Forestgate - SoundSage

2) Why does the story tell us that Eglon was fat? Is that usually a positive quality in the Bible? What does Psalm 73:1-7 say about fatness and pride? What does Psalm 73 teach us about jealousy?

3) Was Ehud a perfect savior? What kind of savior did Israel deserve? (See vv.12- 15) Should they (and we) appreciate the salvation that does provide?

View Details

Judges 3:7-11 Sermon Notes:Judges outline from Ralph Davis:

1:1-3:6 – The Failure of the Second Generation
3:7-16:31 – The Salvation of a Long-suffering God
3:7-11 – The Paradigm of Yahweh’s salvation (Othniel) (Today’s passage)
3:12-5:31 – The Excitement of Yahweh’s salvation (Ehud and Deborah)
6:1-8:32 – The Weakness of Yahweh’s salvation (Gideon)
8:33-9:57 – The Antithesis of Yahweh’s salvation (Abimelech)
10:1 – 16:31 – The Strangeness of Yahweh’s salvation (Jephthah and Samson)
17:1-21:25 – The Confusion of a Depraved People

Today’s outline:1) Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord, 7-8a

2) The Lord sold Israel into the oppressor’s hands, 8b

3) Israel served the oppressor for eight years, 8c

4) Israel cried out to the Lord, 9a

5) The Lord raised up a deliverer, 9b

6) The Spirit of the Lord was with the deliverer, 10a

7) The oppressor was subdued, 10b

8) The land had rest for 40 years, 11

Reflection questions:1. Why is “crying out” by itself not true repentance? See Judges 2:18-19 and 3:9; 2 Cor 7:8-11.

What does it mean to enter God’s rest? See Hebrews 3:7-4:11.
Consider the following two quotes: “Yahweh’s [The Lord’s] wrath is the heat of his jealousy by which he refuses to let go of his people. He refuses to allow his people to remain comfortable in sin.” (Ralph Davis) “God never lets Christians sin successfully.” (Ed Hart)

View Details

Judges 2:6-3:6 Sermon Notes:1) A Generation Who Didn’t Know God | 2:6-10

2) A Generation Who Did Evil | 2:11-15

3) A Generation of Testing | 2:20-3:6

4) A Generation of Judges | 2:16-23

Reflection questions:1) Judges 2:3 says that idols can become a “snare” and a “thorn.” How does idolatry (or any sin) become like snare or a trap? See Romans 7:14-8:1.

2) Why did God send Judges for Israel? Was it because of their repentance or in spite of their repentance? What does that tell you about God? What does it motivate you to do? See Judges 2:18 and Romans 2:4.

3) God tested Israel. Did they pass the test? What should you do if you’re worried about passing God’s test? (See both 1 John 1:9 and 2 Peter 1:5-11.)

View Details

Judges 1:1-2:5 Outline of Judges (From Ralph Davis): * 1:1-3:6 - The Failure of a Second Generation * 3:7-16:31 - The Salvation of a Long-Suffering God * Chapters 17-21 - The Confusion of a Depraved People

Sermon Notes:1) A Just War | 1:1-2

2) A Sufficient Grace | 1:1-20 (See 2 Cor. 12:9)

3) A Theological Map | 1:18-36

4) A Godly Grief? | 2:1-5 (See 2 Cor 7:9-10)

Reflection questions:1) What did Israel say was the problem with their lack of success (see 1:19, 27-28)? What did God say was the problem (see 2:2)?

2) In Judges 2:1, God said he would never break His covenant with His people? Even in this passage, do you see any sign that God has changed His mind about His covenant, or is God still being faithful to His people?

3) Was Israel’s grief “Godly grief”? How can you tell the difference between Godly grief and worldly grief in your life? (See 2 Cor 7:9-10) Can you always tell if someone else’s grief is Godly or worldly?

