching Point: Recognizing the extent of Jesus’ divine authority should embolden us to exhibit great courage in every circumstance while prompting us to worship Him as the great I AM!

Teaching Points:

Prepare Through Prayer vv22-23
Find Courage in the Identity of Christ vv24-27
Focus on Faith Not Fear vv28-32
Let Faith Give Way to Worship vv33

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: Your Compassionate King | Matthew 14:13-21

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 14:13-21 (ESV) 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Preaching Point: Trust in Christ's supreme authority, knowing He graciously extends His compassionate care – from your deepest spiritual needs to your daily provisions.

Teaching Points:

Grasp Christ’s Genuine Compassion vv13-14
Fight the Temptation to Doubt vv15-18
Bank on Christ’s Sufficiency vv19-21

The King’s Authority and Worldly Opposition: His Messengers | Matthew 14:1-12

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 14:1-12 (ESV) 1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

Preaching Point: Standing firm against worldly opposition may cost us greatly in this life, but as Christ’s representatives, we are expected to boldly call people to repentance, regardless of the consequences.

Teaching Points:

Be Courageous in the Face of Worldly Opposition vv3-4
Give a Clear Biblical Response v4
Be Prepared for the Consequences vv3,10

The Fruits of Grace: Patience | Galatians 5:16-23

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.

Preaching Point: Reminding ourselves of God’s immense patience toward us should counteract any impulse to be impatient toward God or others.

Teaching Points:

1. Recount God’s Patience

Toward Your Sinfulness
In Your Salvation
In Your Sanctification

2. Excel in Displaying Patience

When Mistreated
When Frustrated
When Offended
When Waiting

The Cross, the Crypt, and the Crown: Presenting Your King | Revelation 19:11-16

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV) 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Preaching Point: Jesus is returning in a vastly different manner than He did the first time, and this reality should compel us to acquaint ourselves with the identity of the coming King of Kings.

Teaching Points:

Accurately Grasp His Identity vv11-16
Understand His Kingly Mission vv11,14-16
Get on the Right Side of History vv14-15

The Cross, the Crypt, and the Crown: Three Descriptions of the Tomb

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Tombs vividly illustrate the unavoidable fate of our lives and should serve to direct our attention to the solution that Christ's tomb reveals.

Teaching Points:

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

The Cross, the Crypt and the Crown: Five Promises of the Cross

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Verse: Various

Preaching Point: The cross promises forgiveness through God's sacrificial love in Christ, which should compel us to know the exact nature of God’s divine forgiveness.

Teaching Points:

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

The Fruits of Grace: Peace | Galatians 5:16–23

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main 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.

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

Teaching Points:

Secure Vertical Peace
Strive for Horizontal Peace
Stay Focused on Christ for Inner Peace

The Epiphany of Grace | Titus 2:11–14

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

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

Teaching Points:

Behold God’s Grace v11
Behave by God’s Grace v12
Boast in God’s Future Grace v13
Bask in the Abundance of God’s Grace v14

Parables of the Kingdom: The Whole Picture and the Whole Message | Matthew 13:47–52

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 13:47–52 (ESV) 47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

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.

Teaching Points:

See the Whole Picture vv47-48
Share the Whole Gospel vv49-50
Use the Whole Bible vv51-52

The Fruits of Grace: Joy | Galatians 5:16–23

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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

Teaching Points:

Christian Joy Comes from Receiving God’s Grace
Joy is Suppressed by Sin
Joy is the Key to Dealing with Life

Parables of the Kingdom: Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1–9; 18–23

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.”

Preaching Point: The prevalence of mixed responses to Jesus should prompt us to carefully examine our own response to the message of the gospel.

Textual Points:

Hard-heartedness is a Reason People Reject Christ. vv3-4, 19
Trials Are a Reason People Reject Christ. vv5-6, 20-21
Worldly Pursuits Are a Reason People Reject Christ. vv7, 22
Followers of Christ Yield Lifelong Fruit. vv8, 23

Warning Against Worldliness | James 4:1–10

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Preaching Point: Knowing that worldly desires wreak havoc on God’s people and even oppose God, every Christian must examine their desires and, when necessary, repent and seek God’s forgiveness.

