Bethlehem Community Church: Recent Episodes
Bethlehem Community Church
At BCC, we believe that it is only through the love of the Father, the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the cross, and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can come into a personal relationship with God. We are people seeking a deeper intimacy with God. We seek to know Him and to make Him known in our homes, our community, and in our world. BCC is an independent nondenominational bible based evangelical church and includes people with backgrounds from many denominations. We seek to bring glory to God everyday, not just Sundays. While our worship service is dynamic with a strong message of truth from the Word of God, our focus is on dynamic, small Christian communities where discipleship is the goal. Join us on Sunday, stop in to talk anytime, or lets get together to share a time of fellowship and prayer. Bethlehem Community Church is a place where people matter - a place where you matter, because you matter to Jesus!
Date: 08/09/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 7:14 - 8:32
Layout:
The Waters Declare (7:14-25)
The Frogs Decree (8:1-15)
The Dust Delivers (8:16-19)
The Flies Divulge (8:20-32)
Date: 07/26/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: None
Layout:
A 10,000' overview of the plagues.
Date: 07/19/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 7:8-13
Layout:
God Directs (v8-9)
Man Responds (v10)
Satan Imitates (v11-12a)
God Overcomes (v12b)
Man Rejects (v13)
Date: 07/12/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: Exodus 7:1-7
Layout:
God Reminds (v1-2&7)
God Warns (v3-6)
God Hardens (v3a)
Date: 07/05/2026
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Mike Hannay, Elder
Scripture: Galatians 5
Layout:
What Are We Free From? (v2-4)
What Are We Free To Do? (v13-14)
Stand Firm! (v16-23)
Don't Go Back! (v25)
Date: 06/21/2026
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Joe Gannon
Scripture: John 14:6
Layout:
The Way
The Truth
The Life
Date: 06/28/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 6:14-30
Layout:
Family: Our Identity (v14-19)
Family: Our Promise (v20-25)
Family: Our Purpose (v20-25)
Family: Our Preparation (v26-27)
Family: God's Plan (v28-30)
Date: 06/14/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 6:9-13
Layout:
Who is Listening? (v9)
Who is Telling? (v10-11)
Who is Purifying? (v12)
Who is Bringing? (v13)
Date: 06/07/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 6:6-8
Layout:
I Am (v6a)
I Will: Bring You Out (v6b)
I Will: Deliver You From (v6c)
I Will: Redeem You With (v6d)
I Will: Take You As (v7a)
I Will: Be Your God (v7b)
I Will: Bring You In (v8a)
I Will: Give For You (v8b)
I AM (v8c)
Date : 05/31/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 6:1-5
Layout:
Watch (v1)
Reveal (v2-3)
Establish (v4)
Remember (v5)
Date: 05/17/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 5:1-9
Layout:
The Demand (v1)
The Question (v2)
The Request (v3)
The Denial (v4-5)
The Work (v6-9)
Date: 05/10/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 4:27-31
Layout:
Go Meet (v27)
Go Tell (v28)
Go Find (v29)
Go Show (v30)
Go Worship (v31)
Date: 05/24/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: Exodus 5:10-23
Layout:
Pharaoh's Reply (v10-11)
Appealing to Pharaoh (v12-19)
Complaining to Moses (v20-21)
Questioning God (v22-23)
Date: 04/19/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 3:11 - 4:17
Layout:
Who Am I? (v3:11)
Who Are You? (v3:13)
Who Will Listen? (v4:1)
Who Will Understand? (v4:10)
Who Will Go? (v4:13)
Date: 04/26/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 4:18-23
Layout:
Seeking V18)
Going (v19-20a)
Performing (v20b-21a)
Hardening (v21b)
Demanding (v22-23)
Date: 05/03/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 4:24-26
Layout:
The Beginning (v24a)
The End (v24b)
The Circumcision (v25a)
The Responses (v25b-26)
Date: 04/12/2026
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Mike Adams, Executive Director of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center
Scripture: Jonah 2:1-10
Date: April 5, 2026
Series: Easter Sunday
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Layout:
The Past Passover (Exodus 12:21-27)
The Present Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
The Future Passover (1 Corinthians 15:20-21)
Date: 03/29/2026
Series: Palm Sunday
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: Luke 19:28-44
Layout:
Jesus' Declaration (Luke 19:41-44)
The Prophesied Day (Daniel 9:24-27)
The Promised Plan (Romans 9-11)
Faithfulness and Expectations
Date: 03/22/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 4:10-17
Layout:
Hesitation (v10)
Intention (v11-12)
Refutation (v13)
Illustration (v14-15)
Direction (v16-17)
Date: 03/15/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 4:1-9
Layout:
The Doubt (v1)
The Question (v2a)
The Staff (v2b-4)
The Hand (v6-7)
The Test (v8-9)
The Proof (v5)
Date: 03/08/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 3:19-22
Layout:
Knowing (v19)
Doing (v20a)
Proclaiming (v20b-21a)
Providing (v21b-22)
Date: 03/01/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 3:16-18
Layout:
Sending (v16a)
Seeing (v16b-17)
Hearing (v18a)
Worshiping (v18b)
Date: 02/22/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 3:13-15
Layout:
The Question (v13)
The Answer (v14)
The Heritage (v15a)
The Revelation (v15b)
Date: 02/15/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 3:7-12
Layout:
He Knows (v7)
He Acts (v8)
He Sees (v9)
He Sends (v10)
He Empowers (v11-12)
Date: 02/08/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 3:1-6
Layout:
The Location (v1)
The Sight (v2)
The Call (v3-4)
The Ground (v5)
The Encounter (v6)
Date: 02/01/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 2:23-25
Layout:
God's Timing (v23a)
God's People (v23b)
God's Place (v23c)
God's Memory (v24)
God's Heart (v25)
Date: 01/18/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 2:16-22
Layout:
The Place (v16a)
The Conflict (v16b-17a)
The Help (v17b)
The Meeting (v18-20a)
The Reward (v20b-22)
Date: 01/11/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 2:11-15
Layout:
His People (v11)
His Deed (v12)
His Fear (v13-14)
His Flight (v15)
Date: 01/04/2026
Series: Exodus: God Speaks
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10
Layout:
Hiding (v1-2)
Sending (v3-4)
Finding (v5-6)
Caring (v7-9)
Naming (v10)
Date: 10/12/2025
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: JD Milton, Pastor of West Hoosick Church (Village Missions)
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
Date: 10/05/2025
Series: Trust in Truth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 16:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Acts 2:42 & Matthew 28:18-20
Date: 09/28/2025
Series: Trust in Truth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Romans 3:23, John 3:3, Romans 5:8, Acts 2:37-38, Ephesians 1:13-14 & Romans 6:22
Date: 09/21/2025
Series: Trust in Truth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Genesis 1:1,9,24&26 2:16-17 3:1 & Exodus 20:11
Date: 09/14/2025
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: None
Date: 08/31/2025
Series: Trust in Truth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:21, Revelation 22:18-19, John 17:17
Date: 08/10/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James
Date: 08/17/2025
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Perry Jones, Capital City Rescue Mission
Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12
Date: 08/24/2015
Series: Trust in Truth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13, 1 Timothy 4:1-2,6-8,11-16
Date: 08/03/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 5:19-20
Date: 07/27/2025
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Andy Nelson, Village Missions
Scripture: Genesis 6-9
Date: 07/20/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Peter Siciliano, Elder
Scripture: James 5:16-18
Date: 07/06/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 5:13-15
Date: 06/29/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 5:10-12
Date: 06/22/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Mike Hannay, Elder
Scripture: James 5:7-9
Date: 06/01/2025
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Psalm 112:5-9
Date: 06/15/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 5:1-6
Date: 06/08/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 4:13-17
Date: 05/18/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Mike Hannay, Elder
Scripture: James 4:6-10
Date: 05/11/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 4:1-5
Date: 05/04/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 3:13-18
Date: 04/20/2025
Series: Standalone
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Philippians 3:10, Luke 24:19-20, Romans 1:4, Luke 19:10, Ephesians 1:20-23, John 8:25-26, John 14:1-3
Date: 04/27/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: James 3:5-12
Date: 04/13/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Romans 6:2-5
Date: 04/06/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: James 3:1-5a
Date: 03/30/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 2:18,21-23,25
Date: 03/09/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 2:8-13
Date: 03/16/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 2:14,19-20,24,26
Date: 03/23/2025
Series: Book of James: Faith Works
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: James 2:15-17
Note: Equipment technical issues during recording.
Date: 09/22/2024
Series: The Church
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Date: 09/15/2024
Series: The Church
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 11:25
Date: 09/08/2024
Series: The Church
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 18:37b-38
Date: 09/01/2024
Series: The Church
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 6:11-12,19-20,26-27,32-33,35,53-56
Date: 08/25/2024
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Perry Jones, Executive Director of Capital City Rescue Mission
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-7
Date: 08/18/2024
Series: The Church
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
Date: 08/11/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: Ruth 4:13-22
Date: 07/21/2024
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Peter Siciliano, Elder
Scripture: Various
Date: 08/04/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 4:1-12
Date: 07/14/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 3:10-18
Date: 07/07/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 3:-9
Date: 6/30/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 2:14-23
Date: 6/16/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 1:15-22
Date: 6/23/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 2:1-13
Date: 06/09/2024
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Andrew Strickland, Pastor of Quaker Street Bible Church
Scripture: Joshua 1:9
Date: 05/12/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ruth 1:1 - 4:22
Date: 05/19/2024
Series: Book of Ruth
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: Ruth 1:1-7
Date: 05/05/2024
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Various
Date: 04/28/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter
Date: 04/07/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9
Date: 03/17/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-7
Date: 03/31/2024
Series: Easter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Various
Date: 03/10/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Mike Hannay, Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4
Date: 03/03/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17-19
Date: 02/25/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16
Date: 02/18/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Eksrein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Date: 02/11/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7
Date: 02/04/2024
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Andy Nelson, Pastor/Village Missions/First Baptist Church of East Poestenkill
Scripture: Various
Date: 01/28/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-9
Date: 01/21/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:4-6
Date: 01/14/2024
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-3
Date: 12/31/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Chad Stidom / Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Date: 12/24/2023
Series: Christmas Eve Service
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 1:1-3,14
Date: 12/24/2023
Series: Christmas Message
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Isaiah 7:14
Date: 12/17/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:21-22
Date: 12/10/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17-20
Date: 12/03/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-16
Date: 11/26/2023
Series A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoffrey Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Date: 11/19/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:3-6
Date: 11/12/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-2,7
Date: 11/05/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25
Date: 10/22/2023
Series: Home @ BCC
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13
Date: 10/15/2023
Series: Home @ BCC
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16
Date: 10/01/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-20
Date: 09/24/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:16-17
Date: 09/17/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-15
Date: 09/10/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2
Date: 09/03/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2
Date: 09/03/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2
Date: 08/27/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Perry Jones, Executive Director of the Capital City Rescue Mission
Scripture: John 4:46-53
Date: 08/20/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-12
Date: 08/13/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Date: 08/06/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3
Date: 07/30/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:20-25
Date: 07/23/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Chris Luciano, Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-19
Date: 07/16/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Mike Hannay, Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Date: 07/09/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-12
Date: 07/02/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8-9
Date: 06/25/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: JD Milton, Pastor of West Hoosick Baptist Church through Village Missions
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13
Date: 06/18/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7
Date: 06/11/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:5
Date: 06/04/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:2b-4
Date: 05/28/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:2-3
Date: 05/21/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2
Date: 05/14/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Various
Date: 05/07/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Various
Date: 04/30/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1b
Date: 04/23/2023
Series: A Study in the Book of 1 Peter
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1a
Date: 04/16/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: John Stewart, Elder
Scripture: Various
Date: 04/09/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15
Date: 04/02/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5 / Matthew 23
Date: 03/26/2023
Series: The Beatitudes
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Date: 03/19/2023
Series: The Beatitudes
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
Date: 03/05/2023
Series: The Beatitudes
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5:8
Date: 02/26/2023
Series: The Beatitudes
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5:7
Date: 02/05/2023
Series: The Beatitudes
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5:4
Date: 01/22/2023
Series: The Beatitudes
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-2
Date: 1/15/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22
Date: 01/08/2023
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: None
Date: 1/1/2023
Series: Advent
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Date: 12/24/2022
Series: Advent
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 1:1-5,12-14 & 3:16
Date: 12/18/2022
Series: Advent
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11
Date: 12/11/2022
Series: Advent
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Luke 2:8-18
Date: 12/4/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein Pastor/Elder
Scripture: None
Date: 11/27/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Romans 8:1-6
Date: 11/20/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15
Date: 11/13/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 10:1-21
Date: 11/6/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 9:1-41
Date: 11/6/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 9:1-41
Date: 10/30/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Multiple
Date: 10/23/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 8:12-59
Date: 10/16/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 8:1-11
Date: 10/09/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 John
Date: 10/09/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: 1 John
Date: 10/02/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 7:32-53
Date: 09/25/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 7:1-31
Date: 09/18/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 6:41-71
Date: 09/11/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 6:22-40
Date: 09/04/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 6:16-21
Date: 08/28/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 6:1-15
Date: 08/21/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 5:30-47
Date: 08/14/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Perry Jones, Exec. Dir., Capital City Rescue Mission
Scripture: Matthew 4:35-5:20
Date: 08/07/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 5:19-29
Date: 07/31/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 5:1-18
Date: 07/24/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Job & Psalm 22
Date: 07/17/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 4:31-54
Date: 07/10/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 4:1-30
Date: 07/03/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 3:17-36
Date: 06/26/2022
Series: There's more! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 3:1-16
Date: 06/19/2022
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Romans 8:14-17
Date: 06/12/2022
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John)
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: John 2:13-25
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John); Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder; Scripture: John 2:1012
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Will Babarczy, Executive Director, Alpha Pregnancy Care Center
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John); Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Elder/Pastor; Scripture: John 1:35-51
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Gospel of John); Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder; Scripture: John 1:19-34
John 1:14-18And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
We look forward to gathering as a family to seek the Lord together!
Join us at 10am for our Sunday Worship Service.
SUNDAY MESSAGELast Sunday, we started our brand-new series on the Gospel of John and talked about Knowing the Pre-Incarnate Jesus from John 1:1-13. I hope it was encouraging to explore the depths and wonders of the Jesus who has always existed!
This Sunday, we are going to continue in the Gospel of John by looking at how The Incarnation Changes Everything! from John 1:14-18. Come ready to see what it meant when John says Jesus "tabernacled" among us-- and how that still affects us today. See you all Sunday!
Pastor Travis, the one Jesus loves.
Series: There's More! (A Study in the Book of John); Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder; Scripture: John 1:1-13
Series: A Study in the Book of Jude; Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder; Scripture: Jude 1:14-25
Series: A Study in the Book of Jude; Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder; Scripture: Jude 1:5-13
Series: A Study in the Book of Jude; Speaker: Travis Woronowicz Teaching Pastor/Elder; Scripture: Jude 1:1-4
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder; Scripture: John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing"
Travis looks at several common viewpoints of Revelation, complicated? Not really. Are you ready?
Series: Gather, Grow, Go
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
Outline:
1. Immersed in the name of the Father
2. Immersed in the name of the Son
3. Immersed in the name of the Holy Spirit
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Know, Reckon, Offer
Romans 6:1-14 (ESV)
1. KNOW
2. RECKON
3. OFFER
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Geoff Ekstein, Pastor/Elder
Outline:
1. Focus on Jesus in Worship
2. Focus on Jesus in Prayer
3. Focus on Jesus in Study
Series: Advent
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
Outline:
- A Child is Born and a Son is Given
- Wonderful Counselor
- Mighty God
- Everlasting Father
- Prince of Peace
- Government on His Shoulders
Series: Advent
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Luke 2:1-17
Series: Advent
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Outline:
1. Joseph
2. Moses
3. Joshua
4. David
Series: Advent
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Various
Outline:
1. Cain and Abel
2. Noah
3. Abraham and Isaac
4. Jacob
Series: Advent
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Genesis 1-3
Outline:
1. The Beautiful Life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
2. We're Created to Join in God's Life
3. Sin messed it all up!
Series: A Life of Thanksgiving
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Teaching Pastor/Elder
Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9
1. Think about whatever is pure
2. Think about whatever is lovely
3. Think about whatever is commendable
4. If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
5. Closing Promise: The God of peace will be with us (as we do these things)
Series: A Life of Thanksgiving
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Elder/Pastor
Scripture: Philippians 4:8(a)
Finally, brothers...
1. Think about whatever is true
2. Think about whatever is noble
3. Think about whatever is right
Series: A Life of Thanksgiving
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7
- Rejoice in the Lord always... and repeat.
2. Let our reasonableness be known to everyone.
3. Remember that the Lord is at hand!
4. Do not be anxious about anything.
5. Instead, in everything, by prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, make our requests known to God.
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-14
- Humility
- Trust
- Alertness
- Strength
- Hope
- Faithfulness
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5
Sermon Outline:
- A Call to Shepherd Leadership
- Who is to Be Shepherded?
- The Qualities of Shepherd Leadership
- Why are Shepherd Leaders to Lead this Way?
- Our Response to Shepherd Leadership
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter.
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Outline:
1. We are to expect suffering as followers of Christ
2. We are to rejoice in our suffering
3. We are to think about suffering the right way
4. We are to entrust our suffering to God
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Challenge #1: We are to be self-controlled and sober-minded
Challenge #2: We are to keep loving one another earnestly.
Challenge #3: We are to show hospitality to one another.
Challenge #4: We are to use the gifts God gave us.
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6
To live in the will of God ...
1. God Wants to Impact How We See Our PRESENT
2. God Wants to Impact How We See Our PAST
3. God Wants to Impact How We See Our FUTURE
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Step 1: Jesus Died for Us
A. He Suffered Once for Sins
B. The Righteous One Died for the Unrighteous
C. He Died to Bring Us to God
D. He was Put to Death in the Flesh, but was Made Alive in the Spirit
Step 2: Jesus Proclaimed Victory over Rebellious Spirits
Step 3: Jesus Came Back to Life
Step 4: Jesus Wants to Immerse Us into this New Life
Step 5: Jesus Ascended to Heaven and is Now Working from There
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Sermon Outline
- Unity of mind
- Sympathy
- Brotherly love
- Tender hearts
- Humble minds
- Bless others
SUNDAY MESSAGESpeaker: Perry Jones, Executive Director of the Capital City Rescue Mission
Traveling with Jesus, Seeking and Saving the Lost
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Outline:
A. The Sorry Sinner
1. His Place (v. 1)
2. His Position (v. 2)
3. His Plan (v. 3a)
4. His Problem Solved (v. 3b-4)
B. The Seeking Savior
1. The Awesome Call of Jesus (v. 5)
2. The Joyful Response of Zacchaeus (v. 6)
3. The Negative Reaction of the Crowd (v. 7)
C. The Spectacular Salvation
1. His Confession (v. 8a)
2. His Change (of Heart) (v. 8b)
3. His Contrition (v. 8c)
4. His Conversion (v. 9-10)
Conclusion
Luke 18:25-27
Romans 10:9-10, 13
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: Ruth 1-4
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Letting the Gospel Impact Our Work
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25
Sermon Outline:
1. Being subject, as servants, in Peter's day
2. Being subject to our employers today
3. The main reason for our subjection
Series: Living Hope: A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Sermon Outline:
1. Who?
2. What?
3-4. Where and When?
