Park City Gospel Church: Recent Episodes
Park City Gospel Church
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Psalm 69:22-28Sermon Outline:The Apostles bear witness to how the Old Testament is fulfilledWhy Judas office needed to be filledQualifications of the Apostles and the finished work of ChristFamily Discussion Questions:What happened to Judas Iscariot?Was Judas betrayal a surprise to God?Was was Mathias chosen to replace Judas?What was special about the 12 Apostles?Why is the way an elder is chosen different than how an Apostle was chosen?How can forgetting about the qualifications of an Apostle leave us to ignore the finished work of Christ?What does this passage teach us about the connection between Gods sovereignty and real human responsibility, choice and sin?How would you respond to a person claiming to be an Apostle?Why did there need to be 12 Apostles at Pentecost?How does the repeated naming of the Apostles show the kindness and clarity of God to His people? In other words, consider how much harder the churchs job would be if God did not name and identify the Apostles?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Ezekiel 36:24-27Sermon Outline:Finished by Christ and yet just begunChrist chose the Apostles and taught them through the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit sent from the Father and Son to baptize the churchThe Holy Spirit takes the testimony of the Apostles to the ends of the earthThe New Testament fulfills the Old TestamentFamily Discussion Questions:How many days did Jesus remain on earth after He rose from the dead?Where were the disciples to meet Jesus to receive the Holy Spirit?Where are we supposed to share the Gospel?How does this passage testify of the Trinity?Why is important to note that the Apostles were chosen by Christ and the Holy Spirit in the first century?What does it mean to be baptized by Christ with the Holy Spirit?Who has received this gift?What were the Apostles to bear witness about?How does this passage serve as an outline for the whole Book of Acts?What refers us back to the Old Testament in this passage?How can thinking about Christs death forgiving people in the Old Testament help us understand the significance of the Holy Spirits work in the book of Acts?What happens if we forget about the uniqueness of the Apostles and their role?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Luke 24:36-53Sermon Title:He is Ascended, He is Ascended Indeed!Sermon Outline:The Lord Ascended as a KingAll Nations are to respond with rejoicingWe are to Rejoice because God is a King to be fearedOur King cherishes the church because we are members of His bodyFamily Discussion Questions:Where were Jesus body and soul when he died before He was raised from the dead?After He rose, where was He for 40 days? What did He do during that time?On the 40th day, what happened?Where is Jesus human body right now and what is He doing?Why is it good news that Jesus is in heaven right now?What is the danger of forgetting that Jesus is a King right now?What is the comfort of knowing that Jesus is a King right now?What does this Psalm teach us about who the children of Abraham are?How does this passage teach and lean on the doctrine of Union with Christ?How does Ephesians 4 tell us that Psalm 68 (and Psalm 47) actually teach the necessity of the incarnation of Christ?How are we supposed to respond to the truth that Christ ascended to the throne in front of eyewitnesses?What are the evidences that we can point to that Christ is a subduing and conquering King?There is an already and not yet nature to the reign of Christ. In what ways will it be better when Christ returns bodily to this earth?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Acts 15:1-21Sermon Outline:Where can we flee from the judgement of our sins?Not all will be lostThe eternal wedding feast of the House of DavidFamily Discussion Questions:Can anyone hide from God?When people meet God after they die, will all of them go to heaven?How can we know that God is powerful, even without looking at the bible?Will a person go to heaven if because are from a certain family or because their skin is a certain colour?What family was Jesus born into?Is the promise of blessing only for people from Israel?What will the new heaven and earth be like?God will sort people in the end. What does this passage tell us about how he will do this?How can the judgement promised here help us to persevere in faith?How can the wonderful blessings promised help us to persevere in faith?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Luke 23:44-49Sermon Outline:Locusts and Fire: God Relents from DestructionThe Plumb Line: The People will be dividedSummer Fruit: The Judge who will not forget sinFamily Discussion Questions:What visions did Amos see?What happened when Amos saw the locusts and fire and then he prayed?What is a plumb line used for?Some people will be saved and others will not. How many people are guilty?How does a person become forgiven?How will a forgiven person live?When God forgives a Christian, does He just ignore their sin?What does this passage teach us about how prayer fits with Gods unchangeable will?What does this difference between Amaziah and Amos teach us about what repentance looks like?What are reasons used in our day to silence preachers and those who would share Gods Word?What in this text points to the cross of Christ? How does that explain how the Lord will not forget our sins and yet that our sins will be forgotten?How should the coming famine of Gods Word call us to urgency?What should the different illustrations of judgement shape our emotions?
Sermon Outline:The Remnant are those who worship to seek God rather than avoid HimThose who embrace injustice should fear the power of GodPassover is only for those who turn away from sin towards GodWorship to avoid God will not save you from the Day of the LordThe Remnants Rest is in God aloneFamily Discussion Questions:What bad things did Amos tell Israel they had done?Why did they think that God would not punish them even though they were guilty?Should everyone be happy for Jesus to return?Should everyone be sad for Jesus to return?What did the Israelites say when people mentioned Gods name?Different portions of scripture focus on different sins. What sin is the focus of this passage, and how might we be guilty of the same kinds of sin?Bethel, Gilgal and Beersheba were places of religious comfort for the people. Why? Should they have been?People often take comfort that when others wrong them, they can run to the Lord for protection. Is this always true?How do you explain the fact that God commanded the sacrifices which He now in this passage says are annoying to Him?How might we, in the New Testament, learn from this attitude of worship?How does this passage instruct us about how (and how not) to approach material comforts?What might you tell someone who claims to be seeking Christ, but will not seek holiness?How is the message of the remnant both a warning and an invitation?How does this passage prepare us to understand and share the Gospel?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Hebrews 12:1-17Sermon Outline:Gods Word and Covenant are DeliberateThe Nations will witness Gods HandLiving for self leads to bondageWhy should I respond to God?Family Discussion Questions:Does God care about the actions of Christians?Why did God give us the Bible?Why does God correct Christians?What are ways that people live for themselves and not for God?What was the difference between how God punished Israel and how he punished Sodom and Egypt?The people of Israel were hearing the Bible and acting as if God wasnt serious. How is this done today among people who consider themselves Bible people?What was the role of the pagan nations in the Lords discipline of His people?How does this passage speak of the remnant, and what does that mean?While we should not guess as to God#39;s specific purpose of each event in our lives, how does the complete purpose of God help us to respond to both good and bad events in our lives?What was the purpose of these threats, and how does this point us to the Gospel?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Revelation 3:14-22Sermon Outline:The Roar of JusticeWhat is revealed by natureWhat is revealed by Gods WordThe Roar for the sake of those who have Gods WordFamily Discussion Questions:What animal is God compared to in this book? Why?What does it mean that God is patient?What kinds of sins was God angry at in this book?People inside the church felt safe from Gods punishments. Why were they wrong?Why could God not forgive our sins without sending Jesus?Will people who think they are good enough to go to heaven actually go to heaven?Why is it important to remember that Gods revelation in nature is enough to condemn people?Why is it important to remember that God has also given commands in the Bible that are not found in nature?What is the picture of the naked escaping meant to teach us?How does this passage tell us that the only means of escape is the cross?How would you help someone to treasure the patience of God without taking it for granted?How would you use the pictures of the Lion and the cup to share the Gospel?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Psalm 16Sermon Outline:1. The Resurrection reveals the cross2. The Christ would suffer and then enter his glory3. Made known in the Word and CommunionFamily Discussion Questions:How many days did Jesus stay dead?Did Jesus body rise, or only his soul?Did the disciples expect Jesus to rise?How did Jesus teach the two peoplewalking down the road?When did the two people finally realize that Jesus had risen from the dead?Why is it important to talk not only about Jesus suffering, but also his glory?What are some of the glories which Jesus purchased because of his death?How does this text teach us about how to study the whole bible?What importance is the church given here in the understanding of the Gospel?How does the church show both the suffering and glory of Christ?Do we need permission to share the Gospel?How does Lord's supper speak of both Christ's suffering and glory?How does Baptism speak of both Christ's suffering and glory?How should we think of fellowship with other believers?
Sermon Outline:For those who will suffer after the crucifixion.For those who crucified Him.For the guilty men sentenced to death.The aftermath.Family Discussion Questions:Who helped Jesus carry the cross?How did Jesus pray for the people who put him on the cross?Was Jesus crucified alone?What happened to one of the men who wre crucified beside Jesus?What did Jesus say to that man?What happened to the sun while Jesus was on the cross?What Happened to the temple when Jesus died?What happened to Jesus' body after he died?How many days did Jesus stay in the grave?Terrible things happened to Jesus on Friday. So why do we call it Good?Why did Jesus lay down his life?Who can be saved from their punishment from God?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Zechariah 9:9Sermon Outline:Christ is presented as the Lord of LifeGathering Sons from the Whole WorldLoosing Life to Gain LifeSummoned by the Risen KingFamily Discussion Questions:Why were so many people coming to Jerusalem?How did Jesus travel into Jerusalem?What was Jesus telling the people by doing this?Why was Jesus both happy and sad when Greek people came to see Him?Explain how the parable of the grain of wheat teaches us why Jesus needed to die?How is becoming a Christian like dying?What does this passage teach us is the way to grow the church?What does it mean that Christ has overthrown Satans reign on the earth?What does it mean to walk in the light of the cross and rule of Christ?What warning is here for those who hear the Gospel and dont pay attention to it?What is the result of trusting in the Gospel?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Philippians 1:12-26Sermon Outline:1.We are not free to be angry at Gods compassion2. God is sovereign3. To live is Christ, to die is gain4. Gods right to pity the doomedFamily Discussion Questions:What did Jonah do after he preached to Nineveh?Did Jonah want Nineveh to repent?Was Jonah happy when God saved Nineveh?What did God do for Jonah, even when he was sinning against God?What did Jonah care about more, the plant or the people of Nineveh?How does God feel about people repenting of sin?What does this teach us about how we should think of our own emotions?How should the priorities of God share our own priorities?How is Jonah different than Christ?How is Jonah different than Paul, and how Christians should be?What does this teach us about forgiving those who sin against us?What does this teach us about living with suffering compared dying and being with the Lord?
Complementary New Testament Passage:John 3:16-3Sermon Outline:1. The Helpful Message of Condemnation2. What is True Repentance?3. Legislation which Pleased the Lord4. God Relenting explains the GospelFamily Discussion Questions:Which city did Jonah preach in?What was Jonahs message?How did the people respond?What did God do when the people repented?Did God have to stop the punishment when the people stopped their bad actions?Why is the preaching of condemnation essential to the preaching of the Gospel?Why do Christians and churches shy away from doing this?We sometimes think of the two pathways (to hell or heaven) begin with people in a neutral place or even heading to heaven. Why is this wrong?The Gospel does not make innocent people condemned. Why is that important that we realize that?Why do we sometimes think that God must save people who repent or are sorry?What do the examples in the Bible of God relenting teach us about the Gospel?Did God have to save us? What then does this teach us about the love of God in Christ?How does this passage instruct the government?How does this passage teach us about what repentance is?How does preaching about Gods judgement help us to both fear and love Jesus more?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Matthew 12:38-42Sermon Outline:1. Call out to the one who disciplines you2. The greatest sorrow is to be cast from Gods presence3. The Lord is the Lord of life and resurrection from the dead4. Worship of the Lord contrasted with idolatryFamily Discussion Questions:Why was Jonah thrown into the sea?How did God save Jonahs life?What did Jonah do when he realized his sin?What was Jonah most upset about as he was close to dying?What happened to Jonah is impossible without God doing a miracle. How does this teach usabout Jesus?How is Jonahs experience similar to JesusHow is Jonahs experience different than JesusHow does the prayer of Jonah teach us about what saving faith in Jesus looks like?For those who are saved, who and what are we saved from?Describe some of the differences between worship of idols and worship of the Lord God?How is your own soul inclined to pay regard to vain idols, and how can this be resisted?Why is Gods love for the church called steadfast?What does this passage teach us about our ultimate final salvation in the New Heavens andEarth?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Mark 4:35-41Sermon Outline:1. Send to Preach to Enemies2. Found by the Judgement of God3. The Sea of God's wrath satisfied by one manFamily Discussion Questions:Where did God tell Jonah to go?Why did Jonah not want to do that?What did Jonah try to do instead?What happened to the storm when Jonah was thrown into the sea?How is Jonah different from Jesus?How is Jonah similar to Jesus?What evidence in the Bible is there that the account of Jonah is historical?How does Jonahs sleep serve as a warning to us?How does Christs sleep serve as a comfort to us?What can we learn from this account of pagans correcting a member of the covenant?What do the raging sea and the description of Ninevehs wickedness teach us about Gods wrath?How is the story of Jonah a dark background which highlights the glory of Christs willingness to come to earth to rescue us?Why will God not merely forget about sins but requires the cross for our salvation?How does this story parallel the first half of the Philippians 2 Gospel (Philippians 2:5-11)?
Sermon Outline:1. The Lord had pity for the cursed2. God will pour His Spirit on all flesh3. The Whole Earth will Face GodFamily Discussion Questions:What bad thing had just happened to Gods people before Joel gave them this message?Why did God show them mercy?What does this part of the Bible tell us that the new earth will be like?After Jesus came, did you have to join a special country to belong to God?What special thing did God do after Jesus rose to show that people from any nation could be one of Gods people?What work does the Holy Spirit do in the hearts of those who trust in Jesus?What will God do to the people who ignore him or harmed his people?This passage confirms that even though all people can be saved, that salvation comes from Zion - what does that mean?What is signified by the sweet wine, the milk, and the water flowing from Zion?What does verse 21 tell us about vengeance?What is the difference between a gift God promises to bring and the sign of that gift?What do these verses tell us about those who might try to avoid dealing with God?What do these verses tell those who have faith in Christ, but feel that God is not near them?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Revelation 9:1-12Sermon Title:Locusts, Loud Trumpets, Lament, and the Lords DaySermon Outline:The Destruction of the Curse of SinLament toward GodThe Day of the Lord is NearHow to Return to the LordFamily Discussion Questions:What terrible thing happened to the land of Israel that Joel tells us about?What parts of life were affected by the locusts?Why did God call Israel his land?Sin affects everything, but what is the worst affect of sin?Why should we be sad about sin?How does the locust plague teach us about the second coming of Jesus?What does it mean to return to God with all your heart?What is the reason we can be hopeful about returning to the Lord?For whos sake will the Lord save his people? What does that mean?How does this impact how we think of disasters (both natural and man-made)?What people are inclined not to think about the return of the Lord?What does this teach us about the Gospel?
Complementary OldTestament Passage:Isaiah 58:1-11Sermon outline:A love for the brethren is a gift that God gives his childrenLove is an action, not simply a feelingEvidence of children of the devil: behaving like Cain who hates righteous deedsEvidence of children of God, want to be like the good brother, ChristFamily Discussion questions:What bad thing did Cain do?Why did he do this?Who are the children of God?What do people who hate Jesus think of Christians?How did Jesus show his love for us?How should we treat other Christians?What are the ways which the Bible teaches us to show love for the church family?Why is this sometimes hard? What hope is there for Christians who find this difficult?Why would it follow that Christians will begin to love the church the wayGod loves the church?Why should we love the church even if it doesnt earn us salvation?How are you meant to be a gift from God to his other children?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Revelation 11:15-19Sermon Outline:Despising Gods people will bring Edom lowHow Edom despised Gods peopleThe day of the Lord is near on all the nationsFamily Discussion Questions:Which man did the people of Edom come from?Who was Esaus brother?When Israel was being attacked, what did Edom do?What did Edom boast in?What does the Day of the Lord mean? What are some examples of the Day of the Lord in Bible history?When was the Day of the Lord for Christians?What does this book of the Bible tell us about how God will judge the Nations?What are things that nations take pride and confidence in, and what does God do with those things?Did Jerusalem deserve its punishment?What promise is here for the church?How should this book shape our evangelism?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Isaiah 43:1-15Sermon Outline:Faith Flowers into FellowshipChrist compels us to obeyAs you have received, so shareFamily Discussion QuestionsWho was Philemon and how did he know Paul?Who was Onesimus and how did he know Paul?What changes in a person when they trust in Jesus?Which authorities has God placed in our lives?What is the best reason to obey Gods commands?What was Paul asking Philemon to do?What are things which we ought to do even if no person requires us to do them?Does simply obeying the laws of the government mean that we have pleased God?How should this book shape how we respond to counsel and correction from our fellow Christians?How can we speak of the need to be transformed without thinking that we are saved by transformation?
Sermon Outline:There are many true churches, yet only one true churchThe Old and New Testaments are the rule and unity between the churchesGrace is multi-factor authenticated.Family Discussion Questions:Why is it important to remember that the church is Jesus only wife?Are people who trust in Jesus but go to a different church still Christians?Why is it important to join a church that obeys and trusts in Jesus?Explain why it is important to see that the Bible teaches about there being only one true church and yet many true churches? What happens when we miss one of those truths?Explain why we believe that there will be no more books added to the BibleHow does limiting our belief about God to what the Bible says - encourage true Christian unity?What is meant by the phrase, many parts of the Bible were written for you even if they were not written to you?How do we avoid the danger of saying, that was just cultural when we read a portion of the New Testament?Explain the comfort of a church only promising grace to people in a way that obeys the Bible?
Complimentary Old Testament Passage:Psalm 122Sermon Outline:The nature of Christian affectionAffection for Faithful PastorsAffection for faithful brothers and sistersFamily Discussion Questions:How are Christians supposed to help other Christians follow Jesus?What is the difference between a pastor and someone who God used to write the Bible?Why is it good that other Christians know about your life, and that you know about their lives?Where is Paul writing this letter from?Which names are surprising to hear in Pauls list? Why?What are the activities of a faithful pastor?What are common substitutes forWhat are activities Paul notes of a faithful brother or sister in Christ?Which of these do we struggle to value, and why?Why did Paul refuse to take Mark with him in his travels? How can we know that Paul was correct?Why is fallibility an important thing to keep in mind when it comes to Christian fellowship?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Proverbs 16Sermon Outline:Use time wisely with those outside the family of GodYour words must always have the intention of blessing othersBe ready to respond to every personFamily Discussion Questions:Who does the Bible say are in Gods family?Are people who are in Gods family better than other people?Why should we be kind to all people, not just Christians?We do not have forever to become Christians. When will that end?What is the reason why everyone should trust in Jesus?What are things which God would agree would be stumbling blocks for sharing about Christ?Why should our lives be lived with a sense of urgency?Compare being gracious according to God, versus in the eyes of others.How could being ungracious lead us to being unable to give an answer to people?While the Gospel never changes, each person is unique and will require thoughtfulness in our responses. Give examples, and explain why.How does chapter 3 explain what it means to walk with wisdom? How could a rejection of Chapter 3 lead to unnecessary stumbling blocks for unbelievers?
Family Discussion Questions:Who should we pray to?What are things that we can thank God for when we pray?Who can you pray for that they would trust in Jesus?Who can you pray for that God would help them tell people about Jesus?What does it mean to be steadfast in prayer?Why does prayer require perseverance?How is thankful prayer a watchful thing?What are some misunderstandings of the phrase, open a door for the Gospel?What is a faithful understanding of why we pray that God would open a door for the Gospel?Given that the Gospel of Christ is revealed in the Old Testament and that many people believed in it before he came, why is it called a mystery?Verse 4 tells us the true task of evangelism for the believer - which is to make the Gospel clear. Why would we need prayer in order to do this?Paul notes that he is in prison for the Gospel. Given this, is Pauls prayer request surprising?What does it teach us about a life which pleases the Lord?After speaking about the ordinary life which God considers true worship, how does this emphasis on prayer serve as a reminder that the Christian life is also very supernatural?
Complementary Old Testament Scripture Passage:Exodus 6:1-13Sermon Outline:Seek FreedomObey your earthly lordsWork for your Lord in heavenEarthly lords must be just and fairObey your Lord in heavenOut only comfort in life and in death is to belong to the Lord Jesus ChristFamily Discussion Questions:What was the punishment for stealing a person to make him a slave in the Bible?What kind of employees are we supposed to be if we love Jesus?Why should we be good workers if we love Jesus?What kind of bosses should we be if we love Jesus?Why should we be good bosses if we love Jesus?Every Christian has been purchased by Christs blood. Why is this good?How did the teaching of scripture eventually bring about the end of the slave-trade?Given the argument from the greater to the lesser, how should this passage impact how we approach authority and submission in the workplace?What does the bible say about the following?Stealing a man to make him a slave?Owning a man who had been kidnapped?Returning a runaway slave?The rights of slaves?What are ways that people disobey the spirit of this passage while feeling justified because they technically are not slaveowners?What are ways which we can foolishly become enslaved and limit our ability to help others?How does history serve as a warning to us about cultures ability to blind us to disobedience to clear teaching in the Bible?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Proverbs 17Sermon Outline:1. Gods intentional Gospel design for generations2. Children obey your parents for this pleases the Lord3. Fathers do not provoke your children4. Focus on when they will be oldFamily Discussion Questions:1. Not everyone is Gods child - who is?2. What did Jesus do so that we can be Gods children?3. Why is the relationship between Christians and God like children to a father?4. How does our view of parents and children shape our view of God?5. What are the limits of non-adult children for obedience to their parents?6. How is the parent-child relationship designed by God good for us as training?7. What is the role of parents?8. What would provoking mean?9. What are parents who do not require obedience of children missing?10. How should Gods own parenting of us shape how we parent our children?11. How does the parent child relationship change when children are independent and or married?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Acts 2:22-41Sermon Outline:A King who will not neglect his DutyA King exposed to Gods judgmentA King with the enduring Love of the LordFamily Discussion Questions:What should David have been doing instead of taking his neighbours wife?What was special about Bathshebas husband?How did David try to cover up his sin?How did David have Uriah killed?What story did Nathan tell David?When David finally repented, what did he say?What special name did God give to Solomon?How is Jesus different than David?What does this story tell us about the people whom God saves?What negative elements from Davids actions provide a warning to us?What positive elements from Davids actions provide a good example?What is the main difference between a leaders of Gods people before Christ and after Christ? (Direct vs. Indirect ordination)How did this story shape how true saints in Israel anticipated the birth of the Messiah?
Complimentary New Testament Passage:Matthew 1:1-17Sermon Outline:A woman shamed by shameless menA man shamed by a shameless womanThe Grace of Eves promised Son redeems and transformsFamily Discussion Questions:Did the family that Jesus came from include only good people?Is it ok to sin because someone else sinned first?Have you ever felt ashamed of something that you have done?Is Jesus embarrassed to call Christians his family?Some people say that sin shouldnt be embarrassing. Why are they wrong?What did Jesus do to take away our shame?What was Judah like before this terrible story with Tamar?What was Judah like after this story with Tamar?Why does Matthew include these four women in Jesus genealogy?What is the purpose of the genealogies in Scripture?How does the grace of Christ in response to our sin lead us to repentance?How does this part of the genealogy of Jesus teach us about the reason for the first coming of Christ (advent)?
Complementary New Testament Passage:Hebrews 13:29-31Sermon Title:That Saved a Wretch Like meSermon Outline:The Son of David was Born to Inherit the NationsManmade Religion is ProstitutionFlee the Doomed Kingdom of the World and Hide in the LambFamily Discussion Questions:Who was Rahab?Who was Rahabs son?What was different about Rahab compared to the other people of Jericho?What did she do that showed she trusted in the Lord?How is Jesus like Joshua, but much much better?What does the inclusion of Rahab teach us about who is welcomed into the church?What does it mean that Christ will inherit the nations?How does the conquest of Canaan teach us about evangelizing?How does the salvation of Rahab on the day the walls of Jericho fell point backward to the 10th plague? How do they both point forward to the cross of Christ?How is manmade religion like prostitution?How do the following passages come together to shape how we are to view the fact that Rahab was a prostitute? Hebrews 2:11 and Hebrews 12:14?
Sermon Outline:A woman shamed by shameless menA man shamed by a shameless womanThe Grace of Eves promised Son redeems and transformsFamily Discussion Questions:Did the family that Jesus came from include only good people?Is it ok to sin because someone else sinned first?Have you ever felt ashamed of something that you have done?Is Jesus embarrassed to call Christians his family?Some people say that sin shouldnt be embarrassing. Why are they wrong?What did Jesus do to take away our shame?What was Judah like before this terrible story with Tamar?What was Judah like after this story with Tamar?Why does Matthew include these four women in Jesus genealogy?What is the purpose of the genealogies in Scripture?How does the grace of Christ in response to our sin lead us to repentance?How does this part of the genealogy of Jesus teach us about the reason for the first coming of Christ (advent)?
Sermon Outline:Do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanks to GodWives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the LordHusbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with themFamily Discussion Questions:In a marriage, whose role is meant to represent Christ?In a marriage, whose role is meant to represent the Church?How are Jesus and the church together like a marriage?How long will Jesus marriage to the church last?How many wives does Jesus have?The Bible says that the husband is the head of the wife - not that he should be, but that he is. What impact does that have?What are the benefits of God assigning roles instead of us creating them or choosing them?What does it look like for Christ to lead the church in love, and how does that shape how a husband should lead in love?What does it look like for the church to follow Christ in love, and how does that shape how a wife should follow her husband?What are to be the limits of a wifes submission to her husband?How does the worlds belief that the biblical role of a wife is shameful mirror the worlds belief that the Gospel itself is shameful?Why is a husband refusing to lead shameful? Why is a husband refusing to lead in love shameful?What are some counterfeit versions of husbands leading in love?Our world is currently in full-blown rebellion against the order and design of God in creation, insisting that everyone must be free to choose their identity and role in order to be of equal value. How is the thankful embrace of gender and marriage roles a witness in a dark world?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Psalm 138Sermon Outline:Let the peace of Christ rule in youLet the word of Christ dwell in youDo all things in name of The Lord JesusFamily Discussion Questions:Why do Christians have peace with God?What is the body of Christ?Who should share the Bible?What are different ways to share the bible?What should we sing about in Church?What does it mean to have the peace of Christ rule in your heart?How does the fact that we are called to be one body shape our lives?Why is singing in church so important?What does it mean to do all things in Christs name?Thankfulness is repeated over and over in this small text. What would you say to a Christian who says they are not and cannot be thankful?
