Sermon Outline

Scripture Reading for August 7: Revelation 17

 

There is no sermon outline for August 7. 

 

 

Scripture Reading for July 31: Exodus 23

 

Divine Q & A  
(Mark 9:9-13)

 

Verse 9

●      Setting the scene - on the heels of the glorious transfiguration

●      Peter would later recall this event (2 Peter 1:16-18)

●      What are the two events in the life of Christ that are central to Christianity

●      These 3 Apostles witnessed both events (Acts 2:32)

●      This is what our forefathers of faith preached (2 Corinthians 1:22)

●      No room for contrary doctrines (Hebrews 13:9, 1 Timothy 6:3, Romans 16:17, 2 John 1:9-11)

●      The disciples clearly still struggled at this point

Verse 10                                                                     

●      The necessity of the crucifixion is recognized in salvation (Romans 10:9)

●      Further unbelief followed (Mark 9:31-32, Mark 10:33-34)

Verse 11

●      Where did the scribes go wrong?  (Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6, Isaiah 40:3-4)

●      A type of Elijah (Luke 1:17)

Verse 12

●      Jesus agrees, resulting in further confusion

●      Greek word for contempt ‘exoudenoō’ which means to _______________

●      Disciples stood firm on a misunderstanding, while denying reality (Isaiah 53)

Verse 13

●      Previous explanation brought back to light (Matthew 11:13-15)

●      Elijah & John The Baptist had many similarities, even attire (2 Kings 1:8, Mark 1:6)

●      What is the proper view of the disciples' lack of understanding? 

 

 

Scripture Reading for July 24: Revelation 16

 

There is no sermon outline this week. 

 

 

Scripture Reading for June 26: Revelation 14 

 

The Cost of Gaining Everything  
(Mark 8:34-38)

 

The Cost of Following Christ

●      Our ability to faithfully follow Christ is credited to the goodness of God (Psalm 16:2, James 1:17)

Verse 35

●      We must take notice of the transitions that exist

●      Jesus reveals the human nature of self preservation

●      God alone determines the days of man (Job 14:5, Matthew 6:27)

●      Our primary focus should never be on the comfort and pleasure of self

●      Instead we should have an eternally focused gaze (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

●      Suffering for Christ is a worthy endeavor (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)

●      Is Jesus good at evangelism?  How might what is largely considered the gospel in modern day evangelicalism contradict this? 

●      The gospel is inseparable to the cause of Christ, it is the good news of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13-14, Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

●      Reality of following Christ further explained in John 21:15-19

●      Christ supplies us with everything we need to faithfully follow Him, thus He gets the glory for any & all good work that is manifest through us (James 1:4)

 

 

 

Scripture Reading for June 19: Exodus 20

  

An Example To Be Followed  

(Mark 8:34-38)

 

The Cost of Following Christ

 

Verse 34

●      First was to deny self

●      Second was take up your cross

●      Third is to follow Me

●      Significance in the word ‘and’

●      Greek word for follow is ‘akoloutheō’ which means to _______________ in or be in the same _______________ with, or to _______________

●      To rightly follow, the follower must conclude that the one to be followed is ______________ of such (Psalm 145:3, Psalm 18:3)

●      Jesus also proves to be worthy through His actions, character & nature

●      Thus, a follower must properly know Christ (Mark 8:29)

●      By considering what the crowd before Christ had witnessed to that point, what can we glean regarding the attributes of Christ?

Chapter 1 -

Chapter 2 -

Chapter 3 -

Chapter 4 -

Chapter 5 -

Chapter 6 -

Chapter 7 -

Chapter 8 -

●      Knowing the character & attributes of Christ, we are to faithfully follow, pursuing Christlikeness (Romans 8:29)

●      Mankind has a tendency to wander & follow the wrong things (man, self, societal agendas/movements, experiences/feeling, etc.) - Proverbs 14:12

●      Following Christ is a lifelong endeavor but an absolutely essential one (Matthew 10:38)

 

  

Scripture Reading for June 12: Revelation 13

 

Bearing The Cross With Gladness  

(Mark 8:34-38)

 

The Cost of Following Christ

Verse 34

●      First was to deny self

●      Second is to take up your cross

●      3 Parts to understanding this phrase “Take up his cross”

1.      The _______________

●      What relevance did the cross have to the audience before Jesus? 

●      What relevance does the cross have to us today?

●      Unquestionably the cross is an instrument of _______________ & _______________

2.      The _______________ Jesus would issue this command

●      Physical death is a price that must be considered to follow Christ (Matthew 10:28)

●      Why would such drastic measures be potential?  (John 15:18-19, Matthew 10:22, John 3:20, 2 Timothy 3:12)

●      Will you serve Christ even in the face of severe persecution?  (Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 4:12-14)

●      What attitude ought we have towards persecution?  (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:22, 1 Peter 3:14-16)

3.     The _______________ of bearing one’s cross

a.     Taking up one’s cross is _______________ to God (1 Peter 4:16, Romans 8:17)

b.    Taking up one’s cross is to _______________ the genuineness of one’s _______________(1 Peter 1:6-7, Hebrews 11:6)

c.     Taking up one’s cross inevitably results in revealing the _______________ faith of _______________ followers (1 John 2:19)

d.    Taking up one’s cross serves as a wonderful _______________ for others (Titus 2:7, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1)

 

  

Scripture Reading for June 5: Exodus 19

 

Pursuing Christ Means Denying Self  

(Mark 8:34-38)

 

The Cost of Following Christ

Verse 34

●      Who is this invitation for?

●      Who would come after Christ?  (Romans 3:10-12, Romans 7:8, John 6:35-40, Philippians 1:6)

●      Evangelistic responsibility has never changed (Matthew 16:19-20)

●      First requirement to be a follower of Christ

1.      To follow Jesus one must deny themselves (Mark 8:34, Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23)

●      General self deprivation is not the prescription here (Asceticism)

●      Mankind is naturally self seeking & self pleasing (Galatians 5:19-21, Romans 2:8, Romans 8:6-7)

●      The world promotes selfish mindedness (1 John 2:16)

●      How do we practically deny self for the cause of Christ?

a.      To deny self we must become servants (John 12:26, 1 Corinthians 12:1- 2)

●      Christ is the ultimate example of servitude (Philippians 2:5-8)

b.     To deny self we must put off the former things

●      Put offs (Colossians 3:5-10, James 4:4)

●      Put ons (Colossians 3:12-17)

●      The disciples were no strangers to giving up former things (Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 14:33)

c.      To deny self we must prioritize our love - Christ, others, then self (1 Corinthians 13:8)

●      Loving Christ (1 John 4:7-8, John 14:15, Luke 10:27, 1 John 4:19, John 14:21)

●      Loving others (John 13:34-35, John 15:13, 1 Peter 4:8, Mark 12:31, 1 John 4:11)

 

  

Scripture Reading for May 29: Revelation 12

  

Set Your Mind On The Things Of God  
(Mark 8:31-33)

 

Verse 31

●     Jesus makes a few clear, distinct, prophetic promises

●     Starting with a descriptive title - Son of Man (used _______ times in the gospels alone)