5. Why?
6. How?
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-12
Question 1: Who are we in Jesus? (Our Being)
Question 2: How do we live for Jesus? (Our Doing)
Date: 07/25/2021
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Geoff Ekstein
Scripture:
Genesis 1:1
Exodus 13:3(a)
Matthew 2:1-2
Mark 1:16-20
Matthew 11:28-30
Acts 2:1-4(a)
Revelation 22:16-21
Mark 14:22-25
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Outline:
Question 1: What foundation are we building our lives upon?
Question 2: What exactly are we building on that foundation?
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22 - 2:3
Truth #1. We are a people with purified souls
Truth #2. We are a people who love each other earnestly.
Truth #3. We are a people who are growing in our faith.
Date: 07/04/2021
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: Galatians 2:20
Sentence 1: I have been crucified with Christ.
Sentence 2: It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Sentence 3: And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Date: 06/27/2021
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: Romans 15:13
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-21
- What our Father has done for us through Jesus
A. The Father Foreknew Jesus
B. The Father Sent Jesus to Earth
C. The Father Received Jesus' Work on our Behalf
D. The Father Raised Jesus from the Dead - What our Response to our Heavenly Father should be with our Lives
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-16
Looking Backward, Looking Forward, & Looking Within
1. Looking BACKWARD at God's Faithfulness
2. Looking FORWARD to God's Grace
3. Looking WITHIN to see who we are in Him
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9
- Trials, when seen correctly, can strengthen our faith in Jesus.
- Trials, when seen correctly, can deepen our love for Jesus.
- Trials, when seen correctly, can saturate our lives with joy in Jesus.
Series: Living Hope, A Study in 1 Peter
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-5
Outline:
- Living hope is found in embracing who God is and what He has done for us in Jesus.
- Living hope is found in embracing who we are in Jesus.
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: John 21:1-23
1. Jesus sees Simon, again
2. Simon is still looking at Simon
3. Simon sees Jesus (and THAT makes all the difference yet again)
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Travis Woronowicz, Interim Preacher
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
Seeing Jesus Makes All the Difference
- Jesus sees Simon
- Simon sees Simon
- Simon sees Jesus (and THAT makes all the difference)
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Dave McDowell
Scripture: Psalm 19:1-6 & Hebrews 1:1-3
Take Root Downward, Bear Fruit Upward.
I. Roots Before Fruits Is. 37:31
II How to be Rooted in Christ.
1. Receive Jesus as Lord Col 2:6
2. Learn and be Instructed Col 2:7a
3, Have a Grateful Heart Col 2:7b
4 Trust in God Jer 17:7
5. Do Not Fear Jer 17:8a
III Bear Fruit Jer 17:8b
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Psalm 19
Big Idea: God has spoken so that He may be known and followed.
Outline:
1) God has spoken through nature so we may know He's there. (1-6)
2) God has spoken through Scripture so we may follow Him here. (7-14)
12 ways God uses His Word so we may follow Him:
- To revive us. (7a)
- To mature us. (7b)
- To rejoice us. (8a)
- To direct us. (8b)
- To humble us. (9a)
- To ground us. (9b)
- To enrich us. (10a)
- To satisfy us. (10b)
- To warn us. (11)
- To reveal us. (12)
- To protect us. (13)
- To transform us. (14)
Big Idea:Our Lord is mightier than any trial we will ever face.
Outline:1) Our Lord reigns. (1-2)
4 ways to know our Lord reigns:
- We see His glory.
- We watch His strength.
- We observe His creation.
- We behold His eternality.
2) Our trials roar. (3)
3) Our Lord stands victorious. (4-5)
How to live like our Lord stands victorious:
- Look to His throne.
- Look to His Word.
- Look to His Son.
- Look to eternity.
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: John 21:1-23
Big Idea:The Risen Jesus teaches us how to follow Him.
Outline:I will follow the risen Jesus ...
1) Confident in His sovereignty, not my strength. (1-14)
2) Comforted by His grace, not my goodness. (15-17)
3) Concerned for His people, not my priorities. (15-17)
4) Committed to His call, not my comfort. (18-23)
Series: Easter Sunday
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Big Idea:Stand in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Outline:1) Stand here because Jesus died for you. (1-4a)
2) Stand here because Jesus is alive. (4b-7)
3) Stand here because Jesus changes lives. (8-11)
Pastor Geoff Eckstein
"Traveling from Victory to Victory "
Mark 12;41-44
Trust
Hope
Faith
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Psalm 23
Big Idea: You can live with absolute confidence when the Lord is your shepherd.
Outline:
1) The Lord provides you what you need. (1-3)
4 provisions of the Lord:
- He provides Himself. (1)
- He provides nourishment. (2a)
- He provides refreshment. (2b-3a)
- He provides direction. (3b)
2) The Lord protects you where you are. (4)
4 characteristics of people who are confident in the Lord during trials:
- They walk, not run through trials.
- They understand the valley is just a shadow.
- They know they don't need to fear evil.
- They remember their shepherd is with them.
3) The Lord promises you how you'll live. (5-6)
4 promises for you you'll live:
- He will give you peace in turmoil. (5a)
- He will grant you the abundant life. (5b)
- He will go after you with His love. (6a)
- He will greet you in His presence. (6b
Series: Follow Him: Gospel of Mark
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Mark 2:1-17
Big Idea: Jesus is able and willing to save you from your sins.
Outline:1) Jesus is able to forgive your sins. (1-12)
2) Jesus is willing to forgive your sins. (13-17)
Series: Follow Him: Gospel of Mark
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Mark 1:35-45
Big Idea:Jesus shows us how to advance the Kingdom of God with His priorities.
Outline:1) Communion with God (35-37)
4 "reasons" we don't pray:
- "I'm too busy."
- "I don't want to bother God."
- "I don't need to."
- "I don't feel like it."
2) Communicating the gospel (38-39)
3) Compassion for others (40-45)
Series: Follow Him: Gospel of Mark
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Mark 1:21-34
Big Idea:Jesus' power proves His identity.
Outline:
- Jesus' power is proven in His teaching. (21-22)
- Jesus' power is proven over the spiritual. (23-28)
- Jesus' power is proven over the physical. (29-34)
- 4 facts about physical pain:
- Jesus knows your pain. (John 16:30)
- Jesus has power over your pain. (Mark 1:30)
- Jesus will use your pain for good. (Romans 8:28)
- Jesus will eventually remove all pain. (Revelation 21:4)
- 4 facts about physical pain:
Date: 02/21/2021
Series: Follow Him
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Mark 1:14-20
Big Idea:Jesus calls us to respond to the gospel and follow Him.
Outline:
- Following Jesus means responding to the gospel. (14-15)
- What is the gospel?
- The gospel is good news rooted in a particular moment in the past.
- The gospel is good news that demands a particular response in the present.
- What is the gospel?
- Responding to the gospel means following Jesus. (16-20)
- Jesus calls us from a life of disordered priorities.
- Jesus calls us to a life of discipleship.
Series: Follow Him
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Mark 1:1-13
Big Idea:Jesus Christ is somebody worth following.
Outline:
1) He is the promised King. (1-8)
2) He is the Son of God. (9-11)
3) He is the better Adam. (12-13)
The State of Our UnionSeries: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Geoff Ekstein
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-10
Outline:
- Our every need is satisfied in our union with Christ. (3)
- Our identity is found in our union with Christ. (4-6a)
- Our purpose is found in our union with Christ. (6b-10)
Series: Heart Thermometers
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Romans 9:1-8; 10:1-18
BIG IDEA: Spiritually healthy hearts have a burden for the lost that leads them to reach the lost.
OUTLINE:
- Our burden must be sincere. (9:1-3)
- Our burden must be clear. (9:4-8)
- Our burden must produce action. (10:1-18)
- Our burden must produce prayer. (1)
- Our burden must produce precision. (2-13)
- Our burden must produce proclamation. (14-18)
Series: Heart Thermometers
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Psalm 51
BIG IDEA: Spiritually healthy hearts grieve over their sin and live lives or repentance.
OUTLINE:
- I see my sin for what it is. (1-6)
- I need God's grace to be made new. (7-12)
- I'll seek God's glory above all else. (13-19)
- 3 ways to seek God's glory above all else:
- Evangelism (13)
- Worship (14-17)
- Community (18-19)
- 3 ways to seek God's glory above all else:
Series: Heart Thermometers
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
BIG IDEA: Spiritually healthy hearts are forgiven hearts who forgive others as God forgave them.
OUTLINE:
- Spiritually healthy hearts know they've been forgiven much. (21-27)
- Spiritually healthy hearts know others aren't beyond their forgiveness. (28-30)
- Spiritually healthy hearts know unforgiveness is too costly. (31-35)
Series: Heart Thermometers
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3
BIG IDEA: Spiritually healthy hearts are growing in love for others.
OUTLINE:
1) Giftedness - love ≠ spiritual health. (1-3)
2) Selfishness + love ≠ spiritual health. (4-7)
3) Eternal focus + love = spiritual health. (8-13)
Series: Heart Thermometers
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: James 1:22-25
BIG IDEA: Spiritually healthy hearts are governed by God's Word.
OUTLINE:
1. Spiritually healthy hearts examine themselves. (22-24)
Three ingredients for a profitable time in God's Word:
· Have a plan
· Have a help
· Have an aim
2. Spiritually healthy hearts exercise themselves. (25)
I-O-U-S for approaching God's Word:
I - "Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain." (Ps. 119:16)
O - "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Ps. 119:18)
U - "Unite my heart to fear your name." (Ps. 86:11)
S - "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love." (Ps. 90:14)
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Geoff Ekstein
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:10; 8:11
Christmas Eve Message
Series: An Unbelievable Christmas
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Series: An Unbelievable Christmas
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
BIG IDEA: Jesus is our unbelievable King, so we must worship Him.
OUTLINE:
- What kind of king is He? (1-3, 6)
- How should we respond to this King? (4-12)
- Religious people ignore Him. (4-6)
- Prideful people oppose Him. (7-8)
- Wise people worship Him. (9-12)
Series: An Unbelievable Christmas
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
BIG IDEA: God came to us in the person of Jesus Christ and THAT is good news!
OUTLINE:
- God with us: Good news for difficult times. (18-20)
- God with us: Good news for sinful people. (21-23)
- God with us: Good news for following Jesus. (24-25)
PASSAGE:
Luke 1:26-38
BIG IDEA:
Nothing is impossible for our unbelievable God.
OUTLINE:
1) Our God gives grace to the insignificant. (26-30)
2) Our God provides the unbelievable. (31-37)
3) Our God uses the yielding. (38)
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Perry Jones, Director of Capital City Rescue Mission
Scripture: Luke 8:40-48
Series: Esther: When God Seems Silent
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Esther 9-10
BIG IDEA: Our God is a faithful God.
OUTLINE:
1) Step out in faith. (9:1-16)
2) Celebrate God's faithfulness. (9:17-32)
3) Serve Him faithfully. (10:1-3)
Series: Standalone Message
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3: 14-17
BIG IDEA: The Bible is God's Word, so we must continue in it throughout the Christian life.
OUTLINE:
Three reasons we must continue in God's Word ...
1. Because it points us to Jesus. (14-15)
2. Because God wrote it. (16a)
3. Because it's the foundation for our discipleship. (16b-17)
Series: Esther: When God Seems Silent
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Esther 8
BIG IDEA: Our God can make a way when there is no other way.
OUTLINE:
1. Will you plead on behalf of others? (1-6)
2. Will you receive the new decree? (7-12)
3. Will you proclaim the good news? (13-14)
4. Will you rejoice in your deliverance? (15-17)
Series: Esther: When God Seems Silent
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Esther 7
BIG IDEA:
God's people stand for truth and God's enemies fall apart from truth.
OUTLINE:
1. Courageously stand for truth. (1-6)
2. Completely know the penalty for sin. (7-10)
Series: Esther: When God Seems Silent
Speaker: Pastor Andrew Watkins
Scripture: Esther 6
BIG IDEA: God is working behind the scenes in our lives in His timing and His ways for His purposes.
OUTLINE:
1. God works in His own timing. (1-5)
2. God works in His own ways. (6-11)
3. God works for His own purposes. (12-14)
HUMBLE OR HAUGHTY?
Pastor Andrew Watkins
SCRIPTURE: Esther 5
BIG IDEA: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." - 1 Peter 5:5/James 4:6
OUTLINE:
- Humble people are ready to be used by God. (1-8)
- Prideful people are ready to use others as God. (9-14)
Who Is Your Neighbor
Justin Hamm, Youth Leader
SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:25-37
BIG IDEA: A heart neighbored by God naturally neighbors others.
OUTLINE:
- An arrogant heart naturally has no room for Christ. (25-29)
- A religious heart has no room for Christ. (30-32)
- A Christ-centered heart can’t help but love irrationally. (33-35)
Do Something
Pastor Andrew Watkins|
Series: Esther: When God Seems Silent
Scripture: Esther 4
BIG IDEA:
Serve God faithfully with the opportunities He's given you in the places He's put you.
OUTLINE:
1. Care deeply. (1-3)
2. Risk boldly. (4-11)
3. Act faithfully. (12-17)
BIG IDEA:
God is sovereignly plotting your course,
even when others are sinfully plotting against you.
OUTLINE:
1. God is sovereign over your location, so serve Him in it. (2:19-23)
2. God is sovereign over your position, so follow Him in it. (3:1-6)
3. God is sovereign over your situation, so trust Him with it. (3:7-15)
Series: Esther: When God Seems Silent
Pastor Andrew Watkins
Providential Positioning
Esther 2:1-18
BIG IDEA: God is positioning us for His purposes, even when we can't see through the darkness.
OUTLINE:
1. When you feel sin's consequences, pursue repentance. (1-4)
2. When you feel sin's reach, live faithfully. (5-11)
3. When you feel sin's destruction, trust God. (12-18)
Big Idea
God Still works to accomplish His plans, even in the midst of wickedness.
- God still works in the midst of wicked behavior (10-12)
2. God still works in the midst of wicked council (13-18)
- God still works in the midst of wicked decrees (19-22)
THIS WEEK'S SERMON:
"Exiled in Worldliness" - Esther 1:1-9
BIG IDEA:
When all you can see around you is worldliness, look for God's unseen hand.
OUTLINE:
1. Look for God despite worldly pride. (1-4)
2. Look for God despite worldly possessions. (5-7)
3. Look for God despite worldly power. (8-9)
Pastor Geoff Ekstein
Phillipians 3:12-16
BIG IDEA:
“True joy is found in Christ, not our own efforts.”
OUTLINE:
1. The risk of spiritual arrogance? (Verse 12)
2. Where is your home? (Verse 13-14)
3. Finishing strong (Verse 15-16)
4. Challenge: Be wary of your attitude.
How to Have Peace - Psalm 4Pastor Andrew Watkins
Big Idea: God's children can come to Him in hard times and find peace.
Outline:
- Point yourself to the Lord. (1)
- Point your enemies to the Lord. (2-5)
- Point your circumstances to the Lord. (6-8)
Big Idea:
God is with you and for you in your trials.
Outline:
- Take your troubles to the LORD. (1-2)
2. Place your confidence in the LORD. (3-6)
3. Give your battles to the LORD. (7-8)
| Big Idea: God's plan is for Jesus Christ to rule over all, so submit to Him.
Outline:
1. Resist the world's rebellion against God. (1-3)
2. Consider God's response to our uprising. (4-6)
3. Embrace God's plan for the world. (7-9)
- Choose God's path for salvation. (10-12)
| Big Idea:The path to true blessing is only found in God through Christ
Outline:
-
Pursue God's way and prosper. (1-3)
-
Pursue your way and perish. (4-6)
Gospel Perspective
Paul Anderson
Phillipians 1:3-11
Big Idea: A Gospel Perspective puts everything into perspective.
Outline:
1. The Gospel Perspective gives us three things. (vs. 3-8)
2. The key to the Gospel Perspective. (vs. 9)
3. The result of the Gospel Perspective. (vs. 10-11)
Pastor Andrew Watkins
Series: Titus 3
Sermon: Entrusted to Live Well
Big Idea: We have been entrusted with the gospel, so we must live out the gospel.
Outline: 1. Live well by honoring others. (vs. 1-2)
2. Live well by remembering the gospel. (vs. 3-7)
3. Live well by doing, not talking. (vs. 8-11)
4. Live well by cultivating relationships. (vs. 12-15)
“Entrusted with Grace”
Titus 2:11-15
Big Idea: God’s grace saturates the Christian life from beginning to end.
Outline:
1. God’s grace has saved us from sin’s penalty. (11)
2. God’s grace is saving us from sin’s power. (12)
3. God’s grace will save us from sin’s presence. (13)
4. God’s grace saves us for Jesus’ possession. (14-15)
Closing Thoughts:
The word grace brings many different thoughts to our minds. Maybe you think of fond memories of a favorite old hymn. Perhaps you remember what it felt like to be far from God and then understand His grace for the first time. Many of us associate grace with salvation, but don’t really see how it plays into the Christian life. This week in Titus 2:11-15, we’re going to see that God’s grace saturates the Christian life from beginning to end.
God bless you all!
Sermon Series: Titus – Entrusted with the Gospel
Title: “Entrusted for Discipleship”
Text: Titus 2:1-10
Big Idea: God has entrusted us with the gospel, so we must pursue discipleship before a watching world.
Outline:
1. The root of discipleship is good doctrine. (1)
2. The responsibility in discipleship is godly living. (2-10a)
3. The reason for discipleship is gospel witness. (10b)
Title: “Entrusted to Defend”
Text: Titus 1:10-16
Big Idea: God has entrusted us with the gospel, so we must defend it in the church.
Outline: 3 enemies of the gospel…
-
A legalism that adds to the gospel’s message. (10-11)
-
A license that detracts from the gospel’s power. (12-14)
-
A life that denies the gospel’s work. (15-16)
Sunday Worship:
Sermon Series: Titus – Entrusted with the Gospel
Title: “Entrusted to Lead”
Text: Titus 1:5-9
Big Idea: God has entrusted the leadership of His church to godly men.
Outline:
1. Godly leaders keep godly commitments. (5-6)
2. Godly leaders keep godly character. (7-8)
3. Godly leaders keep godly convictions. (9)
Sermon Notes: June 14, 2020 Title: “Entrusted to Serve” Text: Titus 1:1-4 Big Idea: God has entrusted us with the gospel, so we must serve well. 1. We are entrusted to serve with gospel purpose. (1) 2. We are entrusted to serve with gospel hope. (2) 3. We are entrusted to serve with gospel proclamation. (3) 4. We are entrusted to serve with gospel unity. (4)
Pastor Andrew Watkins
Title: “Angered by Grace”
Text: Jonah 4
Big Idea: God graciously works to instill in us hearts of grace.