Old Testament Complimentary Passage:Deuteronomy 7:6-11Sermon Outline:In love, God chose you to be holyPut on Gods heart toward sinnersPut on Gods forgiveness of sinnersLove completes the outfitFamily Discussion Questions:Does God pick people who are better than others?Does God love Christians because we are better than others?What does it mean to be holy?How is God patient with us? How should that make us treat others?How should we feel about people who are suffering?How should we feel about people who are having a hard time obeying God?Does a Christian have to forgive people?What does compassion look like from Gods perspective and how does it differ from the different views we see in the world?We are told to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. What does that mean? How can people distort that teaching?What is love from Gods definition? How is that a necessary foundation for all the other commands in this passage?What does it mean to be holy as God is holy?How does the phrase, chosen to be holy correct both legalists and antinomians (permissive)?How do these commands differ from the manmade religious commands which Paul said earlier to reject?
Sermon Outline:Put to death what is earthlyPut off the clothing of your old lifePut on Christ as your new identityFamily Discussion Questions:Why are Christians supposed to act differently?What are some actions which Christians should not do?What is the most important thing about a person?In what ways is the wrath of God a motivation for us to put away sin?How is sexual sin a rejection of the character of God?What is meant by earthly?Verse 11 speaks of identities; how is this verse a helpful correction to the beliefs of our current culture about sexual and gender identity? How about racism?How does knowledge in verse 10 play a role in our transformation?What does it mean to be renewed after the image of our creator?How does lying a rejection of the character of God?When is it anger appropriate and how should it be dealt with?How is verse 7 a comfort to a Christian?What hope does verse 11 give to struggling Christians?How do these verse help us to understand the reason for the cross of Christ?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Psalm 31Sermon Outline:In Christ you died to man-made religionIn Christ you were raised, so seek the things aboveWhen Christ appears, then you will appear with him in gloryFamily Discussion Questions:Where is Jesus now and what is he doing?How does Jesus death help us?How does Jesus resurrection help us?How does Jesus ascension to heaven help us?How will Jesus return to earth help us?Why can food and ceremonies not get us to heaven?Why can food and ceremonies not help us to stop sinning?Why dont Christians have to try to get ourselves to heaven?What are the basic elements of manmade religion, and how does being a Christian put those todeath for us?Why does manmade religion not help with stopping sin?What does it mean to set our minds on things that are above?What does it mean that our lives are hidden with Christ in God?What are ways that Christians adopt the basic elements of manmade religion?How does Christs current residence (in heaven) help us not to be tempted to use manmadereligious practices?How does Christs return help us not to be tempted to use manmade religious practices?
Complementary Old Testement Passage: Ezekiel 13:1-7Sermon Outline:1. God wont condemn you for loving Christ more than His shadow2. Do not let inflated religious practices disqualify you3. Remain connected to the Head and the body for healthy growthFamily Discussion Questions:1. What were some of the special food and celebration rules in the Old Testament?2. Why do we not follow these anymore since Jesus came?3. What does God think of an ordinary life?4. What does God want us to do in order to learn and grow as Christians?5. Even if we dont go back to Old Testament ceremonial laws, what are ways that we can show that we prefer them?6. Is it wrong to judge people?7. Explain how the Old ceremonial laws are the shadow and Christ is the substance8. Does God promise visions to His people?9. What are people missing who teach that visions and supernatural occurrences ought to be expected and desired?10. Why should we reject the idea that God prefers it when we are not enjoying good food and drink and other physical pleasures?11. Why do anti-natural religious practices produce inflated growth? Why is this dangerous?12. How does clinging to Christ produce real solid growth? Why might we prefer the inflated growth?13. What are the benefits of true growth which is actually from God?
Sermon Outline:1. When you were at your worst, you received all of Christ2. The Laws ability to condemn a Christian is cancelled by Christ3. Satan and his hosts were already disarmed by Christ at the crossFamily Discussion Questions:1. How does the Bible describe someone who is not yet a Christian?2. How close does the Bible tell us that a Christian is to Jesus?3. How many of your sins were forgiven when you first trusted in Jesus? (Some? The past? The present? The future? All?)4. Can the 10 commandments convince God to send a Christian to hell?5. How did Jesus dying on the cross cancel our punishment?6. What is the main way that Satan attacks a Christian?7. Why is a Christian still required to keep Gods law?8. How does remembering the sorry state we were in when we were saved - increase our confidence in Christ now?9. If Satan is disarmed, how can he still do harm to a Christian?10. How do all of these things help us to rest in the truth that we do not need more commands, promises and instructions from God - beyond that which He gave to the church through the Apostles in the first century?
Sermon Outline:Thankfully continue in ChristDo not be taken captiveAnti-captivity armourFamily Discussion Questions:What can you say thank you to God for?What is special about Jesus that gives us reason to say thank you to him for saving us?Why should we not stop trusting in Jesus?Does God ever change?What does baptism mean?What did Jesus death do for us?What did Jesus resurrection from the dead do for us?How does thankfulness help us to persevere in Christ?Why is new teaching called captivity? Do we always think of it that way?How does remembering the fullness of Christ guard us from captivity?How does the true understanding of circumcision guard us from captivity?How does the true understanding of baptism guard us from captivity?What is meant by philosophy and empty deceit?What does human tradition and elemental spirits of the world mean?Explain the paradox of walking and being rooted
Sermon Outline:1.Gods completed Word unites the church in love2.Pursue full Assurance in Christ3.All of Gods treasures are hidden in Christ4.Grounded, not gullibleFamily Discussion Questions:1.How can we make sure we are not tricked by lies about God?2.When was the bible completed?3.How dis Jesus do so that we can besurewe are saved?4.How do we know which books should be in the bible?5.Do we need new messages from God because Paul (and the other Apostles) did not know us?6.Should we listen to teaching about God that doesnt come from the Bible?7.How can a person be sure that their sins are forgiven?8.How does the authority of the Bible knit the church together in love?9.What is assurance of salvation?10.How does a united and loving church help believers to have assurance of salvation?11.What does it mean that the riches of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ?12.How does the completed salvation in Christ and the completed Bible prevent us from being deluded from plausible arguments?13.What happens if we feel we need to consider every teaching that isnt found in Scripture?14.What are ways which the church mistakenly seeks wisdom outside of Gods Word?15.Are you sure you are saved?
Sermon Outline:Christ made sure that the Word of God would be complete when the church was establishedThe Word of God is made complete with Christ in us, the hope of gloryPresenting the church mature in Christ by proclaiming ChristFamily Discussion Questions:How did Jesus suffer for the church?How did the Apostles suffer to get the Gospel to the church and world?How did the Old Testament promise Jesus?What is the main thing the Church is supposed to do?Why should the church teach only things about God that are in the Bible?Why would nothing need to be added to the Bible now?What is the danger in using different methods than what the Bible gives?What is the danger in seeking a different goal for ministry than the Bible gives?Why does Paul say Christ in you instead of what he would normally say, The Holy Spirit in you?Why would Paul connect the word hope when he speaks of glory? What does this protect us from?What does it mean to be mature in Christ?What are some different (false) goals of ministry?What were the requirements to be called an Apostle and why can there be none now?What are some of the riches of the glory of Christ that the church now shares? Will share?
Complementary Old Testament Reading:Psalm 84Sermon outline:1.Apart from Christ all humans are in a state of war with God2.Christ has reconciled the church in his body by his death3.Reconciliation to God is only for those who faith remains in the one unchanging GospelFamily Discussion Questions:1. Are people born as Gods children or his enemies?2. How do people show that they are Gods enemies?3. What did Jesus do for us so that we could no longer be Gods enemies?4. What is the Gospel of Jesus?5. Are there more than one true Gospels?6. Will a person who really trusts in Jesus ever stop trusting in Him?7. How does a person and a church help people to keep trusting in Jesus?8. How does the sin of Adam affect his offspring?9. What does this passage say was the purpose of Christ reconciling us to God?10.What approach to studying and discipleship does Scripture prescribe for stability and steadfastness?11.What would you say to a person who says that they want to avoid deeper study into the scripture because they want to havechild-like faith?12.What does catholic mean?13.How does this passage protect the church from ideas about the Gospel that are new in Church history?14.How should the stability of the Gospel be soothing to our souls?15.How should the truth that Christ has reconciled us to God impact our hearts? Our behaviour?
Sermon Outline:1. Jesus is the only head of the church, his body2. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead3. In Christ is the fulness of God4. Christ reconciles all things to himself by the blood of his crossFamily Discussion Questions:1. Who is the head of the church?2. Why is it good that God says the church is the body of Jesus?3. Is Jesus only part of God, or is the whole of God in Jesus?4. What does it mean to be reconciled with God?5. What would happen to us if Jesus did not reconcile us to God?6. How did Jesus reconcile the church with his blood on the cross?7. What are ways that people treat someone (or more than one person) other than Jesus as the head of the church?8. How is the doctrine of union with Christ expressed in marriage?9. How can Paul say that through Christ all things are reconciled to God when there will be many demons and people in hell?10. Why is it important to note that that God is the one who makes peace with us not the other way around?11. How is the fact that Christ made peace by the blood of his cross often ignored and rejected in Christianity today?12. How is Christ the firstborn form the dead when there were people raised from the dead before he was?13. How does this part of the Bible guard us from following people who say that there is more to know about God than can be found in Christ and his Word?14. Why is being reconciled to God the sweetest thing in all creation?
Sermon Outline:1. Jesus is the image of the invisible God2. Jesus is the rightful heir of all creation3. All things were made by Jesus4. All things were made for Jesus5. Jesus holds all things togetherFamily Discussion Questions:1.What does it mean that God is invisible?2. In the Bible firstborn doesnt just mean oldest - what else does it mean?3. What are some invisible things Jesus made?4. Is there anything that is made that was not made by Jesus?5. What are the implications of the fact that all things were made for Jesus?6. What are some ways that the world ignores that all things were made by and for Jesus?7. Why is it good to remember that Jesus didnt just make all things but that he continues to hold all things together?8. How does this passage protect us from people who tell us that Jesus and His Word are not enough to really know God well?9. How does this passage protect us from agreeing with what other authorities tell us is good and evil?10. How can be be both satisfied in Christ and desiring and striving to know Him more?
Sermon Outline:Confident in our Adoption 1-2Faith hope and love 3-5aThe one and only true Gospel 5b-6A faithful pastor 7-8Family Discussion Questions:Who wrote the book of Colossians?What is a saint?What does faith in Jesus mean?How does loving Christians show that you trust in Jesus?How does the hope in heaven help us to love Christians?How many true Gospels are there?How is a church to know who is a good pastor?What is an Apostle?What was the circumstance or occasion for this letter?What does it mean that our hope is laid up in heaven?What would you tell a Christian who was having a hard time having special love for the church?What are false or alternative ways to evaluate a pastor or elder or church?What are ways that you can grow in loving the church?What are current temptations to feel like the Word of God is not enough to be complete as a Christian?
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Isaiah 55Sermon Title:Kingdom TreasureSermon Outline:1.What is the kingdom of heaven?2. Why use parables?3. The parable of the hidden treasure (v 44)4. The parable of the pearl of great value (vv 45-46)Family Discussion Questions:1. What do you picture when you hear the phrase, "kingdom of heaven"?2. Based on the book of Matthew, how would you describe what the kingdom of heaven is?3. Why does Jesus work so hard to describe the kingdom of heaven?4. What is a parable?5. Why are parables an important part of Jesus' teaching?6. If you're being honest, do you always live as if Jesus is a great treasure?7. How does it feel to be considered a treasure to Jesus?8. Whatdoes it look like to treat other believers like treasure?9. What would it look like to seek more treasure on the King's behalf?
Complimentary New Testament Reading:Acts 1:6-11Sermon Outline:Christ ascended to heaven with his human body and human soulJesus reigns now for Gods glory and the good of the churchJesus serves as your priest in heaven nowFrom Heaven Christ will come to judge the nationsChrist will not relentFamily Discussion Questions:Where did the disciples see Jesus go?What did the angels tell them as they kept looking up?What is Jesus doing in heaven right now?What will Jesus do when he comes back?What did a priest have to do before he went into the holiest place in the temple?What did the priest wear when he went into the holiest place of the temple?What did the priest do when he went into the holiest place of the temple?In what ways is Jesus reigning right now? How can that encourage and warn us?In what ways is Jesus acting as our priest right now? How can that encourage and warn us?Why do you think people have a hard time seeing Jesus as a vengeful judge?What will be the difference between Christs reign right now and his reign when he returns?Why should Jesus perseverance be a warning to his enemies?How is Jesus perseverance an encouragement to his people?Why is it important to hold BOTH the truth of the sovereignty of God AND the truth that those who are saved are not saved against their will?How do Christians show that they agree and are glad that Jesus reigns right now?
Complimentary Old Testament Passage:Isaiah 49:1-7Sermon Outline:1. The Gospel was testified by the Prophets and Apostles2. The Gospel is the repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus Name3. The Spirit of God will make sure the Gospel is successfully delivered to all nationsFamily Discussion Questions:1. What did Jesus do to prove that he was really alive?2. Whose punishment did Jesus get on the cross?3. Why was Jesus able to rise from the dead?4. What does it mean that your sins are forgiven?5. What does it mean to repent of sins?6. Where did God promise that the Gospel will be preached?7. Who did God promise would help the church to preach and believe the Gospel?8. What are the qualifications of an Apostle?9. What are the wonderful results of knowing that the Apostles all lived during Jesus lifetime?10. Why should repentance be seen as a wonderful gift of God?11. Jesus said that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name. What does this mean and what are the results of this?12. How does the promise of the Gospel being for all nations help to humble us?13. What difference does the need for and promise of the Holy Spirit make?
Sermon Outline:The Gospel of Christ is an historical eventThe Events of the Gospel were predicted long before they happenedHow Christ makes himself knownFamily Discussion Questions:What things did Jesus do that made the 2 men walking down the road think he was the Messiah?What were the disciples hoping Jesus would do?Why were these disciples sad?What did use to teach these men that His death was the plan of God all along?When did these men finally realize it was Jesus who was with them?Why does Paul call reading the Old Testament without trusting in Jesus, reading with a veil covering your eyes?What two main things does the Old Testament teach us about the Lord Jesus?Describe a few of the Old Testament passages which predict Christs work and explain how they do so.The Holy Spirit was the one who worked in the hearts of these men to long for Christ. Whatdoes this passage teach us about what He uses to do so?How is it that Christs sufferings fulfilled the Scripture and produce eternal glory for him and his people?
Sermon Outline:Personally called by the voice of the Good ShepherdCalled from cruel rule to the kind kingCalled to Christ our brother and God our FatherFamily Discussion Questions:Who was the first person to see Jesus after he rose from the dead?Was Mary Magdalene a pretty good person before Jesus saved her?Why is it good that Jesus is our King?Why should we listen to Jesus?How does a person become one of Jesus people?Is God everyones dad, or only Christians?Why is it good to have God as our dad?Explain how we can have confidence that the bibles in our hands teach what was originally written.Why is the bible more reliable knowing that it was not controlled by a small group of people?Why is it important that the bible was written and accepted during the time of the eyewitnesses of Jesus?Explain the effectual call of Christians and why it is neededWhy is it foolish to believe in a salvation which does not have Christ as our Lord or teacher?What is wonderful for Christ to call himself our brother?What are the benefits of having God as our father?What prevents people from seeing salvation as good news?How is Mary Magdalene a wonderful image of the church itself?
Sermon Outline:The Resurrection is ShockingThe Resurrection of the Body is Good news for sinnersThe First Day of the Week is the day of our RestFamily Discussion Questions:Which people were the first to see the empty grave of Jesus?Why were they going to the grave?Who did they see when they went into the grave?Why were they afraid?What did the angel tell these women?What will happen to the bodies of Christians when Jesus returns?Why does the church gather together to worship Jesus on Sundays?What makes the resurrection so shocking?What does Jesus resurrection say about Jesus?Why is the empty tomb very important to understanding the resurrection of Jesus - in addition to those who saw the resurrected Jesus?List what the resurrection of Jesus guarantees for Christians - and why?How does the resurrection of Jesus command AND produce obedience to Him?
Sermon Outline:1. The death of Christians is confirmed2. The sanctification of Christian graves is confirmed3. Christian courage is confirmedFamily Discussion Questions:1. Who made sure that Jesus was dead before taking him off the cross?2. What was the name of the man who asked if he could bury Jesus?3. What kind of a grave was Jesus body placed in?4. When Jesus body was placed in the grave, where did his soul go?5. How does God use baptism to make promises to Christians about the death of Jesus?6. How does the burial of Jesus give comfort to Christians about their own burial - and the burial of other Christians?7. Is a non-Christian at peace when they are buried?8. What does it mean to be someone looking for the Kingdom of God?9. What was Joseph afraid of before the death of Jesus?10. What courage is required for a Christian? And how does this passage add to that courage?11. How did Joseph's (and Pilates) actions fulfill Isaiah 53?12. Why would God have Mark include the names of the Marys again?13. When might a Christian need to be reminded of the burial of Jesus? What are the ways in which it ought to change our lives?
Sermon Outline:1. Jesus experienced being forsaken by God2. Jesus death saves His people from being forsaken by God3. The witnesses declare that this man is the Son of GodFamily Discussion Questions1. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, what did God do to the sky?2. What did Jesus cry out between noon and 3pm?3. What did the people around him say when he said that?4. What did God do to the temple when Jesus breathed his last breath?5. What did the ruler of the Roman army say when Jesus died?6. Who did Mark want us to know were also watching?7. What does this passage teach us about what Hell will be like?8. How does this passage show that it wasnt just men who were punishing Jesus, but God was actually punishing Jesus?9. What was the curtain in the temple for? Why was it necessary?10. What was God showing with the tearing of the temple curtain? How does that affect the lives of Christians even now?11. What does this passage say to a Christian who feels like God is forsaking him or her?
Sermon Outline:1. Jesus bore our shame2. The shaming of Jesus was universal3. Jesus is the King of GloryFamily Discussion Questions:1. Where did the Roman soldiers mock Jesus?2. How did the Roman soldiers mock Jesus?3. Where was Jesus crucified?4. What did the soldiers do while Jesus was hanging on the cross?5. Who was Jesus crucified with?6. What did the people who passed by do?7. What prophecies from the OT were fulfilled in this passage?8. How was shame the result of the fall into sin - now and in the future?9. How did Adam and Eve immediately deal with shame? What are ways we try to deal with the shame of sin?10. How is the shame of Christs crucifixion a comfort for those who trust in Him?11. Mark draws our attention to the universality of the shaming of Jesus. What does this teach us?12. The shaming of Christ was tied to his royalty. What does this teach us?13. What was the theme of the mockery of Christ on the cross?14. How will the cross of Christ bring a future reversal of shame?15. What does it mean that those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame?
Sermon Outline:1.Christ was Condemned by the Pagan World2.Christ is the King of the whole world3.The righteous for the unrighteousFamily Discussion Questions:4.Who did the priests hand Jesus over to?5.What did Pilate ask Jesus and how did Jesus respond?6.What did Pilate offer the Jewish people in an exchange?7.Did Pilate think Jesus was guilty or innocent?8.What amazed Pilate? How can this be explained?9.What is the importance of Jesus beinghanded over to the Gentiles?10.Why did the Priests need Pilates help?11.What did Pilate notice about the motivation of the Priests?12.Where else in Scripture do we see the pagan and the false church conspiring together? How does this continue to happen?13.Why did Pilate not do what he wanted to do and knew he should do?14.Why was Barabbas such a good test of the heart of the people? How can this help us to see the universal need of the Gospel?15.How should Christ being King shape our view of our own lives? The lives of unbelievers?
Complimentary Old Testament Scripture Passage: Psalm 51Sermon Outline:1.Denial of Christ is a most grievous sin2.Count the cost of faithfulness because temptation and sin grow3.Rejoice and tremble at the Spirits painful work to bring repentanceFamily Discussion Questions:4.Who was the first person to recognize Peter around the fire?5.Why did Peter pretend that he did not know Jesus?6.What sound did Peter hear after three times saying he did not know Jesus?7.What happened to Peter after hearing this sound?8.If Peter never repented of denying Jesus, would we expect to see him in Heaven?9.Compare and contrast the testing of Jesus that night and in the wilderness compared to Peters testing that night. What can we learn from this?10.How did the testing/temptation escalate?11.How did the sin of Peter escalate?12.What is the most important difference between Peter and Judas Iscariot?13.Describe the Holy Spirits work in a Christian to bring them to repentance. How does this help a believer turn away from and resist future sin?14.Should a person who is facing temptation presume that afterward they will be able to repent?15.What are other ways that the Bible says a person can deny Christ?16.How would this portion of scripture help us to respond to the corrections we might get from other believers?17.How can we prepare ourselves for temptation?18.Why can Christians be confident that God will hear them when they turn to Him in repentance after they sin? Read 1 John 1:5-2:6
Complimentary OT Passage: Leviticus 22:17-25Sermon Outline:1.Christ was condemned by false witnesses2.Christ did not speak in His own defence3.Christ is the Judge of those standing in judgement against Him4.Christ was accused of blasphemy, received blasphemy, and died for blasphemersFamily Discussion Questions:Which people questioned Jesus after he was arrested?Who followed along to watch?What lies were told about Jesus?What question did Jesus answer and agree with?What was the role of this group in Israel supposed to be?What are the different ways to be a false witness and how were they used in this trial?Why did Jesus not speak in his defence?Why did Jesus answer the question in verse 61?After agreeing with the question, what did Jesus add in his response to high priest? What was he telling him with those words?Why did Jesus response lead to an accusation of blasphemy?How was this event necessary and helpful to demonstrate Jesus was the Christ?How does the fact that Christ was inspected by his enemies give us even more confidence in the work of Christ?Since Christ brings forgiveness and freedom from sin, what does this passage teach us about the true meaning of the 3rd and 9th commandments?
Sermon Outline:Human power and cunning were not necessary to arrest JesusHuman power and cunning are not necessary to make Jesus KingThe Kingdom of God does not depend on the strength of its citizensFamily Discussions:What kind of crowd came to arrest Jesus?How was Judas going to show the crowd which one was Jesus?Did the crowd actually need the swords and Judas kiss to arrest Jesus?What did Peter do when the crowd tried to arrest Jesus? Why was that wrong for Peter to do?If Jesus wanted to be free, what could he have done?How did Judas betraying kiss make Jesus feel?What does Jesus correction of Peters sword teach us about how the Kingdom of God will grow?What was the evidence that Jesus pointed to which showed the hypocrisy of those who arrested him?What was the real authority Jesus pointed to which was causing this arrest to be successful?How is the church to obey Christs command to gain spiritual strength and maturity, while alsonever thinking that it is the cause of the success of Christs Kingdom?How should this passage, in light of texts like Luke 22:36-38 and Romans 13:1-4, shape how we are to view questions of legitimate use of weapons and force?Why would a kingdom for Jesus gained through a sword be bad news for the church?
Sermon Outline:The Lord was a weak humanThe Lord submitted to the will of God though it caused Him great distressWatch and pray so you do not forget your weakness and the Lords strength- Family Discussion questions -For use within the church family to discuss and apply, AND for parents to debrief with their children to underscore understandingAfter celebrating Lords Supper, where did Jesus take the disciples?What did Jesus spend his time doing in the garden?What did Jesus ask God the Father?Why was Jesus disappointed with the disciples?What does this teach us about the disciples and all other Christians?What does it teach us about why we should pray?What does it teach us about why we often dont pray?What does it teach us about how Jesus saved us?What would it mean to watch and pray?How are we to be prepared for temptation?How can we embrace Gods will even when it is difficult?
Sermon Bible Text:Mark 14:26-31Complementary Old Testament Reading:Zechariah 13:7-9Sermon Title:The Stricken Good Shepherd and His easily scattered sheepSermon Outline:Only the Shepherd would take the crossThe Sheep would also be stricken because of the cross of ChristChrist restores his fallen sheepFamily Discussion Questions:What did Jesus do with the disciples before heading to the Mount of Olives and what does this say about how God strengthens us?What did Jesus tell the disciples would happen?What was Peters response, and why do you think he responded that way?What was the good promise tucked into this difficult prophesy?What prophecy of the Old Testament was Jesus referring to when He said these things?In what way did the cross immediately bring pain to the disciples? How does the cross bring temporary pain to Christians?What is the warming to us in that promise?What is the comfort to us in that promiseWhat was the difference between the prophecy regarding Judas in verse 21 compared to the prophecy regarding the rest of the 12 in these verses?What does this text teach us about how we might be humbly prepared?
Sermon outline:Jesus offers to you His BodyJesus offers to you His BloodJesus offers Communion to churchesJesus offers to you a feastFamily Discussion Questions:What meal were Jesus and the disciples sitting down for when Jesus gave the Lords Supper for the first time?How is eating and drinking like faith?What promise about Jesus body does the bread symbolize?What promise about Jesus blood does the cup symbolize?Why might some people not want what Jesus body and blood offers?Why might some people not think they need what Jesus body and blood offers?Can you take communion and not be a Christian?Can you be a true Christian without taking communion or getting baptized yet?Lords Supper makes us look backwards but what does it make us look forward to?How can that future looking help us endure for Christ with joy even now?