1.     Must suffer many things - Isaiah 53:7

2.    Rejected by Elders, Chief Priests and Scribes - Luke 9:22

3.    And be killed - The manifestation of sin through rejection

●     John 1:14, Colossians 1:19, John 14:9, Matthew 1:23, Romans 8:3, Isaiah 53:5-6, Psalm 34:20, Zechariah 12:10

Verse 32

●     Peter rebuked Jesus (Go ahead and let that sink in a little bit)

●     Greek word for rebuke is ‘epitimao’ a verb that stresses an action of sharply _______________

●     What was the source of Peter’s disagreement?  Matthew 16:22

●     Peter wanted his own will to be accomplished 

●     Jesus was operating under the sovereign will & plan of the Father (Isaiah 53:10, 1 John 4:9, John 3:16, Romans 5:8-10)

Verse 33

●     Peter went from extreme high to extreme low

●     What does it mean to set your mind on the things of man? (Proverbs 3:5-6, Colossians 3:2, Romans 12:2, Matthew 6:33)

●     God’s ways warrant no cause for questioning (Psalm 119:137, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 145:17, Psalm 71:19)

●     We do not want to be guilty of attempting to usurp the will of God, an act we couldn’t accomplish anyhow (Job 42:2, Isaiah 43:10-11)

●     Peter misunderstood the kingship of Christ

●     Scripture reveals that Jesus is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 19:16)

●     Foolish was Peter, foolish are we to declare our own way (James 4:13-16)

●     Thus we submit & pray - THY WILL BE DONE (Matthew 6:10, Matthew 26:42) 

Scripture Reading for May 15: Revelation 10

 

Truly Knowing Christ 

(Mark 8:27-30)

 

Verse 27

●      Caesarea Philippi was a ______________ area

●      First Jesus poses a broad question

Verse 28

●      John The Baptist?  Not possible (Mark 1:9-11, Luke 1:17)

●      Not Elijah or merely a prophet

Verse 29

●      The direct question

●      A proclamation is given (Matthew 16:16-20)

●      Christ is Greek is ‘Christos’ meaning ______________ One or ______________

●      Peter had been given the gift of understanding

●      Who do you say Jesus is? (John 14:6, John 1:1, John 1:14)

●      This is a question of great significance 

Verse 30

●      Time had not yet come for the disciples to take the full message of Christ

 

  

Scripture Reading for May 8: Exodus 17

 

Coming Into Focus 

(Mark 8:11-26)

 

Recap

●     It is the Lord alone who has the power/authority to bring one out of the darkness & into the light (1 Peter 2:9, Jeremiah 9:23-24, 1 Corinthians 1:31)

Verse 14-15

●     Jesus cautions the disciples - Greek word for cautions is ‘diastellomai’ which means to _______________, _______________, or ______________

●     Symbolism has Old Testament roots (Exodus 12:39, 13:6-7)

●     Leaven was equated to _______________ & _______________

●     The belief that the disciples had in Christ was not their own (Philippians 1:6)

Verse 16

●     Clearly they were not comprehending the teachings of Christ fully

Verse 17-21

●     Series of rhetorical questions that reveal the impaired vision of the disciples

●     How is your gaze?

●     Having the full canon of Scripture as well as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have absolutely no excuse for misunderstanding what the Lord has revealed (2 Peter 3:18, Philippians 1:9)

Verse 22-26

●     Don’t miss the extraordinary correlation that occurs in this event

   

 

Scripture Reading for May 1: Revelation 10

 

Shedding Light On Spiritual Blindness 

(Mark 8:11-26)

 

Lead up

●      Wanting Jesus to perform another sign revealed the heart of the Pharisees & Sadducees

●      What made the Pharisees & Sadducees an unlikely pair?

●      What did these two groups have in common?  Matthew 15:13-14

A glimpse at spiritual blindness

●      Spiritual blindness can be temporary or permanent

●      Spiritual blindness is one in the same with spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1-3)

●      This has impacted all of mankind (Romans 5:12)

●      What can a spiritually dead person do? (Romans 3:10-12, Jeremiah 17:9)

●      Allegiance reveals position (John 8:44)

●      Spiritual blindness does not love the light (1 Corinthians 2:14)

●      Spiritual blindness is not to be excused (Romans 1:20)

By what means can one acquire spiritual sight/life?

●      There is only one agent of change (John 8:47)

●      There are many factors of blindness (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, John 12:37-40, Isaiah 6:10, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

●      Blindness manifests itself in evil actions (1 John 2:11)

●      God alone brings light (Psalm 18:28, 1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 119:18)

 

 

Scripture Reading for April 17: Selected Easter Passages

  

The Accomplishments of Christ 
(Hebrews 10:1-18)

 

What was accomplished on the Cross?

Justification

●     God declaring an individual ______________

●     Can man justify himself?

●     Then what justifies a person?  (Titus 3:3-7, Romans 5:1, Galatians 3:24, Philippians 3:8-9, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 5:9, Romans 3:28, James 2:24)

Reconciliation

●     Reconciliation is establishing a _____________ _____________ with God

●     Can a man reconcile himself to God?

●     Then what justifies a person? (2 Corinthians 5:18, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:19-22)

Full and final payment for sin

●     Jesus paid our debt in ______________ (1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 6:23, Isaiah 1:18)

 

What was accomplished through the resurrection?

●     John 11:25-26 - Jesus is the resurrection

●     1 Peter 1:3 - We are born again through the power of the resurrection

●     Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:14 - The power of God in the resurrection is working through our individual lives

●     Luke 18:27 What is impossible with man is possible with God - Hebrews 10:4, 9, 11-12

 

1 Corinthians 15:57  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

 

  

Scripture Reading for April 10: Revelation 9

 

The King Above All Kings
(Luke 19:28-40)

 

●      The objective of God’s perfectly established plan was set, it was told of, it was being executed through Christ (Luke 9:21-22, 44-45)

●      Even the particulars of this event were foretold (Zechariah 9:9)

●      The crowd was unprecedented, staggering in size

●      What is the significance of the location (Jerusalem)?

●      Was He the king they had been seeking?  What were their expectations?

●      _______________ also rode in on a donkey (1 Kings 1:38)

●      Laying down of the garments was not unheard of (2 Kings 9:13)

●      Verse 38 was what enraged the Pharisees

●      Jesus did not hide who He was (Matthew 11:27-30)

●      The crowd did not recognize what was foretold of Christ (Zechariah 12:10)

●      Pharisees demand Jesus make the adoration cease

●      Verse 40 - Jesus asks a rhetorical question followed by a bold proclamation

●      God’s plan is complete, it is perfect, it is established

●      God will be praised, His name will be exalted, by any means He sees fit (Psalm 98:7-9, Isaiah 55:12, Matthew 9:3)

●      Even more than the certainty of praise was a judgment made against the Jews (Habakkuk 2:11-12)

 

  

Scripture Reading for April 3: Exodus 15

  

A Personal Touch

(Mark 7:31-37)

 

Verse 31

●      The perfect work of Christ was accomplished in Tyre & Sidon (John 5:19)

●      Decapolis means _______________  _______________

●      This was largely a _______________ area

Verse 32

●      Important corresponding passage in Matthew 15:29-31

●      Though a large crowd had gathered, a particular individual gains the focus of Jesus

●      Greek word for speech impediment is ‘mogilalos’ which means hardly _______________ or tongue _______________

Verse 33

●      We read that 4 actions were performed by Christ in this verse alone

●      We see the sympathy & compassion of Christ (Hebrews 4:5-6)

Verse 34

●      Jesus intentional look toward heaven demonstrates His willing ______________ to the ______________ (Philippians 2:5-8, John 14:10)

Verse 35

●      The man was healed instantly & fully

●      The power of God alone can heal (Isaiah 35:5-6)

●      God’s choice to heal certain individuals is beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Verse 36

●      It was not yet time for the public ministry to the Gentiles

Verse 37

●      Christ proved yet again that He is in fact who He says He is (John 8:58)

 

 

Scripture reading for March 27: Revelation 8

 

Confidence In The Lord

(Mark 7:24-30)

 

Intro

●      Who did the Jews believe salvation was for?