Outline: 3 “Check Engine” lights for your heart:
1. When you think you know better than God. (1-4)
2. When you want grace for yourself, but judgment for others. (5-9)
- When you don’t share God’s heart for the lost. (10-11)
Title: “Proclaiming Grace”
Pastor Andrew Watkins
Text: Jonah 3
Big Idea: God is the God of second chances, so we must proclaim His grace.
Outline:
- God’s grace restores the runner. (1-3a)
- God’s grace reaches the rebel. (3b-9)
- God’s grace rescues the repentant. (10)
Pastor Andrew Watkins
Sermon Series: “Jonah: A Story of God’s Grace”
Sermon Title: “Praying for Grace”
Text: Jonah 2
Big Idea: God graciously hears us and responds when we call on Him with repentant hearts.
1. Repentant hearts are humbled by grace. (1-4)
2. Repentant hearts are lifted by grace. (5-7)
3. Repentant hearts are changed by grace. (8-10)
Pastor Andrew Watkins
This Sunday, we’re kicking off our new series through the book of Jonah, entitled “Jonah: A Story of God’s Grace.” We’ll be looking at Jonah 1 and find Jonah “Running from Grace” as we see that God graciously and relentlessly pursues us even when our hearts are far from Him. Title: “Running from Grace”
Text: Jonah 1
Big Idea: God graciously and relentlessly pursues us even when our hearts are far from Him.
Outline: A heart that’s running from grace is…
1. Disobedient to God’s Word. (1-3)
2. Indifferent to God’s discipline. (4-10)
3. Unrepentant for sin. (11-17)
We all know the story - God said “go” and Jonah said “no.” We know about the fish and the boat and the storm too. But what’s the book of Jonah really about? Hint: It’s not about the fish. The book of Jonah is so much more than just a good Sunday School lesson. It's really an incredible story of God’s grace that has implications for every single one of us.
The Dangers of Being a Pastor
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Main Point: While pastoral ministry is not generally considered hazardous work, there are tremendous dangers inherent in the ministry of which few church members and fewer pastors are aware—until it's too late.
Key Points:
1. The Danger of trying to meet everyone’s expectations.
2. The Danger of feeding others at the expense of nourishing his own soul.
3. The Danger of the pastor not receiving pastoral care.
4. The Danger of the pastor losing his joy in ministry.
Geoff takes a look with his special perspective at Exodus 14:13 as only he can.
Do we go forward or want to go back to Egypt?
Dan Baggett address what we are all fearing and how we should handle it as Christians and ambassadors of Christ.
New Lead Pastor Andrew Watkins has recorded a timely message for us from Psalm 46 entitled “A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
Guest preacher, Dave McDowell
My Feet Had Almost Slipped
Psalm 73
1. Confidence (v. 1)
2. Complaint (v. 2-3)
3. Confusion (v.4-14)
4. Clarity (v. 15-20)
5. Confession (v. 21-26)
6. Confidence (v. 27-28)
7. Conclusion: Where are you in this cycle? You are either confident (v. 28 “But as for me, it is good to be near God”) OR confused (v.2 “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped”)
The Steadfast Love of the Lord
Romans 8:28-29
Guest Preacher Dave McDowell
- God uses all things Genesis 50:20
- The Good Produced Romans 8:29
"We can have an unshakable conviction that everything in our lives will be used by a Sovereign God to complete in us the work which He began when He called us to Himself; that is, to conform us to the image of Christ"
Our New Lead Pastor: Andrew Watkins
Sharing Jesus in Hard Places
John 4:1-42
Big Idea: Jesus can save even the people we least expect, so we must go.
- We must go to inconvenient places (v1-6)
- We must go to broken people (v7-18)
- We must go with Gospel clarity (v19-26)
- We must go with Kingdom urgency (v27-42)
Kingdom urgency requires:
- Conversations (v27-30)
- Intentionality (v31-38)
- Time (v39-42)
Life-Changing Vision
Isaiah 6:1-8
Andrew Watkins, Lead Pastor Candidate
Big Idea: You can't have a clear vision of who God really is and walk away unchanged.
When you see the Lord with clarity ...
1. You see God is sovereign. (Isaiah 6:1)
2. You see God is worthy. (Isaiah 6:2-4)
3. You see God is gracious. (Isaiah 6:5-7)
4. You see God is sending. (Isaiah 6:8)
-
Friendship with God or Friend of the World Verse 4
-
Do you think God literally opposes the proud? verse 4b
-
How do you practice submitting to God and resisting the Devil verse 7
-
Have you ever grieved or wailed over your sin?
(If not, ask God why?) verse 9 -
How do you humble yourself before God verse 10
Pastor Stan Key takes a close look at Mark chapter 8 where Jesus tells the disciples to not tell anyone about Him, did he really tell them to not tell anyone about Jesus. Peter didn't get it, John and Mark didn't get it, it's been 2000 years, do you?
Pastor Stan hits a home run with this one. See if you get it. When you do, be sure to pass this along to someone else ... but only if you "get it"!
Biblical understanding of Wisdom Pro 1:7
How important is wisdom?
Discernment begins when you understand motivation. James 3:16
Qualities of Godly Wisdom Jame 3:17
How is Godly Wisdom expressed? James 3:18
What is Your Because?
Confused?
Don't be, Paul Anderson unpacks The Greatest commandment and then the New Commandment.
Curb your tongue or better yet.... Stifle it...
We all underestimate the impact of our words
What we say can contradict what we actually believe
We each must grasp the power of our words and where they come from
If all else fails, just stifle it.
Partiality Not Allowed Part II
2:1 Partiality contradicts Faith
2:2-4 The Kind of partiality that has no place among us
2:5-7 Man's partiality does not agree with God's heart
2:8-9 Partiality if condemned by the Scriptures
2:10-13 Obey all of God's commands.
Partiality not allowed
2:1 Partiality contradicts faith
2:2-4 The kind of partiality that has no place among us
2:5-7 Man's partiality does not agree with God's heart
2:8-9 Partiality is condemned by scriptures
2:10-13 Obeying all of God's commands
Peace
1. Peace John 14:27
- The Nature of Peace
a. Objective Romans 5:1-10
b Subjective Romans 15:13
3. The Source of Peace John 14:27
- The Transcendence of Peace John 14:27
5. The Pursuit of Peace Psalm 14:14
Sermon Notes for Sunday, August 25, 2019
A Summary of James 1:1-27
Dan Baggott
Our Reaction to Life Makes Him More Attractive or….
The topics we have touched on for practical application to our lives are:
Trials Listening
Testing Anger
Temptation Doing/Obedience
Endurance The Tongue
Perseverance Humility
Wisdom Real Religion
Singlemindedness Religion vs Relationship
Poverty Wealth
Circle the top 2-3 that God spoke to you about during the series
Perry Jones
Executive Director, Capital City Rescue Mission
Travelling with Jesus, Rescuing the Lost
Mark 2:1-12
Sunday, August 11, 2019 – Bethlehem Community Church
Outline and Points for Prayer and Pondering
Dan Baggott
Are You Religious? -- James 1 26-27
- How do I react to the word "religious"?
- James gives 3 things that demonstrate true religion
- a controlled tongue
- caring for widows and orphans in their distress
- refusing to let the world corrupt you
- What is the Father showing me in my heart about James 1: 26-27
Sermon Questions – Sunday, August 4, 2019
Series: James – 1:19-27
Dan Baggott
“JUST DO IT”
Points to Ponder and Pray About:
- In our noisy culture, how do I communicate in light of 1:19?
- How do I deal with anger?
- Do I still have things in me that must be put aside?
- Am I an obedient follower of Christ?
- Do I want to be an obedient follower of Christ?
- How do I react to the word ”religion” or “religious” ?
Paul Anderson
"I think it is right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder." 2 Peter 1:13
I. Two Essentials
II. Trials
III. Victory
James 1:9-18
Interim Preacher Dan Baggott
Sermon Questions
- Am I content with what I have?
- Do I seek to be the best steward possible over what God has given?
- Can I appreciate (be blessed) that I have become more of who God made me to be because of the trials I have come through?
- Am I successful in overcoming temptation most of the time? Why or why not?
- Do I acknowledge that every good thing in my life comes from God?
- As I reflect on vs 18 do I identify myself confidently as being part of God’s first fruits?
Introduction to Book of James
Interim Preacher Dan Baggott
Sermon Questions
1. Am I a bond slave of Jesus Christ?
2. Do I consider trials an opportunity or something to be avoided?
3. Do I deal with trials by declarations of faith?
4. Do I ask God for wisdom in the midst of trials?
5. Is my faith in God alone?
6. Where am I double-minded?
This Communion Sunday, Pastor Geoff speaks about the Old Testament covenants and their relationship to the covenant Jesus revealed at the Last Supper with the Cup of Redemption.
What are you keeping in your secret box, sins from the past, sins from the present, things we just don't want to give up...
- Do you have a vision? Proverbs 29:18a
- What is the source of your vision? Proverbs 29:18, John 14:15
- The vision for the church. Matthew 22:36-39; 28:18-20
Paul Anderson looks at three characteristics that identify every Christian.
Your Value
Your Identity
Your Purpose
Do you know the answer to any of these questions?
Shea Adams, Dana Morehouse and Angie Newell all share their individual stories of motherhood but their one common faith in an unshakable God.
THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE
Pastor Tom Patterson
1. Introduction
2. Heart Security Proverbs 4:23
3. What Are You Pouring Into Your Heart? Matthew 15:18
4. Do You Have An Oveflow Mouth? Luke 6:45
5. The Sorting Tray Romans 10:10
6. The Challenge
Well done thou good and faithful servant.
God Bless you both Frank and Susan, what amazing things God has planned for you both!
Thank you just does not say what we all feel.
“REAL HOPE”
- Have you ever felt helpless?
- Can you imagine how Thomas felt after seeing what he saw on Good Friday?
- Read John 20:24-25. How do you see Thomas’ doubt? What is the difference between the doubt of atheism verses the doubt of agnosticism?
- Read John 20:26-27. How did Jesus see Thomas’ doubt? What is true faith?
- Read John 20:28. What does Thomas’ response to the evidence Jesus presented him tell you? How could Thomas have responded to Jesus? (See John 12:9-11 and Romans 1:18-22.)
- Read John 20:29. What evidence do we have to believe Jesus resurrected from the dead?
Series: Special Message Sunday, April 7, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“WHAT ARE YOUR CONVICTIONS?”
- Do you think American Christianity, for the most part, is superficial? (Discuss Howard Hendricks’ quote.)
- Read 1 Kings 17:1 and 2 Kings 16:30-33. Compare and contrast Elijah verses King Ahab.
- Why is it important to be absolutely certain about the reality of God? (See 1 Kings 17:1 again.) If I am convinced of the reality of God, how will that affect my life?
- Are you really convinced of the reality of Jesus Christ? Why or why not?
- Read 1 Kings 17:1 again. Elijah sees himself as a servant of God. What does that mean? Do you really see yourself as God’s servant or do you think God is really here for you and your plans? (Think about your prayers here.)
- What people are you impacting for Jesus and his Kingdom?
Series: Special Message Sunday, March 24, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!”
- Do you believe that God has a plan for your life?
- Read Esther 2:1-9. Do you think it was chance that caused Hegai to favor Esther? Was it chance, do you think, King Xerxes chose Esther to be his Queen (see Esther 2:16-18)?
- What is the Providence of God? How do we see it in the story of Esther (see Esther 4:13-14)? Discuss the story of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy in Ravensbrook.
- Do you see your life as a series of coincidences, or do you see your life being directed by the hand of God? (Can you give examples?)
- Why do you think God is not mentioned in the book of Esther?
Pastor Tom takes a fresh look at a well known parable and shows how it applies to the times we are living in now.
Sunday, March 10, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“ARE YOU GREAT?”
-
What does the world think is greatness? What is greatness to you? What do you think God thinks is greatness?
-
Read Acts 11:24. What stands out to you about Barnabas? What does it mean to be spirit-filled?
-
Read Acts 4:32-37. What does this tell us about Barnabas and a spirit-filled person?
-
Why were the early believers afraid of Paul (see Acts 9:26 and 9:1-2)? Would you have been afraid or concerned about Paul?
-
Read Acts 9:27. What does this tell you about Barnabas? When have you stood up for someone (i.e., a Christian who was being ostracized or rejected)? Who are you befriending right now and encouraging?
-
Read Acts 15:36-41. Who do you think was right – Paul or Barnabas? Now read 2 Timothy 4:11. How did John Mark become profitable?
-
Do you understand the ministry of multiplication? Where are your disciples (see Matthew 28:18-20)? What is a successful life to God?
Sunday, March 3, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
"The Power of the Spoken Word"
Is there life and death in the spoken word? (see Proverbs 18:21)
Will we give account for our words? (see Matthew12: 36-37)
Can our tongue influence our lives and other people? (see James 3: 4-6)
Why did Joshua tell the children of Israel not to speak or utter a word?
Did God instruct him to say this? (see Joshua 6:2)
Is there victory in worship? (see Acts 16: 25-27)
Can one man’s words stop God? (see Mark 10: 46-49)
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Sunday, February 24, 2019 -- Sermon Questions - Series 1John
“ARE YOU GOD’S CHILD?”
-
Read 1John 3:1. Is everyone a child of God? Who was our first parent (see John 8:41-44; Isaiah 14:12-15)? What are the implications of Satan being our parent (see Psalm 2:1-3)?
-
If you are a child of God, what is your new DNA (see Galatians 5:22-23)?
-
Read 1John 3:16. What is John’s point here? Can you give some examples?
-
Read Isaiah 5:20. Do you think this verse applies to America today?
-
Read 1John 3:2. What is the meaning of this verse and what is an implication of this verse?
-
Read 1John 3:3. What is John’s point here? Why does being pure matter (see Matthew 5:8)?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: 1John Sunday, February 17, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT JESUS?
- Who do you say Jesus is (see Matthew 16:13, 15)?
- Read 1John 2:18. What is the last hour? Who are the anti-christs? Who is the Anti-Christ?
- What are two identifying marks of anti-christs (and, really, false teachers – see 1John 2:19 & 22-23)?
- Who does the bible say Jesus is (see John 1:1, 14)?
- What is the Trinity?
- Why does the virgin birth matter (see Luke 1:26-37)?
- Why is it important to us (i.e., humans) that Jesus is the God-Man (see also Hebrews 4:14-15)?
- What is the believer’s protection against anti-christs and false teachers (see 1John 2:20-27; also talk about the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:1-4)?
Sunday, February 10, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“THE MOTIVATION”
-
Read 1John 2:28. What are your thoughts and feelings on Jesus’ Second Coming?
-
Why do you think so many American Christians do not care or like to talk about Jesus’ Second Coming?
-
Read Luke 12:35-40. What is the main point?
-
Read John 14:1-3. What is the backdrop of these verses? What is Jesus’ saying in these verses?
-
Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. What are these verses talking about? What are your thoughts on the rapture?
-
How should Jesus’ Second Coming affect my life now and my decisions (see also Philippians 3:12-14)?
-
Read Luke 12:16-20. What is Jesus’ point here? Are you prepared to meet Him?
-
Are you (really) living expectantly for Jesus’ coming back (talk about the example of dogs. See also Rev. 22:17-20)?
-
Are you ready for Jesus to come back?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Sunday, January 13, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“WHAT DO YOU LOVE?”
-
Read 1John 2:15-17. What does it mean “to leave this world”?
-
Do you think you love this world (talk about the Billy Graham quote and Keith Green)?
-
Why should we not love this world (look at 1John 5:19 and Eph. 2:1-2)?
-
Read James 4:4 and discuss.
-
Read John 2:16. What is “the craving for physical pleasure”? Is this a problem for you?
-
Read John 2:16. What is “the craving after all I see”? Do you struggle with this (read and talk about 1Timothy 6:2-8)?
-
Read John 2:16. What is “the pride of achievement and possessions”? Is this a problem for you?
-
Why is it foolish to love this world (see 1John 2:16-17 and talk about Jim Elliot)?
-
Read 2 Timothy 4:9-10. What happened to Demas? Could you be Demas?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Sunday, January 6, 2019 -- Sermon Questions
“PRACTICE -- PRACTICE -- PRACTICE”
- Why is it spiritually necessary to practice? Read Psalms 119:9-16
- Where and how do I start? (Just in case you haven’t done this before.)
- Start praying--communicating with God. Matthew 6:9
- Focusing on God and His Will. Philippians 4:8
- Fasting (ouch). Luke 5:34-35
- Study—careful attention to Scriptures as they apply to you. Luke 2:46
- How often should I practice? (How often do you eat?)
- We are in a battle for mind control—what is our defense? Romans 12:2
- Have you ever tried practicing something and you failed? Why did you fail? Romans 8:31-32. If you gave up on yourself, be rest assured that Jesus has not. Philippians 4:13
What made the Christmas Truce of 1914 possible?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHoVBK2EVE
Series: Christmas 2018Sunday, December 16, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“WILL YOU MISS CHRISTMAS?”
- Read Matthew 2:1-8. Why do you think Herod was disturbed?
How might we be like Herod when it comes to Jesus – the King of kings
and Lord of lords (look at Psalm 2:1-12)?
-
Read Romans 10:9. What does this mean?
-
Read Matthew 2:3-6. What stands out to you about the religious leaders (Remember, the OT is full of prophesies concerning a coming Messiah. See Isaiah 9:6-7)? Why do you think they were indifferent (see Deut. 6:5)?
-
What does Jesus think about apathy and indifference (see Rev. 3:14-22)?
-
Why do you think the people of Bethlehem and Jerusalem missed the first Christmas? Do you think you suffer from “hurry sickness”?
-
Read Luke 2:8-15. Why do you think the shepherds received a personal invitation from God to be at the first Christmas?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: 1John Sunday, December 2, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“THE HEART OF CHRISTIANITY”
- Read 1John 4:8. What does this mean to you?
- What is (agape) love? (Go over 1Corinthians 13:4-7.)
- Why was the early church so successful in impacting the Roman culture?
- Read 1John 4:7-8. What are the implications of these verses?
- What is a great example of agape love? (See 1John 4:9-10.)
- Read 1John 4:11-12 and 1John 2:9-11. Why do these verses rule out lone ranger Christianity? Can a person be a born-again Christian and not belong to a fellowship? What do these verses have to say about unity in the Christian body? Why does unity matter? (See John 17:20-21.)
- What do you think about the pastor who preached on “love one another” for six months. What might happen at BCC?
- Read and discuss 1John 4:18.
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
THANKSGIVING 2018 Sunday, November 18, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“WILL YOU PASS THE TEST?”
- Why did John Blanchard “pass the test”?
- What is “the test”?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Why does Frank call this “the practical test” of Christianity?
- What are some good reasons we should thank God?
- Talk about the story of the Pilgrims. If you had been in their shoes, do you think you would have had a thankful heart? Why or why not?
- Why is complaining and being negative so detrimental to us?
- Read Colossians 1:11. What is Joy, according to Frank? What two things are necessary for joy? What is joy’s connection to being thankful?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: 1 John Sunday, November 11, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“THE REAL DEAL”
- On a scale of one to ten (with one being low and ten being high), how “real” is your Christianity?