Sermon Outline:1. Gods sovereign plan includes real human choices2. He includes those who long for his plan to be accomplished3. He includes those who do not love Him4. As our Messiah, it was necessary that Jesus was betrayed by a close friendFamily Discussion Questions:1. What celebration were the disciples supposed to prepare for?2. When was the first Passover and what did it mean?3. How is Jesus like the Passover?4. How were the disciples supposed to know where to prepare the celebration?5. How does this event show us that God is in control of all things?6. How does this event show that God uses real human choices?7. What did Jesus tell the disciples as they were celebrating Passover?8. How did the disciples respond to this?9. Why was it important that Jesus be betrayed by one of the disciples?10. How is it a comfort to us that Jesus was betrayed in this way?11. Why is it important to recognize that Judas was not forced to betray Jesus?12. How is it a warning to us that Jesus was betrayed by a close friend?
Sermon Outline:1. Because Jesus rose from the dead, those who trust in His Word have forgiveness of sins2. The Apostles did not merely believe, they were eyewitnesses of his resurrection3. Trusting in the eye-witnessed saving actions of Jesus gives you life.Family Discussion Questions:1. What was the first thing that Jesus said to the disciples when he met them after he rose from the dead? Why would this have been sweet for them?2. What promise did Jesus make to the disciples during that visit that are made to every other Christian?3. Why was it important that Thomas actually see and touch Jesus after He rose?4. What was Thomas' reaction when He saw the risen Jesus?5. What promises did Jesus make during those two visits which are even for people who are not Apostles?6. How does this passage show us that Christianity is not about believing in spite of the evidence?7. How does this passage warn those who claim to be forgiven Christians but who reject the teaching of the Apostles?8. What does this passage say to Christians who do not feel peace with God?9. What does this passage teach us about how a person gets "saved"?10. What does it mean to "have life in Jesus' name?"
Sermon Outline:1. Forsaken by God and Man, Jesus created an Eternal Family2. Having no rescue from shame, Jesus covered our shame3. Sacrifice as a lamb, Jesus will bring tears to all nations.
Sermon Outline:1. Devotion to Christ is Beautiful and costly2. Devotion to Christ is disgusting to those who are not born again3. God makes sure that His Son would be sacrificed as Passover LambFamily Discussion Questions:What time of year was it in Israel for the event of this passage?Why did the chief priests not want Jesus to be killed at this time?Who were at the party with Jesus?What did Mary do during the party and why did it upset the disciples?What did Jesus say about Mary's actions?What do Mary's actions teach us about true devotion to Christ?What does "considering yourself dead" mean in relation to the value of true devotion?Does an act of devotion need to be difficult in order to be valuable and beautifulin God's sight?What are the kinds of ways we can express devotion to Christ?What does this passage teach us about caring for the poor?Explain how God used Mary to make sure that Christ was killed at Passover, and why this was so important to Him
Sermon Outline:1. Christ's Bride will certainly be gathered from all corners of creation2. Every generation of the church, from the first to last, will see Christ's Words fulfilled3. The Church must be ready to meet the LordFamily Discussion Questions:1. What is the difference between how Jesus came the first time to how he will come the second time?2. Why was that necessary for our salvation?3. What does the failing of the sun, moon and stars tell us about how sure the promises of Christ are?4. In what ways does Christ gather his elect? What will be the ultimate way he will do this? What things scatter the elect for now?5. Where will the elect be gathered from? How should this impact our hearts and actions?6. How long after Jesus spoke these words that the temple was destroyed?7. What did the church learn - even the first generation - about tribulation and the power of the gospel?8. What does it mean to say that though believers will face tribulations for belonging to Christ, they will be spared the worst tribulation because they belong to him?9. How should the fulfillment of previous prophecies make us ready for the return of Christ?10. Knowing when Christ will return will not be given to even the brightest Christian - so why and how are we to be awake?11. Which of the end times views seems to explain the scriptures best to you?
Sermon Outline:I. Suffering will come surrounding the fall of the temple, and the church must be on guard.II. In the midst of these persecutions, God will ensure that his gospel goes out to the nations.III. The church will endure every trial unto salvation.Family Discussion Questions:What is the significance of the fall of the temple in Gods plan for history?What role did the temple play in Jesus crucifixion?Why does Jesus choose to give such a detailed answer to the disciples question about future events?What comfort are the disciples meant to take in knowing that Jesus has told them of all these things ahead of time?What are the tribulations that Jesus mentions to his disciples? Many of these would have been specific to the apostles themselves but they do help us to know the kind of trials and opposition the church will continue to face. What are the kinds of trials which we can expect to face if we trust in Jesus?What role does the Holy Spirit play in the ministry of the apostles?How does the Holy Spirit help us in the midst of trials and tribulations?What does Jesus promise about the gospel in this passage? How would that promise encourage the disciples even as Jesus spoke about tribulation and persecution?What is the salvation that Jesus speaks of which comes after endurance?What help does God give us if we are afraid that we will not endure persecution?
Sermon Outline:I. Beware of self-serving religion.II. Jesus commends humility and self-sacrifice.III. How God Delights to Build Up His Household.Family Discussion Questions:The scribes wore long robes, prayed long prayers in the market, and sought out seats of honour. How might we be on the lookout for similar behaviour in our contemporary context?What was the sin in the hearts of the scribes underneath these actions?Where might you recognize the danger of this sin in your own life?Why was the widows contribution so much greater than the large sums of the rich men?What reward could the widow expect for her contribution vs the giving of the rich men?What did Jesus recognize in the heart of the widow?In what way was the widow a stark contrast with the scribes?Do you have any fears or concerns that make it hard for you to give like this widow did?How does this widows gift to Gods household reflect the way that God Himself laid the cornerstone of His household?How can we build up Gods house in a way that is consistent with the foundation God has laid for it?Are you more willing to give of your money, time or talents when you know that this gift will be recognized by others? Would the joy and commendation of God be enough for you to give as sacrificially as this widow did?Are there any ways in which you need to rethink your contributions to the family of God?
Sermon Outline:God Himself said that the Messiah would be the Son of DavidGod Himself said that the Messiah would be the Son of GodAll enemies will be placed under Christs feetFamily Discussion Questions:What question did Jesus ask the people?What did the bible teachers say about the Messiah that was wrong?What did the bible teachers say about the Messiah that was right?Why is it important to remember that the Bible was written by God Himself?Why is it important to remember that the Bible was written through human authors?What part of the Bible did Jesus quote in order to show the Bible teachers that they were wrong?Explain how Jesus used this bible verse to show that the messiah was greater than just being Davids son.Why is it important that Jesus was the Son of David?Why did we need the Messiah to be truly human?Why did we need the Messiah to be truly God?What part of salvation were the bible teachers missing that made them think a merely human messiah would be enough?What are the ways that all Jesus enemies are placed under His feet? How does that change how we view the world right now?When will we be able to say that every one of Christs enemies have been destroyed?What does Genesis 3:15 tell us about what needed to happen in order to crush His enemies under foot?
Sermon Outline:A sincere question for the Lord JesusThe greatest commandment is to love the One God with all you haveThe second greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourselfThe law of God is great and perfect, but cannot bring a man into the kingdom of GodFamily Discussion Questions:What did the scribe ask Jesus?What were Jesus two answers?Where did Jesus find the answers to this question?What is special about these two commands that teaches us that there are no unimportant command of God?What would we say to someone who says that sometimes you need to choose between loving someone and obeying God?How does tying the commandments tolove and the heart,actually make the standard higher?Why would Jesus tell this wise, sincere man that he isnearto the Kingdom of God - instead ofinit?How does this passage teach us about the need for the New Birth or being born again orregeneration?How are the ways that Jesus fulfill the law for those who belong to him?What would you tell someone who said he was a Christian but did not want to follow Gods laws? How would you try to change his mind?Love your neighbour as yourself is a big command with many necessary applications. What is the application of this law which is found along with it in Leviticus? How has this been difficult for you to obey? How has this caused you pain?What is the connection between the Leviticus passage and Matthew 18:15-20?
Sermon Outline:I. Dont be Troubled by Those who do not understand the Scriptures nor the Power of GodII. God is the God of the LivingIII. Resurrection Life is an eternal life of love.Family Discussion Questions:What does it mean that the Sadducees do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?How does Jesus help us to answer skeptics who reject elements of Gods Word that they consider unbelievable or fanciful?How does Jesusprove that the Sadducees are wrong about the resurrection even from the Scriptures that they accept?What did it mean to Moses at the burning bush that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?What are the reasons that God has given us the gift or marriage? Why are those gifts no longer necessary in the resurrection?What changes will we undergo at the resurrection? In what ways will we not change?What answer might we give to someone who was disappointed that their marriage will not continue in the resurrection?How does the Lords Supper allow us to bring together our remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus with our future hope for the resurrection in His kingdom?
Sermon Outline:I. Putting Jesus to the TestII. Rendering to Caesar the things that are CaesarsIII. Rendering to God the Things that are Gods.Family Discussion Questions:Why did the Pharisees and Herodians pay Jesus a compliment before asking their question? How does this help us to consider the compliments paid to us?The last time Jesus was asked an insincere question he did not answer it. Why does he answer now?Does Jesus dignify foolishness by answering the question? How does he make sure he is not doing that?Why was the question should taxes be paid to Caesar such a hot-button issue?What is the God-given role of government? How does this help us to determine what belongs to Caesar?The evidence that the denarius belonged to Caesar was his image on it. Where has God placed His image?What does it mean for us to render ourselves to God?How does knowing what belongs to God help us to consider what ought to be rendered to Caesar or our government?How were the Pharisees failing to properly render to God what was Gods and to Caesar what was Caesars?What is your own relationship to our government? Would that reveal an unbiblical understanding of the role of government and its relationship to you?
Sermon Outline:Tribute belongs to the owner and builder of the vineyardChurch leaders are to be undershepherdsThe patience of the Lord in the face of rebellionThe killing of the Son demonstrates the problemThe wrath of the king restores the vineyardFamily discussion Questions:What was the vineyard in the Parable?Who is the owner?Who are the tenants?Who are the servants?Who was the son?What does this parable tell us about why we owe God worship and obedience?What does this parable tell us about the proper role of pastors?What are ways that a church or pastor can forget that the church does not belong to anyone but Christ?Why was the rejection of Jesus not evidence against his claim to be the Son of God?What does this parable teach us about the patience of God?What does this parable teach us about the judgement of God on the church? The world?How does the wrath of God restore the vineyard On the cross? When Christ returns?What are ways that you can grow in enjoying the vineyard of God as something which belongs to Him?
Sermon Outline:Jesus has authority to judge the church and the worldJohn the Baptists ministry declared that all must be washed by JesusChrist does not honour insincere questionsChrist redeems the insincereFamily Discussion Questions:1. What did Jesus do which the leaders questioned if he had authority to do?2. Why did Jesus' actions make these leaders look bad?3. How did Jesus already know they were being fake in their question?4. How had Jesus' authority already been proven by the Old Testament? His actions?5. What was John the Baptist's job?6. What did John the Baptist say about Jesus?7. What does Christianity think about "blind faith"?8. What does Jesus think about sincere honest questions?9. How can people, especially religious leaders, ask and suggest insincere questions? Why is this usually done?10. How does Jesus' answer show how to determine if a religious leader's suggestions and questions are sincere or not?11. How can asking a "teacher" a question about scripture which has nothing to do with their question help to determine if they can be trusted?12. Insincerity is something we all struggle with. How does the Gospel help us deal with this problem?13. What are the reasons why Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth? Why is this good news for the church and terrible news for those who deny Him?
Sermon Outline:1. Have Faith in God2. Pray with Expectant Faith3. Pray with a Heart that loves forgiveness.Family Discussion Questions:1. What was Peters response to the withering of the fig tree. What did that say about Peters faith?2. What context helps us understand why Jesus talked about moving a mountain into the sea?3. Jesus tells us to pray with expectant faith. Does this mean that we should expect every prayer for every desire to be positively answered?4. In what ways will faith itself shape the expectant prayers we offer to God?5. Do you still offer prayers to God with expectation that He will answer? What might be hindering your expectation?6. Do you look to the future with rest and trust in God, or with anxiety and doubt?7. What does our refusal to forgive others say about the posture of our prayers?8. What was the cost of you being able to pray to God as your Father? How was that cost paid?
Sermon Outline:The house of God is a place for the prayers of all ethnic groupsThe house of God is to bear true fruit in all seasonsGod will judge the whole world, beginning with His own householdHide yourself in Christ Jesus, the living and eternal temple of GodFamily Discussion questionsWhat did Jesus say to the fig tree when he saw no fruit on it?What did Jesus see when he walked into the temple?How were the temple leaders disobeying God in the temple?What was the temple of God for?What did the false teachers think the temple was for?What did Jesus do in the temple?Why was Jesus allowed to do this?What happened to the fig tree?What did God replace this stone temple with?How is Jesus a better temple than the stone one?What are some "leaves which some people often treat as fruit?How can someone join the temple of Jesus?How are Christians to enjoy being part of the temple of Jesus?What are ways that we act like the church is our house rather than Jesus?How has Jesus marvellously already begun to fulfill the temple prophecy of Isaiah 56?
Sermon Outline:Gods Sovereign use of all things to bring about His kingdomA white war horse or a peaceful humble donkey?The humble delight of being under the reign of ChristThe Lords wrath is not like oursFamily Discussion Questions:What event brought Jesus to Jerusalem?How did Jesus choose to arrive in Jerusalem?What was Jesus announcing by his choice of ride into Jerusalem?How did Israel respond to Jesus arrival?What does Hosanna mean?What is the difference between the donkey and the white war horse of Revelation 19?What does the image of Christ on the donkey teach us about those who humbly come to him for help and forgiveness?What does it mean that salvation belongs to the Lord?What can we learn from the glad responses to Jesus entry into Jerusalem?What does it mean to delight in God?Considering that Christ publicly declared himself Lord with this action, how should the humility of Christs entry shape our own lives and attitudes toward others?
Sermon Outline:1 - The strength God gives us is wonderful but not enough to save2 - We could not produce our own Redeemer even with Gods help3 - We cannot redeem the world even with Gods helpFamily Discussion Questions:1. A normal birth requires a father and mother. How was Jesus birth supernatural?2. How did the unique birth of Jesus display that the Savior didnt come from the world, but was sent to it?3. What are the ways which God helps us do good things?4. Why is salvation different than God helping us to save ourselves?5. How will Jesus to help us in the redemption of the world through the great commission?6. Even though the Great Commission will be successful, why is it not enough?7. What is the danger in hoping in the things we can accomplish with Gods supernatural help?8. What are the ways which we might put our ultimate hope other than the return of Christ?9. Imagine the best possible outcome in this world before the Return of Christ. Why will the return of Christ be infinitely better?10. How can we show that our hope is in what Christ will single-handedly do by eagerly working with Him in the things He calls us to do?
Family discussion questions:1. Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple after he was born. Which two people does Luke mention that they met there?2. The people Luke mentions were part of a special group of people waiting properly for the coming Messiah. What were they waiting for the Messiah to do?3. Why did Gods people need to be comforted?4. How are we to think about the godlessness of the world around us?5. In 1 John 3 John speaks of the hope of believers as being like Jesus when He comes the second time. What does that mean?6. What are the works of the Devil that John mentions?7. How did Jesus first coming destroy the works of the Devil?8. How will Jesus second coming destroy the works of the Devil?9. How does our approach to holiness and sin show if we are actually waiting for Jesus the way that Simeon and Anna did?10. What does it mean to make a practice of sin?11. What three comforts does God give to a Christian who has sinned?
Sermon Outline:The time of Christs Appearing is fixed in the eternal plan of God.Not knowing the day of Christs Appearing does not change its certainty.Wait For Christs Appearing with Patient Perseverance with Hope.Family Discussion Questions:What is the meaning of the phrase in the fullness of time?Explain how some of the key events of the Old Testament were necessary to take place as a part of Gods unfolding plan to bring about the salvation of Jesus.Why was it necessary that God sent forth his son, born of a woman?Why was it important that Jesus was born under the law?What would be wrong preoccupations as we wait for Jesus to come back?Have you been drawn into hopelessness or trying to guess the seasons as you wait for Jesus?What is God waiting for before Jesus second coming takes place in the fullness of time?How can we be invited to hasten the return of Jesus when we do not know the day?
Sermon Outline:The Coming of Christ Is VisibleThe Coming of Christ is GloriousThe Coming of Christ is RoyalFamily Discussion Questions:From the Christmas Story, which people could say that they saw proof of Christ's coming?What was the response of all the people who "saw" these proofs?What does that teach us about the response of all people when Christ returns?What does it mean that Jesus was born king?How is Jesus acting like a king right now?How will Jesus act as a king when he returns?Why did Jesus come the first time?How can a person be someone who looks forward to Jesus' coming rather than be afraid of it?Why should Christians look forward to Jesus' second coming?Why should we remember that it will be just as physical and real as His first coming?
Sermon Outline:We must refrain from thinking it is great to demand service from othersChristian authority is for the building up of those in your chargeFamily Discussion Questions:What did James and John ask Jesus with their moms help?Why do you think that the other disciples were furious with them for asking that?How did Jesus serve the church?How does Jesus rule the church?Apart from God, why would people want to have authority?Jesus says, those who are "considered rulers. We ought to apply this to those whom we follow even if they are not authorities over us. Who might these people be?What were the two main goals of Christs mission as the chosen king of Gods people? (John 6:38, Mark 10:45)What does Jesus mission and use of authority teach us about how we ought to see authority?What are some extreme opposite views of the proper use of authority?How would this view of authority impact our view of the role of husband?How would this view of authority impact who and how we choose elders and pastors in the church?How did the Apostles demonstrate this calling in their suffering and their authority?
Sermon Outline:1 - No Christian will share the burden or glory of salvation with Jesus2 - All Christians are to die to self and live for ChristFamily Discussion Questions:1. Why were the people with Jesus both excited and scared to walk to Jerusalem?2. What did Jesus tell his disciples he was going to Jerusalem to do?3. What did James and John ask Jesus with their mom?4. What were the misunderstanding?5. In what way will no one drink Jesus cup and be baptized with His baptism?6. In what way do we forget that Jesus is not a co-savior?7. In what way will every Christian drink Jesus cup and be baptized with His baptism?8. Jesus gave his life as a ransom. How does this correct the view that Jesus saves us be being a good example?
Sermon Outline:Who do we expect to be welcomed into the Kingdom of God?Who does Jesus actually welcome into His Kingdom?Who receives the treasures of the Kingdom of Heaven?Family Discussion Questions:Why might the disciples have turned away the children being brought to Jesus?What about the heart of a child is necessary for everyone who receives the Kingdom of heaven?What assumptions did the rich man expose in his question to Jesus: Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?Why does Jesus respond that no one is good but God?What did Jesus discussion about the law expose in the rich man?Why were the disciples so shocked and dismayed when this rich man went away sad?What about possessions makes it hard to enter the kingdom of heaven? Is it because possessions are inherently evil?Is any man, rich or poor, able to save himself according to Jesus?How does God make salvation possible when it is impossible for men?Will God make sure that all of our sacrifices for his kingdom pay off in this life?What is the treasure of the kingdom of God we receive even now?What is the eternal treasure that we look forward to?Explain Jesus final comment: many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Sermon Outline:I. Jesus understands why the law was given.II. Jesus understands Gods design for marriageIII. Jesus understands covenant love and faithfulness.Family Discussion Questions:Why was the Pharisees question meant to be a trap for Jesus?When Jesus is presented with a disagreement about the right interpretation of a passage of scripture, how does he settle the question?How might you reply to someone who said that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality?What does Jesus show about marriage by going to Genesis 2?What does it mean that God has joined a husband and wife together?What was Gods ultimate purpose in the creation of marriage?How might we compare Gods love for His people to the love of a husband?How is the gospel illuminated when we understand it using the parable of marriage?How does no fault divorce or adultery mar what marriage is meant to show us about the gospel?How can a right understanding of marriage help you personally to delight in the love of Christ in your current situation?If you are married or desiring to be: how can Christs covenant love for his people help you as you love your spouse?
Sermon Outline:Christ is Great because He suffered to make enemies childrenBeing a Child of God is GreatIt is great to receive someone because they bear Christs NameIt is great to serve someone because they bear Christs NameFamily Discussion Questions:What were the disciples discussing on the road?Why were they silent when Christ asked them?What did Jesus tell them right before they had this embarrassing discussion?Why did God the Father exult, praise and honour Jesus?Why do some people not find Christs sacrifice to be glorious?Why is it important to remember that the greatest honour for a human is to be a child of God?How does the Name of Jesus make us Gods children?Why did the disciples want to stop the man from using Jesus name?What are ways that we receive people in Jesus Name?What are ways that we serve people in Jesus Name?What are some ways that people receive and serve people (or refuse to do so) which deny the Gospel?How can we pursue the change of heart in what and who we see is great?
Sermon Outline:I. A Faithless GenerationII. All things are Possible: Faith and PrayerIII. I believe, help my unbelief.IV. Feeble Faith in a Strong SaviourFamily Discussion Questions:i. Jesus says all things are possible for him who believes. Is this phrase telling us that if we have enough faith we can ask for anything we want and get it? Why or why not?ii. What is the connection between prayer and faith? How was Jesus lesson to the disciples in v29 similar to his exclamation to the boys father in v23?iii. How can our prayer reveal a weakness in faith?iv. What would your own prayer life say regarding your faith and confidence in God?v. How is the gospel the starting place for faithful prayer?vi. What are good promises of God that we can call upon Him for in prayer?vii. Are there good things to pray for which God might not grant? Why might God not ultimately answer our prayers the way we wanted? How should we pray for those things?viii. If we feel like our faith is weak, where should we look to grow in faith?ix. Does Gods relationship with us depend upon us having enough faith?
Sermon Outline:Jesus is the Conquering Son of Man.Jesus is the Long Awaited Hope of Gods People.Jesus is Faithful to His Fathers PlanFamily Discussion Questions1. The transfiguration brings together many wonderful elements. For each of these, answer: a) what are the Old Testament roots of this element? b) what is that element meant to show about Jesus? i) Going up a mountain ii) The change in the appearance of Jesus. iii) The Presence of Moses and Elijah. iv) The cloud of glory from which God speaks v) The words of God about Jesus.2. How does the terror and confusion of the disciples also remind us of similar events in the Old Testament? What might Peter have been confused about?3. Why did God choose this moment for the transfiguration? How does it relate to the teaching of Jesus in the previous passage?4. Why did Jesus not want word of what the disciples witnessed to be shared until after His resurrection?5. Why were the disciples confused about the role Elijah would play in the ministry of the Messiah?6. When we understand that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecies related to Elijah, how does that change what the disciples would have thought about Jesus own ministry?7. How is the account of the transfiguration meant to be an encouragement and exhortation for you?
Sermon Outline:1. Jesus is the only eternal king of Israel2. Cross before Crown for Christ3. Cross before crown for Christians4. The Kingdom will come after the crossFamily Discussion Questions:1. What was different about this man's healing compared to all other miracles?2. What were the different things that people thought that Jesus was?3. Who did Peter say that Jesus was?4. Why did Jesus tell the disciples and this man not to announce this?5. What about the Gospel did Peter rebuke Jesus for?6. What did Jesus say to Peter, and why?7. Why did Jesus have to suffer before glory?8. Why are Christians called to suffer before glory?9. In what way has the kingdom of God already come? In what way are we still looking forward to it coming?10. What are some typical problems which arise when Christians deny that we are expected to suffer before the Lord Jesus returns?11. Which of those "ditches" are you prone to?12. What about Christ have you found that others find to be the most shameful? Why is that not shameful but glorious?
Sermon Outline:The Lord is the giver of all good gifts to all nationsGod testified to the identity of Jesus as the ChristBe skeptical of your own skepticismThere is no other bread than ChristFamily Discussion Questions:1. Jesus performed this miracle before. Name as many differences as you can.2. What was the Pharisees response to this miracle?3. Jesus performed many signs, so what does he mean by saying, no sign will be given to this generation?4. Why would we expect no more miraculous signs after Christ and His disciples?5. What were the disciples discussing on the boat?6. Neither the Pharisees nor the disciples fully understood the feeding of the 4000. What was the difference between their lack of understanding?7. What does the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod mean?8. Explain why Christianity is not in favour of blind faith9. What does it mean the Jesus is the bread of life for the whole world?10. What are some reasons we fail to trust Jesus as the bread of life?11. What does it mean that we ask God to give us this day our daily bread?
Sermon Outline:The Messiah came to unstop deaf earsThe Messiah came to release chained tonguesThe new creation comes by the mouth and hand of GodFamily Discussion Questions:Where was Jesus when this event happened?What was the problem this man faced?How did Jesus heal this man? Did He need to do it this odd way?How did the people respond when Jesus told them not to speak of these things?How is the healing of the deaf a parable of the work of the Gospel?How is the healing of muteness a parable of the work of the Gospel?How is this event referring back to Genesis?How is this event referring back to Isaiah 35?What changes happen to your ears if you are a Christian? Does this mean we will not need to work on this?What changes happen to your tongue if you are a Christian? Does this mean we will not need to work on this?
Sermon Outline:The God of Israel is the Creator of Heaven and earth.Since the fall into sin, by nature we are all enemies of God.God has a privileged household of undeserving former enemies.Family discussion Questions:1. What area did this story take place?2. What was the problem which caused the lady to ask for Jesus help?3. What reason did Jesus tell her that he didnt need to answer?4. How did she respond?5. What were the nations that were not Gods people called before Jesus came?6. Are all people born as Gods children?7. Can you earn the place of being Gods child?8. What did Jesus do to make enemies Gods children?9. How does a person become a child of God?10. Given that there is only one way to join Gods family, how should we treat one another?11. What are the gifts, the bread, that belong to you if God becomes your Father?12. What are the two responses to hearing that God has a family and not all people are in it?