Teaching Points:

Keep Your Desires in Check vv1-4
Expect God to Pursue You vv5-6
Humbly Respond to God vv7-10

Parables of the Kingdom | The Reason for Parables | Matthew 13:10–17

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Preaching Point: Sincerely commit to following Jesus, knowing that His truths are revealed to those who seek Him and hidden from those who reject Him.

Teaching Points:

Grasp the Purpose of Jesus’ Parables vv11-13
See the Urgency of Repentance vv14-15
Rejoice in Your Privileged Position vv16-17

Textual Summary: The disciples ask Jesus why he teaches in parables, and Jesus responds by revealing that they have been given the gift to know the secrets of the Kingdom, but others have not. He tells them that those who possess this wisdom will receive more, while those who do not, even what they do have, will be taken away. As a result, even though they hear and see, they will never understand. This fulfills Isaiah 6:8–13, where God tells Isaiah to preach to Israel, but God will close their ears and shut their eyes so they will not repent and will receive His judgment. Jesus then tells the disciples how fortunate they are to have eyes that see and ears that hear because many throughout history wished to see what the disciples were seeing and hearing but never had the opportunity.

Textual Point: Jesus used parables to convey the mysteries of the Kingdom to those who truly desired to follow Him while concealing the truth from those who rejected Him.

Fruitful, Faithful, and Forgiven: Abiding in Christ in 2025 | John 15:1–11

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Staying connected to Jesus is the only way to experience the meaningful, fruitful, and joy-filled year you hope for in 2025.

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.

Teaching Points:

Expect God to Get His Hands Dirty vv1-3
Anticipate Your Full Participation in the Work vv4-6
Reap the Benefits of Faithful Cooperation with God vv7-11

From Eden to Bethlehem: The Seed of Promise Part One – Eden to Egypt

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: God's promise of a “Conquering Seed”, initiated in Eden and echoed throughout Israel's history, assures us that His plan for salvation is unfailing and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

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

Teaching Points:

God’s Justice Demands Judgment, But His Mercy Provides Hope.
God’s Judgment is Also the Means of His Salvation.
God Doesn’t Need Help Fulfilling His Promises.
God’s Promises Are Not Impacted by Human Limitations.
God is Looking for Faithfulness to His Promises.
God’s Promises Are Still True in Captivity.

Encountering Opposition | Identifying Your Eternal Family | Matthew 12:46-50

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Your relationship with Christ is defined by how you respond to His identity, which should be evident through your obedience to the Father’s will.

Main Text: 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. 48But 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.”

Teaching Points:

Redefine How Someone Rightly Relates to Jesus vv46-48
Does Jesus call you family? V49
Identify if You Posses the Family Trait v50

We also look at chapter three of our Small Group Book, Keeping the Church Small: Small Group Strategies for Growing Churches.

LifeGroup Leader Podcast is BACK!

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This episode examines the first two chapters of Keeping the Church Small: Small Group Strategies for Growing Churches. We also review important announcements as we look ahead to this holiday season!

Encountering Opposition | An Exclusive Message | Matthew 11:25–30 | Pastor Hayden

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Salvation is given exclusively through the revelation of Jesus Christ to those who are open to truth and burdened by what this world has to offer.

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. 29 Take 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.”

Teaching Points:

Acknowledge God’s Rejection of Human Wisdom vv25-26
Affirm God’s Elective Choice in Salvation v27
Find Rest in the Work of Christ vv28-30

Encountering Opposition | An Unpopular Message | Matthew 11:20-24

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Announcing God's coming judgment to our generation is an unpopular but necessary task with eternal implications.

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. 23 And 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.”

Teaching Point:

Articulate the Purpose of Jesus’ Miracles vv20-21,23
Make Repentance a Requirement vv20-21
Expect Varying Degrees of Judgment vv22-24

Encountering Opposition | A Christian Certainty | Matthew 11:1-19

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Anyone proclaiming Jesus as the Christ should anticipate rejection from those who do not want to accept him and doubt from those who do not understand him.