●      The means of salvation are exclusive (Acts 4:12, 1 John 4:14)

●      There was a proper order set in place in God’s perfect plan of salvation (Romans 1:16)

Verse 24

●      Tyre and Sidon, which is modern day _______________, were ______________ of Galilee

●      What was the significance of this particular area?

Verse 25

●      Unclean spirit is the same as?

●      Her reaction upon encountering Christ is quite appropriate (Revelation 1:17)

Verse 26

●      Mark describes the woman as Syropheonician, while Matthew uses the term _______________ (Matthew 15:22)

Verse 27

●      Important details in Matthew 15:23-24

●      We notice very specific timing in regards to the advancement of the gospel (Matthew 10:5-6,28:19-20)

●      The woman is remarkably persistent

Verse 28

●      Was Jesus unaware of His own plan?  Was the woman being disrespectful?

Verse 29-30

●      Great Faith (Matthew 15:28, Matthew 8:10)

●      Jesus displays His power & authority (Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17)

●      The woman displayed great confidence in the Lord (Hebrews 13:6)

 

 

 

  

Scripture Reading for March 20: Exodus 14

  

The Heart of Evil
(Mark 7:20-23)

 

Verse 20

●      Jesus reiterates where defilement comes from

●      What comes out of the mouth is very telling to what is going on in the heart (Matthew 15:11)

Verse 21-23

●      Jesus describes what lies in the natural heart

1.      Evil Thoughts

●      An evil heart is indicative of an unrepentant heart (Genesis 6:5, Proverbs 15:26, Ephesians 2:1-3)

●      God wants His children to fix their attention on what honors Him (Philippians 4:8)

2.      Sexual Immorality

●      More than an action (Matthew 5:28)

●      Greek word ‘porneia’ where we get the word pornography from

●      Bible is very clear about avoiding immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3)

3.      Theft

●      Greek word ‘klopē’ is where we get the English word ____________

●      The word thief is descriptive of Satan (John 10:10)

4.      Murder

●      Hate is equated to murder (1 John 3:15) love is equated to caring for others (John 13:34, 1 Peter 4:8, 1 John 4:11)

5.      Adultery

●      Since sexual immorality is already listed, what is the significance of separating adultery? (Matthew 19:16)

6.      Coveting

●      Coveting is not what pleases God (Luke 12:15, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6-8)

7.      Wickedness

●      Wicked actions are a result of a wicked heart

8.      Deceit

●      Deceit is what characterizes the evil one (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) and God hates deceit (Proverbs 6:17)

9.      Sensuality

●      Inappropriate lusting of the heart (Galatians 5:19, Jude 1:4)

10.   Envy

●      Destructive nature of envy (Proverbs 14:30)

11.   Slander

●      Slander is found in the fool that seeks evil (Proverbs 10:18, 2 Timothy 3)

12.   Pride

●      One of the most commonly warned against evils in the Bible

13.   Foolishness

●      A unregenerate heart is a foolish heart (Proverbs 1:7, 1 Corinthians 2:14)

 

 

 

Scripture Reading for March 13:  Revelation 7

  

Externalism Exposed

(Mark 7:14-19)

 

Verse 14

●     Greek word used here is proskaleomai which means to _______________ or to call _______________

●     Not to be confused with the call of sinners to repentance, otherwise known as the ________________ call (Philippians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:3, Romans 1:6-7) (Greek word ‘kaleō)

Verse 15

●     Greek word for defile is koinoō which is to _______________ or _______________

●     Sin cannot be blamed on external factors, for sin originates in the heart (Matthew 15:19, Matthew 5:21, 27-28)

●     Jesus teaches against the externalism of the Pharisees

●     The Bible teaches that the root of all that comes forth is from the heart (Matthew 15:18, James 3:6-10)

Verse 17

●     Some important insight from the book of Matthew (Matthew 15:12-14)

●     God is the Judge of the fruit and the weeds (Matthew 13:42)

Verse 18-19

●     Jesus focuses His teaching to the disciples

●     The stomach rids the waste, the sick heart produces waste

 

 

 

 

Scripture Reading for March 6: Exodus 13

 

Legalism Unraveled Part 4

(Mark 7:1-13)

 

10 Points on the Danger of Legalism

1.         Legalism often denies the sufficiency of Scripture

2.         Legalism is Idolatry

3.         Legalism fosters works based justification

4.         Legalism is often accompanied by hypocrisy

5.         Legalism leaves no room for grace

6.         Legalism blinds

7.         Legalism is ______________ with a ______________ heart ______________

●        Heart transformation is vital to our position in Christ (Jeremiah 17:9, Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26)

●        Our hearts are never hidden from the Lord (Proverbs 21:2)

●        Our actions should be a manifestation of our heart condition (John 14:15)

●        Jesus knew the hearts of the Pharisees as well (Mark 7:6)

●        The motivation of our heart should be to faithfully serve the Lord (Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24)

8.         Legalism creates ______________ not ______________

●        Unity was not a goal of the Pharisees

●        God desires unity within the Body (1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Peter 3:8)

●        Examples of legalism - Bible translations, water baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13)

9.         Legalism does not ______________ the ______________

●        Greek word for edification is ‘oikodomé’ which is the act of building up or building of a house (Ephesians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ephesians 4:29)

●        Warning against division (Matthew 12:25, Titus 3:10, Romans 16:17)

●        Looking into our own lives, are we found building up or tearing down?

10.      Legalism takes _____________ off ______________

●        Our eyes are to be fixed on our Great God (Colossians 3:2)

 

 

  

Scripture reading for February 6: Exodus 11 

 

Supernatural Travel
(Mark 6:45-52)

 

Verse 45

●      A specific detail in Mark that can cause confusion (Bethsaida)

●      We use Scripture to explain Scripture (Matthew 14:22, John 6:16-17)

Verse 46

●      Common practice of the Lord serves as a wonderful example for us (Luke 5:16)

Verse 47

●      Detail about the separation between Jesus & the Apostles

Verse 48

●      Greek word for see is ‘eidō’ which goes _______________ the _______________ of physical sight

●      Greek word for painfully is ‘basanizō’ which means to _______________ or _______________

●      Greek word for against is ‘enantios’ which means _______________

●      This storm was no accident (Mark 4:41)

●      The 4th watch was from _______am to _______am

●      A phrase we must wrestle with “He meant to pass by them” (Exodus 33:19, 1 Kings 19:11-13, John 1:36, Luke 18:37-38)

Verse 49-50a

●      Apostles came to the conclusion that Jesus was a ghost

●      This terrified the Apostles

Verse 50b

●      As He had done before, Jesus instructs them to not be afraid, rather trust in Him (Luke 12:22-34, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 10:28, Mark 5:36, 2 Timothy 1:7)

●      Matthew alone provides unique detail of the Apostle Peter, an example of waning faith (Matthew 14:28-31)

Verse 51

●      Immediate response

●      Why were the Apostles astounded?