Sermon Outline:The things around you do not make you sinOur hearts are the cause of our sinThe Gospel of Christ is the cure for the disease not only the symptomsFamily Discussion Questions:1. What is the little parable Jesus told?2. What does the parable mean?3. When Jesus teaches it is our heart which is the problem, what does that mean?4. What are some things which we sometimes blame our sin on?5. Why is repenting of sinful thoughts not going deep enough?6. Why is it that all humans have sinful hearts?7. How does Jesus save us from our sinful hearts?8. How can a Christian continue to come to Christ to help us with the problem of a sinful heart?9. Why is it important to remember that Christians will not be saved because God gave us new hearts?
Sermon Title: Jesus Restores Our Hearts to Delight in God Sermon Scripture Passage: Mark 7:1-13 Sermon Outline: 1. The Law of God is a delight in Him2. Beware of your preference of man-made laws3. Christ restores us to the laws delight in God Family Discussion Questions: 1. What did the 12 disciples not do which made the Pharisees so upset?2. Did God make the laws that the disciples were breaking?3. What law of God were the Pharisees breaking?4. What man-made law were they using as an excuse to break Gods law?5. How does Jesus summarize Gods laws in Mark 12?6. How is the law of God a way to delight in God himself?7. Why is it important to keep both the spirit of the law and the letter of the law?8. How do man-made religious laws end up causing us to reject Gods laws?9. Can the law of God save you?10. How does this understanding of the law of God help us to see our need for Christ more?11. What are some ways which Christians ignore the point of the law of God?12. What are some ways which Christians replace the law of God?
Sermon Outline: 1. Sin is both rebellion and sickness2. All healing comes from the Lord3. Jesus cleans every kind of sinner4. Knowing He was the Messiah, the healthy saw no need for Jesus5. Jesus uses His infinite power to reach sinners Family Discussion Questions: 1. How does the Bible talk about sin being like a sickness?2. What kinds of sick people were brought to Jesus when he and the disciples landed on the shore?3. During this event, how did Jesus heal people?4. Why do you think the healthy people didnt come to Jesus for help?5. Does Jesus promise that every Christian will be healthy before He comes back?6. Does Jesus promise that every Christian will be forgiven and rescued from every sin?7. How does the sickness of sin impact our view of how Jesus saved us on the cross?8. What are the dangers of seeing sin as only sickness or only guilt rather than both?9. What would change if you truly believed all sin was sickness?10. What would change if you truly believed Jesus promised rescue from all sin?11. How did the sovereignty of God make sure you heard the Gospel? Think about all the things which needed to happen.12. Who knows you that doesnt know the Gospel? Do you believe Jesus can save those people?
Sermon Outline:
The Messiah prays because He is human The Messiah walks on water because He is God None can contend with God If Christ is with you, take heart Every heart needs to be softened
Family Discussion Questions:
When Jesus sent the disciples on the boat, what did He do? What does the fact that Jesus needed to pray teach you? How did Jesus travel to the disciples in the middle of the lake? What did Jesus tell the disciples in order to calm their fears? What happened to the water when Jesus came into the boat? Knowing Job 9 and 38, what was Jesus demonstrating? What is the purpose of Jesus passing by his people in other parts of the Bible? Why was it necessary that the Messiah be a true man? Why was it necessary that the Messiah be truly God? Why is the presence of Christ something which causes us to take heart?
Jesus truly is not only the right Shepherd, but He is the Good Shepherd who makes us to rest in green pastures. For now He hosts a feast for us in the presence of our enemies - one which does satisfy the soul - but soon He will come to bring us to the feast in the New Heavens and Earth. A Feast which cost Him His life, but which it was a joy for Him to offer because of His love for His Father - and for the sinful sheep which His Father gave to Him. Sermon Scripture Passage: Mark 6:14-44 Sermon Title: Two Kings and Two Feasts Sermon Outline:
Herods insincere religiosity A wicked feast held by a selfish king A holy feast held by a compassionate king Satisfaction in a desolate place
Family Discussion Questions: Who did King Herod think Jesus was?Why was Herod so terrified that John had been raised from the dead?Why did Herodias want John dead, and why did Herod not want to kill him?For whose benefit was the banquet at the palace?What made Jesus interrupt His rest and teach the crowd?Compare the amount of food before and after the crowd was fedHow was the feeding of the 5,000 a fulfillment of Psalm 23?How is Herod is a good picture of the life of slavery to sin?In what ways does Christ satisfy - now? In the future?
Sermon Outline:
The Nazarenes are astonished at Jesus and reject him Jesus is astonished at the Nazarenes rejection The Gospel is Urgently and Widely Proclaimed as it is Received and Rejected
Family Discussion Questions: 1. How do the Nazarene people react to Jesus teaching? Are they unimpressed by it? 2. Why do the listeners in the synagogue reject Jesus? 3. Why is Jesus astonished at their unbelief? 4. Why do people reject the gospel when they hear it? Is it because of anything lacking in the gospel? 5. Why did Jesus only do few miracles in Nazareth? 6. While the specific instructions Jesus gives the apostles are for this mission only, what valuable things do his instructions teach us about all gospel proclamation, including ours? 7. Are you afraid to talk about the gospel? Is your fear that the message will be rejected? 8. What does our fear of sharing the gospel show about our relationship with Jesus? What does it show about our relationship with the people we are afraid of? 9. How might an urgency to share the gospel, even in the face of rejection, change your life right now?
Sermon Scripture Passage: Mark 5:21-43
Sermon Title: Do Not Fear, Only Believe
Sermon Outline: I. Faith in Jesus the Healer II. Faith in Jesus the Saviour Ill. Faith in Jesus the Messiah Family Discussion Questions: 1. What did Jairus and the sick woman believe about Jesus when they first encountered him. How might that have changed after their interactions with him? 2. Both the bleeding woman and the dead body of the girl would have made Jesus ceremonially unclean. What does this teach us about Jesus? 3. What does it mean when Jesus tells the woman "your faith has made you well," or "your faith has saved you?" 4. Why was it important for Mark to note all the mourners at Jairus' house? 5. Why did Jesus say that the girl was sleeping, instead of saying she was dead? 6. Why did Jesus send out all the mourners and leave only a few people in the room when the girl was raised to life? 7. What are things we could believe about Jesus that would be less than what Jesus wants us to believe about himself? How would believing those things about Jesus without knowing the gospel change our understanding of who Jesus was? 8. What does it mean to you to have faith in Jesus? Do you know the gospel?
Sermon outline: 1. The self-destructive slavery of "freedom from God" 2. The true freedom brought by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ 3. The anti-human wickedness of the pagan world 4. The glorious ordinary human life Christ purchased with his blood
Sermon Outline: 1. The calamity facing the church 2. The calm of the Sower 3. The concern of the Shepherd 4. The correction of the Creator 5. The quiet fear of the church Family Discussion Questions: 1. What happened on the trip across the sea? 2. How did Jesus calm the sea? 3. Why did Jesus correct the disciples? Is it wrong to be afraid? 4. What kind of people experience trouble and where does it come from? 5. Do these troubles threaten the safety of the church? 6. The trouble facing the church must submit to the voice of Jesus. How is that good for the church now? How will it one day be altogether good? 7. What are some connections from this event to the parables Jesus had just taught? 8. What was another time, later on, when the disciples were terrified and Jesus was "asleep"? How did that end in both great fear and peace? 9.What is the same about Jesus and Jonah and what is different?
Sermon Outline: How is Gods Kingdom like a mustard seed? How does Jesus talk about Gods kingdom? How does Gods Kingdom grow? Family Discussion Questions: Why might it have been surprising when Jesus compared Gods kingdom to a mustard seed? Does that seem surprising to you? How can Jesus talk about Gods kingdom as something that has already existed, something that is starting and something that will come? What does it mean that Gods kingdom starts as a tiny seed? How does Gods kingdom grow? How was the death of Jesus an act of conquering? In what ways do we as citizens of Jesus kingdom, get to take part in His conquest of the world? If we compare Jesus kingdom to the Roman Empire, which kingdom is greater? Why? Why are we tempted to think of Gods kingdom as though it is losing? Are there any reasons why you have felt discouraged about the growth of Gods kingdom? Are there any forces or powers in this world which make you afraid, or even keep you from trusting in Jesus? What are they? How would the Bible answer your fears?
Sermon outline:
Sewing seeds according to Gods wisdom Resting according to Gods sovereignty. Hoping in the harvest according to Gods timing.
Family discussion questions:
What does the seed scattering represent in this parable? What are the ordinary means of grace? What does it mean that they are ordinary? What does it mean that they are means of grace? Why is the farmer able to go to sleep? What does that teach us about the growth of Gods kingdom? What does the harvest represent in this parable? How does the Gospel which is the foundation of God's kingdom teach us how Gods kingdom grows? What questions or help does this parable grant to a parent who is anxious about the salvation of their children? How does this parable help us know what to expect of our churches? What warnings might this give to a church that is straying from Gods means of growing His kingdom? Have you felt the anxiety of trusting in yourself rather than God to grow His kingdom? How would this parable respond to that anxiety?
Sermon Outline:
God will make clear what may now seem hidden Those who give ear to the Gospel will be overwhelmed with light Those who ignore the Gospel will be overwhelmed with darkness
Family Discussion Questions:
What is the great light which God promised he would shine for the whole world to see? It is possible to fool many people about whether you actually know God. What are ways that God might show the truth to everyone? How does how we treat the Word of God reveal our true standing before God? How does how we treat others reveal our true standing before God? Why is it important to care about how we treat the Bible and others, while making sure that we dont teach that these things save you? Some have falsely taught that Jesus words in verse 25 are talking about money and possessions. What is it actually talking about? How does the context show the proper interpretation? What are some common ways for people who call themselves Christians and have the Bible -and yet feel comfortable ignoring parts of it? How does it prove true in this life, that the more you truly receive the Word of God, the more of the Word of God you will be given? How will verse 25 be fulfilled ultimately in the next life? How does the Gospel of Jesus prove to be sharp sword which exposes a persons heart toward God?
Sermon Outline:The Gospel is a mystery to those who are outside of the Kingdom of GodSome never show interest in the Gospel because of their hard heartsSome show interest but when trouble arises because of the Gospel they fall awaySome show interest but when good things come they fall awayOnly God-softened hearts truly embrace the Gospel and bear fruitFamily Discussion Questions:What was the parable that Jesus told?Did the 12 disciples understand it at first?Why is it that many people do not trust in the Gospel of Jesus?What do each of the soils represent?The good soil represents true believers in Jesus. How do we explain how that soil (heart) isdifferent than the others?How does this teaching give us reason for thankfulness, for confidence, and for hope?What does it mean to bear fruit and why is it necessary fruit?Does bearing fruit save you?Are there less weeds and rocks in the lives of true Christians? What weeds and rocks can youask for help with from God and other church members?Which of the soils represented your own heart before you truly became a Christian?How does this parable show us to an even greater degree, why we needed Jesus to die for oursins and rise from the dead?
Sermon Outline:The blessing and insufficiency of your birth familyChrist came to cast you out of Satans kingdomThe family of God will be forgiven all sins but no sins will be forgiven those outside Gods familyChrists family does Gods willFamily Discussion Questions:Were Jesus family members all faithful Christians before He was crucified?Which kingdom are people born into, Gods or Satans?Did the unbelieving leaders deny Jesus miracles or affirm them? How did they explain them?In the parable, who is: The strongman? The one who binds the strongman? The stuff being taken out of the strongmans house?When was the strongman bound?What was the major national or geography change which God made because of the life, death,and resurrection of Jesus?In what ways is Satan not yet fully bound? When will the church and creation be fully freeSatans influence?There are two major dangerous errors which can be made when explaining verse 35. What isthe legalistic error? What is the lawless error? How does the Gospel of Christ guard us fromboth errors?What change occurs when a person becomes a Christian related to ones own will and Godswill?Why is it a wonderful rich blessing to be raised within a Christian family? How should this impacthow we live and parent?Why is Christian heritage insufficient? How should this impact how we live and parent?
Sermon OutlineNew revelation to complete Gods Word to His renewed peopleThe Apostles were set apart among ChristiansThe Apostles teaching is the Word made fleshThe Apostles teaching delivers us from the kingdom of darknessThe Apostles teaching effectually calls all whom God desiresFamily Discussion QuestionsWhere did Jesus set apart the 12 Apostles?Why did He choose 12?What is the difference between a disciple and an Apostle?Why was it important for the 12 to be with Jesus?The Apostles and Jesus miraculously cast out demons. Christians are not called to do this. Why was it important that the 12 and Jesus were able to do this? What confidence does this give us for evangelism, for missions, for church?Who was the 13th (and last) Apostle, added to the 12 after Jesus rose from the dead? What does his addition teach us?How is the choice of Judas Iscariot important for our understanding of the Gospel?How is the choice of Judas Iscariot a warning for church leaders?How is the choice of Judas Iscariot a comfort for the church when leaders throw themselves into sin?Why will there be no more Apostles after the Scripture was completed?What danger is the church in when we confuse what an Apostle is?What comfort does the church receive when we comprehend what an Apostle is?How effective is the Word of God at calling Christs Sheep to salvation?
Sermon Outline:Christ drew an international crowdThe crowd desired signs and wondersMany confessed Christ was the Son of GodFamily Discussion Questions:Where did Jesus withdraw to?A great crowd followed Him; where did they come from? Why is this important for us to notice?Why did Jesus need to get into a boat?Why did that crowd gather to Jesus? Why were they there?Why did Jesus withdraw to the sea instead of facing the Pharisees?What are reasons that are used to draw people to Jesus that create a false church?Jesus said that His purpose was not to perform miracles, but to do what things? (Mark 10:45,Mark 1:38)The crowd that came to Jesus would later crucify Him. What does this say about true and falsefaith?Why did Jesus command the demons not to declare Him to be the Messiah?What do we learn about true and false faith from the knowledge that the demons confess Jesusas the Messiah?What does true faith desire most and trust Jesus to do for you?How should the difference between a crowd and a church shape a church?
Sermon Outline:1. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.2. The Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.3. Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?Family Discussion Questions:1. What was the Sabbath and what was Gods goal in creating the Sabbath for his people?2. How had the Pharisees rejected or subverted Gods design for the Sabbath?3. What did the Pharisees treatment of Jesus disciples, then the man with the withered hand, show about how they had misunderstood God, the law, and the Sabbath?4. What does Jesus example of David teach about Gods law and the Sabbath?5. When Jesus says The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath is this an invitation for us to do whatever we want?6. What does it mean that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath?7. What does the Pharisees conspiring with the Herodians show us about their hearts?8. Why does God command His people to gather together for worship once a week?9. What is your attitude towards coming to the worship service? Why do you think you are supposed to be here? How important is the worship service to you? Why?10. What does our lack of concern for one another show about our own relationship with God?11. What are ways that we can participate in Gods Sabbath rest extended to one another?
Sermon Outline:The Messiah has come, the bridegroom is at the wedding feast.A New Wineskin Life for New Covenant Wine.Family Discussion Questions:Why was it right for Jesus disciples not to fast, even though Jesus did not condemn fasting itself?What was the main goal of Johns ministry? How did this change when Jesus came?What did it mean that Gods people were waiting for the bridegroom?When Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom, what are things he wants us to know about himself?What are things that Gods people had once hoped for that God has already brought about? What promised things do we still hope for now?What is Jesus showing us in Revelation 19 when he depicts His return as a wedding feast?Jesus uses two metaphors to explain why you cannot try and bind together the new and the old. What are the old and new things Jesus is actually referring to?What is Jesus talking about when he refers to sewing a new patch on an old garment, or pouring new wine into an old wineskin? What tear is created when we do this?What are reasons why Christians might have wanted to bring elements of the Old Covenant which Jesus had fulfilled into their New Covenant life? Or why might they be tempted to reject Jesus and return to the Old Covenant altogether?What are some ways that we might miss what it means to enjoy what Jesus has fulfilled so long after the death and resurrection? What would it look like for us to return to the Old, or maybe a misconception of the Old?
Sermon Outline:Jesus calls sinners to follow himJesus enjoys fellowship with those who follow himJesus came to rescue sinners from sinFamily Discussion Questions:What was Levis other name?What did Levi do for a living and why did that make people hate him?What did Levi do when Jesus called him?Why were the Pharisees angry at Jesus in this passage?What was Jesus response to their question?Are there types of people which we assume could not become Christians? How does thispassage correct that idea?Some people use this passage to say that Jesus is OK with people sinning. What details in thepassage prove that is a wrong interpretation?Did Jesus mean here that some people are not in need of the Gospel because they arerighteous? How do you know this?Does your own heart align with the teaching of Christ, that you need to be cleansed of your sinand only Jesus can do that?Following Jesus doesnt save a person, faith in what Christ did does. But how does Christscommand to follow Him help us understand what it means to be saved?
Sermon Outline:Forgiveness is everyones greatest needOnly God has authority to forgive sinSaving faith and unbelief often have the same informationFamily Discussion Questions:1. Why did the 4 friends bring their friend to Jesus?2. How did they finally get to see Jesus?3. What did Jesus say to him?4. How did Jesus prove he could forgive this man?5. What clues in the first two chapters of Mark do we have to tell us what these men had faith in?6. What is easier to say, your sins are forgiven, or to a paralytic, rise and walk?7. Why is it that God alone has authority to forgive sins?8.Which passage of the Bible is Jesus referring to when he calls himself the Son of Man?9.What does it say about the scribes that they were excited about the Messiah coming with authority and yet didnt think about forgiveness?10. How many ways did Jesus show he was God in this passage?11. How does this passage get us to think differently about our own needs?12. How does this passage get us to think differently about the needs of our friends?
Sermon Outline:Christ Rose from the Dead in Every wayChristians will rise from the dead in every wayThe inheritance of Christ and His bride is a redeemed heaven and earthIn the Lord, you labor is not in vainFamily Discussion Questions:1. In Luke 24, Luke notes a number of proofs that Christ rose bodily. What are they?2. How, from Luke 24, do we know that Jesus still has his human body even though he is inheaven?3. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says that the truth of firstfruits proves that the bodies of Christians willbe raised from the dead as well. Explain that.4. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says that Jesus task of defeating enemies proves that the bodies ofChristians will be raised from the dead. Explain that.5. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul tells us what our bodies will be like using the truth of seeds and plants.6. What will our bodies be like?7. What do we know about our eternal home, the new heavens and earth? What will be the same,what will be different?8. How does the truth of the resurrection of all things help us to:Enjoy this life?Work for the Gospel?Resist temptation?Hate death without fearing it?How does Jesus suffering earn and prove our resurrection from the dead?
Sermon Outline:Gods will to pity the defiledChrist became defiled to cleanse the defiledThe cleansing of the defiled is provenThe cleansing of the defiled leads to thanksgivingThe cleansing of the defiled is contagiousFamily Discussion Questions:Who came to Jesus and why did he come to Him?What did Jesus do? How did He heal this man?What did Jesus tell the man to do and not do?How did the man respond? Did he listen?What do we know about the leper based upon how he asks for healing?What motivated Jesus to heal this man? How should that shape our hearts, prayers, attitudestoward others?Given that all Jesus miracles are also signs and parables, what does leprosy healing teach usabout the Gospel?What was significant about Jesus touching this man?What were the cleansing laws in the Old Testament and how do they help us understand theGospel?What opposite ditches does this passage prohibit when considering our own sin and the sin ofothers?How does Jesus instruction to this man for silence teach us about Jesus motivations for themiracle?
Sermon Outline:A private and touching illustration of Gods graceA private and touching response to Gods graceA public illustration of Gods graceA private dependance on Gods graceChrist left heaven that people would be saved by the preaching of the GospelSermon Discussion Questions:1. What was the problem with Peters mother-in-law?2. How did Jesus heal her?3. What did she do right after she was healed?4. Did Jesus let the demons speak? Why not?5. What did the disciples find Jesus doing when they were looking for him?6. What does the private nature of the healing of Peters mother-in-law tell us?7. How is the response of Peters mother-in-law a lovely illustration of redemption? What are somefalse ideas about salvation and serving God?8. Why did the crowd wait until sundown to flock to Jesus for healing?9. What does Jesus prayer in this passage teach us, even though the content was not recorded?10. The purpose for Jesus leaving of heaven is surprising. What is it? How does this challengesome popular beliefs about Jesus?11. How does this passage show the guilt of Capernaum in rejecting Christ as Messiah?
Sermon Outline:A church where Satan is welcomeAn embarrassing spiritual battleChrist proves He is the one who crushed the head of the serpentFamily Discussion Questions:This is Marks first introduction to us about what could be found in a typical synagogue during Jesus day. What is surprisingly NOT there? What is surprisingly there?What does it mean for Jesus to teach with authority?Would would it have meant for the preachers for Jesus to properly teach with authority even though they were not the Messiah?This doesnt seem to be the type of battle Satan wants to be in. What is the ordinary way that Satan attacks the world and the church?What is the Bible teaching us when it mentions this kind of demon activity almost nowhere other than with Christ and the Apostles?If you were a regular worshiper in a synagogue around the time of Jesus who thought that the non-Jewish world alone had a problem with following Satan, how would this have corrected you?How is the authority of Jesus over Satan a sweet comfort to Christians?Are Christians ever instructed to talk to Satan or demons?These events proved Jesus had authority and was the chosen one to crush Satan, but how would he finally do this?What changed regarding Satans influence over the nations when Jesus rose from the dead?
Sermon OutlineJesus begins to His ministry by calling His apostlesJesus call: Follow me and I will make you become fishers of menThe apostles were willing to lay down everything to follow after JesusFamily Discussion QuestionsHow does the purpose of the Gospel of Mark, as well as the place of this story in the book, help us to understand this storys meaning?The fishermen we meet here are men who will all be appointed as apostles in the church. How does the title fishers of men relate to that office?Why is it important that Jesus Himself will make them become fishers of men?What does this passage tell us about Jesus and His kingdom?Why might Jesus have called Galilean fishermen to this office?Why is it important that disciples left their work and even their father to follow Jesus? Does this mean everyone who believes in Jesus should leave their job and their family?What valuable things does this passage teach us about the church as a whole?What reasons can you take from this passage why it is good to trust in Jesus?What reasons can you take from this passage why it is good to share the gospel?
Sermon OutlineThe ministry of the Old Testament Prophets is completed by ChristThe Gospel of Jesus is the Good News of GodThe Lord Jesus is the fulfillment of all God had ever done beforeThe Gospel is God taking matters into His own royal handsFlee from the kingdom which is being destroyed by Christs KingdomFamily Discussion QuestionsMark here calls the Gospel the Gospel of God. Why would we say that the gift we get with the Gospel is God?What are some big shoes of the Old Testament that Jesus fulfills?Why is the Kingdom of God wonderful?Why would the News of the Kingdom of God be bad news without the cross?How do we get out of the Kingdom of the World the Jesus is destroying?In what way is the Kingdom of God already AND not yet?Why was the long history of the Old Testament with its many prophets necessary for proving Jesus as the Messiah?Explain the false teaching about the Gospel of the Kingdom and why it contradicts scripture.The church, including the Old Testament church, has a long history of affirming the prophets yet being enemies of them. How is this currently playing out?What parts of the kingdom of the World do you still feel (sometimes) worth rebelling for? What medicines are in scripture to cure that madness?
Sermon Outline:The Beginning of the Gospel.The Gospel Begins with Announcements.The Gospel Begins with Repentance.The Gospel Begins in the Wilderness.Family Discussion Questions:When you read a textbook or a novel, you are reading them in different ways, looking for different things. How should you read a Gospel? What are you looking for and what response does it require?Marks Isaiah quote actually also quotes Malachi quoting Isaiah! And all this points to John as he points to Jesus! What is Mark showing us in this squished together reference to so many prophets?What does John tell us about the uniqueness of Jesus?Why is it important for the whole Trinity to be visible at once during the baptism of Jesus?What does it mean that Johns baptism was a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins?What is repentance? Would repentance be the same as feeling sorry for your sin?Why is repentance the way that John gets people ready for the coming of Jesus?Look at your experience in your family, at church, at your work or in other relationships. Would you say your trust in the Gospel has come with humility and repentance? Or would experience show you are trying to trust in Jesus without ever admitting your sin and repenting of it?What is the significance of the wilderness? Why does the Gospel start there?What is the Gospel that you believe? Is it the same as Marks good news? Is there anything missing or confused in your understanding?Do you believe thatJesus it Christ (Messiah, Anointed Saviour-King), the Son of God, who came as a man to fulfill all righteousness, so that He could take the punishment for your sin on the cross, rise again, and save you along with all of the people of His Kingdom who trust in Him?
Sermon Outline:God will come in judgement for the whole worldGod sends the Gospel of the Cross to assemble a people of all nations into a templeGods childrens enjoyment of His glory will never endThe judgment of those who rebelled against God will never endFamily Discussion QuestionsWhat words does God use to describe His judgement against sinners? What is each of those words meant to show us?He says that all flesh will be judged - meaning all people from all places. But as an example he focuses on one group in verse 17. We read about this group in the beginning of chapter 66. Who is this group? Why should this be a warning to the church?Verse 19. What is the major difference in the way the Lord calls the nations to salvation before and after the Messiah (Jesus) came?What is the sign that is taken to the nations which will draw them to the Lord? (See John 3:14, John 12:32)Isaiah has already said earlier that the New Jerusalem and the new Temple would extend to the ends of the earth after the Messiah came. So then what does it mean that all these nations will come to Zion, to the Temple? How is that shown so wonderfully every week?The Lord had given wonderful redemptions and salvations to His people through leaders before. What does verse 22 tell us is different about this salvation?What does verse 23 tell us is the goal and satisfaction of the Gospel?What are the ways which we serve in the New Temple?Does the book of Isaiah end on a happy or sad note? Why would that be, after so much Good News in the book?What does verse 24 tell us about who will go to hell?What does verse 24 tell us about hell itself?What might be the reasons that the Lord will permit the church to see hell while they are in the New Heaven and Earth?