- When it comes to translating the Greek into English, what is one of the difficulties?
- Read 1 John 2:7-8. What does John mean by we are “to love one another”?
- Biblically, what is agape love (see 1 Cor. 13:4-7)?
- How is the command to love one another old (see Deut. 5:6—talk about what it means to love God -- and Leviticus 19:18)?
- How is the command to love one another new (see Luke 10:25—37 and discuss its true meaning)?
- Discuss the Corrie ten Boom illustration. Could she not have forgiven the Nazi guard and still really been a good Christian? Why or why not?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: 1 John Sunday, November 4, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“DO YOU LOVE GOD, REALLY?”
-
How do you know God loves you?
-
Do you love God / Jesus, really?
-
Read 1 John 2:3-4. What does it mean to know someone? What does it mean to “know” God / Jesus?
-
What is your love language? What is Jesus’ love language? (see 1 John 2:5)? What are the Commandments of Jesus (see Matthew 22:37-40)?
-
Discuss the chart “The Spiritual Journey”. Where are you on the chart, really?
-
Read 1 John 2:6. So, how does one walk as Jesus walked practically in their lives?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Sometimes the truth is hard, sometimes it's difficult to understand, sometimes it's unpopular, sometimes it divides, but that does not make it any less true.
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: 1 John Sunday, October 14, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“GETTING REAL”
-
What does it mean to “Get Real”?
-
Read 1 John 1:5. What is John telling us about God?
-
Why is God always right? (See Colossians 1:15-17, as well as 1 John 1:5.)
-
Read John 13:21-30. What is John trying to tell us here?
-
Read 1 John 1:6-7. What do these verses say about the “typical” American Christian?
-
Read 1 John 1:8. What is John saying about people in general? Do you think most people agree with John? Do you agree with John? (See Mark 7:20-23.) How do little children prove John and Jesus’ point?
-
What did you think of the frog and the scorpion story?
-
What is the difference between and non-believer and a believer’s nature?
-
Why is Luke 9:23 so important?
-
Read 1 John 1:9. What is it saying? Why is it great news?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: 1 John -- Sunday, October 7, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“WHERE DO YOU GET LIFE"Where do you try to get life, really?
-
What is the difference between real life and pseudo life? (See Hebrews 11:24-25; John 4:4-18; Jeremiah 2:13-14.)
-
Read 1 John 1:1-4. Where does John say real life is found?
-
What does John mean when he says Jesus is “The Word of Life”? (See 1 John 1:1.)
-
What does John mean when he says Jesus is “Eternal Life”? (See John 1:2; John 6:32-38.)
-
Have you really “tasted” the true Jesus who gives life?
-
Read 1 John 1:3-4. What does fellowship mean? What is John asking you and I as believers to do? What brings the believer real joy?
If you have ever taken a class led by Chris Luciano you will want to be a part of this one. Chris draws upon many sources of great theologians but as always is seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all the scriptures he teaches. Chris will be looking closely at the Gospel according to Matthew, but you cannot look at just one Gospel. He will be drawing on all of the Gospels and of course looking back at the Old Testament as well. Join each week in class at 8:45, all are welcome, every week or when you can but you will not want to miss a single class and now you don't have to. Each week we will be putting the podcast up for everyone to follow.
Series: Shooting Straight -- Sunday, September 30, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“REAL PROOF”
-
Why do you think a lot of people reject Jesus? Is it because of a lack of evidence?
-
Why don’t you think God provides more evidence of Himself? (See Romans 1:18-20.)
-
Read 1 John 1:1. What beginning is John talking about? (See John 1:1 and Genesis 1:1-) Who was at the beginning? What does John say about the Word of Life? (Note the verbs and see also John 1:14 & 20:29.)
-
Why is 1 John 1:1 and John’s life such a great proof of Jesus and His Resurrection?
The Trap, how to recognize them, how to avoid them, how to keep others from getting caught and what to do if you are caught...
Series: Shooting Straight -- Sunday, September 16, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“WHAT IS NEXT?”
-
What do you think about prophecy? Are you interested in it?
-
What are “the last days”? (See 2 Timothy 3:1-5.)
-
What are “the end times”?
-
What event starts “the end times”? (See Daniel 9:27)
-
What is the Anti-Christ? What do we know about him? (See Daniel 9:26.) Who will the Anti-Christ be? (See Revelation 13:3-8.)
-
What is “the Abomination of Desolation”? (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4.) When does this occur in the end times? What will be the result? (See Revelation 13:16-18.)
-
How long does the Anti-Christ reign and what happens to him and the false prophet? (See Revelation 19:11-21.)
-
At the end of the millennium, Satan is let loose. Why? (See Revelation 20:1-10.)
-
How close are we to the end times? (Discuss Israel and Isaiah 43:5-6 and 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8.)
Series: Straight Answers -- Sunday, September 2, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“WHY WORK?”
-
Studies indicate a great many Americans do not enjoy their work. Why do you think this is? Do you enjoy your work?
-
How does God view work? (See Genesis 1:1; John 5:17; Genesis 1:31, 26, 28, 2:15.)
-
Read Ecclesiastes 2:17. What was King Solomon’s view of work? Why do you think he had this view?
-
Read Genesis 3:17-19. What does this tell us about our work today?
-
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:10. What does this tell us about work and why we should work?
-
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. What does this tell us about work and why it matters?
-
Read 1 Peter 2:18-21. How do these verses apply to today and our work?
-
Read Matthew 4:18-20. How did Jesus liberate our work and give it purpose? (Talk about the Christians in India who work for ten dollars a day.)
-
Read 1 Corinthians 7:20-24. What do these verses tell us about our work?
-
Read Colossians 3:22-24 and Matthew 28:18-20. (What were Frank’s three conclusions based on these verses?)
Sunday, August 26, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “WINESKINS” 1. What happens to old wineskins? Isaiah 43:18, 19
-
Does an old wineskin have any value?
-
What is the value of a new wineskin? 2 Cor. 5:17
-
Why did Nicodemus have such a hard time with what Jesus said? John 3:4
-
Why didn’t Jesus strengthen the Old Testament instead of establishing the New? Mark 8:15
-
Share a struggle that you had trying to contain the Life of Christ in an old wineskin?
Traveling With Jesus Perry Jones Executive Director of Capital City Rescue Mission Albany, NY
-
Seeking the lost Luke 7:36-50
-
Having dinner in a Pharisee’s house
-
The greatest invitation of all Matthew 11:28-30
-
Giving grace in a Pharisee’s house
Series: Straight Answers -- Sunday, August 12, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “WHY CHANGE IS POSSIBLE” 1. Why is sin a problem?
-
Read 2 Peter 1:3-4. What do these verses tell us about overcoming sin?
-
Read Romans 8:5-9. What do these verses say about why the believer is to overcome sin?
-
Read 1 John 3:7-10. What do these verses say about the believer and sin?
-
Read Ephesians 5:18. What are the two great influences of life? What is the believer’s part in the Holy Spirit controlling them? What happens to a person when the Holy Spirit controls them?
-
What is the difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit?
Series: Straight Answers -- Sunday, August 5, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “CLEARING UP CONFUSION” 1. What is involved in “being saved”?
-
What is justification?
-
Read Romans 3:20. What is it saying? Do you think people see themselves as basically bad or good?
-
What is the problem with the question, “Why doesn’t God get rid of the bad/evil in the world”?
-
Read Romans 3:23-2 What are these verses saying?
-
Read Romans 6:1. What bad thinking is Paul addressing here? What is Paul’s main point?
-
What is mercy?
-
What do most people think grace is?
-
What is grace? Who is grace personified? (See Luke 11:5-13.)
-
Why is the Holy Spirit really the answer to all of our problems/prayers?
-
What does 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 tell us about grace?
-
How are justification and sanctification linked?
-
Why is the question, “Can you lose salvation?” not really a good question? What is a more biblical question? (See 2 Corinthians 13:5.)
-
What does Philippians 1:6 tell us?
-
What is “the glorious chain of salvation”?
Series: Straight Answers -- Sunday, July 29, 2018 --
Sermon Questions “KNOWING GOD’S WILL"
-
Did it surprise you that there were a lot of questions relating to God’s will and knowing it?
-
Read Colossians 1:9-10. Discuss these two verses.
-
What is God’s sovereign will? (See Philippians 2:9-11.)
-
What is God’s standard will?
-
What is God’s special will?
-
Read Psalm 32:8. What does this verse tell us?
-
What two things are essential if I am to know God’s will? (See John 7:17; Psalm 25:9.)
-
What are the practical ways God guides us? (See 2 Corinthians 6:14; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15; Romans 14:22.)
Pastor Geoff Ekstein I. The Introduction - Whose money is it? II. Tithing, Matthew 23:23, Mark 12:41-44 III. Storing Treasure, Matthew 6:19-20, 1 Kings 3:5-14 IV. In or Of this World, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 12:15-21 V. The Challenge - Generosity VI. Communiion
Series: Straight Answers Pastor Frank Wray I. The Introduction II. The Question of Free Will (Genesis 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28-30, Isaiah 46:8-10) III. The Question of Homosexuality (Romans 1:21-27) IV. The Challenge (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Series: Straight Answers Sunday, July 8, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “QUESTIONS” 1. How does knowing that God has a plan impact your decisions? Genesis 1:1, Proverbs 19:21
-
How does the idea of the Bride of Christ impact your thinking/life? Luke 9:23-26, Luke 14:26
-
Why does God let people go to hell in the context of the Bride of Christ?
-
Does this change how you think about heaven and hell?
-
The Challenge: What is the state of your relationship with Christ? Matthew 7:21-23
Series: Straight Answers Sunday, July 1, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “QUESTIONS” 1. What makes questions so powerful?
-
When are questions not good?
-
Why do you think suicide is on the increase in America?
-
Look at 1 Samuel 2:6, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Romans 14:7-8. What do these verses tell us about the believer and their life? What do these verses have to say about suicide?
-
How should we handle a depressed or emotionally ill person?
-
Read Genesis 9:5- How do these verses relate to suicide?
-
Read Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26-28, 3:5, 3:10-12 and 3:21. What do they tell us about the Christian life?
Series: Real Christianity Sunday, June 24, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “ARE YOU CHANGING?” 1. There have been great changes in the fields of science, technology and medicine in the last 120 years. In that time, how much has humanly changed?
-
Why did Jesus come to earth? (See Romans 8:29.)
-
What happens when a person has a real encounter/experience of Jesus?
-
How does Jesus change a person? (See Ezekiel 36:22-29.)
-
“If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” (See Janes 1:26; Acts 1:8; Matthew 5:16; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:23.)
Sunday, June 17, 2018 -- Sermon Notes
1) God Means for You to be Where You Are. Exodus 14:1-2 2) Be More Concerned For God’s Glory than Your Own Exodus 14:3-4 3) Acknowledge the Enemy, but Keep Your Eyes on the Lord Exodus 14:5-9 4) Pray Exodus 14:10 5) Stay Calm and Confident, and give God time to Work Exodus 14:13-14 6) When Unsure Take the Next Logical Step Exodus 14:15 7) Envision God’s Presence Exodus 14:19-20 8) Trust God to Deliver in His Unique Way Exodus 14:21-22 9) View Your Current Crisis as a Faith Builder Exodus 14:30-31 10) Remember to Praise Him Exodus 15:1 11) Last Word of Advice
Sunday, June 10, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- Series: Real Christianity
“THE MIND OF CHRIST”
-
When the Holy Spirit brings conviction to a person’s soul, what are the three options a person has? (Also discuss the difference between Judas and Peter.)
-
What is a real sign that a person is truly born-again? (See Ephesians 4:30.)
-
Read Ephesians 4:21-24.
A. What is the old man or nature? What is the believer to do with the old man or nature? Are you doing this?
B. Read Philippians 2:12. How does it apply to Ephesians 4:21-24?
-
How many different kinds of minds are there?
-
Read 1 Corinthians 2:13-16.
A. What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?
B. Read again 1 Corinthians 2:14. What are the implications of this verse?
- How much do you on a daily basis (really) read the bible / pray and just spend time with God? What does this say about your priorities?
Sunday, June 3, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- Series: Real Christianity Pastor Frank Wray
“WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?” 1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23. What does this tell you about human beings? 2. Why does your intellect/thinking matter? (See Proverbs 23:7.) 3. Read Romans 8:5. What does this verse teach? 4. What is a worldly or carnal mind? 5. How would a carnal mind view money? 6. How does Jesus and the bible view money? (See Luke 16:13-15; Revelation 17:1-6.) 7. What kind of mind/thinking do we come into this world with? 8. Read Romans 12:1-2. What do these verses tell us? 9. What does a heavenly mind focus on? (See Colossians 3:1-4.) 10. How did you do on the test? (I.e., How do you answer the question, “A great life would be…. ?) Discuss how a person of the world might answer the question verses Jesus. (See Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.) 11. Which chair are you in?
Sunday, May 27, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- Series: Real Christianity
“FOLLOWING JESUS” 1. What is wrong with saying, “I have accepted Jesus as my Savoir”? (See Romans 10:9-10)
-
What is the Gospel according to Jesus? (See Matthew 10:32-39)
-
Why is Romans 12:1 so critical to the Christian life?
-
What does much of American Christianity see the Christian life is about?
-
What is the big difference between the American church and the early church?
-
Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5. How is this a description of much of the Christianity in America?
-
Read Ephesians 5:17-6:4. What strikes you about the Christianity described here verses the Christianity practiced in America?
Sunday, May 20, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“THE PROBLEM WITH SHEEP”
- Why does God so often refer to us as sheep?
2.Can a sheep protect itself? 1 John 5:18
3.What happens to a sheep if it wonders away? John 10:12&13, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Cor. 4:4
4.Why is the lost sheep lost? (to sinful to be saved? Luke 13&14, Who can be saved Luke 18:26&27
5.Where do sheep go when they strike out on their own? (into the world Rom. 1:18-20)
6.Is it possible for a lost sheep to be found? Luke 15:3-4
7.What are the results of a sheep that has been found? Luke 15:5-7
Sunday, May 13, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- Series: Real Christianity “DYING TO LIVE”
-
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What is Paul saying here? How does it relate to being born-again?
-
Why was Nicodemus stunned when Jesus told him he must be bon-again in John 3:3?
-
Discuss the question of: “How can a person know if they are born-again?”
-
Read Romans 12:1. What is Paul saying here? How does Romans 12:1 relate to Luke 9:23-24?
-
Read John 1:19-23. What was John’s purpose in life? What should our real purpose be?
-
Read John 3:23-30. What was the “secret” to John’s life?
-
What is the Christian’s job description? How is this different from what is now being taught as what the Christian life is about?
-
Read John 4:13-14. What is Jesus telling us here about the real abundant life? Do we really believe this?
-
Read Galatians 2:20. Why is this verse the key verse for achieving the victorious life? (I.e., growing in sanctification.)
-
How does the American church, as a whole, teach that sanctification occurs?
-
Have you been taught how to die/mortify the flesh? (I.e., talk about the book, “A Call to Die.”)
-
Read James 1:2-4. How does this relate to dying?
-
Why was the early church more successful than the American church?
-
What is true worship to God? (See Romans 12:1.)
Sunday, May 6, 2018 -- Sermon Questions Series: Real Christianity
“THE HOLY SPIRIT”
Read Matthew 12:30-33. What is Jesus saying here? What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Why is it so damning?
What are the steps to peace with God?
What do you tell a person when they say, “I will trust in Jesus when I get older”?
When is a person most likely to trust in Jesus? (Matthew 19:14)
Read John 3:3-7. What does it mean to be born again? Why was Nicodemus not born again? (See Matthew 23:27)
What precedes repentance? (John 16:7-8)
Why is John 2:23-25 so alarming?
What is the great deception sweeping the American church? (See Galatians 1:6-9; Mark 1:15.)
What is the heart of Jesus’ message? (See Mark 1:15; also Revelations 19:11-16.)
What are the true marks of the Holy Spirit? (John 16:5-8.) If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscrib
Sunday, April 22, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- Series: Real Christianity
“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING”
- Why would Satan attack the doctrine of the necessity of being born again?
- What is humanity’s greatest problem? (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23.)
- Why is it foolish to put so much emphasis on this life? (See James 4:13-14.)
- What is the Good News? (See 2 Peter 3:9 and John 3:16.)
- What is God’s reality verses Satan’s reality? Why is Satan’s reality so powerful? (See 2 Corinthians 4:4.)
- Why, in your opinion, do many preachers and Christians not use or like the term born-again?
- Why is being born-again so important? (See John 3:1-9.)
- What does it mean to be born of water? (See John 3:5.) Why is it most likely a reference to John’s baptism? (Connect it to Jesus’ message; i.e., Mark 1:15.)
- What is repentance? Is repentance optional?
- What is the cost of true repentance? (See Luke 14:25-33.) When is the last time you heard anyone preach or teach that salvation/true repentance will cost you?
- What did you think of Ayan’s story?
Sunday, April 15, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
Series: Real Christianity -- “SHOOTING STRAIGHT”
-
What is God’s plan? (See Philippians 2:9-11.)
-
What does God’s plan say about the importance of this world?
-
What is God’s calling on the believer’s life? (See Matthew 4:18-20.)
-
Is Hell a real place? (See Matthew 25:30, 46.) How should its reality affect our lives?
-
Why do you think Hell is under attack? (Talk about Rob Bell.)
-
What is Social Justice? Why are so many evangelical churches concerning themselves with social justice? What should our focus as Christians be? (See Colossians 3:1-4.)
-
Discuss how seminaries, churches and Christians go liberal. (Discuss depravity of man (i.e., Mark 10:18; Romans 3:10-18), inerrancy of scripture and hell.)
Good morning BCC Church family;
As I have been preparing Sunday’s message, I wanted to try something a bit different. As you know, each Sunday we end the sermon with a challenge. Some of us take the challenge seriously, some use it to reflect on the message and some of us forget the challenge by the time we hit the car. So, I wanted to shake it up a little and I wanted to give you a “pre-challenge.” We will be looking at the life of Gideon in Judges 6 and 7. I want to get practical with how we plan out our lives for Christian service.
The “pre-challenge” is this: take 1 of the remaining days this week and write down your plan for that whole day. Try to be as specific as possible. When you write down “wake up” write down what time you plan to wake up. If you plan on reading the bible, plan what time you will read and for how long. Do you commute to work? How long will that take? When will you have lunch? With whom? What will you eat? Try to be as specific as possible.
The next step is to review the plan you had for that day at the end of the day. If you chose to plan out Thursday for example, then Thursday evening check your plan for the day and see how much you accomplished. What was different between the plan you had written down and what actually happened? Note the differences. Bring that plan with you to church on Sunday.
I trust that this exercise will help prepare us for Sundays message.
In Him,
Geoff
Sunday, April 1, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- EASTER SUNDAY “INCOGNITO” Pastor Frank Wray 1. What did you think of the story of Joshua Bell? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Bell Would you have stopped to listen to him?
- Read Luke 24:13-32.