Verse 52

●      Only two outcomes of encountering the work of the Lord

 

 

 

 

Scripture Reading for January 23: Revelation 3

  

A God Who Exceeds Human Reasoning

(Mark 6:30-37)

 

Verse 30

●      Apostles give an synopsis of their journeys

Verse 31

●      Jesus was providing a set aside time for rest

●      He is the Lord of Spiritual rest as well (Matthew 11:28-30)

Verse 32

●      Sailed to the general area of Bethsaida (Luke 9:10)

Verse 33

●      Popularity created an eager crowd

Verse 34

●      Jesus’ reaction was one of compassion

●      Greek word for compassion is ‘splagchnizomai’ which literally means to be moved at one’s _______________, a deep yearning (Luke 7, Matthew 15:32, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 20:34)

●      What caused Jesus to be moved with compassion?

●      Sheep without a shepherd a common metaphor (Numbers 27:17, 1 Kings 22:17, 2 Chronicles 18:16)

●      Who is the Good Shepherd? (John 10:11, Psalm 23:1, Isaiah 40:11, 1 Peter 2:25, John 10:14, John 10:7-10)

●      What was the need that existed in the crowd? (Mark 2:17)

Verse 35-36

●      Logical human reasoning

Verse 37

●      Simple instruction that perplexed the Apostles

●      200 Denarii equates to __________ months of wages

●      Major theme of this account (Luke 18:27)

 

 

 

 

Scripture Reading for January 2: Revelation 2

 

Full Reliance
(Mark 6:8-13)

 

Verse 8-9

●      Comparing instructions (Mark 6:8-9, Matthew 10:7-10, Luke 9:1-3)

●      Key word in to understanding interpretive challenge Greek word ‘ktaomai’ meaning to ______________ or _______________or to ______________

●      Jesus wanted the Apostles to trust Him for everything (Philippians 4:19)

●      How does this scene compliment the major theme of the Bible - God Glorified? (Romans 11:36, 1 Corinthians 10:31) + the promise for believers (Romans 8:28) 

●      This was a specific teaching to the Apostles, because the Bible teaches the value of preparedness (Matthew 24:44, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Matthew 25:1-13)

Verse 10-11

●      The Apostles were given great authority, but there was still something they could not do

●      Shaking the dust off one’s feet was symbol of judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9, Hebrews 10:29)

●      The Apostles shouldn’t take rejection personally (John 15:18)

Verse 12-13

●      The means that God chose to reach the lost (Romans 10:14-15)

 

 

Scripture Reading for December 26: selected passages

 

Send Them Out To Draw Them In

(Mark 6:7)

 

Verse 7

●      The 12 are recommissioned

●      Previously commissioned in Mark 3:13-19

●      Important to note where the Apostles would draw power from

●      What was the goal?  Wow people with miraculous works?  (Mark 1:4, Mark 1:14-15, Luke 5:31-32)

●      False gospels/strange doctrines are not of the Lord (Galatians 1:8, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 2 Corinthians 11:12-15, 1 Timothy 6:3-5)

●      This is nothing new (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

●      What is the purpose of the works the Apostles were entrusted with?

●      2 Theological stances on “miracle gifts”

1.      _______________

2.      _______________ (1 Corinthians 13:8)

●      What is the purpose of the disciples being sent out two by two? (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

●      The authority given was a power evil could not stand against (1 John 4:4, Romans 12:21, Mark 5:7-10)

 

 

Scripture Reading for December 19: selected Christmas passages

 

 

A Servant Bore The King
(Luke 1:26-38)

 

Verse 26

●      Significance of Nazareth (Matthew 2:23, Isaiah 11:1)

Verse 27

●      Joseph a common carpenter (Matthew 13:55)

●      House of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13)

●      Mary the chosen virgin (Isaiah 7:14)

Verse 28

●      Not chosen by merit but instead God’s sovereign plan

Verse 29-30

●      Sensing her bewilderment, the angel eases her fears

Verse 31

●      This was monumental news

●      The name of Jesus has great power (Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 4:11-12)

Verse 32

●      Importance placed on the grammatical use of the word ‘the’

●      The unique Son (John 3:16)

Verse 33

●      House of Jacob (Jacob’s 4th son _______________ the father of David)

Verse 34

●      Logical, understandable questioning, not doubt

Verse 35

●      Greek word for overshadow is ‘episkiazō’ which means to _______________

●      Jesus was & still is Holy (Acts 3:14)

Verse 36-37

●      Confirmation of the sovereign, all knowing plan of God

Verse 38

●      Response of a faithful servant (John 12:26)

 

  

Scripture reading for December 12: Exodus 8

 

Homefield Disadvantage

(Mark 6:1-6)

 

Verse 1

●      Jesus’ hometown was Nazareth (John 1:46, Mark 1:24, Matthew 2:23)

●      This was not the first trip back to Nazareth (Luke 4:29-30)

Verse 2

●      Jesus was teaching as He often did - He was a teacher (John 3:2)

●      Greek word for astonished is ‘ekplēssō’ which literally means to _______________

●      His teaching was on a different level (Matthew 7:28-29)

●      What kind of wisdom did Christ display?  Divine (Proverbs 2:6, Job 28)

Verse 3

●      Human reasoning could not explain the power & authority of Christ

●      Greek word for offense is ‘skandalizō’ which is where we get the word _______________

Verse 4

●      Same response of Christ as His last visit (Luke 4:24)

●      Jesus knew a thing or two about rejection & unbelief (John 6:64-66)

●      Important reminder for the disciples as well (Matthew 10:14)

Verse 5

●      Miracles & healing served a specific purpose (John 2:11)

Verse 6

●      Satan delights in unbelief (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

●      Rejection of Christ is serious business (John 12:48)

 

  

Scripture Reading for November 28: Exodus 7

 

Desperate Times Call For Divine Measures Part 2

(Mark 5:21-43)

 

Verse 29

●      After 12 years of suffering the woman was healed instantly & fully

●      Was Jesus surprised? 

Verse 30

●      Many have a tendency to assume logic over the supernatural in this verse

●      Greek word for _______________ is  ‘epiginōskō’ meaning to _____________, _____________ or to _____________ upon (Mark 2:8)

●      Why does Jesus ask a question that He already knows the answer to?