Sermon Outline:Our actions do not move God but He smiles on the one who is moved by His WordThose who shame those who tremble at Gods law and Gospel will be put to shameThe salvation of Gods people comes in a moment and it is sureJoy, peace, comfort, and glory are only found in the Bride of the MessiahFamily Discussion Questions:What are the throne and footstool of God?How does God view the religious obedience of people who dont care about HisWord?In what way does non-Gospel worship act as though it can make God do things?How is this the opposite of the Gospel?What does it mean to be humble and contrite in spirit?How did God know that the people didnt tremble at His Word?Who is the son born for the salvation of Zion?Who are the children of Zion?What are the people of Jesus comforted from?What does it mean to rejoice and grieve over Zion or the church?What do you think is meant by these gifts of God being overflowing?What will be the portion of those who are not part of Christs Bride?
Sermon Outline:How The Gospel Makes All Things NewThe Eternal Promises of Gods New CreationWalking in Newness with HopeFamily Discussion Questions:What was the most immediate longing of Isaiahs audience? How would Gods initial answer to that desire been both satisfying to them and left them with longing?How is the final state of all the heavens and earth dependant on the death and resurrection of Jesus?Isaiah parallels the promise of a new heavens and new earth with the promise of a newly created Jerusalem. What do each of these specific promises emphasize about the final state of Gods kingdom?What will be the cause of our joy in the new heavens and new earth?What will be the cause for Gods joy in the new heavens and new earth?Which of the promises made here is most foundational? How do the other promises rest on it?What does Isaiah say will not be found in the new Jerusalem?Isaiah refers in the last verses to the animals on Gods Holy mountain, what does this reference tell us about the new creation?Which promises of Gods new heavens and new earth are particularly sweet for you as you hope for Jesus return?What are ways that you can now, in the church, help your brothers and sisters to enjoy the new creation promises, even while we look forward to their full and final fulfillment?
Sermon Outline:Gods plan to call enemies to Himself is eternalMany people who were known as the people of the Lord will be condemnedThe promises of Eden belong to those who are rebornEither you will be called cursed or you will be called by Gods nameFamily Discussion Questions:Before Jesus came, which nation was called by Gods name? What is the benefit of being calledby someone elses name?The one family of God, after Jesus came would come to include billions of people who were notgenetically related to Jesus. Would that have been a surprise to Isaiah and the people who paidattention to his writing?Many people within Gods household (Israel) in the Old Testament were not actually Hischildren. Look at verse 2-7 and describe some ways that they showed this.Should people who are part of the church assume that being part of the church is enough toescape Gods punishment for sins?How does the grape cluster song in verse 8 comfort true believers in Jesus even when they aresurrounded by people who call themselves Christians yet refuse to trust and obey Him?What are some unbelieving actions mentioned in 11-12 that Israel tried to mix into their worshipof the true God? How is this still happening in our current day?What are the benefits of being called by Gods Name which are listed in verses 13-16? How is itthat they are made more bright by being compared to the curses which we actually and naturallydeserve? Which of those benefits feels most precious to you right now, and why?Why is it important to remember Isaiahs already and not yet pattern for his prophecies whenwe read verses 13-16?The end of verse 16 gives a reason for why these things will happen, beginning with the wordbecause. How does Christs death and resurrection fulfill this?
Sermon Outline:Confess that the Father of the glorious house has children who look fatherlessConfess that sin is unthinkable considering how God deals with peopleConfess that sin is unthinkable considering how sin deals with peopleCall on the mercy of the Father to complete a household which shows His gloryFamily Discussion Questions:Why is this passage talking about Gods inner parts?In what ways had Israel started looking fatherless?What is it about God that makes sin so unthinkable?What is it about sin that makes sin so unthinkable?Why is it comforting to be able to call on Gods mercy when we have sinned?Why is it comforting to be able to call on God to complete building his house when we have sinned?What is meant by the fact that Abraham and Israel (Jacob) wouldnt acknowledge these people?How is it that people are responsible for their sin, yet God is sovereign over it? How is that a warning? How is that a comfort?How does 64:5 teach us about what it looks like to walk as Gods children?How does 64:6 correct the thought that we can save ourselves by our good works?How can God take responsibility to have a holy household when he has adopted billions of sinful people? (Hint: justification, sanctification, and glorification).What are some bad ways to call on God after you have fallen into sin?
Sermon Outline:Recount the steadfast gracious love of God in redemptive historyRemember God the Fathers compassionRemember God the Redeemers sufferingRemember God the Spirits reconcilingRemember the route our redemption takesRemember the Lord saves His people for the praise of His glorious NameFamily Discussion Questions:Where is God called Father in this passage?What truths does Gods fatherhood remind us of?Where would we learn most about God the Son in this passage?What does redemption mean?What does it mean for God to be afflicted with our affliction at the cross?What does it mean for God to be afflicted with our affliction other than the cross?Why is the work of the Holy Spirit connected to the fact that Gods people are naturally His enemies and have acted that way?What is the difference between how God saved people through Moses compared to how He saved them through Christ?What does this prayer teach us about the start, middle and ending of Gods leading of His people?In what way is the church already at the end of that journey?In what way is the church still in the middle of that journey?God saves His people to make a name for Himself. Why is that a great comfort? How shouldthat shape and correct us?Why is it important to recall not only your small little piece of history, but to pray remembering the whole scope of redemptive history?Why is it important to especially recall those things God did that are recorded in Gods Word?
Sermon Outline:The Lord has wrath toward sinThe Lord Jesus alone is worthy to judgeThe wrath of the Lord Jesus is complete and irreversibleThe Lord Jesus brings justice for his brideFamily Discussion Questions:What is Edoms relationship with Israel? How doesthis help us understand this passage?What does the wine or grape juice symbolize?Why does God hate sin?Why is it that Jesus is the only human who his worthy to bring Gods punishment for sin?How can we practice forgiveness even toward guilty people?What are things to remember when looking forward to the return of Christ that would keep usfrom doing so in a proud and bitter way?Why is Jesus coming as a judge something that is good for his people? What words in thepassage point to that?In what ways is the judgment Jesus will bring complete and irreversible? How is that a comfortto the church? How is that a warning to those who will not repent?How does this passage help us to understand the wonder of the Cross of Christ better?How is this passage related to the Lords Supper?
Sermon Outline:The wedding clothes of the bride and groom are righteousness and praiseThe Lord Jesus changes the name of His brideThe waiting bride has the privilege of praying for afeast sworn to be celebratedThe invitation to the feast is to be plainly announced in all the earthFamily Discussion Questions:Who is the groom and who is the bride in this passage?What does it mean for the church to have robes of righteousness?What does it mean for Jesus to have robes of righteousness?What headwear did Jesus wear on the cross to be able to marry the church? What did thatrepresent?How are the words righteousness and praise explained by the imagery of a bride and groomenjoying one another?What does it mean that Jesus changes your name when you become a Christian? What timesare especially helpful to remember that your name is changed?What is the church called to pray for in 62:6-9? Why is it a privilege to have the responsibility topray for things that will certainly happen?What are meant by obstacles on the road for Zions citizens?What does the Bible say repeatedly is the signal which calls people of all nations to join Zion?Pick a couple of the phrases in the invitation of 62:11-12 and talk about how they can be used tomake the Gospel more clear.
Sermon outline:Jesus is:The humble King of kings.The fulfillment of Gods PromisesThe real child from the real place at an exact time.Family Discussion Questions:What is the significance of Luke including the names of Caesar Augustus and Quirinius in this passage?Why is it important for Luke to say that Joseph is of the house and the lineage of David?Why is it important that Jesus is Marys firstborn son?What is the significance of the manger, and there being no room in the inn?God brought Jesus into the world during the time of the Roman Empire, just like the prophets predicted. How does the Roman Empire form a particularly important contrast with the Messiah?How did God use actions which might at first seem to be opposed to Gods people to keep His promises to His people? Can you think of other examples of this in history (like you might find in Isaiah!)?How does a confidence that Jesus was a real historical person change the way that we engage the accounts of His life in the gospels?In what ways might we drift into treating Jesus like a mythological figure more than an actual person who really did what Scripture says He did?
Sermon outline:Truly Good News comes only from JesusTill sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweetThe Lord will replace shame with glory for His bridePeople from all nations will serve and be served by the church if they are to know the LordThe Lord does not repay good with evilFamily Discussion Questions:How did John the Baptist know that Jesus was the one who would bring the Gospel?What was the text of the first sermon Jesus preached?What part of this text did Jesus leave out? Will he always leave that out?What does it mean that the Good News is only for the poor and brokenhearted?Who is a member of true Zion? Before Jesus came, where did someone have to go and whatdid they have to do in order to enjoy being part of Zion?What was the glory given to believing Israelites right after Jesus came?What is the current glory given to the church among the nations?What are some of the ways that the Lord will replace our shame with glory?Why can we be sure that God will replace our shame with glory?What would you say to a person who was worried about losing important things for the sake ofthe Gospel?What does this text teach us about the importance of evangelism and missions?What are ways that we can currently enjoy the glory of belonging to Zion?How is continuing in unrepentant sin forgetting the Gospel?
Sermon Outline:The Lord summons Zion out of darkness from all nationsThe Lord builds and beautifies His city temple by giving new hearts to people of all nationsThe Gospel of Christs punishment instead of sinners will gather the nations to ZionFormer enemies will come humbly and joyfully to ZionPeace and righteousness will captivate Zions citizensSince Zions righteousness comes from God alone it is sureFamily Discussion Questions:Isaiah says that the only place in the world which will not be in darkness is Zion. What does that tell us about the church?Isaiah 27:6 tells us the boundaries of Zion when the Messiah comes. What does that tell us about the church? About missions and evangelism?When was the first symbolic fulfillment of verse 6? How was that a foreshadowing of the Gospel?What does the imagery of the temple city (Zion) being built with precious materials from all nations teach us about how the church grows? How does this correct our view about what makes a church pleasing to Christ?Verse 10 tells us why (note the word for) the nations will be added to Zion. Verse 6s Christmas fulfillment tells us who will do this (Jesus). What about Jesus does verse 10 tell us will gather these people?Describe the humility and honour of someone joining Gods people from v10-14. How does the Apostle Pauls story fit this wonderfully?How is it currently seen as dishonourable to belong to the church in the eyes of the world? How will that be reversed?How is God currently using the unsaved world to build up the church?What does it mean for peace and righteousness to be our taskmasters?Verse 19 speaks of the sun being unnecessary for the light of Zion. How is this the current privilege of the church? How will that one day be fully realized?The building of the church is something that we get no glory for - and this is a stumbling block for many people - why? Why, though, is it really good news?
Sermon OutlineI. When God can find no intercessor in Zion, He sends Jesus.II. Jesus The Conqueror Brings Vengeance.II. Jesus The Redeemer Comes to Zion.IV. Through Jesus, the Sprit and the Word will never depart from Gods People.Family Discussion QuestionsGo back and read v59:9-13. How do vv14-21 relate to that prior passage? (Note vv16, 20)We hear about God wondering or marvelling at the state of Judah?What does this say about Judahs own feelings about their sin?What is Gods response to His people failing to produce even one qualified intercessor? Where will He find someone able to perform this task?What are we meant to feel as we read about the armour of the messiah?What do the articles of armour the Messiah wears signify? How do they relate to Pauls armour of God in Ephesians 6?What is the response of the nations to the conquest of the Messiah?How will Zions redemption come about alongside the conquering?What makes Jesus particularly qualified to fulfill the role of intercessor / conqueror / redeemer?What is the significance of the pairing of the Spirit and the Word?
Sermon Outline: The Hypocrites Indignant Attitude Towards God. Hypocritical Worship is Exposed After the Worship is Over The Sins of the Hypocrites: Injustice and Oppression God Explains Sincere Worship and Selfless Love. God Promises Hope for Repentant Hypocrites.
Family Discussion Questions: What makes a hypocrite more likely to accuse God of being unjust? How does God expose the hypocrisy of the people of Judah? What were the sins that exposed their hypocrisy? What was fasting meant to communicate? How will that meaning be shown in how we treat others? In what ways will our treatment of others, particularly our family of faith, visibly reveal our love for God? What does the imagery of adders' eggs and spiders' webs communicate about the good works and performative worship of the people of Judah? What do the repentant sinners recognize about themselves in 59:9-13? What hope does God promise to those whose worship is sincere? Is this promoting a kind of transactional worship? How would this understanding of worship be different from the rationale of the hypocrites? Contra our first question: how does humbly letting go of the things we have coveted and pouring ourselves out for others guard us against wrongly accusing God of treating us unjustly? How does Jesus create true fasting and true Sabbath keeping in us?
Sermon Summary: -Isaiah exposes the adultery of idolatry. -Isaiah exposes the folly of claiming a righteous identity while we are enslaved to sin and the world. -God warns that our idols will not protect us at Gods judgement BUT -God assures us that the worst sinner can take refuge in Him. -Jesus left his throne to preach peace and renewal to prostitutes and tax collectors. -To sinners who humble themselves in repentance and faith, God removes every obstacle to resting in eternity with Him.
Family Discussion Questions:
What excuses would the people of Judah have had for compromising with the nations around them? What similar excuses might we have now for worldly behaviour in our own cultural context? What are the heinous sins that Isaiah gives as evidence of the extent of the moral corruption that the people of Judah had become complacent about? What are some of the ways we feel pressured to compromise with the culture around us? What are some sins of compromise that we might be less concerned about, because they seem less extreme to us? What analogy does Isaiah use to describe how the people of Judah have compromised with the world around them? What does he accomplish through this analogy? What are some of the idols of this world that men will be forced to hide behind when Gods judgement comes? How will those idols fair? After his stinging rebuke of sin, who does Isaiah say will be able to take refuge in God and be saved from his judgement? How did Jesus life and ministry fulfill Gods promise that He would draw near to the lowly and contrite to revive and heal them? Do you need to put your trust in Christ instead of the idols of this world? Or do you need to be watchful of how you are being tempted to accept worldly behaviour? What is the fruit of the lips God creates in us? What is God promising? (Hebrews 13:15) Personal Question: Are you currently carrying on in some private sin that you have excused because it is unknown and seemingly hopeless to be free from? What would actual repentance for this sin look like? Which mature member or elder in the church are you going to speak to in keeping with that repentance?
Sermon Outline:1. Gods people need a Shepherd2. Gods shepherd must know Gods Word3. Gods shepherd must speak Gods Word4. Gods shepherd must long for the good of Gods sheep5. Gods shepherd must be joyfully sober-minded6. Gods shepherd must have his eyes firmly fixed on the day of the LordFamily Discussion Questions:1.Who are the beasts of verse 9 and what was the feast they are being invited to? How does this foreshadow the second coming of Christ?2. Who were supposed to be the watchmen or shepherds of Gods people?3. Why do we need a shepherd? 4. What are some things that pastors are tempted to watch for instead of Gods Word?5. What would make a pastor blind?6. What would make a pastor silent?7. What are the godly motivations of a shepherd of Gods people?8. Why should our eyes always be set on the Day of the Lord?9. Mention a few ways this passage shows that Jesus is the Good Shepherd10. Why is it important to remember that pastors are under-shepherds and not the chief Shepherd?11. Try to list the differences between a godly under-shepherd and Christ, the Chief Shepherd.12. How are churches to submit to God in who they choose as pastors?13. How are churches to submit to God in their job descriptions for those pastors?
Sermon Outline:1. What should the remnant do while waiting for the Redeemer?2. Why outcasts who join themselves to the Lord will never fear being sectioned off from Gods people3. Former outcasts are brought near the throne of God to enjoy fellowship with Him4. The Good Shepherd gathers one flock by His one sacrifice for their sinsFamily Discussion Questions:1. Why is it appropriate to seek righteousness while waiting for Christs return even though it doesnt save you?2. What was the Sabbath so special after the exodus from Egypt?3. How is Jesus our Sabbath? What two things do we get to rest from if we believe in Jesus?4. What did the eunuch and the foreigner have in common in the Old Covenant, and how does that change with the covenant of the Messiah?5. Why is the Ethiopian convert in Acts 8 the perfect fulfillment of Isaiah 53-56?6. Why can sinners who trust in Christ be confident they will never be separated from Gods people?7. What does it mean that God gives His people a name better than sons and daughters?8. What was the purpose of the temple?9. Why is it that guilty people can come to God in prayer?10. How is John 10 the perfect fulfillment of verse 8?*To aid with church-family discussions, discipleship of children and mutual discipleship, eachweek we provide questions regarding the Scripture passage and sermon. We pray that thesewould be helpful to assess understanding of the passage, the key elements of the sermon, andapplication of the text. It is intentionally called family discussion questions for help with bothfamilies and church-family interactions.
Sermon Outline:1. Everyone is invited to eat and drinkChrist with their ears.2.Turn away from sin to Christ and He will surely,compassionately and abundantly pardon you3. Zions pilgrimage will be marked with assurance,joy and peace4. All creation will reflect the sure peace and joypurchased for Zion by Christs life Family Discussion Questions1.What does John 6 tell us about the Lord Jesus being our food? (1-2)2. How does one eat the Gospel of Christ? (3)3.Why would God tell us to buy"; this food eventhough the price is free? (1)4. Why is false religion said to be unsatisfying? (2)5. Why is false religion said to be at our own cost?(2)6. What are ways that you are tempted to be satisfied other than the Gospel? (2)7. Why does the church get to enjoy the covenant between God and the Son of David? (3-5)8. Why is it critical to know that a turning towardChrist is a turning away from sin? (6-7)9. Why does Isaiah say that we ought to be sure thatthose who have faith in Christ will not becondemned when we meet God? (7-11)10.What does verse 12 teach us about conversion?11. How will the New Heavens and Earth reflect theGospel of Christ? (12-13)12. What is the key phrase in verse 13 which links the new Heavens and Earth with the sacrifice ofChrist in chapter 53?
Sermon Outline: 1. The House of the Servants Bride fills the earth with children born from above 2. The exile was the last time in which the Lord would cause Zion to taste the shame of forsakenness 3. The Brides house will be beautified, protected and led by the Servant 4. The House of the Servants Bride will not have enemies which could destroy her or her righteous heritage Family Discussion Questions:
If Zion was described as a barren woman, what explains all the children that were born to her?
Where will the borders of Zions tent extend?
What does chapter 53 tell us about why Zion does not have to fear being shamed by God?
What is the responsibility of a Kinsman Redeemer, and how did Christ fulfill this?
What does the rainbow teach us about the exile and whether the Church should fear it happening again?
How should we feel about the materials the Lord uses to build this house for Zion?
How should verse 13 shape how we live?
Why should the church not be afraid of her enemies?
What is the important connection between the heritage we receive from the Lord and the righteousness we receive from Him?
Sermon outline 1. God's wisdom displayed for the many who counted it foolishness 2. Christ Jesus lived as a man of sorrows for the sake of the church 3. God punished Jesus for our sins to bring us peace with Him 4. Christ Jesus was willing to fulfil God's justice by suffering great injustice 5. God was pleased to fin and provide salvation for His beloved church 6. The church is clothed in Christ's righteousness, not her own
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What does it mean that Christ would act wisely? 2. During His crucifixion humans harmed him - but how does this passage tell us that the biggest suffering was actually God punishing Jesus? 3. Whose sin was Jesus being punished for? 4. Is there any one who doesn't deserve a punishment for sin? 5. What does the willingness of Christ to suffer for us tell us about His heart toward us? 6. In what way was the cross of Christ the greatest injustice ever? 7. In what way was the cross of Christ the greatest display of justice ever? 8. Describe the great exchange 9. Go through this entire passage and note all the results of Christ paying for the forgiveness of sins. 10. How does verse 5's "peace" shape our choices and the way we live? 11. How does verse 7's description of how we responded to the sins of others shape our lives? 12. How does verse 12's "diving of spoil" help us to trust and obey Christ even when it brings us suffering?
Sermon Outline: 1. God has removed his wrath from His people. 2. God has redeemed Zion to belong to Him 3. God purifies Zion to be His holy people
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What imperatives does Isaiah give us in this passage? Contrast what his readers are called to do with what they are told has been done for them. How does that help us understand salvation? 2. What is the benefit of the metaphor of the cup of Gods wrath? Where else do we see it in Scripture and how does that help us understand Gods justice and how He satisfies it so that He can justify His people? 3.What does it mean that Gods people were redeemed without money? 4. What is the benefit of the metaphor of the runner and the watchmen? What gospel truths does this image convey? 5. Isaiah says that the uncircumcised and unclean will not be able to enter Zion at all. This phrase commonly refers to Gentiles. How could it be true that we, then, are told that we will separate ourselves from what is unclean and dwell in Zion no matter where we are born? 6. Are there any lies that you have entertained to convince you that Gods salvation is not so entirely accomplished as He says it is? Do you doubt whether all of Christs accomplishments are true for you? 7. Are there any ways in which you are acting as though holiness is not really possible for you? Are there any ways that you need to depart from what is unclean?
Sermon Outline: 1. Fear of men focuses on what is immediate to us. 2. God's answer to our fear is to remind us of who He is, what He has done and what He promises. 3. God tells us to look at what He has done in the past a. God made a mighty people out of just Abraham and Sarah b. God defeated monsters and dragons to deliver His people. 4. God tells us to look at who He is today a. Gods power and wrath are evidently greater than the wrath of men. b. By that same power, God is also the comforter of His people 5. God tells us to look at what He promises for the future. a. God will certainly punish the wicked b. God will remake the world c. God will forever establish Zion for his saved people
Family Discussion Questions:
What reasons did Gods people have to be afraid in exile? Would most people consider those legitimate reasons to fear? What reasons from the past does Isaiah give them not to be afraid? What reasons from the present does Isaiah give them not to be afraid? What reasons from the future does Isaiah give them not to be afraid? What is Gods plan for history? What promises has He made as a part of the plan? What are some times in history when Gods plans for his people appeared hopeless to us? What did God do in those situations? Do you fear the people of the world around you? Has this fear affected your confidence in God and willingness to publicly identify yourself as one of His children? What is the likelihood that Gods plan for Jesus will come about? What does this mean for you?
Sermon Outline:1. The inexcusable failure of Gods people2. The obedient, dependant, and vindicated suffering of New Israel3. Two ways to live: fire starters or Messiah-trustersFamily Discussion Questions:1. Who rejected the Lord Jesus when He came?2. How does 50:1-3 rebuke excuses commonly given for rejecting salvation?3. What does 50:4-9 tell us about the life of Jesus and how does that shape our own?4. Why did the Lord Jesus need to learn obedience when He came?5. When was the Lord Jesus vindicated?6. When will Christians be vindicated?7. Describe the two ways to respond to the Gospel in 50:10-118. In what ways are we meant to accept walking in darkness for now?9. What always ends up happening to those who rely on human religions?10. How does Gods enjoyment of Jesus earthly life shape our own endurance now?
Sermon Outline:1. A New Israel is chosen as light of the world to gather Israel from the ends of the earth2. The New Israel is Himself the Covenant of freedom, inheritance, and care3. Israel will be rebuilt by and with her former enemies4. When the signal is lifted high the strong man will be bound and the nations will bring in Israels children5. The inexcusable failure of Gods people6. The obedient, dependant, and vindicated suffering of New Israel7. Two ways to live: fire starters or Messiah-trustersFamily Discussion Questions:1. How is it that the Lord Jesus can be called Israel?2. Why is Christs mouth called a sword?3. Isaiah prophesied that Christ would suffer, but what will happen to Him in the end?4. Who rejected the Lord Jesus when He came?5. What does it mean that Jesus Himself is the covenant?6. What benefits of the covenant are mentioned here?7. How is it that Zions enemies would rebuild her?8. How is it that Zion will be rebuilt with her enemies?9. What problem will there be regarding Israels borders?10. What is the signal that will gather in Zions children from the nations?11. How did the cross of Christ bind the strongman?12. How does 50:1-3 rebuke excuses commonly given for rejecting salvation?13. What does 50:4-9 tell us about the life of Jesus and how does that shape our own?14. Describe the two ways to respond to the Gospel in 50:10-11
Sermon Outline: 1. Babylon the Harlot: mistress of world, hater of church 2. The arrogant Harlot will be crushed by those whom she used to tempt and intimidate 3. False religion hides what is plain to see 4. The Lords faithfulness to Zion, His sinful bride 5. The Servant of the Lord assembles Zion with the Gospel and His Spirit 6. Zion is called to go out of Babylon to enjoy peace, righteousness and fruitfulness
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What event is Isaiah prophesying which would take place before Christ came? 2. How does Isaiah compare how Babylon will be seen right before and then right after she falls? 3. What does it mean that she is the mistress of the kingdoms? 4. What were some of the things that described how she lived? 5. Why did Babylon feel comfortable living in such wickedness? 6. What is the reason that God ends the exile of His people in Babylon? 7. What did the silver-refining of the exile reveal? 8. What does the word church mean? 9. How does God assemble His true Zion? 10. John uses Babylon and the Harlot to speak of Rome as well. What should their histories teach the church? 11. What does it mean to go out from Babylon? 12. How is the church tempted to join Babylon? 13. What motivations does the Lord give to us to reject Babylon and wholeheartedly assemble with Zion? *To aid with church-family discussions, discipleship of children and mutual discipleship, each week we provide questions regarding the Scripture passage and sermon. We pray that these would be helpful to assess understanding of the passage, the key elements of the sermon, and application of the text. It is intentionally called family discussion questions for help with both families and church-family interactions.