View Details

Ephesians 6:10-24 Sermon Notes:Ephesians 6:10-24 “The Armor of God and Our Daily Battles”

The Armor that God Supplies | 10-20

a. The enemy | 10-13

b. The armor | 13-17

c. The army | 17-20

The Daily Battles God’s People Face | 21-24

a. Itineraries and encouragement | 21-22

b. Incorruptible blessings | 23-24

Reflection questions:1) Do you think verses 10-20 are meant to be an encouragement to the weak and struggling, or a warning to those who are self-confident and self-assured?

2) While Paul uses many metaphors in this passage, what types of activities (or spiritual disciplines) are clearly encouraged or commanded? In which areas are you most consistent? In which areas could you improve? What’s one step you could take to improve in one of those areas?

3) Paul uses the word “stand” several times in this passage. (See verses 11, 13, 14, as well as “withstand” in verse 13.) Based on how often he uses that word, do you think spiritual perfection or everyday faithfulness is what he expects?

View Details

Ephesians 6:1-9 Sermon Notes:Four lessons about authority:

1) Children, obeying authority brings long life | 1-3

2) Fathers, teach your kids to fear God more than you | 4

3) Men under authority, God will repay your labor | 5-8 (cf Mt 8:9-11)

4) Masters, God will call you to account, too | 9

Reflection questions:1. Children, when is the last time you disobeyed your parents? Does God’s promise to you (in 3) make the idea of obedience seem easier?

Parents, when is the last time you were harsh with one of your children? Did you apologize to them for your harshness? Do they know that God has expectations for both of you?
What are the various authorities in your life? Which ones are the hardest for you to obey?
What power and authority do you have in your life? Do you use it to threaten others, or do you use it in a way that honors your Master?

View Details

Ephesians 5:18-33 Sermon Notes:1) The Universal Submission that Christ Requires | 18-21

2) The Unique Submission that Shows Respect | 22-24, 33

3) The Loving Sacrifice that Sanctifies Another | 25-30

4) The Great Mystery that Displays the Gospel | 31-33

Reflection questions:1) If we as Christians are being filled with the Spirit, what type of behavior should we expect to see? VV. 18-21.

2) Why does Paul include the words, “as to the Lord,” in v.22? Consider this explanation from John Calvin: “Not that the authority is equal, but wives cannot obey Christ without yielding obedience to their husbands.”

3) How does Paul instruct husbands to love their wives? (Consider, from Calvin: “No man can love himself without loving his wife. Therefore, the man who does not love his wife is a monster.”)

4) How is marriage a picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If you’re married, how you can love your spouse in a way that displays a picture of the love of Christ?

View Details

Colossians 3:12-4:6 Sermon Notes:1. The Essence of God's Family

The Work of God's Family
The Purpose of God's Family

Reflection Questions:1. Who we are in Jesus has changed us to our core. Our nature is fundamentally different than what it used to be, and different from those around us in the secular world. Why do we need to hold on to that identity and live out of that identity? What should our new identity change in the practice of how we live?

There are many things Paul could have said to the various family (and secular) rolls to exhort them in godliness. Why do you think that Paul summarized the calling of these rolls in the ways that he did? In your own roles in God's family, how does your new identity in Christ empower your calling?
Why do you think Paul concludes his exhortation to the family of God by urging them to be continually in prayer, and always exercising wisdom? How does the ongoing brokenness in our relationships necessitate our need for prayer and wisdom?

View Details

Ephesians 5:1-22 Sermon Notes:We’re called to imitate God in the world because…

1) God’s people are children of love, not lust | 1-4

2) Unholy people will not enter His Kingdom | 5-7

3) God’s people are children of light, not shameful secrets | 8-14

4) God’s people live in evil days | 15-17

5) God’s people exude godliness when they’re filled with the Spirit | 18-22

Reflection questions:1. Read vv. 3-7, is your speech “fitting” for a Christian? Are there any types of jokes that you need to eliminate from your vocabulary?

Read vv. 7-14 – Are there ways that you need to discern what is pleasing to the Lord in your life? Are there patterns of living that conform too closely to the world around you and do not exhibit a clear expression of goodness, righteousness, and truth?
Are you consciously trying to make the best use of your time, v16, in all areas of life? What’s one way you can better “redeem” the time? 4. What is the ultimate reason to walk in love? The ultimate reason to forgive others? See Eph 4:32-5:1.