Verse 31-32

●      Peter (Luke 8:45) questions Christ

Verse 33

●      Jesus’ question was to draw the woman out in admission

●      She falls before the Lord in submission

Verse 34

●      Three main areas of focus

1.     In this there is a beautiful _______________ in the manner in which _______________ must come to Christ

●      What is the importance of submission?  Ephesians 5:25, 5:21, Hebrews 13:7, Romans 13:1

●      Glorious result of submission (James 4:7)

2.     ______________ is the _______________ means to bring about submission

●      Faith is required to seek & pursue God (Romans 3:10-11)

●      _______________ different Greek words for the word faith

●      Distinction between manmade faith & saving faith (Hebrews 12:2)

●      Greek word in Hebrews 12:2  ‘pistis’ is the same word for faith in Mark 5:34

●      Saving faith makes heirs (2 Corinthians 6:18, Romans 8:17)

●      Saving faith is ongoing & God honoring (Hebrews 11:6)

3.     True _______________ is only accomplished through _______________ saving _______________

●      Same Greek word for peace here in Mark 5:34 also seen in Philippians 4:7

 

  

Scripture reading for November 21: Jude

 

Desperate Times Call For Divine Measures Part 1
(Mark 5:21-43)

 

Verse 21

●      Jesus and His disciples traveled across to Capernaum

●      A large, welcome crowd gathered (Luke 8:40)

Verse 22-23

●      Not a typical exchange from a synagogue leader

●      Jairus showed great submission before Christ

●      Greek work ‘proskuneō’ means _______________ (Matthew 9:18)

●      Greek word ‘parakaleō’ means _______________ & _______________ (Mark 5:10, 5:23)

●      Jairus exhibits faith and confidence in Christ

Verse 24

●      _______________ is from the Greek word ‘sunthlibō’

Verse 25-26

●      The woman was deemed unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27)

●      Depleted resources in attempt to be made well (Luke 8:43)

Verse 27-28

●      The woman expressed great confidence and certainty in Christ

 

Scripture Reading for November 14: Exodus 6

 

Unmatched Power Part 2
(Mark 5:1-20)

 

Verse 10

●      Personification of goodness/righteousness does not mesh with essence of pure evil (2 Corinthians 6:15)

Verse 11

●      Insight to the demographics of the location (Leviticus 11:7-8)

●      What was this area of Decapolis like?

Verse 12

●      Begging seen as a position of submission

●      How does evil dwell/overtake a body?  (John 13:27)

Verse 13

●      What a horrific scene

Verse 14-15

●      The undeniable result of having an encounter with the Lord (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Verse 16-17

●      Their reaction to Jesus was to beg His departure

Verse 18-19

●      Different events saw different instructions from Jesus (Mark 1:44)

Verse 20

●      Proclaiming the excellencies of the Lord (Colossians 1:13)

 

 

Scripture Reading for November 7: 3 John

  

Unmatched Power Part 1

(Mark 5:1-20)

 

Verse 1

●      Gerasenes, Gadarenes, & the Gergesenes (interchangeable)

Verse 2

●      How many demon possessed men were there?  (Matthew 8:28)

●      Five things to conclude about the demon possessed men

1.      They were from a _______________ _______________ (Luke 8:27)

2.     They were possessed w/ _______________ than _______________ demon (Mark 5:9)

3.     The men were _______________ by the _______________ power of the unclean spirits (Luke 8:27)

4.     The men’s _______________ was one of a _______________, _______________ nature (Matthew 8:28)

5.     The men were _______________ in every way (Numbers 19:11)

Verse 3-4

●      Binding a violent lunatic is common throughout history

Verse 5

●      Manifestation of sheer agony

Verse 6-7

●      How did they recognize Christ? (1 John 3:8, Romans 16:20, Genesis 3:15)

●      Christ’s presence was not good news for the demons (Hebrews 2:14-15)

●      Demons correctly determine who Christ is (Mark 1:23-26)

●      Demons have knowledge of Christ’s complete superiority over them (Luke 8:31)

Verse 8

●      A command with complete power and authority

Verse 9

●      Legion is a military group of _______________ men

●      Light and darkness to not go together (John 1:5, 1 John 1:5, John 3:19-20)

●      No one is like our God (Jeremiah 10:6, 1 Samuel 2:2) 

 

  

Scripture Reading for October 31: Exodus 5

 

Trust To Weather The Storms

(Mark 4:35-41)

 

Verse 35-36

●      Jesus instructed His disciples to proceed to the other side of the lake

●      Those traveling with Jesus were varied in terms of allegiance (John 6:64-66)

Verse 37

●      Typical storm or divinely appointed?

Verse 38

●      Greek word for teacher is ‘didaskalos’ which means _______________ or _______________

●      Different from messias (_______________) or sōtēr (_______________)

●      Significance in the phrase “Do you not care?”

●      There is suggestion in the questioning (Genesis 3:1)

●      Knowledge of God’s power His own creation (Psalm 65:5-7, Psalm 89:9)

Verse 39

●      Jesus further proves His power & authority (Psalm 46:1-3, Isaiah 25:4)

Verse 40

●      The disciples needed to increase in faith (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

●      Small faith has tremendous power (Matthew 17:20)

Verse 41

●      God is trustworthy, therefore Jesus is trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 17:7)

 

 

Scripture Reading for October 17: Exodus 4

  

God of the Harvest

(Mark 4:26-29)

 

Verse 26

●      Further agriculturally related teachings (Genesis 37:7, Luke 13, Romans 11, Isaiah 29, 1 Corinthians 3)

●      Key phrase in this passage “Kingdom of God”

●      What is the Kingdom of God? (Matthew 19:24, Matthew 21:31, Mark 9:47)

●      Man (sower-disciple) seed (perfect seed-gospel) ground (good soil-heart softened by God)

Verse 27

●      Day and night, orderly process of creation (Genesis 1:5)

●      Mark 4:27 highlights the _______________ of God and the _______________ of man

Verse 28

●      God’s wonderful, unique creation

Verse 29

●      What is the harvest that is being spoken of (Matthew 9:37-38)

●      God’s grace is revealed through His redemptive plan

 

 

Scripture Reading for October 10: 1 John 5

 

This Little Light Of Mine

(Mark 4:21-25)

 

Verse 21

●      Rhetorical question leading to significant understanding

●      Lamps were a relevant item for Christ to use as an illustration

●      God is the source of light (Psalm 119:105, 119:130, Proverbs 6:23)

●      Our new lives in Christ results in new found ‘light’ (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12)

Verse 22

●      Truth is worth proclaiming (Colossians 1:28, 1 Peter 2:9)

Verse 23

●      The disciples were to verbally proclaim the teachings of Christ (Romans 10:14)

●      Greek word for preaching ‘ kērussō’, meaning _______________ or _______________

Verse 24

●      Good stewardship will be rewarded (Matthew 25:23, 25:29)

Verse 25

●      God is glorified through our being responsible with what He has entrusted to us (1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 16:24-25)

  

 

Scripture Reading for October 3: Exodus 3

 

Agronomy of the Heart Part 3

(Mark 4:1-20)

 

Verse 20

●      Only soil type described as good

●      Other 3 soils rejected the gospel but this soil type received the gospel

●      We need to recognize the sovereignty of God revealed through all things, of course salvation included

●      3 truths seen through this soil type

1.      God is the _______________ of ______________

●      Creator of physical life (Genesis 2:7)

●      He brings about Spiritual life through the response to the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

2.      God _______________ the _______________

●      God is the only One who can soften a heart (Romans 9:8)

●      God’s sovereignty does not cease in the area of salvation (1 Chronicles 29:11-12, John 6:44, John 6:65, Acts 13:48, Acts 16:14)

3.      God _______________ elicits _______________ and produces ______________ in a person’s life

●      This is a miracle of God, a supernatural work with a supernatural result

●      We are dependent upon God in able to bear fruit (John 15:1-5)

●      By grace we receive the Holy Spirit, aiding us in producing fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)

●      Bearing fruit is not an option, it is an inevitable result of God working in us (John 15:16, Matthew 7:15-20)

●      Praise God the work He began, He will see to the finish (Philippians 1:6)

 

  

Scripture reading for September 19: Exodus 2

 

Agronomy of the Heart Part 1

            (Mark 4:1-20)

 

Verse 1

●      Word ‘again’ shows commonality of this type of scene in the ministry of Christ

Verse 2

●      This would lead into many further teachings in parable form

Verse 3-9

●      The parable of the soils (what do the soils represent?)