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.”

Teaching Points:

Adjust Your Expectations vv1-6
Prepare for Increased Hostility vv7-14
Expect Unfair Criticism vv16-19

Gospel 101 | The Good News | Philippians 2:5–11 | Pastor Hayden Thomas

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Any accurate explanation of the good news must include God the Son taking on flesh and living in perfect obedience to the Father, including death on the cross in place of sinful humanity to be resurrected by the Father and exalted above all things.

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.

Teaching Points:

Confess Jesus is Fully God vv5-6
Contemplate the Implication of Jesus’ Humanity v7
Comprehend the Substitutionary Death of Christ v8
Consider Christ’s Exalted Status vv9-11

Born Again | John 3:1-15 | Pastor Hayden Thomas

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Our only hope of salvation rests on God’s promise to regenerate those who place their faith in the work of Jesus on the cross.

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.

Teaching Points:

See Your Need for Regeneration vv1-3
Grasp the Supernatural Work of Regeneration vv4-8
Look to the Cross for Eternal Life vv9-15

City on a Hill: How the Whole Church Proclaims Christ: Generosity | 2 Corinthians 9:6–15

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point : Your commitment to biblical generosity is a powerful and necessary tool for multiplying thanksgiving to God and confirming to others your supreme confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ!

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!

Textual Points:

Give with Confidence vv6-10
Give to Increase Thanksgiving to God vv11-12
Give in Response to your Faith in Jesus Christ vv13-15

City on a Hill: How the Whole Church Proclaims Christ: Baptism | Matthew 28:18-20

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Every believer must promote water baptism as the necessary and symbolic means by which someone publicly professes their faith in Christ and finds inclusion into God’s visible church.

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.”

Teaching Points:

1. Take Baptism Seriously

2. Embrace the Symbolic Significance of Baptism

3. Grasp the Corporate Nature of Baptism

City on a Hill | How the Whole Church Proclaims Christ: Lord’s Supper | Luke 22:14-20

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: The Lord’s Supper should shape our worship and serve as an instrumental means of corporately proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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.

Teaching Points:

See How the Passover Points to Christ’s Redemption vv16-20
Be intentional With How You Handle the Lord’s Supper vv19-20

City on a Hill: Praying | Acts 4:23-41 | Pastor Evan Jacobsen

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 19:00:00 -0500

No matter the circumstances, persistently pray for God to glorify Himself knowing He answers the prayers of His faithful children

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.

Marching Orders: Missional Relationships and Christian Rewards | Matthew 10:40–42 | Pastor Hayden Thomas

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: We must see our lives, ministries, and future rewards inextricably linked to Christ and our service to one another, in His name.

Main Text: 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.”

Teaching Points:

Comprehend Your Union with Christ v40
Grasp the Interconnectedness of Our Service v41
See the Significance of Personal Generosity v42

Evangelism & Our Prayers | Acts 1:12-14 | Pastor Mike Fabarez

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Getting serious about evangelism requires a steadfast commitment to prayer.

Main Text: Acts 1:12–14 (ESV) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Teaching Points:

Pray for Evangelistic Progress v14
Pray with Evangelistic Christians v13
Pray When You Don’t Feel Like it v12

Marching Orders | Do Not Fear | Matthew 10:26–33

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: We must be thoroughly convinced that God is pleased with those who boldly stand for the gospel while trusting in His providential care.

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. 29 Are 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.

Teaching Points:

Confront People with Gospel Truth vv26-27
Rely on God’s Providential Care vv28-31
Realize God Cares About Your Faithfulness vv32-33

Gospel 101 | The Bad News | Ephesians 2:1-3

Sun, 26 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: We must thoroughly grasp the bad news concerning our position before God if we hope to comprehend the significance of the good news of the gospel.

Main Text: 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— 3 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.

Teaching Points:

Accept Your Helpless State v1
Realize the Depth of Your Wickedness v2
Confront the Inevitable Consequences v3

Marching Orders | Prepared for Opposition | Matthew 10:16-25

Sun, 19 May 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Approach the opposition to your evangelism with wisdom and confidence, knowing God’s plan will not be thwarted.