View Details

Ephesians 4:29-32 Sermon Notes:How can you build better unity in your Biblical Community?

1) Speak to build up, not tear down | 29

2) Eagerly maintain unity of Spirit; don’t grieve the Spirit | 30 (cf 4:3)

3) Get rid of malice and its friends | 31

4) Freely give the grace of forgiveness | 32a

5) Remember who forgave you | 32b

Reflection questions:1) How often do you un-ironically, un-sarcastically compliment someone? How often do you ask what word might best fit the occasion and give to your hearer(s)? Who is someone to whom you can speak grace (and make grace come alive) today?

2) Is malice (and her evil friends, v.31) something that grieves (v30) the Holy Spirit? Read v.30-31; which one of these evil friends do you need to put away today?

3) Is God asking us to do the impossible in Ephesians 4:29-32? Is God asking us to do anything more than He has already done for us?

View Details

1 Samuel 17 Sermon Notes:Finding Our Place in The Story of Redemption

The Raging Giant | 1 Sam. 17:1-11
The True King | 1 Sam. 17:26, 32-37, 43-51
The Victorious Army | 1 Sam. 17:52-53

Reflection Questions:1. What did you find helpful or surprising about this new look at a familiar passage?

Can you think of more ways that King David points to Jesus from this story?
In what areas of your life are you challenged by the call to boldly and joyfully follow Christ?
How might the fact of your salvation in Christ embolden you in areas of life beyond your faith?

View Details

Revelation 5 Sermon Notes:1. Who is Worthy?

The Worthy Gives Worth
The Work Proceeding from Hope

Reflection Questions:1. Why did Jesus give John a vision instead of just telling him what was to come? What does this narrative in Revelation 5 convey about God's glory and power, and how might that be an encouragement to God's people who are waiting for Jesus' return?

John was overwhelmed with grief when there was no one who was worthy to open the scroll, but hope is found in the Lion who is the Lamb of God. It can be hard for us to see our dependance on Christ so clearly, like John is able to here. What ideas distort our perspective so that we do not see our dependance? How might you practice patient reliance on Jesus more in your everyday life?
Out of the three main activities that the Elders display here in Revelation 5 (Speaking Comforting Truth, Offering Prayer, and Worship), which one do you struggle with most? What is a practical way you can exercise that weakness? Who will keep you accountable to growing in that way?

View Details

Matthew 2:1-12 Sermon Notes:Main Point: Jesus, alone, is the King of kings.

The Jewish Heart was not Ready (vv.1-3)
Forsaking Plausible Deniability (vv. 3-8)
How the Magi were Right (vv. 9-11)
How Herod was Right (v.12)

Reflection Questions:1. What does Herod's antagonism against the messiah teach us about mankind? Sin?

What do you make of the star phenomena in Matthew 2? What conceptions are challenged by this miracle?
How might we benefit from more precisely meditating on Christ's reign as the King of kings this Christmas?
What application to our lives today can be made from the reminder that rulers who rage against Christ, like Herod, will be subjected to the King of kings?

View Details

Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon Notes:1) No good deed unpunished | 18-19

2) No good thing withheld | 20-23 (Ps 84:11)

3) No temptation not common | 24-25 (1 Cor 10:13)

Reflection questions:1) “Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe.” - Glen Scrivener. Which miracle has more evidence? What does the miraculous birth of Jesus tell you about God’s purpose in sending His Son to earth?

2) Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus “will save his people from their sins?” Does God promise to save us from our sins? Does God promise to save us from the sins of others on this side of heaven? Are we promised inner renewal, enabling us to be salt and light in a dark world? Or are we promised more than that until Jesus returns?

3) When difficulties happen to you, are you quick to accuse God of “withholding” His goodness? Read the following passages (Ps 84:11; Phil 4:19; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Peter 1:3; Ps 73) and ask how we should view of God’s provision to us?