A. Why do you think we were given only one of the disciples’ names?
B. Why, in Luke’s account of the resurrection, do you think He appears first to two supporting characters -- rather than, say, Peter, James or John?
C. Why do you think these two disciples failed to recognize Jesus at first? (I.e., think in terms of what kind of Messiah they were expecting.)
D. Read Isaiah 53. (Remember that Isaiah wrote this 700 years before Jesus walked this planet.) What does this tell you about the Messiah – God?
E. What kind of Jesus do you have?
-
Read 1Peter 2:21. What does this have to say about the followers of Jesus and their life on planet earth?
-
What does Jesus’ resurrection have to say to us, today?
Sunday, March 25, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- PALM SUNDAY “GOD HAS A PLAN” 1. Before this message, did you think God had a plan? Did you know what it was?
-
Was Palm Sunday just an accident? (See Zechariah 9:9; Luke 19:41; Daniel 9:25.)
-
Read Philippians 2:9-11. What is God’s Plan?
-
How is God going to fulfill His plan? (I.e., talk about what happens to the present universe (i.e., 2 Peter Chapter 3) – fallen angels, people.)
-
As a believer, what is my real purpose? (I.e., what is the purpose of my marriage, family, job and life?) If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
Testimony of Duane Averill
Powerful story of almost losing his son but finding eternal life.
Chris Luciano taught a Bible Study that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Bible Study that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Sunday, March 11, 2018 -- Sermon Questions -- Series: The Book of Proverbs “THERE SEEMS A WAY THAT IS RIGHT”
-
Read Proverbs 16:18. Why is pride so dangerous (discuss challenger illustration)?
-
Read Proverbs 16:25. What is this verse saying? How is it connected to pride? What is death in this passage?
-
What did you think of the letter sent to Frank? How is the letter connected to Proverbs 16:25?
-
If someone says to you, “Jesus is all about love.” How would you respond? (I.e. Look at Matthew 22:34-40, John 14:21, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.)
-
What does it really mean to be free? (See John 8:31-32.)
-
Is having fear always not good. (I.e. see Proverbs 1:7, Matthew 10:28).
-
What is the problem of American Christianity according to Frank? Do you agree? Why or why not?
-
What is the essence of true Christianity. (See Luke 9:23-24, Revelation 12:11.)
Chris Luciano taught a Bible Study that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Sunday, March 4, 2018 -- Sermon Questions Series: The Book of Proverbs “YOU CAN’T BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT IT” 1. Why is disciplining your children important? (See Proverbs 13:24 and 29:15.)
-
What is the difference between a swamp and a river?
-
What goals do you have? Are they great goals? (I.e., discuss the difference between goals and great goals.)
-
Are great goals easily achievable? (I.e., discuss discipline and what it is.)
-
Is getting out of debt a great goal? (See Proverbs 22:7.)
-
Are you prepared for your real (i.e., eternal) retirement? (See Matthew 6:19-21.) Why or why not?
-
Are you excited to see Jesus? (Discuss Matthew 6:21 and Revelation 22:20.)
-
What is “delayed gratification” and why is it important? (Why is this a problem for most Americans? Talk about it in terms of getting out of debt.)
-
What, in your opinion, is “the goal” of life? (Talk about Jeremiah 29:13 and Hebrews 11:6 and what is involved in achieving this goal.)
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Brian has a heart for revival but where does it start? Being the leaders of our house and home, it must start with us, it must start with men, it must first start with you..
Series: The Book of Proverbs Sunday, February 4, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “IT WAS MY ANGER!”
-
Would you agree with the statement that “Overall, Americans are angry”? Why or why not?
-
Would you say that you are an angry person? (I.e., what does your spouse say?)
-
Read Proverbs 15:18. What is Solomon saying here?
-
Read Proverbs 14:17. What is Solomon saying here? Can you give examples of this truth?
-
What is perhaps the greatest reason for our anger? (I.e., discuss blocked goals people have.)
-
What is a good goal verses a bad goal? (Also discuss the goals God has for us. See Revelation 3:26; Romans 8:29 and Matthew 28:18-20.)
-
Read Proverbs 19:11. Discuss the problem of being offended and how we can overcome offense?
-
Have you ever really examined your anger and what makes you angry?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Sunday, January 21, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“IT WAS MY MOUTH!” (Part III)
-
Do you think we have a lying problem in this country?
-
Do you lie?
-
Read Proverbs 6:16-19. Discuss.
-
Read Proverbs 19:9 and Revelation 21:8. What are these verses saying? What do they tell us about God?
-
Read John 8:41-44. What does this tell you about why we lie? What does this say to you if you are a follower of Jesus?
-
What brings a human being the most satisfaction in life?
-
To have good relationships, what is absolutely essential?
-
Why do we lie when the cost is so high?
-
Discuss why we should stop lying. (Frank gives three reasons.) If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Sunday, January 14, 2018 -- Sermon Questions
“IT WAS MY MOUTH!” (Part II)
-
Read Proverbs 18:8. What is this verse saying? Why do we like gossip?
-
Why is gossip destructive?
-
What is gossip? Have you participated in gossip? (Be honest! See also Proverbs 11:13.)
-
What is slander? (See Psalm 101:5 and Proverbs 6:16-19.)
-
Read 2 Samuel 15:1-6. Talk about how gossip and slander work from this biblical example.
-
Read 1 Peter 4:14-15. How does God view gossip and slander? (I.e., discuss why He hates it.)
-
Discuss the challenge and what it takes to stop gossip and slander.
Sunday, January 7, 2018 “IT WAS MY MOUTH!” Pastor Frank Wray Sermon Questions 1. Do you agree that most people can’t control their mouths?
-
On a scale of one to ten (one being little control and ten being total control), how well do you control your mouth on a daily basis?
-
In the Bible and Proverbs in particular, God has a lot to say about our mouths. Why do you think this is?
-
Read Proverbs 17:27-28. What is Solomon saying here? Do you agree with Solomon?
-
Read Proverbs 18:21. What is Solomon saying here? What is he not saying? (I.e., do our words have the same creative power as God’s words – for example, Genesis Chapter 1?)
-
Can you give examples where our tongues (i.e., your tongue) has brought death and life?
-
Read Jeremiah 9:8. Why are our words like arrows and not swords?
-
Read Matthew 12:36-37. Do these words of Jesus make you nervous? Why or why not?
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Pastor Frank Wray “IT WAS MY MOUTH!”
Sermon Questions 1. Do you agree that most people can’t control their mouths?
-
On a scale of one to ten (one being little control and ten being total control), how well do you control your mouth on a daily basis?
-
In the Bible and Proverbs in particular, God has a lot to say about our mouths. Why do you think this is?
-
Read Proverbs 17:27-28. What is Solomon saying here? Do you agree with Solomon?
-
Read Proverbs 18:21. What is Solomon saying here? What is he not saying? (I.e., do our words have the same creative power as God’s words – for example, Genesis Chapter 1?)
-
Can you give examples where our tongues (i.e., your tongue) has brought death and life?
-
Read Jeremiah 9:8. Why are our words like arrows and not swords?
-
Read Matthew 12:36-37. Do these words of Jesus make you nervous? Why or why not?
Sunday, December 31, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “FINISHING WELL”
-
What Challenge do you need to make in your life?
-
Would you say you are running the Christian Race well (see Phil. 3:12-14)?
-
Why is the Christian Race unique (see 1 Cor. 9:24)?
-
What does running the Christian Race demand (see 1 Cor. 9:24)?
-
What do athletes compete for in todays world (see 1 Cor. 9:25)?
-
What is the believer running for (see 1 Cor. 9:25 & Phil. 3:12-14)?
-
Read 1 Cor. 9:26. What is Paul saying here?
-
Read 1 Cor. 9:27. What is Paul saying here? Does this verse scare you?
-
How can a person finish the Christian Race Well/Strong (discuss Joshua and look at Joshua 14:9-14)?
-
Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How do these verses challenge you?
Lost that Christmas feeling, explore the true expectations of Christmas.
Some unlikely guests. Luke 2:8-20
Some wandering travelers Matt 2:1-12
Sunday, December 17, 2017 -- Sermon Questions Series: Christmas 2017
“WHO WAS JOSEPH DAVIDSON?”
-
Look at a Nativity Scene (deluxe version, if possible). Who or what stands out to you?
-
Do you agree that Joseph is the forgotten man of Christmas?
-
Read Matthew 1:18-24 and 2:13-23. What stands out to you about Joseph in these scriptures?
-
Pastor Frank calls Joseph’s obedience an “obedience of immediacy.” Would that describe your obedience, or is your obedience more like your children’s or Moses’ (see Exodus 3:1-4)?
-
Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? How can you prove they are one and the same?
-
Talk about the Challenge and the influence of obedience.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Sunday, December 10, 2017 -- Sermon Questions Series: The Book of Proverbs “WISDOM ON MONEY” 1. Is money (finances) a major source of stress in your life? How much does it consume your thinking?
-
How can money be a tool and a drug? Which is it for you (see 1 Tim. 6:9-10)?
-
John Wesley said, “Make all the money you can” (see Proverbs 6:6-11). Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
-
Read Genesis 2:15. What does this verse tell us about work? Why is working good?
-
John Wesley also said, “Save all you can”. Do you agree? Does the average Americanagree with this?
-
Why do you think debt is such a major problem in this country?
-
Why is debt dangerous (see Proverbs 22:7)?
-
Read Proverbs 13:11. What are the implications of this verse?
-
Why do so many people find it difficult to live on less than they earn?
-
John Wesley also said, “Give all you can”. Do you agree with this? (Read and discuss Proverbs 11:24-25 and Acts 20:35.)
“THE POWER OF SEX” Series: The Book of Proverbs Pastor Frank Wray
-
What did Frank mean when he said, Americans overall have a low view of sex? Do you agree?
-
Read Proverbs 5:3, 6:24-25, 7:4-12. What are your first thoughts about these verses?
-
Would you agree with the statement that sex sells?
-
Why are men especially prone to sexual immorality?
-
Read 1Timothy 2:9-10. How do you react to these verses (especially in light of question #4)?
-
Read 1Timothy 2:22. What does this mean?
-
Read Proverbs 7:6-9. Why does this young man lack common sense? (Also talk about Proverbs 6:27.)
-
What makes sex to powerful and why would God create it? (See 1Corinthians 6:12-18 and discuss that God, in fact, did create sex.)
-
Discuss the challenge.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
George Vitetta takes a major look at a rather misunderstood minor prophet.
He asks the question, "are you a modern day Jonah?"
Do you listen and do everything God tells you to do?
Have you every run away from God?
When he asks you to do something, do you first count the costs, consider the possible ramifications be fore you act rather than just obeying?
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Chris Luciano taught a Sunday School class that started in May of 2016 and ran into 2017, a total of 43 classes now available for you to listen to and grow closer to Christ. Learn and listen to the unfolding of one of the most important books of the bible.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Sunday, November 19, 2017 – Sermon Questions Special: Thanksgiving 2017 “ARE YOU THANKFUL?”
-
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. What does Paul mean by “give thanks in everything”?
-
What impresses you about the first Thanksgiving? How does it challenge you?
-
Read Romans 1:21 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5. What do these verses tell you about natural man?
-
Read Psalm 100:5. Do you really believe God is Good All the Time? (I.e., discuss Romans 8:28 and the story of Squanto.)
-
Read Psalm 92:1-2. What happens when you complain and are negative? What happens to you when you just start praising and thanking God?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Something Not So Common 1. Introduction 2. Something Not So Common Proverbs 3:21, Luke 14:1-6, Matthew 12:1-3 Romans 12:1-2 3. The Missing Gift Proverbs 3:21, 2 Chron 13:1-24, Hebrews 5:14, 1 John 2:19-021 4. The Challenge 2 Cor 13:5
Sunday, October 29, 2017 -- Sermon Questions Series: The Book of Proverbs “THE SUCCESSFUL LIFE” Pastor Frank Wray
-
What does a successful life look like to you?
-
What are your real priorities in life?
-
What do you think of the “balanced life”?
-
Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What does a balanced life look like to God?
-
Proverbs 3:5-6 makes it clear that God wants us to trust in Him completely. What does Solomon tell us is necessary to be able to do this? (I.e., discuss what “do not lean on your own understanding” and “in all your ways acknowledge Him” mean.)
-
Can you honestly say that you really “trust in God”? Why or why not? Why is “trusting in God” so paramount for living a “wise” life?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally
Sunday, October 22, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “REBELLION” Pastor Tom Patterson 1. Do I consider myself a rebellious person?
-
We came out of rebellion from Adam’s fall. Why do I not fear my own rebellion?
-
Why do we take rebellion so lightly?
-
What is our response to someone in rebellion? See Matthew 18:15-17.
-
Have you examined your reasons for your actions or do you make excuses for your actions?
Sunday, October 15, 2017 -- Sermon Questions Series: The Book of Proverbs Paul Anderson “ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED?”
-
What’s going on? Daniel 10:12-13, 1 Peter 5:8
-
What is God’s Plan for us? 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
-
Wisdom #1 Who do you trust? Proverbs 3:5-6, Why not follow our hearts? Jeremiah 17:9
-
Wisdom #2 How do I prepare for battle? Ephesians 6:10–20
-
Wisdom #3 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Matthew 18:20 Who are you being discipled by? Who are you discipling?
-
Challenge Are you ready for battle?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Sermon Questions Series: The Book of Proverbs Pastor Frank Wray “THE GOOD LIFE”
-
Why do you think the average “Christian” does not hear the voice of God for their lives?
-
Read Proverbs 3:1a. What is Solomon saying here is necessary for “the good life”? How does the average Christian view the words, “God’s law or commandments”? Why is this (i.e., generally view God’s laws or commandments negatively)? How should we view God’s laws and commandments?
-
Read Proverbs 3:1b. What is Solomon saying here is necessary for the good life? Does the American church, in general, believe that obedience is essential to be a true Christian? (What is your opinion on this?) What does it mean to say, “I am under grace”? Biblically, what is grace? Why is obedience to God’s commands essential? (Remember the GPS illustration.)
-
Read Proverbs 3:2. What does Solomon say are the results of knowing God’s commands and laws and seeking to obey them? (Note that Solomon gives two results.)
Sermon Questions Series: The Book of Proverbs Pastor Frank Wray “WHY WISDOM MATTERS”
-
What strikes you about the story of Steve Jobs? What kind of wisdom did Steve Jobs’ possess?
-
What kind of wisdom do you really demonstrate?
-
Read Proverbs 2:3-5. What are these verses saying?
-
Read Proverbs 2:10. What does the verse tell us?
-
Read Proverbs 2:11. What ultimately is wisdom?
-
Read 1 Samuel 23:1-13. What surprising lessons do we learn from this story?
-
What is essential to gain God’s wisdom or knowledge of a situation?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally.
Husband, father, teacher, coach, brother in Christ Gregg shares his walk, and his purpose in his mission field. Do you know yours?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
The Foundation of Wisdom Series: The Book of Proverbs Pastor Frank Wray
The Foundation of Wisdom
I. Fearing God Proverbs 1:7, 9:10 II. The Folly of Fools Psalm 14:1; Romans 1:18-2; Ecclesiastes 3:9-1; Psalm 19:1-4 III. The Challenge: What does it mean to fear God? Revelation 1:12-17a; John 14:23-24
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
“WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS”
-
What did you think of Bill Gates’ wisdom?
-
Read Proverbs 1:2. What is Solomon’s first purpose for writing Proverbs? How is God’s perspective on life different from this world’s perspective on life? What perspective do you usually come from?
-
Read Proverbs 1:3. What is Solomon’s second purpose for writing Proverbs? What does a successful life look like to you? What does God say is a successful life?
-
Read Proverbs 1:4. What is Solomon’s third purpose for writing Proverbs? What is common sense? Do you have it?
-
Does the idea of studying Proverbs interest you? Excite you? If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Pastor Geoff asks the question that none of us want to answer, are you ready for this Falls new series on Proverbs starting next week.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Sunday, August 27, 2017 -- Sermon Questions Series: A Special Message “WALKING WITH GOD”
-
Why is our desire to feel good a problem? Is it a problem you have?
-
Read Hebrews 11:6. What are your two choices in life? What really is your consuming passion in life?
-
Read Hebrews11:5. What stands out in this verse to you? Do you please God? Why or why not?
-
Read Genesis 5:21-24. What causes Enoch to change the course of his life at 65 years of age? (I.e., what does Methuselah mean? Also, see Jude 1:14-15.)
-
Why should the subject of judgement be life-changing? (See Hebrews 9:27.) How has the knowledge of God’s judgement and what Jesus did on the cross changed your life? If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Pastor Perry Jones, Executive Director of the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany, NY
"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.'" Like 17:11-13 (ESV)
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Sunday, August 13, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “DO YOU HAVE WISDOM?” 1. Is knowledge and wisdom the same thing? Why or why not?
-
Read James 1:5 and 1Kings 3:3-14. What do these verses tell you with respect to having wisdom?
-
Read Proverbs 3:13-15. Do you really believe what this Proverb states?
-
Read 1Kings 3:16-28. How did Solomon demonstrate wisdom in this situation? What exactly is wisdom?
-
Read 1Kings 11:1-6. What do these verses teach you? Do these verses scare you? Do you think Solomon is in heaven today? Why or why not?
-
What did you think of the story of the wise old woodcutter?
-
What will you do with Frank’s challenge?
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means.
Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service.
We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally.
Enjoy
Daniel, one of the most prophetic books of the Bible, second only to Revelation. You know all of the stories, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the fiery furnace, now it's time to learn what all of this book has to offer and what it all really means. Join Chris Luciano as he leads us each week and take a closer look at this prophetic book every Sunday at 8:45 before the morning service. We hope that these recordings will enable you to catch up, keep up and hopefully join us Sunday morning for classes even if you can only attend occasionally. Enjoy
Sunday, August 6, 2017 Pastor Frank Wray
“A PRAYER THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE”
-
Read 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
-
What does Jabez mean? Why is this significant?
-
Why is the prayer of Jabez a prayer of destiny?
-
What does it mean when Jabez prayed, “Oh that you would bless me, indeed”? How much do you really trust God with your life? Do you really want his blessings for you?
-
What does it mean when Jabez prayed, “Enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me…”? (See also Ephesians 2:8-10 and John 5:17.)
-
What did you think of the Al Weidman story?
-
What is Jabez asking God, when he prays, “that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!”?
-
Will you start praying the Jabez prayer?
Series: The Book of Philippians Sunday, July 30, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “A GREAT PROMISE” 1. Why is it wrong for the believer to be fearful and anxious?
-
Read Philippians 4:15-23. What is the scenario of these verses?
-
Read Philippians 4:19. What is the blessing Paul is giving? What does it mean?
-
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-10. What is the law of sowing and reaping? How is this abused by preachers and teachers today? What is God really promising in these verses? If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray Sermon Questions “ARE YOU CONTENT?”
-
M. Scott Peck says that “life is difficult.” Do you agree?
-
Read Philippians 4:10-13. What is Paul’s main point here?
-
Do you think it is really possible to experience contentment in less than ideal circumstances? (Also see 2 Corinthians 11:21-28.)