Sermon Outline: 1. Your idols are burdens which cannot save 2. The Lord is the burden-bearing Savior 3. An idol which you control and provide for cannot answer prayers 4. Look at history to see the Lord is alone God 5. Gods plans are sovereign, His peoples are not 6. Christs people are His glory because He is their righteousness Family Discussion Questions: 1. Who were Bel and Nebo, and what do the first two verses tell us will happen to them? 2. What does this tell us about all false religions? 3. What difference does the Lord draw attention to between Him and idols? 4. How is the Gospel opposite to human religion and hopes? 5. How can the imagery of being carried as an unborn baby and also a tired grey-haired old man help to see our need for God to carry us? 6. How do verses 5-7 correct our desire to wish we could control God? 7. How does looking at Gods faithfulness in history to His Biblical promises cure weak faith? 8. How does it make faith in idols look foolish? 9. Why would Israel not have wanted their rescue to look the way it did? 10. How does verse 9-11 correct the teaching that God only knows but does not control the future? 11. How does Gods use of the phrase, my righteousness make room only for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to save? 12. Why is it said that Gods people are His glory, and how can that correct and comfort you? 13. These sweet words of invitation and correction are given to people described as sinners and hard-hearted. What does that teach us?
Sermon Outline:1. The Word of Zions Redeemer is sure: She shall be redeemed2. The Lords plans are specific and confirm that He alone is God, He is Zions Redeemer, and He is sovereign over lovely and terrible events3. We are to humbly and patiently entrust ourselves to His plans to use all nations to graciously build and redeem His Holy City.4. It is not vanity for God to reveal Himself and invite us to seek Him5. All nations will bow before the Redeemer of Israel, and those who turn to Him will be justified, glorified and grafted in. Family Discussion Questions:1. How long before Cyrus was this prophecy given?2. Why is it humbling and comforting that the Lord calls Himself our Redeemer?3. Why would the prophecy of Jerusalems rebuilding have been difficult when it was delivered? How about 100 years later?4. Why would the exiles have needed to hear that the Lord had taken Cyrus by the hand?5. What truths did God confirm by revealing Cyrus role and then using him?6. For whose sake does God exercise sovereignty over the world and the nations?7. What illustrations does Isaiah use to describe those who complain or disagree with Gods long and sure plan to form and redeem a people?8. How does the free-ness of this redemption help to quiet our questions?9. What does it mean to seek God?10. What reasons does God give to correct any thought that seeking Him would be useless?11. Why is the rebuilding of Zion at Cyrus decree and using the nations to do so - a proof and foreshadowing of the end times temple/city of God?12. Who are the offspring of Israel, and how can they be justified even though they have sinned?13. What makes Gods redemption of those who turn to Him a righteous or just response?
Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why would deliverance from the Babylonian exile on its own not really be a lasting promise of salvation for Gods people? 2.Why does God accuse His people of bringing him no sacrifices when earlier passages say they were bringing a multitude? 3.What was the purpose of the sacrifices? Why, then, is the heart of the person bringing sacrifices significant? 4. Isaiahs rebuke of idolatry was a stinging mockery of the nations around Israel. Why was this rebuke also important for Gods people to hear? 5. How can idolatry still exist in a culture that says it has no formal religion or gods? 6. How can even right forms of worship be twisted into false worship or idolatry? 7.If it is so easy for human hearts to ruin worship, how can we be confident that it is possible to offer right worship to God? 8. How does God save us not only from enemies, but from the sin and hypocrisy of our own hearts? 9. What is the role of the Spirit in our salvation? 10. What is the role of the Spirit in our worship?
NOTE ON THE RECORDING: Due to a power outage, a portion of the sermon was not able to be recorded. The missing portion comes at 20:11 in the recording, after the reading of 43:14-21. Please see the attached sermon notes for a manuscript of the sermon, with the missing portion of the recording highlighted (see pages 4-7). Sermon Outline: 1. Having reminded His people of who they are on their own strength, God reminds them of who He is and who they are in Him. 2.God promises His people that though their exile shows what they themselves can accomplish, He will surely save them to vindicate his own name and character. 3. God makes promises for which His people can bear witness and praise him both before and after those promises are fulfilled. 4. Gods comfort in our distress: i. God loves us with a deeper love than we can ever know. ii. God has bound himself to us and bound his own glory to our salvation. iii. God has demonstrated time and again he is able to do everything He promises. iiii. God has made you to bear witness and worship Him for His salvation iv. Trusting in these certain promises is Gods answer to our fear and anxiety.
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What did God want his people to understand about themselves through the exile? 2.What did God want his people to understand about Him through his deliverance from exile? 3. What is the primary way by which God desires to show that He is the one true God? 4. What was the significance of Gods people being blind and deaf witnesses? What does this mean for us as we experience Gods salvation in Jesus? 5.How has God made it necessary for himself to save His people? Why has He done so? 6. How did Gods promises of salvation exceed even the greatest hopes of His people? 7.What are some of the ways that God speaks of his relationship with His people in this passage? How easy is it for you to apply those to your relationship with God? 8. What particular comforts do you see in this passage for your own situation?
Sermon Outline:
The Lord has a Chosen Servant who He delights in The Lords Servant gently and surely brings His law to all nations The Lords Servant is given as a covenant to the blind of all nations The Lord does not share His glory but shares the enjoyment of it The Lords Servant brings a new song of joy and long-awaited justice The people of God are a blind servant The Lord delights to show His law through His servant
Family Discussion Questions:
How do we know that the servant of verses 1-9 is the Lord Jesus? Why did God give us His law? How does Jesus bring the Law gently? How does Jesus bring the Law surely? How are blindness, deafness and imprisonment used by Isaiah to speak of the salvation the Servant of God will bring? How do the images of childbirth and a mighty warrior explain the patience of the Lord in bringingjustice to the earth? What does it mean that the Lord does not give his glory to another? Explain what glorification means and how it fits with verse 8 What does this passage have to say to a person who belongs to the church and whose confidence is in his own law-keeping? What does this passage have to say to a person who belongs to the church and who isntinterested in keeping Gods commands? How does covenant headship explain that both Jesus and His covenant people are called myservant by God?
Sermon Outline:
Wait for the Lord because He is strong, wise and sovereign The foolish alternative to waiting for the sovereign Lord The care and victory which God performs for the worm He chose as His friend Good News of Zions Sovereign God or abomination of idolatry
Family Discussion Questions:
How does God demonstrate His wisdom in 40:12-17? How is this meant to comfort His people? What does God want His people to remember about powerful people? What does it mean to wait for the Lord? What does it mean to say that God is sovereign over history? How does God describe the response of the pagan world to major events? Why would God call his church a worm? Why is this description not something that ruins our confidence? In what ways will the Church be victorious (hint: already and not yet) In what ways will the Church be cared for (hint: already and not yet) How does the Lord challenge idol-worshippers to prove they should be worshipped? How can we apply this to modern non-religious moral leaders? How does the doctrine of headship help us to understand the full meaning of 41:15? How does the doctrine of unconditional election humble and comfort us?
Sermon Outline:
The greatest comfort is that our sins against your God are forgiven The Good News of the Lords coming will come to the wilderness The Good News can be trusted because it endures forever The Good News of the fierce and tender Shepherd should proclaimed from the mountain-tops
Family Discussion Questions:
Why would words of comfort have been surprising to Zion? What did Isaiah mean by her warfare? How was Zions sin actually pardoned? Why is it a comfort to belong to the Lord and how does a person belong to Him? Does double mean that God gives people twice the punishment that they deserve? What was the first temporary fulfillment of the voice of the wilderness and how did it serve as aproof for the full fulfillment of this prophecy? How does remembering how weak we are and how infinite God is help us when we doubt Hispromises to us? Why is it important to remember why the Gospel is beautiful and sure when we proclaim it? Why is it good to know that Christ is a fierce and powerful Shepherd? Why is it good to know that Christ is a tender Shepherd? How should Gods comforts of forgiveness, belonging, protection and tender care comfort uswhen we are distressed or perhaps finding comfort in false comforts?
Sermon Outline: I. Gods salvation is all of grace. II. Gods salvation turns distress from a punishment into a gift of grace. III. Gods salvation is unto dwelling with Him. IV. Gods salvation is unto glorifying Him. V. Gods salvation is secure and He desires that we would rest in that security. Family Discussion Questions:
In what ways did Hezekiahs illness and recovery reflect the situation of Jerusalem under the Assyrian threat? How did Hezekiah respond to Isaiahs report of his illness? Why did God answer Hezekiahs prayer? What are we saved from? What are we saved for? In what particular ways can suffering test our faith? In what particular ways can success test our faith? Why did Hezekiah fail to secure a lasting hope for his people after his own death? Why was Jesus able to secure a lasting hope for His people? How do the various stages of Jesus life and ministry add to our assurance that He is able to offer us a perfectly secure salvation? In what seasons of your life might you say you are most tempted to take your eyes off of Christ and put them on yourself? Do you feel the assurance of knowing your salvation is secure in Jesus? When has that assurance been most tested?
Sermon outline: 1. The Son of David is mocked by the nations 2. Davids people are solicited for adultery 3. The ministry of the Word and Prayer of the Son of David 4. Gods sovereignty over the nations raging against His king and city 5. Gods covenant is the only plea given and the only plea needed Family Discussion Questions: 1. What were the names of: Judahs king, the enemy king who came against Judah, and the enemy kings messenger? 2. What reasons were given to shame the Son of David? Were they all false? 3. What are reasons the world tries to paint the Lord Jesus as shameful? 4. What reasons were given to Zion to renounce the Lord and join Assyria? 5. What are reasons which the Christians are give to renounce the Lord and join the world? 6. Why should those reasons be rejected? 7. What are the two main things Hezekiah does for his people in response to these threats? 8. What is Hezekiahs attitude? How can we see a change in him? 9. What are the reasons for confidence in the Lords deliverance that we see in these passages? 10. What do we learn about the purpose of Gods sovereignty over history in these passages? In other words, what does He use it for? 11. In 37:7 God decrees the end of Sennacherib, in 37:14 Hezekiah prays, and in 37:21 God says it is because Hezekiah prayed that Sennacherib will be destroyed. How do you explain what seems like a scrambled order? 12. Describe how these chapters follow Isaiahs typical pattern of ultimate promises and "interim fulfillments. What promise to the Church is God proving with these events?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Summary of history: salvation or destruction by the Lord (Isaiah 33:1-12) 2. Zion sees and grieves over her sin, and then sees and enjoys the beauty of her King (Isaiah 33:13-24) 3. Gods permanent wrath on the nations will be satisfy His justice (Isaiah 34) 4. The Redeemer brings weak people to Himself in Zion with great gladness (Isaiah 35) Family Discussion Questions: 1. What is the main difference between waiting for the Lord and thinking Hell never come? 2. Why is the Law of God helpful for us to see the Gospel? 3. What are some ways that the presence of God is described- what do they teach us about God? 4. What does it mean to say that the Messiah is beautiful? 5. What would you tell someone who said that vengeance is wrong? 6. What does this passage tell us about how long Gods wrath for sin will last? 7. What were Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon known for? How do those things help us look forward to the Lords return? 8. How does the vision of Zion give strength to those who are pilgrims on their way there? 9. Why is the highway to Zion called, the way of holiness? What impact is that to have upon us? 10. How do 35:10 and 33:13-16 tell us how sinners end up on the Way of Holiness and ultimately in Zion?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Righteous Son of David will rule over eyes, ears, mouth and heart. Isaiah 32:1-4 2. In His kingdom, honour will be honoured rather than fools and scoundrels. Isaiah 32:5-8 3. His Reign exposes counterfeit rest and peace. Isaiah 32:9-14 4. The crucified Lamb of God was alone worthy to send the Holy Spirit and give true rest and peace. Isaiah 32:15-18 5. Your hope shapes your pleasure. Isaiah 32:19-20 Family Discussion Questions: 1. Which two Sons of David was Isaiah referring to in verse 1? 2. Will this King be the only one living righteously in the kingdom? How do you know this from the text? 3. How will this King reign in a more incredible and powerful way than other kings? (Hint: internal) 4. How is what is honoured in Christs kingdom different than what the world (and therefor the church) often honours? Why is what Christ honours better? 5. How in Isaiahs day were the counterfeit rests of the people exposed? How will that be done ultimately? 6. What are some common counterfeit rests? 7. Why was Christ Jesus and not Hezekiah able to fulfill this beautiful prophecy to give the Spirit of God and the accompanying rest and peace with God? (Hint: John the Baptist) 8. What are the two options for kingdoms which are presented in verses 19-20? How does your future delight shape your current delight?
Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why was it wrong for Israel to look for help from Egypt? 2. Is it always a sign of lack of trust in God when we seek out practical help? How might you recognize occasions when the help are seeking proves we are not trusting God? 3. What did the envoy to Egypt reveal about the heart of the Jewish people? 4.What might be examples contrasts like Assyria vs Egypt, which seem like opposites but can both represent a heart that is not trusting in the Lord? 5.What is the significance of Gods glory being associated with fire? What does this mean for Gods enemies? What does it mean for His people? 6.What was the significance of Gods call to return and rest? How is this juxtaposed with looking for help from Egypt? 7. Why is it that Gods people still at times seem to experience the same pain as those who are not His people? What is the different work that this does in them vs those who are His enemies? 8. Are there aspects of your life where you see striving or anxiety which might perhaps reveal idols you need to lay down so you can rest in the Lord? 9. Are there worldly powers, ideas, philosophies, people in whom you are tempted to put your trust like Israel trusted in Egypt? 10. Are you able to rest in what Jesus has already accomplished for you? What is keeping you from that rest?
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What do the images of blindness and drunkenness convey when they are put together in this passage? 2. Why were the prophets and priests unable to properly teach Gods word? What warning would Isaiah give to teachers and preachers in this situation? 3. What are appropriate ways for a congregation to care for their leaders and hold them accountable in this regard? 4. What dangers does Isaiah warn about regarding how we approach the word of God? 5. What are ways we could recognize that we are falling into the mindset Isaiah is warning of? 6.How does God desire that we understand and approach the Bible? 7.How does God reveal where Judahs hope and fear really lie? How might He do something similar in our lives? 8.What is the significance of the wisdom of the farmer in this passage? What encouragement and help does it provide for us in seasons of distress and trials? 9. What is the significance of the cornerstone in this passage? How does Peter explain this reference and elaborate on how people will respond to it?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Lords people enjoy Him on the sin-cursed the earth 2. The Lord prepares an eternal feast of joy for those who wait for Him 3. The Proud will not feast but swim in filth 4. The Lords righteousness is the pathway to the world-wide feast 5. The perfect peace which belongs only to the Lords vineyard Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why is the world cursed? What does that curse look like? 2. What does wine signify in Scripture? What is the difference between this wine and the wine in the previous chapter? 3. What are the benefits of the feast? 4. What are the boundaries of this feast? 5. Why will Moab be excluded? Does this mean no Moabite-blooded people will be there? 6. What does the pathway to destruction look like? 7. What does the pathway to the feast look like? How should those who are waiting for the feast live? 8. What does it mean that all our works were done by God? How does the Gospel of Christ fulfill this prophecy? 9. How is the vineyard of the Lord similar to Eden? 10. Who are the recipients of wrath outside of the vineyard? 11. What does it mean to be kept in perfect peace? 12. How can we see justification by grace in 27:7-9?
Sermon Outline: 1. Gods watchman will announce that Babylon, the city of the world, will fall along with its idols 2. Worldly watchmen will be fooled by Gods patience 3. Come to the Lord in grief over sin, do not celebrate or defend yourself 4. Only one Man can hold the household of God secure 5. God will defile the pride of worldly boasts and use them to build His household Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why did (almost) no one expect Babylon to fall, why did it fall? 2. Can you point out all of the interim fulfillments in these 3 chapters? What is an interim fulfillment? Why would God include them? 3. How was Jerusalem responding to the knowledge of their sin? 4. How did God instruct them to respond to their sin? 5. What was the problem with Shebna the steward? 6. What was better about Eliakim? 7. Why was Eliakim also bad place to put your trust? 8. What was Tyres favourite sin? 9. What did God prophecy for Tyre in these passages (7 years, 70 years)? 10. How does Tyre fit into Gods plans for his household? 11. How do these chapters warn those whose confidence is in something other than Jesus? 12. How do these chapters encourage those who have faith in Christ? 13. What do these chapters tell us to do with our sin, and what do they promise for those who do so?
Sermon Outline: 1. The fallen Rod of David will rise for the terror of his enemies and the refuge of those called Gods People 2. Foreigners are offered a permanent home in Zion, but will mostly reject it because of pride 3. Interim fulfillment: Moabs destruction 4. Gods strikes on the nations to turn eyes away from idols and onto His Son 5. The Lords invisible hand is at work in the furthest reaches of the world and with perfect timing destroys false hopes and fears and brings multi-ethnic tribute into Zion 6. Gods typical way of destroying the hopes and fears of the world 7. Davids multi-ethnic family: the people, the work, and the inheritance of God 8. Interim fulfillment: Isaiahs, Egypts, and Davids coming nakedness Family Discussion Questions: 1. What was the broken rod which the Philistines were gloating over? Why should they not have gloated? Which story in Exodus is he using to describe this? 2. Why is Zion a safe place to find refuge? Who can find refuge there? 3. What kind of refuge were the refugees of Moab to receive from Zions people? Why did most of them not receive it? 4. When you examine your heart, which error would you be prone to fall to when you are confronted with your sin: cost too high or cost too low? 5. Where in the Moab passage does God show" that there is no other salvation than in Zion with the Son of David? 6. Where in chapter 17 is Gods purpose in His dealings with the Nations 7. What does chapter 18 tell us about Gods timing? What is the purpose of this, and what does Paul say about Gods timing? 8. Chapter 19 gives a regular pattern which God uses to shame the fears and hopes of cultures and nations which do not know Him. Which can you point out, and how has God used these to refine your hopes and dreams and fears? 9. The second half of Chapter 19 is shocking. Can you list the blessings of believing Egyptian, Assyrian, and Israelite people in the days after the Messiah comes? Which of those blessings is one you regularly treasure? Which ones have you tended to neglect? 10. Which are the three interim fulfillments in chapters 14-20? Can you describe the purpose of interim fulfillments? 11. In what way does the nakedness of Isaiah and Egypt demonstrate our need for the Gospel of Christ?
Sermon Outline:
The Day of the Lord is Coming For Babylon and Every Babylon After It. Gods judgment of his enemies is unto lifting up and securing His people. Gods people are meant to be assured and confident as they rest in His fulfilled promises.
Family Discussion Questions:
What are some of the primary nations, institutions and ideals that Christians nowadays are most tempted to put their trust in, or feel like their sense of peace and rest depends on? What does Isaiah accomplish in giving a prophecy that points both to a near-historical fulfillment while looking at a far distant fulfilment? How is this helpful for our trust in God? What is the significance of Babylon in Scripture? How does the actual historical kingdom of Babylon give us a helpful paradigm for thinking about other nations, institutions or ideas? The judgement of the day of the Lord is not the final step in Gods plan for history. How does the judgement of Babylon participate in building up to Gods intended ends for history? What is Gods intended outcome after the judgement of Babylon? What are near and far fulfillments of Isaiah 14:1-2? Where do we see the amazing extent of Gods grace in Isaiah 14:1-2? Powerful nations like Babylon oppressed and enslaved Gods people. When God reverses the dynamic of power, what will that mean for the people of those nations? What does the song of creation in 14:4-8 say about human sin and the goodness of Gods judgement? What is the ultimate outcome for the King of Babylon? What is the final outcome of even the most proud and lofty human endeavours? Why is it helpful that Isaiah includes a prophetic word about Assyria as a conclusion to his prophecy regarding Babylon?
Points: I: King Jesus rules with perfect wisdom and justice, bringing about a kingdom of universal peace and paradise. II: The kingdom of Jesus will establish a united people founded upon His salvation. III: Life in the Kingdom of Jesus will be joyfully praising our Saviour.
Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why is Jesus uniquely qualified to fulfill the promises of Isaiah regarding a coming perfect king? 2. Why can we be confident that Jesus will rule with perfect justice and equity? 3.Isaiah 6 began with an image of Gods glory filling the temple. Where is God's glory enjoyed and known in the future kingdom of Jesus? Where is His glory known and enjoyed now? 4. What is the significance of the prophecies of the animals living at peace together? What is the particular significance of the children playing with snakes? 5. What do the allusions to the Exodus teach us about our entrance into Jesus kingdom? 6.What does it teach us when we read that Jesus will judge by his breath and save by raising a signal? 7. What Is Isaiah referring to when he says Gods people will draw water from the wells of salvation? What does this teach us about the salvation of Jesus? 8.If salvation is our entrance into Jesus kingdom, what does that teach us about life in Jesus' kingdom? 9. In what ways is the current life of the church a foretaste of the eternal state of the Kingdom of Jesus? 10.Do you have the real tangible hope for this coming kingdom that Isiah is holding out for Gods people? In what ways can a confidence in this final state of Jesus kingdom affect your life now? 11.Which promises about Jesus kingdom ring sweetly to you right now in your present circumstances?
Sermon Outline: 1. God uses wicked tools for holy purposes 2. The wicked rulers used by God foolishly think they are stronger than He 3. God will judge the arrogant tools He uses 4. The same holiness which condemns, also forgives and reconciles those whom God calls my people Family Discussion Questions: 1. Who was the wicked tool which God used to punish Israel and Judah? 2. Why was God punishing His people? 3. What were the differences between Assyrias desires and Gods? 4. God promised that both His people and Assyria would become remnants. What would be the difference between the two? 5. Why did preserve a remnant for Zion? 6. How far did Assyria get in its desires to wipe out Gods people and all other nations? 7. What word pictures did God use to describe how foolish it was for Assyria to boast? 8. Why should we not fear power men - even those who have terribly wicked motivations? 9. If God is never the author of sin, how then can Scripture say that He is sovereign over and even the author of events which include terrible wickedness?
Sermon Outline: 1. The sufferings of the Christ and the subsequent glories were Gods glorious plan 2. The Risen Christ shares the glories of sonship 3. The Risen Christ shares the glories of enjoying peace with God 4. The Risen Christ shares the glories of The Holy Spirits presence 5. The Risen Christ shares the glories of forgiveness 6. The Risen Christ shares the glories of a beautiful mission 7. The Risen Christ shares the glories of life in His Name 8. The Risen Christ shares His glories with all who have faith in Him 9. The foolish preaching of the resurrection will bring many sons to glory 10. The Risen Christ shares a glorious feast with his people. Family Discussion Questions: 1. Did any of Jesus followers expect the resurrection? 2. Were the disciples expected to believe without evidence? 3. Explain the difference between how we are to believe and how the first disciples were to believe 4. What is the difference between blind faith and Gospel faith? 5. Explain how the resurrection how by the resurrection Christ shares: - Sonship - Joy and peace with God - The Spirits presence - Forgiveness - His beautiful mission - Life in His Name 6. With whom does Christ share the glories He earned on the cross? 7. What does it mean to have faith in Christ? 8. How does the resurrection shape how we understand the whole of Scripture? 9. How should the event of the miraculous catch of fish teach us about the growth of the family of God?
Sermon Outline: 1. Gods adopted children will respond to his fatherly discipline (9:8-12) 2. Run to God with your guilt, not to the famous or to false prophets (9:13-17) 3. Sin does not serve you, it leads to destruction (9:18-21) 4. Consider the endgame of your sin and your chosen saviour (10:1-4) Family Discussion Questions: 1. How was Israel responding to the discipline of the Lord? 2. Why was it foolish to think that Israel should run to the nations rather than to the Lord? 3. How is a Christian to respond to guilt before God? 4. What are the ways we are tempted to deal with our guilt? 5. Why are even the vulnerable followers of the false prophets guilty? 6. Sin is destructive, both in terms of consequences and divine punishment. Describe both, and consider which you are more inclined to forget. 7. How does sin turn us into people-devourers? 8. Rejecting Gods design for leadership appears first by claiming its beneficial for the people (stage a) but ultimately ends with the people accepting that it is for the benefit of the leader (stage b). What are some matters in which the church is currently at stage a? How about stage b? 9. How does the Gospel of Christ allow us to take this warning of Gods wrath seriously without being crushed by it? 10. How does the Gospel of Christ solve the slavery problem? 11. The temptation is to apply this prophecy only to the political and social events in world, rather than to the church. Why is this a mistake?
Sermon Outline: 1. The light of the Gospel follows darkness 2. The Gospel is a multiplication of the enjoyment of God 3. The Gospel brings a different reality not just a different attitude 4. The Gospel rests upon a single man 5. Immanuels reign and peace will increase until it covers every corner of creation 6. The Gospel rests secure on Gods jealous love Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it important to remember that glory follows suffering? 2. Why is it important to remember that the only possible recipients of the Gospel are dead in sin and under the wrath of God? 3. What is special about Jesus being born in Bethlehem, but being raised in Nazareth? 4. What does it mean that the nation of Immanuel is increased? 5. What does joy have to do with the Gospel? 6. How can we make sure that we are not idolizing Gods gifts, but delighting in God Himself? 7. What happened on the Day of Midian? 8. How does the Day of Midian shape our view of the reality of Gods Gospel promises? 9. How does verse 6 teach us that Immanuel would be both God and man? 10. How does the Christian Gospel differ from all false religions which rest on the shoulders of many people? 11. Why do the Lord Jesus Christs power and reign not take away from the joy of the Gospel but establish it? 12. Why would we be lost without the jealous love of God? 13. Why could Judah be confident that Immanuel would come?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Lord will bring judgment and only if you trust in Him will you remain. 2. God is with us to save and judge 3. Gods judgment comes quickly 4. Immanuels people will see that God is a gentler Lord and faithful Savior 5. Conclusion: what should Immanuels remnant do while they wait?