Verse 10

●      The later questioning of the Apostles was likely two-fold

Verse 11

●      What was concealed that is now being revealed?  (John 1:14)

Verse 12

●      Who were parables being concealed from? 

●      Prophecy fulfilled.  (Matthew 13:35 ref. Psalm 78:2) (Mark 4:12 ref. Isaiah 6:9-10)

●      No understanding among the unregenerate (1 Corinthians 1:18)

●      God gives us the ability to know & understand Spiritual things through _______________(Psalm 119:18, Ephesians 1:17-18)

Verse 13

●      A rhetorical question to invoke the Apostles to think about deeper Spiritual things

Verse 14

●      The focus is not on the sower (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

●      The sower needs no other tool than the Word (Romans 1:16)

Verse 15

●      Hard soil represents the hard ________ (Ephesians 4:18)

●      This condition does not desire God (Romans 3:11)

Verse 16

●      Emotional response versus a genuine conversion

Verse 17

     ●      False professions won’t whether persecution (2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:18, 1 Peter 4:12-14)     

 

 

                      

Scripture reading for September 12: 1 John 3

 

Family Matters

(Mark 3:31-35)

 

Verse 31

●      Jesus’ family was outside, typical large crowd inside (Mark 2:1)

Verse 32

●      Those in attendance alert Jesus that His family has arrived

Verse 33

●      Not the expected response out of Christ

●      Did He not know His own family? 

Verse 34-35

●      The significance of Jesus’ statement

1.      Jesus teaches that the _______________ family is more important than the _______________ family.

●      Elevating the Spiritual family (Luke 14:26)

2.     Though _______________ in some ways, the Spiritual family does _______________ the earthly family in many ways.

Differences

●       

●       

●       

Similarities

●       

●       

●       

3.      There are specific _______________ for being in the Spiritual family

●      Obedience (Luke 6:46, John 14:15)

●      Pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Matthew 28:18-20)

●      Victory through the Lord (1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:1)  

 

 

Scripture Reading for September 5: Exodus 1

 

Accusations From An Apostate Heart
               (Mark 3:24-30)

 

Verse 24

●      Division causes chaos (Romans 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

●      Satan does not desire unity with Christ & vice versa (Colossians 1:13, Matthew 4:8-9)

Verse 25

●      God does not share His glory, He is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24)

Verse 26

●      Absurdity of the claims

Verse 27

●      Jesus has the power OVER satan (Colossians 1:13-14, Romans 8:37-39)

Verse 28-30

●      Unpardonable sin?  What does this mean?

●      Clearing up the confusion

1.      Jesus is not speaking in _______________

●      Jesus does forgive ALL our sins (1 John 1:9)

●      Mark 3:28-30 addresses apostasy

2.      Jesus’ response was directed toward ______________ people for a ____________time

●      They (scribes/Pharisees) had evidence, validation of claims, everything, yet they rebelled

●      Apostasy still happens today

3.      This exact scenario cannot be _______________ today

●      The result of blasphemy of the HS (apostasy) is the same as lifelong unbelief (John 3:36)

●      Salvation delivers us from our ability to commit the unpardonable sin, it delivers us from unbelief.   

  

Scripture Reading for August 29: 1 John 2

 
Good VS. Evil
 (Mark 3:20-23) 

 

Verse 20

●     Went back home?  (Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum)

Verse 21

●     Who in Jesus’ family came to Him? (Mark 6:3) 

●     Greek word for seize is ‘krateō’ which means to _______________ or take _______________ of

●     Who likely did not buy into the idea that Jesus had lost His mind? (Luke 1:30-33)

●     What was the nature of the message Jesus’ family must have received?

Verse 22

●     Scribes and Pharisees were at it again

●     Beelzebul is another name for _______________

●     Jerusalem is where _______________ Council was held

Verse 23

●     Begins to speak in parable - Greek word ‘parabolē’ meaning to _______________ alongside (Matthew 13:10-15, 10:35)

●     Parables two main objectives

1.     _______________ truth to a particular target audience

2.     _______________ truth from those who are not the target audience

●     How can satan cast out satan?  Drawing out the understanding of good vs. evil

●     Scripture reveals the differences between God and satan

●     God’s character (1 John 1:5, Numbers 23:19, Psalm 18:30, Luke 19:10)

●     Satan’s character (2 Corinthians 4:4, John 8:44, 1 John 3:8, 1 Peter 5:8)

●     May we strive to discern the difference (Hebrews 5:14)

  

Scripture Reading for August 22: Genesis 50

 

Pleasing God
Mike Baker, Elder 

 

· Parental pleasure of growth of their children

3 John 4

 

· Who can please God?

Romans 8:8; Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:4

 

· Who cannot please God?

Romans 8:6-7

 

· What does God desire from us?

· Focus on Him and His ways

Colossians 3:2; 1 Kings 3:3-15

 

· By what means do we please God?

· Faith

Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 11:1

 

· By the Power and Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Ezekiel 36:27

 

· What do we do to please God?

· Not checklists

Genesis1:27-30; Genesis 2:15-17; 2 Samuel 11:1-17

 

· It’s the heart

Luke 6:45; Proverbs3:1

 

· Obey Him

1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6

 

· Read and Know His Word

Joshua 1:7-8; Proverbs 3:1-4

 

· Be an imitator of Him

Hebrews 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 11:1

 

· It’s for His Glory

Micah 6:6-8; 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

· What keeps us going in our quest to please God?

Joshua 8:34, Joshua 14:13-14; Psalm 1:1

 

 

 

Scripture reading for August 15: 1 John 1

 

Chosen With Purpose
      (Mark 3:7-19)

 

Verse 7-8

●      Greek word for disciples ‘mathētēs’ which means _______________ or _______________

●      People came from all around to see Jesus

Verse 9

●      Not everyone in the crowd had the same heart motive (Isaiah 53:3)

Verse 10

●      Even a simple touch sufficed for the crowd (Matthew 9:20-21)

Verse 11-12

●      Testimony from an unlikely source (v.11)

●      Don’t tell anyone? (Mark 1:44, Mark 7:36)

Verse 13

●      Jesus isolated Himself to be with His Father (Luke 6:12, Mark 1:35)

Verse 14-15

●      Greek word for appoint ‘poieō’ which means to make or to make _____________

●      Distinction between disciple (‘mathētēs’) & Apostles (‘apostolos’)

●      Specific responsibility of the Apostles was _______________ (‘kērussō’)

●      Authority was given to them, granted, not earned.  (Romans 11:36)

Verse 16

●      Simon also _______________ & _______________ & Simon _______________ _______________ (Matthew 16:17-19, John 1:42)

Verse 17-19

●      Chosen men for the will and purpose of the Lord

 

 

Scripture for August 1, 2021: 2 Peter 3

 

Lord Of The Sabbath
    (Mark 2:23-28)

 

Verse 23

●      God Himself rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3)

●      All things, including the Sabbath of the Old Law, were given by God (Romans 11:36)

Verse 24

●      Proper hermeneutics is key (particularly historical in this case)

●      We must distinguish between modern day acceptability & period correct practices (roughly A.D.30)

●      Scripture speaks to this very situation (Deuteronomy 23:24-25)

●      Specific detail in Luke 6:1 is critical to the Pharisees’ indignation (?)