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.

Marching Orders | The Mission | Matthew 10:5-15

Mon, 13 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Embrace the mission of Christ by compassionately and urgently calling people to a right response to the gospel while warning them of the judgment to come.

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.’ 8 Heal 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. 11And 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.

Teaching Points:

Stay Laser-Focused on Christ’s Mission vv5-8a
Enlist Cooperative Co-laborers vv8b-13a
Keep Future Judgment in View vv13b-15

Marching Orders | Laboring for the Harvest | Matthew 9:35–10:5

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Jesus’ compassionate appeal to his disciples should motivate you to pray fervently for more evangelistic laborers while being an answer to that prayer yourself.

Main Text: Matthew 9:35–10:5a (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. 36When 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; 38therefore 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. 5a These twelve Jesus sent out…

Teaching Points:

Increase Your Compassion for Lost Souls vv35-36
Pray for More Evangelistic Workers vv37-38
Expect God to use You to Answer Evangelistic Prayers vv10:1-5a

Jesus is Greater: Polarizing Responses | Matthew 9:32-34

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Title: Jesus is Greater: Polarizing Responses

Preaching Point: Every Christian must be prepared to address the polarizing responses associated with Jesus Christ.

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.”

Teaching Points:

1 Biblically Engage with People's Positive Responses to Jesus vv32-33

a. Good moral teacher

b. Miracle working sage

c. The God who save

2 Respectfully Address People’s Negative Responses About Jesus v34

a. Did not exist

b. Is not God

c. He’s not my boss

Application Questions:

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

2 Read Acts 17:16–34. How does Paul’s grasp of God’s Word help him interact with the various beliefs of the Athenians, who were open to spiritual conversation, but seriously lacking biblical truth about Jesus?

What specific examples can you pick out from this text that show Paul’s grasp of the Bible and his understanding of other religious views that help him reason with people using their language in hopes they will respond to the gospel?
Why should that motivate you to study the Bible and other worldviews in order to help others respond to the gospel?

3 Read Colossians 4:2–6 and 2 Timothy 2:24–26. How can you practically prepare yourself to engage with the polarizing responses people have about Jesus?

4 Read 1 Peter 3:15. What are some of the dangers you face in your family, your church, and society if you are unprepared to respond to questions or opposition toward Christ?

5 What other negative and positive responses have you heard about Jesus that were not mentioned in the sermon that needed further biblical clarity? How did you respond to them?

6 How has another Christian's willingness and ability to effectively answer your questions about God helped you come to faith or grow in your relationship with God?

Matthew 9:27-31 | Jesus is Greater: Son of David

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Clearly perceiving our desperate plight, we must trust in Jesus Christ as the central figure of our salvation while anticipating his return to rule on the throne of David forever.

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.

Teaching Points:

Fixate on the Authority of Jesus v27
Exercise Complete Trust in Jesus’ Power to Save v28
Get Zealous About Your Salvation vv29-30

Gospel 101: The Love of God

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Micah 7:18–20 (ESV) 18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Gospel 101: The Justice of God

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0500

God’s holiness means he is righteous, and his righteousness demands that he is just!

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 | First Things First: The Centrality of the Gospel

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Holding fast to the biblical gospel requires a clear understanding of what the gospel is and a steadfast confidence in its ability to save you and sustain you.

Matthew 9:18-26 | Jesus is Greater: Than Your Biggest Challenges

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Make it your mission to showcase supreme confidence in the authority of Christ, even in the most challenging seasons of life.

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.

Matthew 9:14-17 | Jesus is Greater: Than Business as Usual

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: The arrival of Christ requires you to assess the value of every spiritual practice in light of how it relates to the person and work of Christ.

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.”

Matthew 9:1-8 | Jesus is Greater: Than Our Sin

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Jesus’ authority over the symptoms of sin should serve as a powerful confirmation of his divine mission to remove your sin and cause you to respond in penitent faith.