View Details

Matthew 1:1-17 Sermon Notes:1) The Lord is Faithful to His Promises | 1, 6, 11-12, 16-17

2) The Lord is Gracious to the Undeserving | 1-6

3) The Lord is Just to the Wicked | 7-11

4) The Lord is Powerful for the Weak | 12-17

Reflection Questions:1. What can you learn from a list of names in the Bible? Would you agree that it proves that “God never tires of naming the names of His people”? (Ralph Davis)

How can you see God’s grace to characters like Rahab (see Joshua 2); Ruth (See Ruth, especially chapters 2-3); David (see 2 Sam 7, 11-12 and Psalm 51) and others?
How can you see God’s justice in this story, which mentions the Exile, or Deportation? How should we respond when we see God’s justice? See Romans 3:23-26. 4. How can you see God’s power for the weak in this story? Joseph was a Son of David (cf Mt. 1:20), but was he a powerful person? Also see Luke 1:46-56, aka, The Magnificat.

View Details

Ephesians 4:25-28 Sermon Notes:Put on Truth, Righteous Anger, and Hard-Working Generosity, because:

1) God’s Son died to make obedience possible | (Eph 2:8-10)

2) God’s People belong to each other | 25

3) God’s Enemy wants our anger to destroy our Body | 26-27

4) Other People may need our help | 28

Reflections questions:1) Are you saved by your good works? Are you saved for good works? Read Ephesians 4:25-28 and then read 2:8-10. Why does God expect you to be able to meet His high calling?

2) What are all of the commands in vv. 25ff supposed to promote within the Church? See Ephesians 4:1-6.

3) What are some obvious ways that lies, anger, and greed tear apart Christ’s body? What are some of the less obvious ways that we break the commands regarding truth, anger, and generosity? Think of one supposedly “respectable sin” for each category that you can Put Off in the future. (No sin is supposed to be respectable. Jerry Bridges used that term to describe sins that aren’t as widely condemned that we should still repent of.)

View Details

Ephesians 2:26-27 Sermon Notes: 1) Put On Holy Anger, and Make Sure It’s Holy | 26a

2) Put Off Cancerous Anger Quickly | 26b

3) Beware the Enemy, who Seeks an Opportunity for Destruction in Our Anger | 27

Reflection questions: 1) Does God’s word ever endorse hatred or anger? See Eph 4:26; Psalm 4:4; and Ps 119:53. Regarding Ps 119 – Does the Psalmist hate people, or their actions?

2) Does this passage warn against the dangers of anger? Can you name all three qualifications or guardrails for our anger? Which is easier – putting on holy anger for the right reasons, or avoiding the sinful excesses of anger? What are three steps you can take to avoid the three common errors of anger?

3) What kind of “opportunity” for the Devil is God (speaking through Paul) urging the church to avoid? Why should we be eager to avoid an opportunity for Satan, and what should we be eager to maintain as a Church? See Ephesians 4:1-6, 27.

View Details

Ephesians 4:17-25 Sermon Notes:1) Our Calling to Walk as Christians | 17-21

2) Our Calling to Dress as Christians | 22-24

3) Our Calling to Speak as Christians | 25

Reflection questions:1. How does Paul describe the logical result of how Gentiles (non-Christians, in this case) walk, v17-19? Does he mean that there is no hope for non-Christians? Is he trying to show what this life will lead to unless someone changes course?

Is it possible for a Christian to not live like a Christian, to not dress like a Christian? What type of clothes has God given us, and why should we be grateful for them? (See Genesis 3:7, 21; Isaiah 61:10-11; Revelation 19:6-9.)
Truth, in love, builds up (Eph 4:15-16), so what would falsehood do to the Body of Christ? What is the next hard conversation you plan to have with someone? Have you thought about how you can speak the truth in love to that person?