-
Read Philippians 4:11. What is contentment?
-
What is the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat? Which one are you?
-
Read Matthew 5:13-14. What is the believer supposed to be? What was Jesus? (See John 8:1-11.)
-
Read Philippians 4:12. What word stands out for you?
-
Read Philippians 4:13. What is the secret of contentment? Have you really learned this secret?
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray
“THE POWER OF YOUR THOUGHTS”
-
Read 1 Peter 5:8. What does this verse tell you?
-
Read Luke 22:31-34 and then 22:61-62. What do you learn from these verses about Satan and his ability to negatively affect our lives.
-
First, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 “to think or dwell on that which is true.”
-
What does this mean? What are the practical implications for our lives?
-
Secondly, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 “to think or dwell on that which is honorable.” What does this mean? (See also Colossians 3:2.)
-
What are the practical implications for our lives?
-
Thirdly, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 “to think or dwell on what is right.”
-
What does this mean? What are the practical implications for our lives?
-
Fourthly, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 “to think or dwell on what is pure.”
-
What does this mean? What are the practical implications for our lives?
-
Fifthly, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 “to think or dwell on what is lovely and admirable.” What does this mean? What are the practical implications for our lives?
-
Lastly, what does Paul mean in Philippians 4:8 that we are “to think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”?
-
Read Philippians 4:9. What is its relationship to Philippians 4:8? What is the result of Right Thinking and Right Living? Do you have shalom in your life?
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray
“THE ONE LIE THAT WILL DESTROY YOU”
- Why are questions good?
- How does Satan use questions?
- What makes Satan’s lie of, “Is God really good?” so destructive? (See Hebrews 11:6.)
- What does it mean to really trust in God or Jesus? (See Mark 10:17-22; Luke 9:23-24.)
- Read James 1:16-17. What is Jesus saying about the goodness of God? What determines what is Good and what is bad?
- What is theology?
- In Luke 13:1-5 (read), what is Jesus’ response to theology? What do you think of his answer?
- What does the story of Joseph teach us about God’s goodness? (See Genesis 45:5 and 50:20.)
- Read Romans 8:28. What powerful truth is this verse conveying to the believer about his or her circumstances?
Sunday, July 2, 2017 -- Pastor Tom Patterson “Coming To Our Senses”
-
Why is it so easy to see someone else’s problem and not our own? Hint—Read Romans 2:1
-
How does my life compare with Luke 15:11-72?
-
If I had to come up with one thing that I need to come to my senses about, what would it be?
-
Isaiah, in 6:5, had come to his senses. What prompted him to make this declaration? Read Isaiah 5:8, 11, 20, 21. Can you see Isaiah’s problem?
-
If, in fact, all that Isaiah is saying is true, what compels him to make this statement in Isaiah 6:5? Read Luke 6:41 and 42.
-
The question we need to ask ourselves is wrapped up in Luke 15:13. Where do we stand -- in God’s Word or the world? Where are you living?
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray
“WHAT LIES DO YOU BELIEVE?” (Part 3)
-
Read Philippians 4:8. How well have you done in terms of thinking about examining what you are thinking about this week?
-
Lie #2 of Satan is, “You don’t need the church – you can be a Christian on your own.” What do you think? Is Satan lying here?
-
What is a “do-it-yourself-christian”? Are you one? Why doesn’t it work?
-
Read James 5:16. How does James 5:16 go against “do-it-yourself Christianity”? According to this passage, what are some of the keys to spiritual, emotional and physical health?
-
Read Hebrews 10:23-25. What is the main point of these verses? According to these verses, what two things are essential if the believer is to finish strong and persevere? According to these verses, what must believers do when they meet together to help one another persevere?
Pastor Geoffrey takes a closer look at several passages that many of us thought we knew so well.
Proverbs 22:6
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Mathew 22:34-40 Leviticus 19:18
Deuteronomy 6:5
This is a follow up to Paul Anderson's message on March 26th "Is God really Good." which is available on our Podcast page. Paul has developed a series of classes to take a closer look of how we can not only survive but thrive when adversity comes our way. "When Under Great Pressure" will help lay a foundation of Truth in order to remain faithful in running the race in the midst of great pressure and allow God to bring about His glory through us to draw others to Him.
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Pastor Frank Wray “WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?” (Part 2)
-
What are the two choices in life?
-
Read Philippians 4:8. How critical are our minds?
-
Lie #5 of Satan is that you can listen to and watch whatever you want because these things can’t hurt you. Is this really true? (See Proverbs 15:14 and Psalm 1:1.)
-
Lie #4 of Satan is “Sin is not a big deal.” Is this true? (See Proverbs 6:16-19 -- discuss why it is a “big deal” to God.) What does sin do to the soul and relationships?
-
Lie #3 of Satan is: “Hell does not really exist.” (See Matthew 10:28; Revelation 20:11-15.) Is this true?
-
Discuss what the Cross represents.
-
Read Luke 16:19-31. What lessons can we draw from this story?
This is a follow up to Paul Anderson's message on March 26th "Is God really Good." which is available on our Podcast page. Paul has developed a series of classes to take a closer look of how we can not only survive but thrive when adversity comes our way. "When Under Great Pressure" will help lay a foundation of Truth in order to remain faithful in running the race in the midst of great pressure and allow God to bring about His glory through us to draw others to Him.
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, June 4, 2017 -- Pastor Frank Wray “WHAT LIES DO YOU BELIEVE?” (Part 1)
-
Can you think of some lies you believe?
-
Read 1 Peter 5:8. Do you really believe what Peter is writing here? How does Satan go about devouring a person?
-
Read Philippians 4:8. Why is it important that we think about what we are thinking about?
-
Lie #7 of Satan is: “You are missing out.” Why is this lie particularly effective with Americans? Why is this lie not true? (See Ecclesiastes 3:9-11.)
-
Lie #6 of Satan is: “This world really matters.” What makes this a lie even from an atheist’s viewpoint? What makes this a lie from God’s viewpoint? (See Luke 16:13-15.)
-
What does really impress God? (See Luke 21:1-4, 10:38-42; Acts 1:8.)
This is a follow up to Paul Anderson's message on March 26th "Is God really Good." which is available on our Podcast page. Paul has developed a series of classes to take a closer look of how we can not only survive but thrive when adversity comes our way. "When Under Great Pressure" will help lay a foundation of Truth in order to remain faithful in running the race in the midst of great pressure and allow God to bring about His glory through us to draw others to Him.
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray “WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?”
-
Read Philippians 4:8. What is Paul’s main point?
-
Why is what we are thinking so important?
-
What is Satan’s goal when it comes to humans? (See John 8:42-44.)
-
Lie #10 of Satan is: “he does not exist.” Why is this such a powerful lie? How do we know that Satan can plant thoughts in our minds? (See Matthew 16:16-21.)
-
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. Why is this verse so important? What question should every believer ask about a thought they are having?
-
Lie #9 of Satan is: All truth is relative. Why is this statement self-defeating? Why does the truth matter? (See John 8:32, 18:37, 14-6.)
-
Lie #8 of Satan is: The Bible is a man-made book. What are the implications of this lie? What are generally the vast majority of “errors” in the Bible?
-
What is the real problem most people have with the Bible? (See Psalm 2:1-12.)
-
What is one major proof that the Bible is inspired? (See 2 Peter 1:20.)
-
Read Luke 24:25-27. What is Jesus saying here about the inspiration of Scripture?
http://bccdelmar.org/ office@ourbcc.org
This is a follow up to Paul Anderson's message on March 26th "Is God really Good." which is available on our Podcast page. Paul has developed a series of classes to take a closer look of how we can not only survive but thrive when adversity comes our way. "When Under Great Pressure" will help lay a foundation of Truth in order to remain faithful in running the race in the midst of great pressure and allow God to bring about His glory through us to draw others to Him. Bethlehem Community Church Episode Artwork Image
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, May 21, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “WORRY OR PRAY?” 1. Do you agree with the statement that stress is a part of everyday life? How do you handle your stress?
-
Read Philippians 4:6. What do you think about Paul’s statement that we (believers) are not to worry? (Point out Jesus agrees with Paul. See Matthew 6:25-32.)
-
Oswald Chambers (i.e., My Utmost for His Highest) says that “worry is a sin.” Do you agree? If you do, why is it a sin? What does worry signify?
-
Read Matthew 13:22. What does Jesus say that worry does here?
-
In what way does worry reflect a dark or wicked heart?
-
What do most Americans really want out of life? Why is it a recipe for worry/anxiety?
-
Why did Jesus never worry? Why do we worry?
-
In Philippians 4:6, what does Paul say is the solution to worry? What does praying do?
-
Why is it important to “thank” God after you make your prayer request?
-
Read Philippians 4:7. What is the peace that Paul is promising the believer? Do you have that peace? Why or why not?
Bethlehem Community Church Pastor Geoff Eckstein A Mother’s Heart I. A Mother’s Story: Amber Johns, Stacey Simeon, Shelly Wood II. A Mother’s Heart: Luke 1:26-38, John 19:26 III. A Mother’s Love: John 19:27
http://bccdelmar.org/ office@ourbcc.org Share this podcast on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehem-Community-Church-120750791270364/
This is a follow up to Paul Anderson's message on March 26th "Is God really Good." which is available on our Podcast page. Paul has developed a series of classes to take a closer look of how we can not only survive but thrive when adversity comes our way. "When Under Great Pressure" will help lay a foundation of Truth in order to remain faithful in running the race in the midst of great pressure and allow God to bring about His glory through us to draw others to Him.
This is a follow up to Paul Anderson's message on March 26th "Is God really Good." which is available on our Podcast page. Paul has developed a series of classes to take a closer look of how we can not only survive but thrive when adversity comes our way.
"When Under Great Pressure" will help lay a foundation of Truth in order to remain faithful in running the race in the midst of great pressure and allow God to bring about His glory through us to draw others to Him.
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, May 7, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “IT’S YOUR CHOICE”
-
What determines your destiny?
-
Do you really think about the choices you make and their consequences?
-
Read Phil. 4:4-5. What is Paul saying here about joy? (I.e., can you really choose joy?)
-
What is joy’s connection to circumstances?
-
What does our culture promote -- happiness or joy?
-
Does the Bible promise the believer happiness?
-
Read Acts 16:16-26. Why did Paul and Silas sing at midnight from the inner-dungeon? What happens when a person has joy?
-
What is joy?
-
How does a person get joy? (See Phil. 4:4; Eph. 5:18, Gal. 5:22.)
-
Talk and discuss the illustration about the disfigured pastor. (See John 15:11.)
-
What are the two things that will keep a person from experiencing joy? (See 1 Thess. 5:19; Psalm 139:23-24.)
Bethlehem Community Church http://bccdelmar.org/ office@ourbcc.org Share this podcast on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehem-Community-Church-120750791270364/
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray “DEFUSING DISHARMONY” Sermon Questions
-
When you think of conflict, what comes to mind?
-
Does conflict always have to be bad?
-
Is comparing humans to porcupines a good comparison? Why or why not?
-
Should there be a difference in the conflict two Christians have, verses two people of this world?
-
Read Phil. 4:2-3. What kind of conflict do you think Euodia and Syntyche were having? (See Luke 22:23-24.)
-
What does Paul mean by “agree” in Philippians 4:2?
-
What is necessary for two believers to agree, according to Philippians 4:2?
-
Read Phil. 4:3. Why is it sometimes necessary to have a “loyal yokefellow” to help in a conflict? What kind of “yokefellow” should you be looking for?
-
If your life was to be summed up in a single statement, what would that statement be? What would you want it to be? What do you think you will be known or remembered for at the end of your life?
Pastor Tom takes a Biblical look at our Boundaries, followed with Pastor Geoffrey's personal perspective in light of his Jewish background on Communion.
Listen to our Resurrection Sunday Message, hear what to say to people when they say "So What".....
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, April 9, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “MAKING A STATEMENT”
-
It has been said, “Life is a journey.” Where will your journey end up?
-
In Philippians 3:18, Paul talks about people “who are enemies of the cross.” Who are these people?
-
Why must a true Christian go through the cross? (See Luke 9:23-24.)
-
What does Paul mean in Philippians 3:19 when he says “their stomach is their god”?
-
What does Paul mean in Philippians 3:19 when he says “their glory is their shame”?
-
What does Paul mean in Philippians 3:19 when he says “their mind is set on earthly things”. (See also Colossians 3:1-4.)
-
Read Philippians 3:20-21. What should be the reality, hope and motivation of the true Christian? Is this really true of you? Why or why not? If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, April 2, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “WHO ARE YOU COPYING?”
-
What should be every true Christian’s goal?
-
What is involved in attaining the goal?
-
What do you think of the statement that “everyone is a role model”? What does this mean?
-
Read Philippians 3:17. What does this tell us about how people really learn?
-
Growing up, who were your examples?
-
Why is Jesus the great game changer? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.)
-
If example is how we learn (i.e., Philippians 3:17), what are the examples (i.e. Rabbis) that you are emulating to follow Jesus? What are they teaching you?
A compelling sermon by someone that personally knows that God is good. You never know what you think you know unless you have been tested by the fire. This man, has been tested and he knows what he believes is true. Do You?
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, March 12, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “WILL YOU GET THE PRIZE?” 1. Read Philippians 3:12-16. Paul says that as followers of Jesus, we are in a race. What kind of race is it?
-
Read Philippians 3:12. What is the goal of the Christian race? (See Romans 8-29.) Who are you really trying to emulate?
-
What is involved in looking like Jesus? (See John 12:23-26; Galatians 2:20.)
-
What is the result of looking/being like Jesus? (See Galatians 5:22.)
-
Read Philippians 3:13. What is Paul saying here about running a successful Christian race? How does Satan try to get us to lose our focus? (See Hebrews 12:1-2.)
-
Read Philippians 3:13 again. What “past” is Paul probably talking about here? (See Luke 9:62; Genesis 19:17-26.)
-
Read Philippians 3:14. What is the Prize?
-
What really is your goal in life?
-
What prize are you really striving after?
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, March 12, 2017 -- Sermon Questions
“WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST?”
- What is greatness?
2.Read Philippians 3:1-11. Why is Jesus great?
3.Why should we always be rejoicing? (See Philippians 3:1.)
4.What is one of our (i.e., humanities) big problems? (See Philippians 3:5-6.)
Why is God not impressed with our accomplishments?
5.Read Philippians 3:7. What is Paul saying here? Why is this a real turning point for Paul? (i.e., think of Paul’s conversion story.) Are you still trying to impress God?
6.Read Philippians 3:7-9. Why is this such an incredible breakthrough for Paul?
7.Read Luke 5:1-11. What do you see happening here? What is happening to Peter?
Has something like this happened to you?
8.When you see Jesus on the cross, what happens to you? What are you thinking?
Can you grasp what he did for you? Is it life-changing for you, really?
9.Read Philippians 3:10-11. Why is this the only logical and rational response to Philippians 3:1-9? (See also 2 Peter 3:8-10.) What makes Philippians 3:10 so incredible? (i.e., think about a believer in jail or in the poverty of India.)
Series: The Book of Philippians “A TRUE LEADER” Pastor Frank Wray
Sermon Questions
-
When you think of a leader, what person/traits come to mind?
-
Read Philippians 2:19-30. What things stand out to you with respect to Timothy and Epaphroditus?
-
Read Philippians 2:20. What does Paul mean when he calls Timothy genuine? What devious business practice was Paul probably referring to? Are you genuine?
-
Read Philippians 2:21. Who are these “others” Paul is talking about? What really matters to Jesus when it comes to a true shepherd or pastor? (See 1 Peter 5:1-4; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Peter 3:15.)
-
Read Philippians 2:25-30. What stands out about Epaphroditus to you? What do you think makes him a great Christian example or leader?
-
Read Revelation 12:11. Why is this such a critical passage for the Christian? (Discuss it and show its relationship to Epaphroditus.) Also, how does Philippians 3:12-13 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 relate to Revelation 12:11?
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, February 26, 2017 -- Sermon Questions
“WHAT RACE ARE YOU RUNNING?”
- What book or person is really driving your life?
2.Read Philippians 2:16. What does it mean “to hold firmly to the Word of Life?”
3.How often do you engage the Bible – Really?
4.Why do you think most “Christians” do not really read, meditate and study the Bible – Truth?
5.What did you think of Dr. Annie Cole’s study on Bible engagement?
6.Read Philippians 2:16-18. What are the three great benefits of engaging the Bible truth?
(I.e, discuss each one.)
"ARE YOU A SHINING STAR?"
I. Introduction
II. What is Necessary for Our Lights to shine for Jesus? Philippians 2:14-16
-
No Complaining Philippians 2:14-16; Num. 11:1-3, 14:1-4,26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Psalm 73:1-25
-
No Arguing Philippians 2:14
III. Why It is So Important that We do Not Complain or Argue?
-
Destroys Our Souls and Damages Our Relationships Philippians 2:15
-
Destroys our Witness Philippians 2:15-16; Matthew 5:16
IV. The Challenge
February 12, 2017 10:00 AM
"WE ARE IN A WAR!"
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12
Mark Temple discusses his testimony, health struggles, and the importance of small group with his brothers in Christ, John and Steve.
Sermon Questions, Sunday, January 29, 2017 Series: The Book of Philippians
“WHAT ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT?”
- How is God’s extreme makeover different from the television show’s extreme makeover?
2.Read Philippians 2:12. Why does that verse sometimes confuse people?
3.What is Justification? (See Luke 23:32-43.)
4.What is Sanctification? How is it tied to Justification? (Read Philippians 2:12 and Romans 8:29.) Does God think Sanctification is important? How do you know? Why is Sanctification so critical? (See Luke 17:1-3.) What “things” are necessary for Sanctification?
5.Read Philippians 2:13. Why is this verse such great news for the believer?
6.What is Glorification?
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, January 22, 2017
- Sermon Questions
“THE PATH TO GLORY”
-
Read Philippians 2:1-4. What is Paul really asking the Philippian believers? (See also John 17:20-23.)
-
Why is it so difficult for us to generally achieve unity/oneness?
-
What is our motivation for unity in the church? (See Philippians 2:1-2.)
-
What is the method for unity? (See Philippians 2:3-4.)
-
What is true humility?
-
Read Philippians 2:5-11. What makes these verses so special and powerful? What does Jesus tell us is the path to greatness?
-
Read verse 6. What is Paul telling us about Jesus here?
-
Read verse 7. What do we learn about Jesus here? (See also John 13:1-17.)
-
Read verse 8. What do we learn about Jesus here? (I.e., talk about crucifixion and why Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified.)
-
Read verses 9-11. What do we learn from these verses?
Sermon Questions, Sunday, January 15, 2017 Series: The Book of Philippians
"THE CHOICE”
- Read Philippians 1:27. What is Paul saying? What is the challenge to us?
2.Read Philippians 1:28. What is Paul saying? Why, when the believer stands for truth and righteousness and is not scared off, is a non-believer disturbed? Why is the believer encouraged?
3.Read verse Philippians 1:29. Why is it a privilege to suffer for Jesus? (See also Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22.) Do you really think most American believers think it is a privilege to suffer for Jesus? Why or why not?