Dont be offended by Immanuel, trust him as your sanctuary Fear only God Cling only to the Word which God has confirmed
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What was Ahaz household called? 2. What was happening that caused Ahaz to panic? 3. What was Ahaz solution to that threat? 4. What did Isaiah say was going to happen to those enemies? 5. What does Isaiah mean? 6. What does Shear-Jashub mean? 7. What does Immanuel mean? 8. What does Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz mean? 9. What illustration did God give to describe why He was a better Lord and Savior than Assyria? 10. What events were predicted by Isaiah in this chapter? 11. We get a picture of the remnant huddling together waiting for the Lord. What two things summarize this group? 12. Why is the fear of the Lord good? 13. Who is the Immanuel child? 14. Why is Immanuel either a rock of stumbling or a sanctuary? 15. What is the confirmed or sealed Word of God and why do we need a strong reminder to stick with it?
Sermon Outline: Isaiah was called as a prophet to I. reveal the Holiness of the Lord to a sinful people. II. proclaim Gods atonement for sin. III. expose the hardness of heart of the people. IV. explain Gods just punishment for their sin. V. promise hope for the remnant.
Family Discussion Questions: 1. How did the reign and death of Uzziah effect the impact of Isaiahs sight of God in the temple? 2. What did the seraphim reveal about the glory of God? 3. What does it mean for God to be Holy, Holy, Holy? 4. How is the earth full of the glory of God? What does that say about our sin? 5. What is Isaiahs response to his experience of Gods glory? 6. What does the Lord do for Isaiah? What does this mean for Gods broader response to the sin of His people? 7. Why was Isaiahs job to make the heart of the people dull? How is this work a part of all gospel-proclaiming ministry? 8. What future events will it be Isaiahs prophetic role to explain? 9. What is the significance of the picture of a stump and a seed? 10. Why is the seed holy?
Sermon Outline:
The Lord cultivated a vineyard The vineyard produced wild grapes The Lord lays His vineyard to waste The vineyard will thrive when it abides in the true vine.
Family Discussion Questions 1. What does this word-picture of God as the vinedresser and the people as a vineyard say about God and His people? 2. What is the good fruit the vinedresser expected? What is the stink-fruit He got? 3. What are ways that we can take the nourishing gifts of God and use them to produce rotten fruit? 4. What is the just thing for God to do when His nourishing gifts are producing rotten fruit in His vineyard? 5.Did the rotten fruit of Gods vineyard show that Gods plan for His people had failed? What did God want His people to learn by allowing the vineyard to get so rotten? 6. Is there a possible way to be a part of Gods vineyard and be confident that you will remain in it and even produce good fruit? 7. What does it mean when Jesus says He is the true vine? 8. How was Jesus able to be the vine through which the whole vineyard would be able to survive and thrive? 9.What is the future plan God has for His vineyard rooted in the true vine?
Sermon Outline: 1. God designed Zion as a fountain of His Word to gather the nation 2. Zion longed to be like the nations trusting in the works of their hands 3. God will judge their lords 4. God will judge their beauty 5. The Lord redeems His beautiful Bride by the fires of judgement Family Discussion Questions: 1. What was the role of Gods city/people/country supposed to be? Where would you find that in Scripture before Isaiah? 2. How does Isaiah show (word picture) they did the opposite? 3. What are ways which the church keeps conforming to the world? 4. Which event did God use to judge and cleanse those sins in the Old Testament? 5. Only those whose names are written for life in Jerusalem remain after the judgement which cleansed sin. Who are those people? 6. Which other passages group the Bride, Zion and names are written in the book of life? 7. How does Christ purify the church from her stains? 8. How does Christ purify the church in her actions? 9. What is the comfort of knowing that the church is Christs Bride? 10. How does this change how we view sin? 11. How does this change how we view our role in the world? 12. How does this change our view of leadership, marriage, masculinity and femininity?
Sermon Outline: 1. The King who Reigns in Zion 2. Systemic Witness 3. Religious Witness 4. Social Witness 5. Redemption comes by judgement Family Discussion Questions: 1. Which kings did Isaiah serve as prophet under? 2. Which events took place surrounding Isaiahs ministry? 3. What illustrations were used to describe how Israels sin was an act of betrayal? 4. What was the cause of Israels national destruction? 5. What made them similar and yet different than Sodom? 6. What did the Lord think of their religious activities? Why? 7. Why does religious sin lead to social sin? 8. Why are widows and fatherless a very good test of love? 9. What is the difference between the justice of the Lord and the justice of the corrupt princes and judges? 10. What is meant by the phrase, The Lord redeems by judgement? 11. What was to be the end results of Gods judgment? 12. How is the image of the Lord reigning over all the nations a warning to his enemies and a sweet comfort to those who belong to him?
Workshops on Biblical Exposition Small Group Preparation Worksheet Instructions: In your small group, you will have 5 minutes to present on each of your passages. For each of your assigned passages, please respond to the questions below and provide 10 copies of this one-page handout (front and back, typed) that will assist your group in offering productive feedback. If you do not understand any of these questions, please visit simeontrust.org/prepare/ to find additional advice. 1. How has the author organized this passage? Please a) show the structure in sections with verse references and b) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. What is the emphasis revealed by the structure? 2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Please consider: a) the literary context (passages before and after the passage), b) the historical context (circumstances of the authors audience), c) the cultural context (details relevant to life as it was lived in this place at this time), and d) the biblical context (citations/allusions or historical connections to other books that the author is making). Please list only those that are relevant to the meaning of the passage. 3. What is the argument being advanced by the author to his audience (summarized in one short sentence)? 4. How does this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What part of the gospel is in view? 5. What argument will you advance to your audience (summarized in one short sentence)? 6. What applications will you make? Consider both Christians and non-Christians. 7. What is your sermon title and your preaching outline?
CHARLES SIMEON TRUST ⓒ 2021
Sermon Outline: 1. Boasting in the flesh prohibits perseverance in suffering 2. Boasting in the cross of Christ kills other boasts and fears 3. The flesh counts for nothing, only a new creation 4. Those who change this standard are to be treated as gentiles 5. Peace, mercy and grace belongs to those who boast in the cross of Christ Family Discussion Questions: 1. What was the motivation of the false teachers? 2. Can you summarize the teaching of the false teachers in their own words? 3. How does Paul summarize their teaching? 4. What does it mean to boast as Paul uses the word here? 5. Why would Paul specifically mention the cross of Christ as his boast? 6. Over the course of the letter, Paul has dismantled many titles which the false teachers would have boasted in. What were some of those? What is the final boasting blow which he delivers? 7. At one point God chose to (mostly) contain the people redeemed by the cross of Christ to one nation and did require circumcision and other temporary markers. Given that even those things (restrictions once ordained by God) cannot be boasted in, what does that say of other things which we might boast in? 8. Finding someone elses boast is often easier than your own. Where are you most inclined to boast in other than in the cross of Christ? 9. How does Pauls letter (and this ending) demonstrate how people who add standards ought to be assessed and handled within a church? 10. What is a benediction and why is it important? 11. Why would Paul have included with your spirits in the benediction?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Spirit of God kills those who Christ purchased with His blood 2. The Spirit of God gives life to those who Christ purchased with His blood 3. The Spirit of God transforms how we view the sins of people in our church 4. The Spirit of God transforms how we view the ministry of the Word of God 5. The Spirit of God transforms how we view the needs of others Family Discussion Questions: 1. What does mortification mean? Why would Paul focus on desires? 2. What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit? How is this different than some common misunderstandings of that phrase? 3. Why does the Gospel change our hearts attitude toward the sins of others? 4. What are the dangers when helping a person who has fallen into sin, and what is Pauls instruction for how to avoid that? 5. What is a common sowing and reaping teaching of false teachers? 6. What are the examples of spiritual sowing which Paul gives here? 7. Based on the book so far, what would spiritual reaping mean? 8. Why would this kind of spirituality be more restful while also requiring more perseverance than the spirituality the false teachers were promoting?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in those whom Christs blood has purchased 2. The fruit of Love 3. The fruit of Joy 4. The fruit of Peace 5. The fruit of Patience 6. The fruit of Kindness 7. The fruit of Goodness 8. The fruit of Faithfulness 9. The fruit of Gentleness 10. The fruit of Self-control 11. Supernaturally natural obedience
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What are the three ways which the Gospel of grace produces greater righteousness? 2. Why could the whole cluster of fruit be labeled love? 3. Why is it good to remember that the Holy Spirit is also called The Spirit of Christ? 4. Give a short description of each fruit and how it is a product of the Gospel. 5. What does it mean that there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit? 6. How does this passage give the true and lovely understanding of the leading of the Holy Spirit? Why doesnt it seem very supernatural? What are some counterfeits? How is this more freeing and also more effective? 7. How is the fruit of the Spirit a medicine for both legalism and lawlessness? 8. How would none of this be possible without the death and resurrection of Christ?
Sermon Outline:
Idolatry and Sorcery feel opposed to atheism because they are supernatural. Spiritual practices apart from Gods Word are not the work of the Holy Spirit Sins of hatred feel less fleshly than sins we perform with our body. Sins of hatred are often the clearest evidence of hypocrisy in the church. Sins of excess are often answered with legalism. Walking by the Spirit means Glorifying God for his good gifts rather than being mastered by them. The power of Christs death and resurrection is enough to free us from the sin of the flesh so we can walk by the Spirit.
Family Discussion Questions: 1. What are some of the ways that sins like idolatry and sorcery might be found in the church today? 2.Why might a Christian feel a particular temptation to get involved with supernatural superstitions? 3. What does Paul show by placing sins of division in the middle of sins that we commit with our bodies? 4. Why are sins like hatred and division often treated as less serious? 5. Would any of your relationship show that you are ignoring sins of strife and division in your own life? 6. How is your relationship with your church? Does it reflect the unity and love of Christ that has brought us together? 7. What are some of the excesses in our culture that we are very comfortable with? 8. Have you been judging your standard before God based on your use of any of the gifts in His creation? 9. What is Pauls strong warning to anyone who is living according to their flesh? 10. What is this strong warning meant to make us see and remember?
Sermon Outline: 1: Only the true gospel can produce true holiness 2: The works of the flesh are evidence of the failure of false gospels 3: Sexual pleasure between a husband and wife is a good part of Gods gospel design for marriage 4: How the worlds view of sexuality makes evident the work of the flesh 5: How our false gospels change our view of sexuality 6: Letting the Spirit sanctify our view of sex according to the gospel Family Discussion Questions: 1. How does the gospel of grace actually succeed in making us holy where rules and regulations fail? 2. In what way is the person living under rules and regulations similar to the one who is indulging the desires of their flesh? 3. Why did God create marriage? 4. What role does delight between a husband and wife play in Gods good view of marriage? 5. In what ways has our world clearly suppressed the truth regarding this aspect of life? 6. Why does Paul say that this unnatural behaviour is in a way natural to us? 7. How can wrong rules and regulations in this regard actually lead to the works of the flesh? 8. For the single person: a. How can I honour Gods view of marriage by being a help to the married couples in my church? b. How can I honour Gods view of marriage in how I might pursue a spouse? 9. For the married person: a. Are there ways I can better enjoy the gifts of delight God has given to me and my spouse without acting according to the flesh? b. What might it look like in your marriage to walk by the Spirit regarding this aspect of your life?
Sermon Outline: 1. Freedom of Christ is not an opportunity for slavery to the flesh 2. Christian freedom is the freedom to love and serve rather than compete with and use one another 3. Christ gives the Holy Spirit who provides the freedom of godly desires 4. If you are led and walk by the Spirit you are not under the law Family Discussion Questions: 1. What does it mean to say that Christ died to give us freedom from sin? 2. What does it mean to say that Christ died to give us freedom from the law? 3. Does freedom from the law now mean that we get to live unholy lives? 4. How is adding more rules just an opportunity to live for the flesh? 5. How is taking away rules also an opportunity to live for the flesh? 6. How does doing either of those things (adding or taking away rules) add to conflict and division and hatred within a church? 7. How are the rules of a game and the goal of a game similar yet different? How is that a helpful analogy to living as forgiven children of God? 8. Does the Law of God prevent us from loving other people? Does it limit our enjoyment of God? 9. Why is it that a church which has little appreciation for the real work of the Spirit of God will run to either legalism or lawlessness?
Sermon outline: 1. Endurance running requires Gods children to throw off every teaching that is not actually from His Holy Word. 2. Graciously correct and comfort the harassed 3. Humbly and without partiality cut off the harassers 4. Guard the offensively pure Gospel 5. Christs blood frees his co-heirs to serve in the freedom purchased for them Family Discussion Questions: 1. Why does the way a Christian gets saved - make false teaching and false beliefs a potential killer? 2. Where should all teaching about God come from? 3. Why? 4. What are some clever ways false teachers have tried to get around the requirement for teaching to come from scripture? 5. What is the difference between how a church should work with a false teacher and a person who is caught up in false teaching? 6. How should we apply the command, whoever he is? 7. What about the Gospels purity makes it offensive? 8. Does the pure Gospel mean that only perfect teaching and teachers are allowed? 9. How does the purity of the Gospel promote love and service in a way that additions promote division and hatred?
Sermon Outline: 1. Resting in Christ will take courage and diligence 2. Gods Spirit births an eager and sure hope 3. We are added to Christ by faith alone but saving faith is never alone Family Discussion Questions: 1. Does a person become Gods child by doing good things or by trusting in what Jesus did? 2. What did Jesus do that makes us children of God? 3. Will a person be saved if they trust in the things they do AND what Jesus did? 4. Does Christian hope mean wanting something very bad that might not happen? 5. What kind of work would help to protect against slavery? 6. What are the stakes? What would happen if we do not fight that battle? 7. What is the hope of righteousness? Why does Paul call it that? 8. Who is it that makes a person hope in righteousness? 9. What is the evidence that a person is an heir of the hope of righteousness? 10. What is the connection between the words righteousness and love?
Sermon outline: 1. The ones relying on works are not better sons butslaves 2. Impossible birth is the only way to be an heir of God 3. Those born supernaturally will be hated by those who consider themselves children of God by the flesh Family Discussion Questions: 1. What was the difference in how Isaac was born compared to Ishmael? What point was God making with that? 2. Which stories in the bible involve a woman who cannot have a baby? How is this a very lovely illustration of the Gospel? 3. What are the two different Jerusalems that the Bible speaks of? What is the difference between the two? 4. Is the Jerusalem above one that is only spiritual and not earthly at all? 5. Does the bible ever teach that to be real part of Gods family you must be born to a certain family? 6. How does a person join the family of God? 7. How is Ishmaels treatment of Isaac helpful for understanding how the ones who consider themselves children of God but arent - persecute those who are children of God? 8. What is to be done with those who will not stop teaching that God saves people based on something about them (instead of something about Jesus)? 9. Paul teaches us that we now should enjoy living as children of God rather than thinking like slaves. What does that mean?
Sermon Outline: 1. The Spirit of God works affection for the Gospel and those who bring it and receive it 2. Beware of teachers who make much of you by coming up with new obstacles for you 3. Make it your greatest goal for Christ to be formed in you and your church Family Discussion Questions: 1. What did the Galatian Church first love so much about Paul? 2. Why should we be concerned when someone bringing the Scriptures is either uninteresting or bothersome to us? What sweet promises has God given to us for when that happens? 3. What is the difference between how Paul made much of the Galatians and how the false teachers made much of them? 4. What obstacles did the false teachers set up for the Galatian believers? 5. How are new obstacles or methods simply a way to make much of false teachers? 6. What do we know about Gods Word that should make us immediately reject a new method for knowing God - even if its one that we enjoy or that seems to work? 7. What are some tempting obstacles that might be common in the Evangelical Church today? 8. What are the two ways which the Bible speaks of Christ being formed in believers? 9. Are pastors and church members free to come up with ways to evaluate one another? What happens when we forget this?
Sermon Outline: 1. God prepared His people by withholding rights and privileges until the great Heir came. 2. The training of the law used mundane things to make a glorious point 3. When the fulness of time had come, those rights and privileges of sonship were restored 4. The Holy Spirit moves a Christian to simply relate to God as our Father in Christ. 5. Those who prefer a slavish relationship with God do not know Him just like the pagans do not know Him. Family Discussion Questions: 1. In what way did the Old Testament treat Gods people like a young child? 2. Should a young child whose parents control every area of his life think that his obedience to those many commands is why they treat him as a son? 3. How did that long history of being treated as an immature heir prepare Gods people for Jesus coming? 4. How would, to the untrained eye, the Old Covenant look similar to the way that Pagans worshipped their gods? What even in the Old Testament would you have had to ignore to arrive at that conclusion? 5. What is meant by Christian freedom? 6. Why would a person prefer to reject Christian freedom in how they relate to God? 7. What are some common ways this happens in the church? 8. Why would Paul say this is just like becoming a Pagan even though you are using Jesus name? 9. How does the Holy Spirit work in our prayers give us a more confident standing before God than the slavish ways we try to get confidence? 10. Would a person cry out to God as Father trusting in Jesus name if she wasnt actually Gods daughter?
Sermon Outline:1. Those with faith in Christ share in His Sonship of God.2. The robe of Christs identify and righteousness is the possession of even the newest believer.3. Differences in believers do not alter the kind of heir they are.4. You inherit the promises which God promised to Abrahams Offspring if you have faith in Christ. Family discussion questions:1. What rights and gifts does Jesus enjoy as Gods Son that believers enjoy even now before He returns?2. What is the phrase which explains how we can enjoy Christs relationship with God even though we are not Christ and have not done what he did?3. Does water baptism save you?4. Spirit baptism actually unites you and clothes you with Christ - when does that happen? Where would you look in the previous chapter to show that?5. Why would Paul switch to say Greek instead of Gentile in his list of comparisons?6. How does this passage serve to forbid ethnic segregation in churches?7. Why would Paul say and in between male and female when the others are separated by the word nor? Is he saying that the distinctions of male and female no longer exist?
Sermon Outline:1. The law was added2. The law was put in place to guard the inheritance until the the Heir would come3. The law exposes sin which it cannot cure4. The law guarded and disciplined Gods people from seeking false saviours Family Discussion Questions:1. Who was that solo Heir of the promises of God to Abraham?2. Why does the solo Heir not inherit the blessings of Abraham by Himself?3. What does clean and tidy Israels response to the reception of the Law at Mount Sinai teach about the Laws ability to save?4. What is the benefit of the law provoking sin? What analogy was used in the sermon for this?5. How does the Law act like a prison?6. How does the Law act like a guardian?7. Finish the following sentence: the Law would be contrary to the promises of God if8. What is the difference between how God gave the Law and how He gave the Gospel?9. In what ways did faith not arrive until Christ? In what ways was it already there before He came?10. How does the Law of God continue to function in the life of a believer in Christ?
Sermon Outline: 1. Confidence in your works is foolish and pleasing to Satan 2. Christ is both the Author and the Perfector of your faith 3. All those who have faith in Christ have the Holy Spirit 4. All those who have faith in Christ are forgiven heirs
Family Discussion Questions: 1. In what way is falling to false teaching the work of the devil? 2. In what way is falling to false teaching simply foolishness? 3. How does the Word of God and the Spirit of God make sense of and defeat both of those problems? 4. What would be the difference between someone who believes you begin by works, and someone who believes you begin by faith by finish by works? Have you been either of those people? 5. By what event in their own day would the Galatians know that any people who had not kept the Law of God were justified by faith? 6. By what event many centuries before the Galatian church could they know that people are justified apart from the Law? 7. By what ongoing reality in their own day could the Galatians know that they themselves, had the Spirit and forgiveness and adoption? 8. Share the Gospel in such a way that even Abraham in his day would have been able to say. What needs to be said now that doesnt change Abrahams Gospel, but clarifies it?
- Justification by Faith is Necessary for Unity (vs 15)2. Justification is by Faith in Christ Alone (vs 16)3. Justification by Faith Answers Antinomianism (vs 17-18)4. Justification by Faith Promotes Holiness (vs 19-20)5. Justification by Faith Leads to Gods Glory (vs 21)
Sermon Outline: I: When great teachers err. II: Jew and Gentile around the table. III: The Gospel and your dinner guests. Discussion Questions: 1. Why was it necessary for Paul to talk about this tense interaction with Peter so publicly? 2. Why can it be hard for us to disagree with, or even argue against a teacher who has been so influential in our own lives and salvation? 3. How can we understand and evaluate differences we have with popular and influential teachers we respect? 4. What were the implications of Jews refusing to eat with Gentiles? How did this action change the gospel? 5. Why was there such strong pressure for Peter not to eat with Gentiles? Why did Peter give in to this pressure? 6. How can the question of who we eat with and fellowship with make us into hypocrites? 7. What are some other cultural or generational movements or ideas that have led us to divide within the church from those we otherwise would call Christians? 8. Who might you be able to extend hospitality to - by opening your home, or pursuing conversation and friendship with - in our church?
Sermon Outline: I: Spies in the church II: Why Titus reception among the apostles mattered III: How false gospels harm the church Discussion Questions: Why did Paul go up to Jerusalem? What signs do we see that his reasons for going were important? How does Paul describe the men who were adding works to the gospel? Explain what Paul says they were trying to do. What does Paul see as freedom that we have in Christ? How were the false brothers trying to turn Christians back to slavery? What was at stake in Titus being received or rejected by the apostles in Jerusalem? What are practical ways our actions in the church can affirm or contradict the gospel we say is true? Why was it important that Paul was not moved by the influence of the apostles even if he loved and respected them? What would have been the consequences of Paul conceding to the influential Judaizers? What are some of the present day divisions and biases in our world that threaten our unity on the gospel? Are there any that you feel particularly susceptible to? Is there any other member of our church who you do not feel united to as a brother or sister? How would the gospel change your relationship with this person?
Sermon Outline: I: Pauls biography demonstrates his authority as an apostle preaching the gospel of God. II: Pauls biography demonstrates to the Gentiles the power of the gospel of grace.
Discussion Questions:
What facts in Pauls biography established that his gospel was from God? What facts in Pauls biography established that his apostleship was from God? Why, then, was it important that he still eventually went to Jerusalem and met Peter? What is an apostle according to the apostles? How was Pauls former life in Judaism important to show the power of the gospel? How did God make use of Pauls former life in Judaism for his ministry as an apostle? How did Pauls distinct calling as an apostle reflect his particular calling to preach to the Gentiles? Why did the churches glorify God because of Paul? If you are a baptized believer, do you ever feel self conscious about being saved by grace alone, and want to rest your confidence in anything in your life, an action you have done or a commitment you have made? If you have trusted the gospel but not yet been baptized, are you, or would you at the appropriate time, be afraid to do so because you want your testimony to include certain actions or commitments that you have done? Would you be embarrassed by a testimony that referred only to what Christ has done for you? If you have not trusted in the gospel, do you feel like your life or actions or choices have left you too far off from being a Christian? Have you recognized in Pauls own life how grace can accomplish for the worst sinner what the most moral person in the world could never do for themselves?
Sermon Outline: I. The Gospel of God is from God to the glory of God. II. The gospel from men will add the works of men for the glory of men. III. Paul gives the strongest warning to those who confuse the Gospel of God and the gospel of men. IV. Whose pleasure you Love affects which gospel you love
Discussion Questions: Why does the definition of an apostle matter for knowing and trusting the true gospel? What are marks of a true apostle? (We will return to this next week) In what way is the source of our gospel connected to the content of our gospel? What is the Gospel? What are reasons in our heart for rejecting the gospel of God, from God? What are particular additions to the gospel (you must have faith in Jesus AND __________) which you might see as particularly tempting to your own church, family and your own heart? Why is Pauls warning so strong? Why is it repeated? What aspects of this warning does he really want us to dwell on? Why is it different to ret your assurance in the gospel on whether people are hating you, than to rest it on whether you are aiming to please only God? Is it possible to hold on to the true gospel if we refuse to be rejected by the world? Why or why not? BONUS: What were the formal principle, the material principle and the final principle of the Reformation? How does the Reformation give us a clear picture of the battle for the gospel that has gone on since Genesis?
Sermon Outline:
God graciously restores the remnant of his people to the law, land and temple. The returned exiles can now see Gods righteousness, their sinfulness, and their need to repent and rely on His grace. Even as the remnant rejoices in their restoration, they are still full of mourning and longing, centred around the desire to see a Son of David return to the throne.
Discussion Questions:
In what ways did God make use of the kings and powers of the world for the good of his people? How does the physical restoration of Jerusalem and the temple point to what God was working in the heart of his people? What do the prayers of Ezra and Nehemiah show that Gods people have learned from their exile? Why was the laying of the foundation of the new temple such a wonderful moment? Why was it such a painful moment? How can the remnant expect a greater kingdom than the one they had previously known, even though they had already seen how their sin had led to the fall of the previous kingdom? What promises were made regarding the future Son of David which these exiles could hope in? How is our situation similar to that of these returned exiles? In what ways should we be similarly impacted by their history and their hope?
Sermon Outline: i. God is patient, so he can be compassionate and persistent with those who sin against Him. ii. God has deemed a day when his patience is done and his just wrath will certainly come. iii. Jesus bore the full wrath of God, so that God can have patience with sinners so we might repent and receive His grace.