Matthew 8:28-34 | Jesus is Greater: Than Evil

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Jesus’ dominion over demonic forces ought to give you extreme confidence in his identity and mission to save you from sin.

Matthew 8:23-27 | Jesus is Greater: Than the Storm

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0500

Jesus calls you to exercise faith in his supreme authority, even in the most fearful circumstances.

Matthew 8:18-22 | Jesus is Greater: Than All Your Excuses

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0500

A genuine relationship with Jesus includes a readiness to forsake worldly comforts and even close family relationships to follow Him.

Matthew 8:14-17 | Jesus is Greater: Bearing the Weight of Our Sin

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Jesus's miraculous healings should serve as a poignant reminder of God's promise to permanently deliver us through Christ's substitutionary death on the cross.

Matthew 8:5-13 | Jesus is Greater: Unlikely Faith

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Our lives should serve as shining examples of unlikely people whose faith in Christ's authority proved sufficient to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 8:1-4 | Jesus is Greater: Purifying Our Uncleanness

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Humbly responding to the authority of Jesus is necessary for anyone who desires to obtain the mercy of God.

Gospel 101: The Holiness of God

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Gospel 101: The Holiness of God | Pastor Hayden Thomas

Making it Count: Maintaining Eternal Priorities in 2024

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Beginning your year with a renewed commitment to focus on eternal priorities is crucial for a fruitful and fulfilling 2024.

John 1:1-5 | Joy to The World: In the Beginning

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Grasping Jesus’ divine identity and agency in creation is essential to understanding the magnitude of His incarnational mission to save His creation.

Christmas With Caesar

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

LifeGroup Leader Podcast

2 Timothy 2:1-7 | Dear Church, Our Mission: Training People to Serve Christ

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Prioritize the hard labor of discipleship so that you can faithfully entrust others to carry on the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations and to the generations to come.

Psalm 96:1-13 | Dear Church, Our Mission: Reaching by Worshiping

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Our call to reach the world for Christ is accomplished by imploring the nations to turn from idols and worship the living God, who will judge the earth in justice and righteousness through Christ.

Matthew 7:24–29 | The Counter-Cultural Kingdom: Wise and Foolish Builders

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

The outcome of your life, both temporally and eternally, is directly determined by whether or not you obey Jesus’ words.

Matthew 7:21-23 | The Counter-Cultural Kingdom: False Converts

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Spirit-empowered obedience to God, not mere professions nor fervent religious activity, has always been the mark of an authentic relationship with Christ.

Matthew 7:15-20 | The Counter-Cultural Kingdom: Identifying False Teachers

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Knowing false teachers exist today should put every believer on high alert to inspect the teaching and lifestyles of those who claim to speak on God’s behalf.

Romans 1:16–17 | Unashamed

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Oct. 15, 2023

Matthew 7:13-14 | Sermon on the Mount: The Counter-Cultural Kingdom | The Narrow Way

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Entrance into the Kingdom of God is only possible through the substitutionary work of Jesus on our behalf, which is made evident by a lifelong, joyful submission to God.

Matthew 7:7–12 | Sermon on the Mount: The Counter-Cultural Kingdom | Kingdom Care

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Genuine salvation empowers believers to imitate the unwavering generosity of God through their own commitment to gospel-powered generosity.

Matthew 7:1-6 | Sermon on the Mount: The Counter-Cultural Kingdom | Judging

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Stop playing God in your condemnation of other people’s sins but instead humbly submit to His standard and instruction so you can address other people’s sins correctly.

Matthew 6:25–34 | Sermon on the Mount: The Counter-Cultural Kingdom | Anxiety

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0500

A proper evaluation of God’s providential care is necessary for anyone who wants to cease living an anxiety-driven lifestyle and reorient themselves toward God’s rule and righteousness.

Observe God's Caring Nature vv25-30
Respond to Your Needs in a Distinctively Christian Way vv31-32
Bank on God’s Kingdom Promise vv33-34

Matthew 6:19–24 | Sermon on the Mount: The Counter-Cultural Kingdom | Storing Up Your Treasure

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Even as Christians, we must regularly examine what we pursue with our time, money, and thoughts to determine our spiritual well-being.