4.What do you think about what Pastor John Oros said? How is the Communist Christian’s understanding of the gospel different from the American gospel?
Sermon Questions, Sunday, January 8, 2017 Series: New Year's 2017
"ARE YOU A NEW PERSON?”
- Read John 3:1-7. What do you think of the term “born again”?
2.What does Jesus mean by the term “born again”?
3.Read John 3:5. What does Jesus mean that a person must be born of water and the spirit? (See also John 6:44, 16:5-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17.)
4.What does it really mean to place your faith in Jesus? What is involved in that? (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.)
5.Have you had a born again experience? Can you describe it?
, January 1, 2017
"ARE YOU RELIGIOUS?"
I. Introduction
II. The Problem with Religion Mark 10:17-22
III. How Do I Get Out of It? Ephesians 2:8-10
IV. Why Wasn’t I Told the Truth? John 8:44-45
V. What Happens When You Know the Truth? John 8:32
Sunday, December 18, 2016 Series: Christmas
"GREAT EXPECTATIONS"
I. Introduction
II. The Problem with Expectations
III. The Disappointment of the Wisemen Matthew 2:1-11
IV. Our Disappointment
V. The Wisemen’s Response to Matthew 2:11; Their Disappointment Hebrews 11:6; Numbers 24:17; Micah 5:2
VI. The Challenge Ephesians 1:11; Revelation 3:7-8
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS Pastor Frank Wray
Sermon Questions
- Read Matt. 2:1-8, 13-18. Why did Herod miss the first Christmas? How does he apply to you?
2.Why did the Jewish leaders miss the first Christmas? How do they apply to you? (See Rev. 3:15-16, 2:45)
3.Read Luke 2:1-7. Was there really an innkeeper?
4.Why did the people of Bethlehem miss the first Christmas? How do they apply to you? (ie, talk about “hurry sickness)
5.Read Luke 2:8-20. Why were the shepherds given a special invitation by God to be at that first Christmas? Would you have been invited to that first Christmas? Why or why not
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray ‘WHERE YOU LIVE MATTERS”
Top 11 values of the average American: (11 – 7 missing from audio) 11.God, faith, religion 10. Privacy 9. Family; having children 8. Patriotism/nationalism 7. Volunteerism 6. The American dream 5. Working at a job you love 4. Equal opportunity 3. Enjoying a good marriage 2. Individual freedom 1. Having good health
Sermon Questions: 1. Read Philippians 1:27 (NLT) and 3:20. Where is the believer’s citizenship according to Paul? 2. What are the Top 11 values of Americans? How many of these values drive your life? 3. Read Luke 16:15. What do you think Jesus thinks of these 11 American values? 4. What is God really interested in? 5. Read Matthew 5:3-10. These are the values of a citizen of heaven. What are they (ie, discuss them)? A. Matt. 5:3 – the dependent heart (also compare Mark 10:13-15 with Mark 10:17) B. Matt. 5:4 – the broken heart C. Matt. 5:5 – the submissive heart D. Matt. 5:6 – the righteous heart (see also Jer. 2:13) E. Matt. 5:7 – the merciful heart (see also John 8:1-11) F. Matt. 5:8 – the focused heart (see also Phil. 1:21) G. Matt. 5:9 – the peaceful heart H. Matt. 5:10 – the courageous heart (see also Matt. 5:11-12) 7. Where is your citizenship really?
Series: Book of Philippians Pastor Geoff Eckstein "Better off Dead"
I. The Introduction II. To Die is Gain Philippians 1:21; 2 Timothy 4:6-8 III. To LIVE is Christ Philippians 1:21; Romans 6:10-11 IV. The Challenge Philippians 1:20; I Thessalonians 4:14-17
Sermon Questions
-
What are the different kinds of jerks? What kind of jerk are you?
-
Read Philippians1:15-18. Who were the jerks that Paul had to deal with? What were they saying about him?
-
What was the lie of those “jerk” preachers that Paul was dealing with? How old is this lie? (I.e., talk about Job and look at Job 4:7, 8:3, 11:16.) Are we still dealing with this lie today?
-
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-13. What truth are these verses giving us?
-
Why will the true followers of Jesus suffer? (See Ephesians 6:10-12.)
-
Why does Satan go after the Spirit-filled believer?
-
What is one of the main ways Satan attacks the Spirit-filled believer?
-
Do you see Satan attacking you?
-
What is the best way to deal with jerks? Talk about the 3 ways of disarming jerks. (See Philippians 1:17-18 and Psalm 26:4.)
Sermon Questions, Sunday, November 13, 2016 Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray
“PERSPECTIVE” 1. Why is perspective powerful? 2. How do you generally see your circumstances? Positively or negatively? Why? 3. Read Philippians 1:12-24. How do these verses contradict the prevailing theology in American Christianity? 4. When “bad” or different circumstances happen to us, what is generally our cry? 5. What questions or question does a mature follower of Jesus ask when facing a difficult circumstance? 6. What two ways did Paul view his imprisonment positively? (See Philippians 1:12-13 again.) 7. Do you see your present situation as an opportunity to advance the Gospel?
8.How might your response to your difficult circumstances strengthen fellow believers? (Talk about John 12:24-25.)
Sermon Questions, Sunday, November 6, 2016 Series: The Book of Philippians
"A GREAT PRAYER"
-
Read Philippians 1:9-11. What is Paul praying for the Philippians? Why is love so important? (See 1 Corinthians 13:13.)
-
What does the world think love is? What is love? (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.)
-
In Philippians 1:9, Paul prays that our love grows quantitatively. What does that mean?
-
In Philippians 1:9, Paul also prays that our love will grow qualitatively. First he prays that our love will grow in knowledge. What two kinds of knowledge are there?
-
Why can intellectual knowledge be dangerous? (See Matthew 23:13-39.)
Sermon Questions, Sunday, October 16, 2016 Series: The Book of Philippians
“GOD'S GREAT PROMISE”
1.Read Philippians 1:3. How do you think Paul’s statement to the Philippian believers made them feel? In terms of application, what can we learn from Paul when dealing especially with fellow believers?
2.Read Philippians 1:4. What is Paul saying here about prayer? What is one of the greatest ways you can love a person? Do you intercede often for other people? Why or why not?
3.Read Philippians 1:5. What is Paul saying here? What does Philippians 1:5 say that we should be doing as believers? Are you actively doing this? Why or why not?
4.Read Philippians 1:6. What is Paul saying here? Why is this an incredible promise God is making here to t
Dr. Mitch Glaser, president of Chosen People Ministries, explores the importance of Israel and witnessing to the Jewish people in end times prophesy
Sermon Questions, Sunday, October 16, 2016 Series: The Book of Philippians
“GOD'S GREAT PROMISE”
1.Read Philippians 1:3. How do you think Paul’s statement to the Philippian believers made them feel?
In terms of application, what can we learn from Paul when dealing especially with fellow believers?
2.Read Philippians 1:4. What is Paul saying here about prayer? What is one of the greatest ways you can love a person? Do you intercede often for other people? Why or why not?
3.Read Philippians 1:5. What is Paul saying here? What does Philippians 1:5 say that we should be doing as believers? Are you actively doing this? Why or why not?
4.Read Philippians 1:6. What is Paul saying here? Why is this an incredible promise God is making here to the believer? Why should this give a believer great comfort and confidence?
Sunday, October 9, 2016 Pastor Tom Patterson
“TIME'S UP!”
I. The Introduction
II. How much time do you have left? Luke 12:20-21
III. Is it possible that you’re running out of time? 1 Peter 4:17
IV. What have you done with the time you were allotted? Matthew 25:24
V. Are you accountable for your time on earth? Romans 14:12, Matthew 12:35-36
VI. The Challenge—Who are you accountable to? Hebrews 4:13
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray “THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP”
Sermon Questions 1. Do you think good leadership matters? Why or why not? 2. What were the two kinds of leaders in the early church? (See Philippians 1:1 and Acts 6:1-6) 3. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What is the job or function of the elder/shepherd/pastor? 4. In the American church, how does an elder generally function? Why is this a problem biblically? 5. An elder is to care for the flock. What does that mean? 6. An elder is also to be an example to the flock. What does that mean? 7. To carry out these functions, what should you be looking for in an elder? (See Titus 1:5-9) What stands out to you as you look at the elder description in Titus 1:5-9? 8. Do you think we have good leadership today in America (i.e., both in the church and secular world)? Why or why not?
Series: The Book of Philippians Sunday, September 25, 2016 Pastor Frank Wray Sermon Questions
“INTRODUCTIONS MATTER”
-
What kind of city was Philippi? How is it like present day Albany? (See Colossians 3:1-4)
-
What does it mean to be God’s holy people? (See Philippians 1:1)
-
What does a holy person or saint look like in everyday life?
-
Why does the believer need grace? (See Philippians 1:2)
-
What is the result of really moving in God’s grace? (See Philippians 1:2)
-
Now do you see why introductions matter?
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, September 18, 2016 “WHEN CHRISTIANITY REALLY WORKS” Pastor Frank Wray
Sermon Questions 1. Read Philippians 1:1a. What is your first impression? Why do you think Paul addresses himself this way? 2. When you think of a slave, what thoughts come to your mind? 3. Why is everyone a slave (see John 8:34)? What does enslavement to sin look like? 4. Read Hebrews 11:24-25. What makes sin so attractive? 5. Do you think most people realize they are enslaved to sin (see Mark 10:17-23)? What enslavement is the most powerful of all (see Mark 10:23 and Matthew 6:24)? 6. Read Galatians 5:19-21. What is the end result of enslavement to sin? 7. What is the only solution to the enslavement to sin (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)? 8. Why does Christianity (i.e., Jesus) not work for so many people (see Romans 10:9)? 9. Can you honestly say you are a slave of Jesus—that He is your master?
Sunday, September 11, 2016 A Special Message Pastor Frank Wray
“Making Sense of Life”
I. The Introduction
II. Do You Have Clarity?
III. The Five Clarifying Truths that Must Drive Your Life
A. Clarifying Truth #1 James 4:4, Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40
B. Clarifying Truth #2 Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 51:1-5
Sunday, September 4, 2016 Geoff Ekstein
The Call to Courage
I. Introduction
II. A Review Ephesians 6:10-13
III. The Shield of Faith Ephesians 6:16; Luke 4:3-4
IV. The Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6:17
V. The Sword of the Spirit Ephesians 6:17
Perry Jones explains God's Amazing Grace and some of the amazing stories from the Albany City Rescue Mission
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sunday, August 21, 2016 -- Sermon Questions “VICTORY” Pastor Frank Wray 1. Read Ephesians 6:15. What is the third piece of armor God provides the believer? 2. Why do you think most Americans go to church? What is their hope? 3. Why do you think so many Americans have such a fascination with this world? Does this make sense in light of 1 John 2:15-17? 4. Read Luke 12:16-23. What is the mistake of the rich man? What is Jesus’ point? 5. Read Matthew 4:19. What is the believer’s real profession according to Jesus? Do you believe this? How would this change how you view your job? 6. What did you think about the story of the little old white haired man? 7. How does the third piece of armor give Satan a black eye?
Sunday, August 14, 2016 Ephesians 4:22-24 Stephen Bugler
Spiritual Warfare: How to Fight Satan and Demons
I. Three Cautions When Studying Our Enemies:
A. Why is it Important to Study Our Enemy?
B. Why are We Attacked? 2 Corinthians 4:4
C. The Capabilities of Our Enemies Luke 8:26-33 Matthew 12:43-45
II. Tactics We are Given to Fight 2 Timothy 3:16 Against the Dark Forces Matthew 4:1-11
A. Why is it Important to Know Our Identity According to Scripture?
III. Another Tactic: Isaiah 32:18
IV. Taking Off the Old and Ephesians 4:22-24 Putting on the New! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Colossians 3:9-10
Sermon Questions, Sunday, August 7, 2016 Series: The Book of Ephesians
“INTEGRITY”
1.What is integrity?
2.Why does it matter when it comes to Spiritual Warfare?
- Read Ephesians 6:14. What is the breastplate of righteousness? How do many people Interpret “righteousness” in this passage?
3A. Why is “positional righteousness” important?
-
Why is the righteousness being talked about in Ephesians 6:14, not “positional” righteousness?
-
What is “practical” righteousness?
6.Can a person have “positional” righteousness but reject “practical” righteousness? (see 1 John 2:1, 2 Peter 1:3-5, Hebrews 12:14)
- What is the significance of Romans 10:9?
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sunday, July 31, 2016 -- Sermon Questions “THE VICTORIOUS LIFE” 1. Do you believe in a real entity called Satan? Why or why not?
-
Where are Satan’s attacks mainly aimed at when it comes to humans? (See 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
-
Read Ephesians 6:13. What is the “day of evil”? When are we generally most vulnerable to Satan’s attacks? (See 2 Samuel 11:-1-3)
-
Read Ephesians 6:14. What is the belt of truth? Why is truth important? Why is truth like kryptonite to Satan? (See John 8:44)
-
What is truth? (See John 14:6) What are the implications of John 14:6?
-
Read 2 John 1-4. Could John write this of you?
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sunday, July 24, 2016 -- Pastor Frank Wray Sermon Questions “YOUR REAL ENEMY” 1.Do you think it is important to have pastors/elders who you are accountable to? Why? 2.Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Do you think this is happening today? What are the implications of these verses? 3. Read Ephesians 6:10-12. According to these verses, who is our real enemy? Why do we so often make humans our enemy? 4. Why does Satan have the advantage over most people? 5. How do we know Satan is real? 6. Ephesians 6:11 talks about Satan’s strategies. What are some of those strategies? (i.e., talk about Satan’s various names; Satan means adversary; 1 Peter 5:8 – the devil - slanderer; 1 Thessalonians 3:5 – the tempter; John 12:31 – the ruler of this world; John 8:44 – the father of lies; 2 Corinthians 11:14 – an angel of light; Revelation 9:11 – the destroyer) 7. How aware are you of Satan and his strategies to hurt and harm you?
Sunday, July 17, 2016 Series: The Book of Ephesians I. The Introduction
II. What Are You Running For (Philippians 3:14)?
III. Why Am I Working (Ephesians 6:5-9, Isaiah 55:8-9, John 8:34, Romans 6:13-14, Luke 4:42-43, John 8:36, Mark 14:7, 1 Peter 2:18-21)?
IV. The Challenge (Ephesians 6:7-8)
Sermon Questions, Sunday, July 10, 2016 Series: The Book of Ephesians
"A TOUGH JOB”
1.What is your view of a father?
-
Does our culture, in your opinion, respect fatherhood? Why or why not?
-
Read Ephesians 6:4. Why do you think Paul addresses just the fathers in parenting?
-
What are the Top 10 mistakes fathers make in parenting?
-
What does Paul mean in Ephesians 6:4 when he says that “A father is to bring his children up with the discipline that comes from the Lord”? (Also, see Proverbs 1:7 and 22:6.)
6.What does Paul mean in Ephesians 6:4 when he says that the father is to bring his children up in the instruction that comes from the Lord?
Series: The Book of Ephesians Pastor Frank Wray
“A Responsibility We All Have” Pastor Frank Wray
I. The Introduction II. Parenting is Difficult III. Giving Your Child the Gift of Discipline IV. “Children Obey Your Parents…” Ephesians 6:1 Proverbs 30:17 V. “Children Honor Your Parents” Ephesians 6:2-3 Galatians 6:7 VI. The Challenge Practical Ways to Honor Your Parents
Sermon Questions, Sunday, June 19, 2016
Series: The Book of Ephesians
“I GET NO RESPECT”
-
Read Ephesians 5:22-24, 33b. What is the wife’s role?
-
What does submission mean in the marriage relationship? (See 1 Corinthians 11:3.)
-
What is respect? Why is it important to the man?
-
Why is it important to respect the man’s leadership in the home?
-
When is a woman not to be in submission to the man (her husband)?
6.What are some of the ways that a wife can practically show respect
Sermon Questions, Sunday, June 12, 2016 Series: The 50th Anniversary-- Sunday, June 12, 2016 -- Sermon Questions
“THE DREAM”
-
In your opinion, how important is leadership? What should good leadership do, in your opinion?
-
It is no secret that BCC has gone through struggles over the years. What do you see as the cause(s) of these struggles?
-
What ultimately should the church of Jesus Christ be about and doing?
-
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. What things or “marks” caused the Thessalonians to be such a vibrant church? Do you see these things in BCC?
Sermon Questions, Sunday, June 5, 2016 Series: The Book of Ephesians
“WHEN RELATIONSHIPS WORK”
-
How has your thinking changed these last couple of months?
-
Do you think marriage is difficult or easy? Why or why not?
-
Read Ephesians 5:23. What does this mean? What does it mean for the marriage relationship? What is true biblical leadership? In your opinion, in the church, do most men know how to lead their wives and families? Why or why not?
-
Read Ephesians 5:25-27. What is God telling us about how the man is to lead? If a man truly loves his wife, what should he be teaching her to do? How would this solve a lot of marriage problems potentially?
-
Read Ephesians 5:28-30 and 1 Peter 3:7. What are the ways a husb
Sunday, May 29, 2016
“REAL FREEDOM” Pastor Frank Wray
I. The Introduction
II. What is Freedom?
III. Problem with Experts Genesis 1:26-27
IV. Roles or Functions in a Marriage Ephesians 5:22-33 Relationship John 8:32 1 Cor. 12:7-27 Matthew 12:32
V. The Challenge 2 Timothy 3:16
Pastor Frank Wray. I. The Introduction II. The Key to Great Relationships (Ephesians 5:21) III. What Submission Means (Ephesians 5:21, John 14:15, Proverbs 27:17) IV. Consequences to Lack of Submission (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
“LIFE IN THE SPIRIT” Pastor Frank Wray
I. The Introduction
II. Four Important Truths 2 Cor 10:3-5, Eph 5:18
III. How Can You Know if You Are Spirit Filled?
-
What Do You Talk About? Eph 5:19; Deut 6:4-9; Col 3:1-4
-
Joy Eph 5:19
-
Thankfulness Eph 5:20; Num 11:1; Psalm 139:1-4; Psalm 100:1-5; Psalm 34:8, Mal 3:6
Sunday, May 8, 2016 Geoff Ekstein
"A MOTHER'S STORY"
I. Mother’s Day Message Donna Frueh
II. Introduction Gen 15:1-6
III. When God is Silent Gen 16:1-3
IV. When Faith Overcomes Sight Gen 21:1-7
Series: The Book of Ephesians Frank Wray “A TRANSFORMED MIND” 1. What kind of mind do you have, a worldly mind or a divine mind? 2. Why is my thinking so important? 3. Why does having good information alone not enough to change your thinking (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-4)? 4. Why was Jesus able to live a perfect life? 5. What is Satan’s goal for people (see John 8:42-45)? 6. Why was Jesus able to defeat Satan when Satan tempted Him? 7. Why was Satan able to defeat Peter (see Luke 21:31-34)? 8. What is the process that is absolutely essential for changing a person’s thinking (i.e. Romans 12:1, 1:1, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 12:2)? 9. Is your mind really transforming?