●      Who was working?  Argument could be made for the hard working Pharisees

●      Man made laws made rule following a religion in itself

Verse 25-26

●      Jesus asks self proclaimed scholars of the OT “Have you never read”

●      Proof in 1 Samuel 21 that God did not make arbitrary laws as to forgo grace, mercy & love

●      Legalism does not save

Verse 27

●      Pharisees went way above and beyond what God had commanded, treating their legalism as being as important as Scripture itself

●      New Testament does not require adherence to the Sabbath, as all days are days to praise the Lord (Psalm 113:3, Hebrews 13:5, Acts 2:46)

●      Are individuals saved by following laws and traditions?  (John 6:28-29, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16)

Verse 28

●      Son of Man (Jesus’ most common title for Himself) = Lord of Sabbath (God)

●      Does this Pharisaical legalism still exist?  (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

●      Jesus provides freedom from legalism and religious death (Matthew 11:27-30)

 

 

 “Properly Passing the Praise”
                 Psalm 145
                Pastor Mark Abel

 

I.                 A_______________ B_______________ to His C_______________

II.                D_______________ E_______________ for His F_______________

III.               G_______________ H_______________ of His I_______________

IV.               J_______________ K_______________ His L_______________ and M_______________

V.                N_______________ O_______________ on His P_______________

VI.              Q_______________ R_______________ in His S_______________

VII.             T_______________ U_______________ of His V_______________

Scripture Reading for July 11: Genesis 47

 

The Penitent Publican
      (Mark 2:13-17)

 

Verse 13-14

●      Jesus comes across Levi.  Who is Levi? (Mark 3:16-19)

●      Greek word for tax collector is ‘telōnēs’ which literally means _______________ _______________

●      Despised profession (Matthew 5:46, Luke 8:9-12) found ______ times in gospels

●      Levi responds in obedience

Verse 15

●      Tax collectors deemed a special class of sinners (Matthew 5:29)

Verse 16

●      Scribes & Pharisees questioning the motive of Christ

●      Tried to find fault in Jesus (Mark 3:2)

Verse 17

●      Jesus used the physical to explain the spiritual (John 10:9, John 10:11, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

●      Jesus reminds them of His purpose (1 Timothy 1:15)

●      All are in need of a Savior, whether they recognize it or not.  Greek word for Savior is ‘sōtēr’ which means _______________

●      The gospel addresses sin - Jesus addresses sin

●      Humility must be put on, pride must be put off (James 4:6)

  

 

Scripture reading for June 27: Genesis 46

 

Measure Of Faith
    (Mark 2:1-5)

 

Verse 1

●      Back from His time spent in desolate places (Mark 1:45)

Verse 2

●      A large crowd gathered as Jesus taught

Verse 3-4

●      Importance in the details (home structure, level of friendship among the men, potential danger in interruption, determination, desperation etc)

Verse 5

●      Recognition of faith

●      First mention of faith (v. 21-28 =?, 29-31 =?, 32-34 =?, 40-45 =?)

●      Is there a difference in faith?  (Hebrews 11:6, James 2:19)

●      Jesus gives attention to the spiritual needs over the physical (2 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Timothy 4:7-8)

●      Who do we thank for our faith?  (Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 13:13)

 

Scripture Reading for June 13: Genesis 45

 

Finding Purpose Through Christ
             (Mark 1:36-39)

 

Verse 36-37

●      Search for Jesus (36)

Verse 38

●      Is there any contradiction as to the purpose of Christ?

●      Purposes of Christ on earth

1.     Jesus came to do the _______________ of the _______________ (John 6:38)

2.     Jesus came to _______________ _______________ (Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 1:15)

3.     Jesus Came to bring _______________ to a _______________ _______________ (John 12:46, John 8:12)

4.     Jesus came to _______________ (Mark 10:45)

5.     Jesus came to be the _______________ sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2, Isaiah 5:10, John 3:36)

●      Preaching the gospel was paramount to the ministry of Christ

●      Preaching the gospel is the central message for all followers of Christ

●      John The Baptist preached repentance (Mark 1:4) Christ preached repentance (Mark 1:14-15), thus we are to preach?????

●      In light of Christ’ purpose, what is our purpose

1.      Like Jesus we are to do the _______________ of the _______________ (Matthew 7:21, John 14:8-15)

2.     Jesus came to save sinners and we have a _______________in that (Acts 4:12, Mark 16:15)

3.     Like Jesus we are to be _______________ in a ______________ _______________ (John 8:12, Mark 5:14-16, Philippians 2:14-16)

4.     Like Jesus we are _______________ to ______________ (Joshua 24:15, Romans 12:11, John 12:26, 1 Peter 4:10-11)

5.     Jesus _______________ everything, we too are to be a people of _______________ (Hebrews 13:16, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:24-25)

Verse 39

●     Jesus fulfilling that purpose

 

 

●      God determines the results (1 Corinthians 3:6-8) 

   

  

      ●      The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives (John 14:26, Romans 8:26) 

Scripture Reading for April 18: Genesis 41

 

All In Attendance

   (Mark 1:9-11)

 

Verse 9

·         Geographical humility in Nazareth (Luke 1:26-27, John 1:43-50)

·         Although he didn’t feel worthy, John baptized Jesus (Matthew 3:13-15)

Verse 10-11

·         Christ served as an example

·         Who then should be baptized?

·         Is infant baptism appropriate?

·         Three main methods of baptism

1.      

●      In this method water is sprinkled over the individuals head

2.      

●      In this method water is poured over the individual

3.      

●      In this method the individual is submerged under water (Mark 1:10. Matthew 3:16, John 3:23, Colossians 2:12)

·         Remarkably significant event takes place during baptism of Jesus

·         Presence of the Trinity

·         Dove (Matthew 10:16)

·         Unique phrase “My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5) 

 

 

April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday

Who is Jesus?

Expectations - Luke 19:37-44

●      Jesus had a very specific purpose (Luke 19:10, Matthew 1:21)

●      Pharisees thought Jesus was a _______ to their agenda (v.39)

●      The Sanhedrin council that He was a ________ (Luke 22:70-71)

●      Herod thought He was nothing more than a ________ (Luke 23:11-12)

●      Pilate thought Jesus was ________ but foolish (Luke 23:13-16)

●      The crowd thought He was deserving of ______ (Luke 23:21)

●      Cleopas, even after the death of Christ, thought Jesus was a prophet and had hoped He would _______ ________ (Luke 24:18-21)

●      Even today there are many false views of who Jesus is. 

●      Throughout the crucifixion and resurrection what does the Bible reveal about who Christ is?