Main Text: Matthew 6:19–24

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Teaching Points:

1. Invest Substantively in Your Eternity vv19-21

2. Stay Laser focused vv22-23

3. Make Your Money Serve God v24

Matthew 6:16-18 | Sermon on the Mount: The Counter-Cultural Kingdom

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: We must ensure that our personal sacrifices to God are never exploited for the purpose of gaining others' praise and attention.

Main Text: Matthew 6:16–18 16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Teaching Points:

1. Deny Your Tendency for Self-Focused Worship v16

2. Present Yourself Ordinarily v17

3. Keep Your Original Audience in Mind v18

1 Timothy 1:12–17 | Grace Poured Out: A Template for Sharing an Effective Testimony

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0500

An effective testimony emphasizes the work of Christ on behalf of unworthy sinners and includes how God has been working through them ever since.

Luke 14:15-24 | Invited-The Great Banquet

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0500

Preaching Point: We must work diligently to ensure that we nor anybody else carelessly reject an invitation to God’s eschatological banquet because we stubbornly choose to pursue our own ambitions.

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

Matthew 6:9–15 | Prayer - pt.2

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

PREACHING POINT: To pray effectively about your needs, you must keep God's economy at the forefront of your prayers.

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:

Pray with a High View of God vv9-10
Our Father In Heaven
Holy is your name
Your Kingdom Come
Your will be done
Pray for Daily Provisions vv11-15
Daily Sustenance
Daily forgiveness
Daily Deliverance

Matthew 6:1–4 | Righteous Generosity

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Your generosity should never be motivated by human recognition but by your commitment to God, who sees your generosity and rewards you as His child.

Main Text: Matthew 6:1–4

Teaching Points:

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

1 John | Blessed Assurance

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Text: John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

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

Matthew 5:43-48 | Summer on the Mount: Loving Your Enemies

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: As a Christian, you have a responsibility to display your relationship with God by reflecting His benevolence and concern for all people, including your enemies.

Main Text: Matthew 5:43–48

Teaching Points:

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

Matthew 5:31-32 | Summer on the Mount: Divorce

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Summer on the Mount: Divorce

Preaching Point: A personal commitment to God’s original intent for marriage is a necessary component of faithfully following Jesus.

Main Text: Matthew 5:31–32 31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Teaching Points:

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

Matthew 5:27-30 | Summer on the Mount: Lust

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Your struggle with lust will often require the Spirit-empowered employment of extreme measures that are well worth the sacrifice and energy you expend to kill your sin.

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:

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

Matthew 5:17-20 | Summer on the Mount: Jesus and the Law

Sun, 28 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: A proper understanding of Jesus' relationship to the Law is crucial for believers to grasp the significance of the work of Christ and the usefulness of the whole Bible in the church's life.

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:

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

Matthew 5:13-16 | Summer on the Mount: Salt & Light

Sun, 21 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Title: Summer on the Mount: Salt & Light

Preaching Point: In every situation, believers are responsible for visibly standing out through their good works resulting in the world seeing our actions and giving glory to God.

Main Text: Matthew 5:13–16

Teaching Points:

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

Matthew 5:10-12 | Happy Are the Persecuted

Sun, 14 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

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

Teaching Points:

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

Matthew 5:9 | Happy are the Peacemakers

Sun, 07 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Title: Happy Are the Peacemakers

Preaching Point: The genuine marker of a child of God is diligently laboring, even at great personal cost, to be peacemakers in every sphere of life.

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

Teaching Points:

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

Matthew 5:8 | Pure in Heart

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Title: Pure in Heart

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:

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

Luke 15: 8-10 | Lost & Found

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: If we are going to be Jesus-minded people, we must undertake the hard work of going after lost souls and genuinely celebrating when God saves them.

Main Text: Luke 15:8–10

Teaching Points:

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

Luke 16: 19-25 | Married With Bills

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Title: Married with Bills

Main Text: Luke 16:19-25

Teaching Points:

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

Matthew 5:7 | Kingdom Happiness : Happy are the Merciful

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point : Christians count themselves fortunate because of God’s mercy toward them and should labor diligently to display that mercy to others.