Sermon Questions: 1. Have you struggled with Gods justice in punishing sin? How does this look at Judah and its kings help you see the justice of Gods wrath? 2. What was the character of Judahs people and its king towards God before the Babylonian conquest? How does this help us understand our own hearts? 3. Who was responsible for the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon? What does Lamentations say? 4. What is significant about the land enjoying its Sabbaths during the exile? How does this give us a picture of the goodness of Gods judgement? 5. What other examples of Gods patience and His just judgement do we find throughout Scripture? 6. Why is God able to be patient with sin even though it is good that He punish it? 7. How does the gospel of Jesus magnify Gods justice as well as His grace? 8. How have you responded to Gods patience? 9. Do you know what will happen to you on the day when Gods wrath comes? If you are afraid of that day, then what hope does Jesus offer you by taking the wrath of God for all who believe on the cross? Run to that hope today.
Sermon Outline:
In Josiah we appear to meet Israels last hope for a good son of David. Despite His love for the Lord, Josiah ultimately failed to be what Gods People needed to be saved. In Christ, we meet the true and better last son of David, who can secure a salvation for His people which no other king could.
Discussion Questions:
What are some of the things that set Josiah apart as an exemplary Son of David? Josiah sought the Lord even at a young age. How can this be a helpful exhortation to us as we raise our kids? What does our parenting say about our confidence in Gods Word and His Spirit? What does Josiahs response to the finding of the book of the law teach us about repentance? How does Josiah respond to the prophecy of Huldah? What does that tell us about him as a king? Why was it so significant for the king to restore the passover? What was signifiant about the lamenting for Josiah, which our author says took place to this day? Why did the Jews lament for Josiah for so long? What does Huldahs prophecy tell us about the consequences for sin and what is necessary for God to save sinners from His wrath? What role does Josiah play in the prophetic picture of Jesus that God has been painting throughout the reign of the descendants of David?
Sermon Outline: I. In Manasseh we see the terrible extent and just consequences of sin. II. In Manassehs repentance and restoration, we see the magnitude of Gods grace. III. In Amon we see that God is still committed to His justice, and that forgiven sin still has consequences. Discussion Questions: How does the Chroniclers regular allusion to earlier scripture passages show the extent of Manassehs sinfulness? How does this also show us the extent of our own sinfulness? Consider Manassehs sins and the inclinations of his heart that led to those actions. How can we see those same inclinations in our own hearts? How did God ultimately bring Manasseh to repentance? What does this tell us about Gods commitment to our own repentance if we are His people? What can we say about Manassehs good works after his repentance and faith? How does this help us to understand the role of good works in the life of believers? What painful lessons can we learn about our own sin from Amon? What was the difference between Amon and Manasseh? Why did God work repentance and humility in one and not the other? Why is he humbled himself often a phrase that is used in the Old Testament to talk about repentance and faith in God? How does Manassehs shocking deliverance from His sin all rest upon Jesus Christ?
Sermon text: 2 Chronicles 29-32 Sermon Outline: 1. The Messiah cleanses the Temple for the joy of his people 2. The couriers of the messiah are mocked by some and treasured by others 3. The people worship out of abundant hearts in response a salvation which came out of nowhere 4. Combat rival gospels with Gods gospel promises to the Son of David 5. The Messiah pleads for the enduring blessing of His people
Sermon Outline:
Why we should delight in the fear of the Lord He is unashamed to bring enemies into His family The coming of Immanuel will bring an utter end to sin
Family Discussion Questions:
What things did Ahaz fear? What things did his fear push him to do? What was the water illustration the Lord used to describe Ahazs fear? What prompted the godly Good Samaritan response from the men of Israel? How does this foreshadow the Lord Jesus kindness to his enemies? What has made you feel like the Lord would be ashamed to call you his sibling? How does this passage lovingly correct that? Why is the Second Coming of the Lord a frightening thing? How does the First Coming of the Lord make His Second Coming a glorious hope for His brothers and sisters? How do people who long for Immanuel seek wisdom for the waiting?
Sermon Outline:
O for a Messiah with the strength of the Lord O for a Messiah who makes the land a beautiful safe garden for his people O for a Messiah who loves the holiness of God O for a Messiah who opens the eyes, ears and hearts of his people
Family Discussion Questions:
What lovely things did the Lord do through Uzziah as He strengthened him? Which of those things is most lovely to you right now as you long for the full reign of Uzziahs great Son Jesus What sin did Uzziah try to commit? What did that sin reveal about his view of holiness? What makes self-righteousness more deadly than trusting in your own physical strength? Why are those two sins so often connected? Where did Jotham succeed where his dad Uzziah did not? What does this tell us about the goodness of Gods physical blessings? Where did Jothams reign fall short where Christs will succeed? How does the Lord Jesus ministry fulfill the vision of Isaiah in the temple? When do you typically tend to treasure the gift which Christ gives which was symbolized by the coal from the altar?
Sermon Summary: I: How good it is when the king and priest honour each-other, how painful when one neglects the others role and wisdom. II: How good it is when the king acts on Gods prophetic word, how painful when the prophets wisdom is ignored. III: God strikes down the reign of those kings that ignore his law (priests) and His word (prophets). IV: In Christ, the roles of prophet, priest and king are brought together, for the perfect blessing of His people.
Discussion Questions:
What made the early reign of Joash so successful? What can we take from Joashs priority on reconstructing the temple? How did the people respond to the early reign of Joash? What changed for Joash when Jehoiada died? How did the people respond to the later reign of Joash? What were the signs of Amaziahs half-hearted wisdom and faithfulness? How does Amaziahs response to Gods word from the prophets show the state of his reign? How does God respond to the reign of these kings who were not wholly faithful or wise? What is some of the ministry of Christs prophetic office? What is some of the ministry of Christs priestly office? What is some of the ministry of Christs kingly office? What are some of the connections you can see between these three offices of Jesus? Why does Jesus role as prophet, priest and king give us assurance that His reign will never end?
Sermon Outline:
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked The Lord hates intimacy as a business The wrath(s) facing the stump of Jesse Embrace the covenant while its glory looks foolish to the world Meditate on the glorious revealing of the Son of David and his covenant brothers and sisters
Family Discussion Questions:
Which were the three times the heirs of David were reduced to just one son? What actions of the sons of David led to that terror? Can you describe the connection between idolatry and adultery? Why was the house of David not destroyed like the house of Ahab? Why is it foolish to deny Gods promises, even when they look like they may fail or even appear to have failed? What are the two ways in which the Great Son of David will conquer all peoples? Which weapons are we to use in service of Christ? How does baptism signify Christs work and the Gospel promises purchased by it? What part of the events of todays texts most clearly align with a Sunday Church worship service? What part of the events most clearly align with the Second Coming of Christ?
Sermon Outline: I: The folly of those who turn to the wisdom of flatterers rather than the Lord is self-destructive. II: Those who try to maintain a common cause with the wicked will be influenced by them. III: True wisdom judges in the fear of the Lord even when threatened by men. IV: To trust in the Lord is to know lasting victory, while all those who love flattery and fear men will perish.
Discussion Questions: 1. What does this picture of Ahab as he appears in this story tell us about sin and its effects on our wisdom? 2. What does it say about Ahabs prophets if Micaiah was told what to prophecy before he got into the kings court? 3. How could Ahab want to hear only from lying prophets even when his life was on the line? 4. What does Micaiahs vision of Gods heavenly court say about Gods sovereignty? 5. What do the fates of Jehoshaphat and Ahab in battle show? 6. Overall, what would you say was Jehoshaphats weakness as a king? How might that same sin be a danger in our context now? 7. What instruction does Jehoshaphat give his judges in chapter 19. How does this contrast with what we saw in Isarels court? How can it be a help for us to remember in our context now? 8. Why is the truth better to hear even when people dont like it? 9. Why is the truth of the gospel really better news than the message of false prophets, even if it includes things people dont want to hear like sin and hell?
Sermon Outline: I: Through Asa, Gods people had hope that they would enjoy Gods blessings and promises. II: Asas reign leaves us disappointed that He failed to persevere in faithfulness. III: Our lasting hope is in the constant faithfulness of Jesus, who entrusted Himself unwaveringly to God.
Discussion Questions: 1: What verdict does the Chronicler give regarding Asas reign. What makes that verdict so interesting in Asas case? 2: What does Azariah prophecy regarding Asa? What would that challenge have meant to the readers of Chronicles? What does it mean for us now on this side of the cross? 3: Why would Azariah tell Asa to take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, when his task was to seek the Lord? 4: What righteous actions of Asa did the Chronicler choose to show us? In what particular ways do these actions show us Asas faithfulness as a king? 5: Who was the primary actor in Asas early reign, making it so successful? 6: Why might the story of Asa leave us more disappointed than the account of a purely wicked king like Ahab or Amon? 7: Have you ever experienced the disappointment of someone who you trusted in wavering in their trust in God? How can looking to Christ help you to respond to your disappointment in that particular case? 8: Consider the Context of 1 Peter 2:22-25. The faithfulness of Christ to God does not give us a license to live faithlessly. What can and should we take from Christs faithfulness?
Sermon Outline:Gods people have no plea but His oathsYou have hope if you cling to Gods royal oath to DavidYou have hope if you cling to Gods temple oath to AaronIn sin or despair do not forsake the Covenant of the Lord Family discussion Questions:Why was Judah unable to trust in their obedience or their power?What reasons did Abijah say were the reasons that Israel should not expect the Lord to fight for them?What separated the two peoples - who were close relatives - into a group which God would fight for and a group which God would fight against?What was Gods royal oath to David?What was Gods temple oath to Aaron?When you face weakness and despair - how would Gods oaths to David be your hope?When you face your own sin - how would Gods oaths to David be your hope?Are you more likely to put your confidence for life in your righteousness or in human strength (money, health, education, family, etc.)? Do the people who are most responsible for your discipleship know that?
Sermon Outline:
Rich Blessings will be received by theGreat Son of David and His people withglad thankfulness
God trains His childrento see sin as slavery
The Lord gives His people a humble Son of David and hears his prayers
Family Discussion Questions:
How did God show mercy to Rehoboam before chapter 12 (before Egypt came to attack)?
Blessings and prosperity are not bad in themselves, so why do they often parted with a turning away from the Lord?
What was Gods purpose for sending the Pharaoh to destroy Jerusalem? Where had He promised to do this?
How would you describe the difference in Rehoboam at the end of his reign in comparison to at the beginning?
What is the difference between the humility of the Lord Jesus Christ and the humility of Rehoboam?
How would this passage have pastored the returned exiles? What warnings are there for them? What encouragements? What promises?
How is sin, even enjoyable sin, slavery? Why is living as a slave of Christ the Lord better than as a slave of sin or self?
What does it mean to set your heart to seek the Lord?
Sermon Outline:1. The Kingdom of Israel was divided because of the sin of the Son of David2. The Kingdom of Israel was divided through the young folly of the Son of David3. The Kingdom of Israel was divided through the heavy burdens from the Son of David4. The Lord Himself faithfully preserves a remnant clinging to Gods gracious covenant Family Discussion Questions:1. What was the reason that God brought this division in His people?2. Why did Rehoboam get to keep the tribe of Judah?3. What did God use to divide His people?4. Not all old people are wise and not all young people are fools. So, what is the link between age and wisdom?5. How is Jesus described visually in the vision of Revelation, and how is that a great comfort to you?6. Was Israel only expected to serve a Son of David who would be gentle with them?7. Compare Jesus (the last Son of David) response to yokes and burdens with Rehoboams (the second Son of David).8. What does it mean that Jesus yoke is easy, as opposed to being hard or non-existent?9. What about Jesus heart makes His burdens easy and light for His people?10. Would Jesus agree that those adding burdens and expectations on His people are taking His Lordship more seriously than others?
Sermon Outline:The Last and Great Son of David perfects and fulfills what the first accomplishedThe Son of Davids reign reaches the nationsThe glory of the temple radiates beauty, wisdom, peace and glory to all areas of lifeThe glorious structure shows cracks immediately Family Discussion Questions:Why was the writer so eager to talk about the temple when talking about Solomons other glories?Why was the throne a benefit to Israel, and why was it fitting that it was so luxurious?What was the benefit of military strength?What were the benefits of gold, jewels and peacocks and apes?How was the visit of the Queen of Sheba a fulfillment of prophecies?How was the visit of the Queen of Sheba itself a prophecy?In what ways did Solomon show cracks which showed this kingdom was bound to crumble?What is different about the Lord Jesus which ensures us that His messiahship will be permanent?Why should we reject teachings about heaven and the reign of Christ which are only spiritual and not also physical?How does Jesus extend His permanent temple, which is His body?How does Jesus authority over the nations accomplish that building project?
Sermon Outline:Gods public confirmation that His eyes, ears, and heart are ever toward His TempleGod is eager to respond with mercy and forgiveness to humble temple prayersGod will be faithful to hear the prayers of the Son of DavidGod will be faithful to hear the prayers of the citizens of the Son of David Family Discussion Questions:The people repeatedly expressed delight over the love of God for them. What attribute of Gods love was on display in this event and why is that critical for us to meditate on?How did remove any doubt that He would honour the worship at the temple?What kinds of prayers did God promise to answer?What are the various ways repentance is described in this passage?How did God publicly demonstrate that Christ was both the New Temple and the Son of David whose prayers He answers?How did God publicly demonstrate that the Church is the Body of Christ, and therefore the true temple of God? The response to the prayers of the son of David for his people depended on his faithfulness to the law of God. Why does the promise that Jesus is our Son of David give sweet confidence that His prayers for the church will be eagerly answered by God?Not only could the Son of David offer temple prayers for the people, but they too could offer these prayers. How does this foreshadow our relationship with Jesus, the Spirit and the Father?
Sermon Outline:
It is because the Lord loves His people that He anoints for them a wise king The King builds a temple where a sacrifice will be bound to the altar to face the wrath of God forour sins The Messiah secures the fellowship, cleansing, nourishment, life and light of God for Hisbeloved people
Sermon Discussion Questions:
What does Hiram King of Tyre say is the reason that God gave Israel a wise king? Did God need a temple to live in? Why do Gods people need a temple? Why do Gods people need a sacrifice? Why would Gods temple be so rich? What were the horns on the altar for? What did the lamp stands and the table for bread tell us about belonging to God? What bound Christ to the cross? Our rebellious nature tends to hate having a holy ruler who gives us commands. How wouldunderstanding Gods love help us to enjoy having Christ as not only our Saviour but also ourKing? What two things, in the New Covenant, are said to be Gods Temple?
Sermon Text: 2 Chronicles 1
Sermon Summary:
Solomon founds his rule on a dependance of God and love of His law. Solomon desires what would make him the best servant of God and Shepherd of His people. In response to Solomons dependance and humility, God establishes and honours Solomon Christ demonstrated perfect humility and faithfulness, for which He will be eternally glorified and His kingdom eternally established.
Discussion Questions:
What was the significance of Solomon going to Gibeon and sacrificing a thousand burnt offerings? What is the reason Solomon asks God for wisdom? What would it mean that Solomon desires that God would let your word to David my father be now fulfilled? Why is God so pleased with Solomons request? What is the reason for the Chronicler explaining the great wealth of Solomon in verses 14-17)? How does Jesus exemplify Solomons quality of choosing what would benefit His people over Himself? How does God respond to the humility and faithfulness of Jesus?
Sermon Outline: 1. Gods Law was to be applied without Prejudice. 2. An unprejudiced Judgement depended on verifying the actions of the accused. 3. Jesus bears the just punishment for the sins committed by all who trust in Him. Family Discussion Questions: What does Gods command for Noah tell us about the responsibilities of image bearers? What did it mean to judge justly in the Mosaic law? In what way was it seen as prejudice to bear false witness? What is slander and what would be examples of it? What was the common misconception in Ezekiels day? How might that misconception be reflected in our own setting? How do we see that God judges in Ezekiel 18? What is surprising about His judgement? How does the cross magnify Gods justice while also magnifying His mercy? How does what Christ has accomplished through the gospel in us multiply the wickedness of prejudice and partiality? What are some of the ways it might be easiest for us to fall into prejudice and bias? What are the ways you might be most tempted to give in to unfounded accusations or slander? What should be our greatest desire for those who we might be tempted to slander and prejudge?
Sermon Title: Christ Redeems Image Bearers of all Nations Sermon Text: Ephesians 2 Sermon Outline: 1. All Nations Equally Bear the Image of God 2. All Nations Fell into Condemnation together with Adam 3. Babel Accelerated Gods Plan to Fill the Earth with Image-Bearers 4. God Called out a Nation and Made a Covenant with them 5. The Blood of Christ Redeems all Nations
Sermon Title: Male and Female He Created Them to Display the Glorious Doctrine of Union with Christ Sermon Text: Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Sermon outline: 1. In a Marriage, the fullness of the Human Race is to be represented. 2. The Members of A Marriage Arranged according to Gods Design to Demonstrate the Gospel of Christ. 3. Married and Unmarried Men and Women Fulfill their Redeemed design within the Family of God 4. The Members of Church Arranged according to Gods Design to Demonstrate the Gospel of Christ.
Sermon Outline:
God designed humanity in two halves in order to glorify and enjoy Him in a way that is very good
God is our leader and defender God is our helper and nurturer
Christ renews men and women into the identify which He has given them
Family Discussion Questions:
How many parts did God create humanity in - and what are those parts? Though God never reveals Himself as a mother, in what ways would humanity be unable to fully image Him without womanhood? Holiness involves embracing and expressing the gender which God gives a person by ones anatomy. How would you teach and explain that using Scripture? What are the two ditches which we could fall into when considering culture when asking what it means to live as a man or a woman? How does Gods design for the church honour the dignity of maleness and femaleness? What would you say to someone who is struggling to embrace Gods design for marriage or for gender? What is the offer of the Gospel to that person?
Sermon Title: Christ Restores us toHonourGod by guarding life made in His image Sermon Text: Genesis 9:1-17 Sermon Outline: 1.The ending of a human life is a sin against the God whose image they bear 2.The taking of human life in the service of guarding the value of human life is permitted 3.It is wicked to be reckless with human life 4.The sick and disabled are human 5.All tribes are humans 6.Old people are humans 7.Babies are humans 8.Christ redeems the heart to love the Lord and our neighbour
Sermon Outline:
Christ remakes us according to the design which God declared to be very good Repentance is an embrace of Gods original design For now we hold this treasure in jars of clay One day the redeemed will glorify and enjoy God on this earth with bodies perfectly suited to do so.
Family Discussion Questions:
What is the goal given by God to each human? What does it mean that we are to glorify God by having dominion over creation and submitting to Him? Can you explain or give examples for how holiness is to regard God according to what He has said about His identity? Can you explain or give examples for how holiness is to regard yourself according to what God has said about your identity? Can you explain or give examples for how holiness is to regard other humans according to what God has said about their identities? Christians have the glory of being new creations even now; what is meant by the statement that we have this glory in jars of clay right now? (Two main ways).
Sermon Outline:
God is the glorious One through whom and for whom and by whom all things exist
God has by grace alone appointed humanity to be in His image
God has designed and commanded humanity to uniquely and maximally reflect and delight in His glory
Gods wrath toward sin reflects the high calling of being His image bearers
Christ is the man who fulfilled the command to bear the image of God in fullness
Sermon Outline:
Christ was Raised for our Justification Christ was Raised for our Sanctification Christ was Raised for our Glorification
Family Discussion Questions:
What does justification mean? How does Jesus' resurrection change our identity? What does sanctification mean? How does Jesus' resurrection change our life? What does glorification mean? Why is it important that Jesus rose from the deadbodily? What does this tell us about the hope of those who die with faith in Christ? Why could the Great Commission be called the Great Gathering?
Sermon Outline
The Cross was God's Plan The Cross was Christ's Goal The Cross was God's Sword The Cross was not for Christ's sin but for His Bride's Have You Died with Christ?
Sermon outline:
The Triumphal Entry is the undeniable announcement that Jesus was the true Messiah. There were still many misconceptions regarding the Messiahs salvation and kingdom The Messiah saved us by dying for us to establish a creation-wide, eternal, kingdom of peace with God.
Family Discussion questions:
What made Jesus entry into Jerusalem so important for the Jewish people? Why was it important that so many crowds had gathered to call Jesus the Son of David? What does this moment represent in relation to all of Jesus ministry? What was the significance of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey? What were some of the present misconceptions about Jesus running through the Pharisees and even Jesus followers? How was Jesus messianic salvation different than what some people might have expected? What does Psalm 118, which the crowd quotes, tell us about Jesus salvation? What do the prophecies Jesus fulfills in His triumphal entry tell us about His kingdom? What misconceptions might we be prone to have about Jesus even after we acknowledge Him as the Messiah?
Sermon Outline:
The charge to Gods Bride: Follow the Man of Gods Choosing The charge to Gods Messiah: Build the temple according to Gods chosen plan This will depend on a heart with undivided devotion to the first commandment Rejoice that the Lords promise endures
Family Discussion Questions:
Why would you need to combine David and Solomons reigns to get the ideal reign? Why was it critical that Israel know how to identify Gods chosen king for them? What was the charge given to Solomon? What stood in the way of the full enjoyment of that plan(hint: heart)? How does Christ meet the ideal of both David and Solomons reigns? How does He satisfy the two heart problems which were exposed by the reigns of David and his sons? How does Christs messiahship (His Gospel) produce a true obedience of the first commandment in His people (hint: freewill offerings)? In what ways has the last year exposed the difference between the joys the world offers and the joy of Christ? How did God the Father publicly declare that Jesus had fulfilled his role as the perfect Messiah? (Hint: Philippians 2)
Sermon Outline:
Authority is part of Gods design to demonstrate and enjoy His character God divided human authority into different institutions Human hearts will be prone to deny Gods design for authority Christ, the final Davidic Messiah fulfills the responsibilities of every institution
Family Discussion Questions:
What kinds of leaders did David set up for Israel in Chapter 27? What part of Gods character does the design for human authority demonstrate? What human institutions of authority did God institute? Why is the common obey unless commanded to do what God forbids or forbidden to do what God commands insufficient? What are some ways that the authority of church and government get confused? What are some ways that the authority of church and family commonly get confused? What are some ways that the authority of family and government get confused? Why does this take great wisdom and patience? How does Christ fulfill the role of Father, Lord, King, and Husband?
Sermon outline: 1. Precious Enough to God to Require Gatekeepers 2. Communion with God in His Household 3. Rejoicing in the Household of God 4. Washing all that is Holy in the Household of God Family Discussion questions: 1. What was the showbread meant to show the people of God? 2. What was the grain offerings meant to demonstrate? 3. Why were gatekeepers necessary for the temple? 4. How is the truth which was behind the temple gatekeepers now applied in the church? 5. Does being "washed" by the blood of Jesus automatically remove all of the desires of your previous identity? 6. What are the different reasons which Christians need to be reminded that they have been washed? 7. How does the new identity of a being a person who has communion with God replace our old identities? 8. Why is it better than any other identity?
Sermon Outline:
The Son of David is given innumerable treasure to build the Temple The Temples Place and the Builder Chosen by God will be marked by glorious rest The Temple-builder and his under-shepherds must be courageous and keep the Word of the Lord
Family Discussion Questions:
What reason is given in this passage for why David was not permitted to build the temple? What was supposed to be the biggest difference between the reigns of David and Solomon? If we compare the messiahship of Jesus and the messiahship of David, why would Jesus reign better be called one of rest for His people? Why did Solomon and the kings that followed him need courage? Why does the building of the church require courage? Why can we be confident in the building of the church? Consider the greatest fears, worries and anxieties of your life. How does the truth of Christs messiahship very specifically replace that fear with rest and courage?
Sermon Outline:
The Lord focuses His judgement for His people on the righteousness of one man 1 Chronicles 21:1-7 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God 1 Chronicles 21:8-14 David asks the Lord for the sword to fall on him instead of the people 1 Chronicles 21:15-17 The Lord suspends the sword in the air until an altar and sacrifice can be placed under it at great cost to the messiah 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:1
Family Discussion Questions:
What caused the Lord to send Satan to set up this action of David? (2 Samuel 24:1) How did David function as a covenant head in his sin (or like a kinsman redeemer)? Why was this better for Israel if the punishment focused on the sin of the one man? In what way was it better to fall into the hands of God versus other enemies? In what way was it worse?How are you tempted to fear other things more than God (men, loneliness, rejection, poverty, pain, shame, unfulfilled desires)? Has the mercy of God caused you to imagine (or live like) He is not a just God who hates and punishes sin? How does David fulfill his role as messiah here differently than how the Lord Jesus did at the cross? What is similar? If the cost to satisfy the justice of God was an indication of the love for God and for His people, compare the love of David for Gods people to Jesus love for Gods people.
Sermon Title: When the Messiah is on His Throne Sermon Text: 1 Chronicles 20 Sermon Outline: 1. The reign of the messiah succeeds despite all sin. 2. The reign of the messiah overcomes the greatest enemies 3. The reign of the messiah vanquishes the greatest obstacles Family Discussion Questions: 1. In light of the prevalence of 2 Samuel's account of David's reign at the time of the Chronicler, why is it important that this account of Davids victories omits so many weaknesses and moral failings which are found in that prior account? 2. In what way does the Chroniclers specific account of Davids reign prepare his readers for the coming of Jesus? 3. Why was the focus on the defeat of the Ammonite king a particular encouragement to the first readers of Chronicles? How did this account of past events effect their expectations for the future? 4. What is the significance of David placing the Ammonite kings crown on his head? 5. How does David taking the Ammonite Kings crown point us to the reign of Christ? 6. Where have the giants in this passage already appeared in Scripture? How does that affect our appreciation for the slaying of the giants that happens here? 7. What assurance do these giant slayings provide for the people off God? 8. How does our appreciation for these victories and conquering influence our daily lives in the world now?