Series: The Book of Ephesians -- Sunday, April 24, 2016 -- Sermon Questions
“ARE YOU CHANGING?”
-
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. What is a stronghold?
-
What are some of the major strongholds that people have?
-
What must happen for a stronghold to be broken?
-
Why are Romans 12:1-2 and Ephesians 5:18 so critical for our thinking to change?
-
Would you say you have a defeated mind, or a victorious mind which results in healthy behaviors and living in the fruit of the spirit?
“WHAT CONTROLS YOU?”
-
How are your relationships? Really?
-
Do you see yourself as God’s masterpiece? (See Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 8:29)
-
Read 1 Peter1:6-7. What is Peter’s point? What does this mean for the believer?
-
Read Ephesians 5:18. What does it mean to be Spirit-filled or controlled?
What misunderstanding do many Christians have with respect to being Spirit-filled or controlled? (i.e. Jimmy Swaggart and Sampson)
-
When you die will you have titles or testimonies? What impresses God? (i.e. think about the disciples)
-
What changed the disciples from ordinary men to extra-ordinary men? (See Acts 1:4-8)
-
Look at Ephesians 5:18 again. There are two kinds of people, what are they? Which one are you?
Good morning Church Family,
April 10, 2016 -- Sermon Questions
“WHAT IF?”
-
Read John 3:1-10—What was Nicodemus’ problem?
-
Does there exist a problem between Jesus and religion? Explain.
-
Compare Matthew 28:18-20 with Matthew 5:20.
-
How is it that some confidently proclaim to be “Born Again” and yet they display a contrary lifestyle. How can this be? What has the church been teaching that allows this type of behavior?
-
In light of question 4, how do I know if I’m saved? Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1-3.
-
Although Salvation is freely given (1 Peter 2:1), what is required of us to maintain and nourish this wonderful gift? Hebrews 2:1, 5:12
Baptism Sunday -- April 3, 2016 -- Sermon Questions “Coming Out” 1. Does baptism matter to Jesus? (See Matthew 28:18-20) 2. What do we know about baptisms in the early church? 3. Read Matthew 10:32-36. Why is Jesus controversial? Can you be a secret follower of Jesus? (See Mark 15:42-43 and John 19:38) Why or why not? 4. Why is baptism so important to God/Jesus? (See Galatians 2:20) 5. Have you been baptized? Why or why not?
“When Faith Defeated Fear”
-
What is your fear?
-
Do you think that the fear of death is the greatest fear and at the root of ALL of our fears?
-
Read Matthew 26:47-56 and John 20:19. What makes these two passages so amazing?
Why is it likely true?
- Read Acts 2:1-41. These verses took place 50 days after Matthew 26:47-56.
A. How does the world explain the disciples’ turnaround? What are the problems with the naturalistic explanations for the disciples’ turnaround?
B. What do the disciples say caused their turnaround? (See John 20:19-28.) What makes their explanation the most plausible?
- Why did the disciples no longer live in fear? Do you still live in fear? Why or why not?
Sermon Questions -- Series: The Book of Ephesians -- 3/2016
“The Choice”
-
What ultimately makes up a person’s life?
-
Read Matthew 21:1-11. Why were the crowds excited about Jesus?
-
Read Luke 19:41-44. How would the crowd have received these words of Jesus? Why did Jesus say what He said? What choice was He making?
-
Read Luke 19:45-48. Why did Jesus do what He did? What choice was He making here and what was the result of His choice?
-
What happens when a person changes the Father’s plan? (See Luke 16:15 and John 15:18-21)
-
Did Pilate know the truth? (See Romans 1:18)
-
What truth did Pilate know? (See Matthew 27:19 and 24)
-
What was Pilate’s choice?
-
What was the cost Pilate made for his choice?
-
What is the choice we must all make and what are the consequences of our choice?
Sunday, March 6, 2016 -- Sermon Questions
“Wise or Unwise?”
-
Up to this point in your life, have you lived wisely or unwisely? (See Ephesians 5:15-17)
-
Read Ephesians 5:3-7. Why is the unbeliever unwise?
-
What makes being sexually immoral unwise? (See 1 Corinthians 6:15-20)
-
What is impurity? (See Ephesians 5:3) Why is engaging in it make you unwise?
-
What does it mean to be greedy? (See Ephesians 5:3)
Why does being greedy make you unwise? (See also 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Ecclesiastes 2:21-26)
- Read Ephesians 5:6. What are the implications for the unwise person?
Can a believer practice sexual immorality, impurity and being greedy? (See also 1 John 3:4-10)
-
Read Ephesians 5:10. Who is the wise person?
-
Read Ephesians 5:15-18. How does a person please the Lord?
-
Read Galatians 2:20. Why is the verse so important when it comes to being filled with the Holy Spirit?
-
What is the difference between “bad emotions and good emotions”?
Sermon Questions -- Sunday, February 28th
“Who Is Your Role Model?”
-
Who is your role model?
-
Read Ephesians 5:1-2. Who is the believer to imitate?
-
Do you think it is possible to imitate Jesus? Why or why not?
4.. Read Romans 8:28. Who is the real believer? What is the promise to the believer?
5 . Read Romans 8:29. What is God's goal with the believer? Why is God so concerned about the believer looking like Jesus?
-
Read Ephesians 5:2. What is the key characteristic of Jesus?
-
What is love? What does the world think love is? How would you define love?
-
How does the Bible define love? (Look over 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Following are the Sermon Questions for Sunday.
“Are You Different?”
1) Read Ephesians 4:17-19. How do the Gentiles (unbelievers) live? What is wrong with what they do? (See Proverbs 16:25 and Matthew 7:13-14.) Do you live or think like the Gentiles (unbelievers) do? In what ways?
2) Read Ephesians 4:20-32. What is the difference between the non-believer and the believer?
3) Read Ephesians 4:22-24. The Apostle Paul gives us two very important reasons as to why the believer is to be different from the unbeliever. What are those two powerful reasons? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6:6-7.)
God bless,
Bethlehem Community Church
If you would like to not receive any more emails from Bethlehem Community Church, then click here to unsubscribe.
“Great Expectations” Paul Anderson
1) How important was John the Baptist? Matthew 3:13-17 & Matthew 11:1 2) Why did John the Baptist question if Jesus is the One? Matthew 11:2-3 3) What kind of Messiah was John the Baptist waiting for? 4) What kind of expectations do you have of others, spouse, children, yourself, God, etc? 5) Are these good or bad expectations? 6) How did Jesus respond to John the Baptist’s doubt? Matthew 11:4-5 7) What does Matthew 11:6 mean? 8) How do you respond when your expectations aren’t met? 9) Do you really trust God?
Series:The Book of Ephesians “You Are Important” Frank Wray
I. The Introduction II. You Have a Gift Ephesians 4:7 Psalm 84:10 III. The Gift Giver Ephesians 4:8-10 IV. The Official Gifts and Their Function Ephesians 4:11-12 V. The Challenge A. Test #1 Ephesians 4:14 Galatians 5:22-23 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
B. Test # 2 Ephesians 4:15
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions – 1/24/16
“God’s Desire for His Church”
-
Read Ephesians 4:3-6 and John 17:20-24. What is God’s desire for His church? Why is unity so important? What do you think are the reasons the American church is not unified? What part do you play in the unity or disunity of the church?
-
In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul tells us what our unity as believers is based upon. (Read them again, if necessary.) What does one body mean? (Read 1 Corinthians 12.) What does Paul mean by one spirit? What are the ramifications of one Holy Spirit? How does having one hope bring unity to Jesus’ church? What does Paul mean when he writes there is one Lord? How does this bring unity? What does Paul mean by one faith and baptism? What does Paul mean when he says there is just one Father? Is Papa really your Father? (See Romans 8:15-16.)
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions – 1/10/16
“A Prayer that Gets God’s Attention”
-
What do you tend to pray for?
-
Read Ephesians 3:14-16. What is Paul praying for the believer to have? Why is it necessary? (i.e. Think about how a person can really change, or get patience or self-control. See Galatians 5:22-23.)
-
Read Ephesians 3:17. What is Paul saying here? Where does strong faith come from? (i.e. Read Matthew 14:22-32. Why does Peter’s faith fail?)
-
Read Philippians 4:13. What does Paul mean by this statement? What are the practical ramifications? (i.e. See Ephesians 5:18-31.)
-
Read Ephesians 3:18-19. What is Paul praying for the believer here? Why is this so important for the believer?
The Bethlehem Community Church Office Team
“Love God, Love Others. Make Disciples!”
Gary Wilkie's Testimony . amazing testimony of our brother going thru his heart transplant.
"A Real Resolution"
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4
What they thought - Matthew 2:1 What they sought - Mathew 2:2 What they brought - Matthew 2:11
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions – 12/20/2015
“A Great Gift”
-
Read Ephesians 3:1-6. What is the mystery? Why is Jesus able to break down walls between Jews and Gentiles or any two hostile parties?
-
Read Ephesians 3:7-9. What is Paul’s commission? Why is he the least deserving of all the saints to be given this commission? What does this tell you about God and how He operates?
-
Read John 3:22-30. Why was John not offended that the crowds were following Jesus? (I.e., note v. 27 in particular.) What does this tell you about what you have in your life? What is the believer’s goal in life? (See v. 30.) Is this your goal?
-
Read Ephesians 3:10-11. What is Paul saying in these verses? (See also 1 Peter 1:12.) What amazes the angelic realm with respect to us and our relationship with God?
-
Read Ephesians 3:12. What is Jesus’ great gift to us? Why would the Jews of 2000 years ago have been scandalized by what Paul says here? (See also Hebrews 10:19-22.) Do you really appreciate this gift Jesus gave us?
The Bethlehem Community Church Office Team
“Love God, Love Others. Make Disciples!”
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions – 12/13/2015
“Who Are You?”
-
If someone asked you the question, “Who are you?” how would you answer the question?
-
Read Ephesians 2:19-22. Paul says in Verse 19 that believers are citizens of heaven. (See also Philippians 3:20.) What does this mean? What are the implications of this for the believer (i.e., which citizenship controls the believer)? What does it mean practically that the believer is a citizen of heaven? (See Luke 22:37-39 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.)
-
Read Ephesians 2:19. Paul also tells us in Verse 19 that the believer is part of God’s household or family. What does this mean to you? (Read Matthew 12:46-50.) What does this mean practically? (See 1 John 3:14-19.)
-
Read Ephesians 2:20-22. Paul also identifies the believer as a part of God’s temple. What does this mean? (Read also 1 Peter 2:4-5.)
-
Read Ecclesiastes 1:2-11. Who is the non-believer? Who are you?
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions – 12/06/2015
“Is Real Peace Possible?”
-
As you look at the world and most people, do you see peace? Why or why not?
-
If you had lived 3,000 years ago and you were not a Jew, what probably would have been your view of the world? (See Eph. 2:11-13)
-
What more than likely is the reason pagans worshiped false gods?
-
Why did the Jews have an advantage over the gentiles? What was the result of this advantage?
-
Read Eph. 2:14-18 and Is. 9:6. Why can Jesus create peace?
-
Where does peace need to start? (See Eph. 2:1-10 and Psalm 2:1-3 and John 3:16)
-
Why is the cross so powerful?
-
Do you have peace? Why or why not?
-
How are your relationships? What is keeping them from being better?
The Bethlehem Community Church Office Team
“Love God, Love Others. Make Disciples!”
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 11/29/2015
“From Death to Life”
-
What does Paul mean when he says, “we were all dead” in Eph. 2:1?
-
What exactly is sin? How do we try to downplay sin?
-
Why do we sin? (See Eph. 2:2-3) Is man basically good or evil?
-
How does Satan affect this world? (See Eph. 2:2) In what ways do you see Satan’s fingerprints on this world?
-
After you are saved, does your sin nature cease to exist? (See 1 Tim. 1:15)
-
Read John 16:5-8. Why is the Holy Spirit so important to us and this world?
-
Read Eph. 2:4-10. What is grace? Why do we all need God’s grace? (Think not only in terms of justification but also sanctification. See Gal. 5:22-23)
The Bethlehem Community Church Office Team
“Love God, Love Others. Make Disciples!”
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 11/15/2015
“What Do You Pray For?”
-
Does Praying Matter? Why or Why Not?
-
What is prayer?
-
Read Eph 1:15. What is one way you can tell a true believer from the pseudo believer?
-
Read Eph 1:17. What is the goal of every true believer? Is this your real goal? (See Exodus 33:1-23)
-
How can seeking to know God in every situation be life changing?
-
Read Eph 1:18. Why does real hope matter? (See also Heb 6:19)
-
Read Eph 1:19-23. What is Paul praying for here for the believer? (See Rev chapters 2-3 and the seven churches of Revelation)
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 11/8/2015
“Real Blessings” (Part IV)
-
Read Ephesians 1:13-14. What do you think the main point is?
-
What is one of the “big” differences between the believer and the non-believer (see also Luke 12:13-21)?
-
What big lie do many American Christians believe? What is the truth (see John 15:18-20, 16:33, Acts 14:21-22, 2 Timothy 3:12-13, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-16)? What is the main point of these verses? What are the implications?
-
Where is the believer’s hope (see Ephesians 1:13-14)? What is the inheritance that awaits the believer (see Revelation 21:1-5a and 1 Corinthians 13:12)?
-
How is the believer to really know for certain that a great inheritance is awaiting them (see Ephesians 1:13-14 – Discuss the words “seal” and “down payment”)?
-
How is the Holy Spirit and knowledge of our future inheritance to practically affect how we live our lives and decision-making now?
Pastor Tom Patterson looks at the heart, do you need a transplant?
Tom Patterson
“The Heart Transplant”
I. The Introduction
II. The Composition of mans’ heart Proverbs 19:21
III. What happens to a bad heart Proverbs 6:23
IV. Is there a cure for my heart Jeremiah 17:9
V. The Challenge—Is there any good news? Ezekiel 11:19
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 10/25/2015
“Real Blessings” (Part III)
-
Read Ephesians 1:9-10. What does mystery mean in the New Testament?
-
According to Ephesians 1:9-10, what is God doing – what is His plan (see also Revelation 19:11-16)?
-
Why do you think this world is in turmoil? Why do you think so many people and families struggle?
-
What is God’s main goal for the believer in this life (see Romans 12:2 and Romans 8:29)? Are these verses true of your life? Can you list specific ways these verses are being fulfilled in your life?
-
Read Ephesians 1:11-12 in the NIV version. What do these verses seem to be saying? What are they, in fact, saying (also look at John 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:9)?
-
Read Ephesians 1:13. What is our part in the salvation process?
-
Why are Ephesians 1:9-13 such an incredible blessing to the believer? How should they affect our lives?
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 10/18/2015 “Real Blessings” (Part II)
-
Read Eph. 1:7. What does redemption mean?
-
What picture is being drawn in Eph. 1:11 from the word, redemption?
-
Read Hosea Chapters 1-3.
A. What is the main point of the story?
B. How would you feel if you were Hosea?
C. Who does Hosea represent in the story? Who does Gomer represent?
D. How are you like Gomer now?
E. Read Hosea 3:3. What important point is being made here (see also 2 Peter 2:20-22)?
F. How has Jesus’ redemption of you set you free and changed you?
Geoff does an incredible job looking at a difficult passage, Matthew 7:22 is hard to understand to say the least but Geoff makes it plain.. Dig in you will enjoy it. Geoff Ekstein
“To Be Known”
I. The Introduction
II. Are You Known? Matt 7:22
III. Whose Are You?
IV. The Stolen Gospel
V. To Be Known
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 10/4/2015 “Real Blessings” (Part I)
-
In your opinion, what is a blessing?
-
How do you know if something is a blessing from God? How do you know it is not from Satan?
-
What is the difference between a trial and temptation?
-
Read Eph. 1:3-14. What strikes you about the blessings God gives to believers? What kind of blessings are they? What blessings seem to be missing?
-
When the average Christian or preacher/teacher talks about blessings, what are they generally talking about?
-
Read Deut. 28:1-8 and 28:15-26. Who are these blessings and curses for? How are these blessings generally taught by preachers and teachers today? Do they ever preach/teach on the curses?
-
Read Eph. 1:4. What is the blessing here? What makes this blessing so powerful?
-
Read Eph. 1:5-6. What is the blessing here for the believer (i.e. talk about “adoption” and what it meant in the Roman culture)?
-
If someone asks you, “Who are you?”, how have you answered that question?
-
Read Eph. 1:4. What does it mean to be “holy and blameless”? What is God asking of the believer? You? (See 1 Peter 2:9)
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 9/27/2015 “Why Introductions Matter” (Part II)
-
What does it mean when Paul says that he is an apostle in Eph. 1:1 (note only 12 apostles – see Rev. 21:10-14)? What are the implications for us as believers when Paul tells us he is an apostle?
-
Paul in Eph. 1:1 tells us he is an apostle by the will of God. What is Paul’s point here?
-
There are all kinds of people today claiming to be an apostle or prophet or bishop. How can a person know who is a true leader of God (remember the Didache teaching)?
-
What does Paul mean when he calls Christians (i.e., believers) “saints” (see Eph. 1:1)? Are you a saint? How do you know? What is the relationship of being a saint to being faithful and experiencing God’s grace and peace (see Eph. 1:1-2)?
Series: The Book of Ephesians-- Sermon Questions -- 9/20/2015 “Introductions Matter” (Part I)
-
Who was the Book of Ephesians probably written to?
-
When the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Ephesians, he was in prison. Why does this matter? What does this say about followers of Jesus (see 2Tim 3:10-13)?
-
Paul was the author of the Letter to the Ephesians (see Eph 1:1). What do we know about Paul (see Phil 3:5-6)? Why does this matter (i.e., what does it say about Jesus’ saving power)?
-
What do you think is the greatest miracle of all? Why?
-
Why do you think so many “Christians” do not really change? Why are so many caught in the cycle of sin/confess, sin/confess, sin/confess?
-
Repentance is a main theme in both the Old and New Testament (see Ez 18:30-32; Mark 6:12; Acts 2:38, 3:19-20, 26:20). Why do you think the modern church barely talks about it? What are the consequences of not teaching/preaching on repentance?
-
What is repentance? What happens when a person repents?
-
How do you know if you have truly repented?
-
Read Acts 26:20. What are the deeds of repentance (i.e. talk about the absence of rationalization, genuine sorrow (Psalm 51:17), an open confession of sin and restitution (see Luke 19:8)?
-
What do you need to repent of? What keeps you from doing it?
Series: The Book of Ephesians Sermon Questions -- 9/13/2015 “The Greatest Company in the World”
-
When you think of the church, do you think of it as great? Why or why not?
-
What did you think of the Pastor’s conversation on this airplane with “Me MBA”?
-
Read Matthew 16:13-19. What do these verses tell you about the church?
-
What is the church? (See Ephesians 2:19-22)
-
What does the church have that no one else in this world can offer people? (I.e., talk about Jesus – John 14:6, 8:34-36 & Ephesians 2:19-22; and Purpose – Matthew 4:19 and Hope.)