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

Matthew 5:6 | Kingdom Happiness : Hungry for Righteousness

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Kingdom happiness is experienced by those who are counted righteous before God through Jesus Christ and obey Him.

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

Matthew 5:5 | Kingdom Happiness : The Meek Receive the World

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point:

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)

Matthew 5:3 | Kingdom Happiness : The Poor in Spirit

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

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

Matthew 4:23–5:2 | Trials and Triumph : The Miracles & the Message

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Title: Trials & Triumph: The Miracles & the Message

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)

Matthew 4: 18-22 | Trials and Triumph : Fishers of Men

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Preaching Points: Followers of Jesus leave their old lives behind and take on the role of a disciple who makes disciples.

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)

Matthew 4: 12-17 | Trials and Triumph : Light in the Darkness

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Main Text: Matthew 4:12–17

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

Matthew 4: 1-11 | Trials and Triumph : The Temptation of Jesus

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: Correctly defining the earthly mission of Jesus is crucial for us to comprehend His assignment to conquer Satan and the power of sin in our lives.

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)

Matthew 3: 13-17 | Preparing for Jesus : The Revelation | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 19:00:00 -0500

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).

LINKS:

1. The Man Christ Jesus | By Bruce A. Ware : https://a.co/d/4gAA7L6

2. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance | By Bruce A. Ware : https://a.co/d/aeGFjwN

3. St. Patrick's Bad Analogies : A lesson on The Trinity : https://youtu.be/KQLfgaUoQCw

Matthew 3: 7-12 | Preparing for Jesus P.2 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point: The work of the Holy Spirit that Jesus inaugurates not only frees you from the coming wrath of God but also empowers you to bear the necessary fruit that flows from genuine repentance.

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

Matthew 3: 1-6 | The Herald | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 18:45:00 -0500

Title: Preparing for Jesus: The Herald

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

Matthew 29:18-20 | Reaching, Teaching, and Training | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0500

Preaching Point : Every Christian exists to reach people for Christ, teach people to be like Christ & train people to serve Christ.

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

1st Timothy 4:7-10 | New Years Resolution | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:15:00 -0500

Preaching Point: 2023 should be the year we trade in our short-lived resolutions and train ourselves for godliness that guarantees benefits for now and eternity.

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

Isaiah 9:6 | Wonderful Counselor | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Trusting in Christ as God's promised solution to your most significant issue is an indispensable part of successfully addressing the mountain of other problems you face.

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

Romans 8:28-30 | Finding Hope | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Live unwaveringly for Christ in your present circumstance, remembering God is working your life toward His wondrously good end.

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)

Matthew 2:7-12 | True Worship: Part 2 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0500

The unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through Christ needs to motivate us toward proper worship Him.

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)

Matthew 2:1-6 | True Worship: Part 1 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

True worship can only begin after you step off the throne and diligently search for the One who truly belongs there.

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-6

Teaching Points:

Take Your Place in Christ's Kingdom (vv.1-2)
Joyfully Surrender Your Life (vv.2-3)
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?

Matthew 1:18-25 | The King Has Come: The News | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Unexpected events are often God’s providential way of revealing his plan and require us to seek counsel from his word so we can walk faithfully amidst uncertainty.

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?

Matthew 1:12-17 | The Truthfulness of God's Faithfulness | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

The Bible’s predictive prophecy about historical events should bolster your confidence in the veracity of scripture, enable you to look to God’s word as the final arbiter of truth, and embolden you to walk in faith.

Teaching Points:

Let God’s Promises Illuminate God’s Will for You. V13
Remove Any Doubt About the Truthfulness of Scripture vv1-17
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?

Matthew 1:7-11 | Exiled from God | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Israel’s royal genealogy reminds us of our need to rely on God’s promises, leading us to properly worship him as we await our final vindication.

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:

Fully Trust in God’s Covenant Promise vv7-11
Eliminate Idols in Your Life vv7-11
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?