1.      Jesus is _________

●      Luke 23:40-41, 1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21

2.      Jesus Christ is _________

●      Luke 19:41-44, Luke 23:43, Luke 22:31-34, John 13:19-30

3.      Jesus is the _________ of __________

●      Prophecy: 28:14 = Fulfillment: Luke 3:34

●      Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 = Fulfillment: Luke 1:35

●      Prophecy: Isaiah 40:3-4 = Fulfillment: Mark 1:2-3

●      Prophecy: Zechariah 9:9 = Fulfillment: Matthew 21:5

●      Prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13 = Matthew 26:14-16

●      Prophecy: Leviticus 17:3 = Fulfillment: Matthew 28:16

4.      Jesus is the ______ and _________ ________ sacrifice for sin

●      Greek word for propitiation ‘hilasmos’ means ________

●      1 John 4:10, John 28:30 (finality), Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2

●      Great explanation from Paul in Romans 5:6-10

5.      Jesus is ________

●      Luke 24:6-7, Revelation 1:17-18, Romans 8:34 

 

He is risen, Praise the Lord!

 

 

Scripture Reading for March 28: Genesis 40

 

Baptized In The Spirit

       (Mark 1:5-8)

 

Verse 5

●      News traveled about what John The Baptist was doing

●      John baptized upon individual’s profession of repentance

●      Forgiveness of sin - reason Jesus was coming (Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 1:15, Matthew 9:13)

Verse 6

●      Would have looked similar to ________ (2 Kings 1:7-8)

●      Some misconceptions of who John was (Malachi 4:5, Luke 1:17, John 1:19-21, Matthew 11:9, Deuteronomy 18:18)

●      Dietary normalcy according to Levitical/Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:20-22)

Verse 7

●      Humility of John (lower self/elevate Christ even in light of Matthew 11:11)

●      John was a good example in many ways (1 Corinthians 1:31, 1 Peter 5:5)

Verse 8

            Main takeaways

1.     John’s baptism was a _______ baptism than Jesus would provide

●      Acts 19:1-5

2.      Baptism of the _______ ______ is absolutely essential in _______

●      Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4

3.      Water baptism is _________ by God

●      Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12

 

Scripture Reading for March 21: James 4

 

The Gravity Of Repentance

             (Mark 1:2-4)

 

Verse 2 & 3

●        Mark recognizes the OT as authority (this would have been what Mark had as the Word of God)

●        Romans Road (NT) vs. Jerusalem Road (OT)

Fact of sin - Romans 3:23 (NT) / Ecclesiastes 7:20 (OT)

Result of sin - Romans 6:23 (NT) / Ezekiel 18:4 (OT)

God’s provisions - Romans 5:8 (NT) / Isaiah 53:6 (OT)

Man’s response - Romans 10:9-10, 13 (NT) / Psalm 2:12 (OT)

●        Mark references both Isaiah 40:3 as well as Malachi 3:1

●        Who is this messenger that is to pave the way for Christ? (John 1:6-9)

●        A voice crying out in the wilderness (Matthew 3:1)

●        John The Baptist was special (Luke 1:15) to the plan of redemption (Ephesians 1:7)

Verse 4

●        Greek word for baptize is ‘baptizo’ literally meaning to make fully ____ or ablution (washing or _______)

●        Repentance preceded baptism and still precedes baptism

●        John did NOT teach that baptism was merely an act that earned special favor with God (Luke 3:7)

●        It was an outward expression of an inward work of God

●        John The Baptist preached/proclaimed a message of repentance

●        Jesus Christ preached a message of repentance (Matthew 4:17, Luke 13:3, Luke 5:32)

●        Greek word for repentance is ‘metanoia’ which means change of ______ or _________

●        Those who followed Jesus preached repentance as well (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Romans 2:4, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11)

 

Scripture Reading for March 14: Genesis 39 

One Goal In Mind

      (Mark 1:1)

Introduction

●      What do we know about the author?

●      Mark was the son of _____ (Acts 12:12) whose home provided a safe place for ______ to retreat to

●      Mark was the __________ gospel writer

●      Mark uses the Greek word ‘euthus’, which means ________ 42 times, more than the other 3 gospels combined

●      Mark was known as _______’s interpreter

●      Shared similarities between Mark and _______.  Two major likenesses

1.     Both men struggled with ministry at times (Acts 15:37-40, Luke 22:54-62)

2.     Both men were restored, reestablishing them into usefulness in ministry (Philemon 1:23-24, 2 Timothy 4:11, John 21:15-19)

Synoptic Gospel Audience

●      Matthew - ________

●      Luke - ________

●      Mark - _________

Verse 1

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  

●      The gospel message of Jesus Christ is the message of _________

●      The Greek word for the gospel is ‘euaggelion’ meaning  good news Romans 1:9-10, 1 Peter 4:17)

●      Son of God - Specific role yet equal to the Father & Holy Spirit (Isaiah 9:6, John 10:30,38)

●      Mandatory understanding (John 3:18)

  

Scripture Reading for March 7: James 3

 

Doing The Work Of An Evangelist

            (James 5:19-20)

 

●      Interpretive challenge - Who is James speaking to?  Who is James speaking about? 

●      Our God of salvation requires change, change that He elicits

●      This is an evangelical passage

Verse 19

●      Evidence of audience - my brothers (1 Corinthians 2:1)

●      False converts - did this happen?  Does this still happen? (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:11-12

●      Jesus commands love through action (John 14:15)

●      Wandering - Greek word ‘planaō’ verb used in scripture 24 times for _______, 6 times for ____, and 5 times for __ _________

●      From the truth - What is the truth? (John 18:37)

●      Two main things that cause one to wander from the truth

1.     ______ teaching/______ doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-14)

2.     __________ (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Verse 20

●      Who can bring back one who wanders from the truth?

●      Sinners - Greek word ‘hamartolos’ these are individuals who are ________ by their sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

●      Believers are defined by God (John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

●      Covers a multitude of sins (Romans 2:5, 1 Peter 4:8)   

 

 

Scripture Reading for February 21: James 2

 

Faithful Prayer, Faithful God - Part 2

                  (James 5:15)

Verse 15

●     Needs to be viewed in context and in conjunction with James 5:13-14

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick

●     ‘And’ is important, tying all implication of v.15 intimately to v.13-14

●     The prayer of faith - trusting in the Lord’s power through ________(Psalm 37:5)

●     This is not a personal measure of faith one earns (dangerous false teachings of WOF & NAR movements)

●     Will save the one who is sick - Sick, is it ‘astheneo’ or ‘arrostos’?

●     Sick Greek word ‘kamno’ (verb) meaning to grow weak or weary from ______ or _______ (unequally used only 3 times James 5:15, Hebrews 12:3, Revelation 2:3)

●     Will save Greek word ‘sozo’ to preserve, ______, _______ (primary use is in salvation)

●     How do we know James is not talking about salvation in this verse?

And the Lord will raise him up

●     Raise up - Greek ‘egeiro’ meaning to _______ or __________

●     The focus is on the importance of prayer, the results exhibit the power of God

●     False teachers twist/distort scripture, often times James 5:15

●     What out for these wolves

●     We must understand the sovereignty of God in all things, including prayer (Psalm 115:3, Matthew 10:29-30, Colossians 1:16-17)

●     2 Corinthians 8:9 clarified and supported by Ephesians 2:1-9

And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven

●     Context shows this is restoration not rebirth

●     1 John 5:14-15 the will of God prevails and we should be grateful it does