Matthew 1:6-7a | The Rise and Fall of a Nation | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Our deficiencies ought to be the catalyst that directs us to trust in Christ’s sufficiency as the promised king of Kings.

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?

Matthew 1:5-6a | Faith in His Promises | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Your life in Christ is the outworking of God’s deliverance amidst your failures, which should move you to respond to God with ultimate faith in his plan.

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:

Expect God to Honor Your Faith (v.5a)
Anticipate Consequences When You Forget God (v.5b)
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?

Romans 6:1-4 | Placed into Christ - The Effects of Your New Life | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Anyone who is placed into Christ can no longer live under the bondage of sin but submits to the authority of the Holy Spirit, who is abundantly at work in your new life.

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

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

Application Questions

Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon and baptisms.
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)?
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?
Read Romans 6:12-13. Practically speaking, how can you present your body to God as an instrument of righteousness this week?
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?

Matthew 1:3-4 | The Incubation of a Nation | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Your trust in God’s promises in Christ should not waver in the presence of suffering or God’s discipline.

Teaching Points:

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

Application Questions:

Write down one observation you found particularly helpful from this week’s sermon.
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?
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?
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?
What can you do to better embrace God’s discipline moving forward?

Matthew 1:1-2 | The Birth of a Nation | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Seeing God fulfill his promises through the lives of real people should give you unwavering confidence in God's plan for you and the whole world.

Introduction to Matthew | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Sermon title: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew allows you to see how God fulfilled all of his OT promises through the life, death, resurrection, and future reign of Jesus Christ, who has come to save you from the penalty of your sins and initiate the arrival of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 18:18-27 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Sermon Title: How Can I be Saved?

Genuine salvation is a gift from God offered to the unrighteous, whose only appropriate response is to turn from everything that captures their allegiance and follow Christ.

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 2:1-10 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Summer at Sea: God’s Sovereignty and Our Prayers

Our prayers should encapsulate such an awareness of God’s sovereignty that by the end of our prayers, we are wholly comforted by the overwhelming presence of God in whatever circumstance.

Jonah 1:1-4 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0500

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.

2 Timothy 3:16–4:2 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

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.

Colossians 4:14, 17-18 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Colossians 4:14, 17-18

Colossians 4:12–13, 15–16 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0500

Colossians 4:12–13, 15–16 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Colossians 4:10-11 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Colossians 4:10-11

Colossians 4:5-6 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 08 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Mon, 02 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500

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 3:25-4:1 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Knowing God is fair, just, and impartial should compel us to work here and now with the future in mind

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Colossians 3:22-24

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0500

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

Colossians 3:21

Colossians 3:20 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0500

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

Colossians 3:16-17 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0500

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 3:16-17

Colossians 3:14-15 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0500

If we hope to build godly lives, displaying Christlike love to one another must be our primary objective.

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

LifeGroup Leader Podcast for Sunday, February 6, 2022

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 | LifeGroup Leaders Podcast

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Being vigilant in navigating culture is paramount if you want to keep away from spiritual detours that lead you away from Christ.

Main Text: 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 | LifeGroup Leaders Podcast

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Holding firm to the sufficiency of Christ is fundamental if we are to correctly navigate a culture that insists on adding or subtracting to the Bibles definitions of salvation and your walk with Christ.

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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Making the right decision on who is the captain of our life is crucial if we want to understand what we are here for and where we go from here.

Colossians 2:6-8 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Navigating culture requires us to stand firm on what the Bible says so that we will not be taken captive by the words and ideas of people who don’t believe in Christ as the Lord of the universe.

Matthew 1:2-11 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Title: A New Beginning: The God Of Promises | Breaking God’s Covenants (Matthew 1:2-11)

Preaching Point: 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 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

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

Understanding God’s covenants with Israel are pivotal if we want to understand the significance of Christmas and have confidence in God’s redemptive story in our own lives.

Colossians 2:6-7 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Pastor Hayden & Pastor Evan discuss this weekend's sermon from Colossians 2:6-7.

Colossians 2:1-5 | LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0500

Pastor Hayden & Pastor Evan discuss this weekend's sermon from Colossians 2:1-5.