View Details

Ephesians 4:11-16 Sermon Notes:1) God’s blood-bought gifts empower us to attain unity and maturity | 11-13

2) God’s blood-bought gifts empower us to clarify our essential doctrines | 14

3) God’s blood-bought gifts require us to grow together by truth and love | 15-16

Reflection questions:1) Is Christian unity something you are thankful for, something you’re eager to maintain, or is it something you are striving to attain in its fullness? Which one(s) should it be for you? See Eph 4:1-6 and 11-13.

2) What does the Bible say about teaching, doctrine? It is something that can cause division and therefore should be avoided? Is it something we should learn more about, something that helps us grow together? (See Eph 4:13-15)

3) Are you more characterized by truth or love (v.15) in your interactions with others? Does God give us a choice, or does He call us to embrace both, speaking the truth in love? Is there one area (truth or love or both) that you need to grow in, for your own sake and for the sake of the body of Christ?

View Details

Ephesians 4:7-12 Sermon Notes:1) Every Christian receives a gracious gift | 7

2) Christ is the Champion and Giver of our Gifts | 8-10

3) The Word of God is the clarifying foundation for every gift | 11

4) Building up other Christians is the Purpose of Every Christian Gift | 12

Reflection questions:1) How do our God-given gifts show us how God bestows value on His people? (See Gen 1:26-28; Eph 2:1-9) How does the purpose of our gifts keep us from becoming prideful and arrogant? See v.12.

2) What gift have all God’s people received? (see Ephesians 2:1-9) Do we also receive unique gifts? See v.7. Are those unique gifts meant to highlight our uniqueness, or do they have another purpose? See vv. 1-7, 12.

3) Who is our Great High Priest as Christians? Is there also a sense where every believer is a priest or minister or servant of God?

View Details

Ephesians 4:4-6 Sermon Notes:We should be eager to maintain our unity (Eph 4:3) because…

1) We are One Spirit-filled Body, 4a

2) We have One Allegiance-demanding Lord, 4b-5

3) We have One Family with One Father, 6

Reflection questions:1. Pardon the 17th -century English (and use Google for the hard words if you have to), and ask how this quote should motivate you to maintain unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ: “All saints … being united to one another in love … have communion in each other’s gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 26.1)

To borrow a line from John Calvin, do you dread every kind of animosity among the people of God? What are some reasons that you should want to strive for unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?
Read Ephesians 4:1-4 and Galatians 5:22-23. How does the Holy Spirit help us to stay unified as a Body of believers?

View Details

Colossians 3:1-17 Sermon Notes:1. The God Context | vv 1-4

Garments of Death | vv 5-9
Wearing Love | vv 10-17

Reflection Questions:1. What things do you think about most often? Are your thoughts shaped by what Jesus has accomplished and the hope of eternal life, or are they reflections of earthly pursuits? How might The God Context reframe those things that occupy your attention?

What ways does our world subtly excuse or even promote the sins and heart attitudes in verses 5-9? How can naming the root sins help you see and protect yourself from treating them as "respectable sins?"
Review the qualities in verses 12-13. If you remove love, what happens to these characteristics of the new self? How can we guard ourselves against this temptation?

View Details

Ephesians 4:1-3 Sermon Notes:1) The Master of our Calling | 1

2) The Manner of our Calling | 2

3) The Motivation of our Calling | 3

Reflection Questions:1) John Stott says, “The life worthy of the calling of God is a life in the fellowship of the people of God.” How are you striving to (or how could you) increase Christian fellowship in your life right now?

2) Why do you think William Hendriksen said that humility (v2) is the “first, second, and third essential of the Christian life?” What can/does lack of humility do to your life, your family’s lives, your church’s fellowship?

3) What’s one way that you can be more patient (“longsuffering towards aggravating people” - Stott) with one person or one group of people in your life? Why does God call us to such patience? See Ephesians 4:32.

View Details

1 Samuel 16 Sermon Notes:Main Point: Learn to see how God sees.

How Man Sees | vv.1-5
How The Lord Sees | vv. 6-10
How The Lord Provides | vv. 11-13
How Man Provides | vv. 14-23

Reflection Questions:1. Why is it so easy for us to see the world from our perspective rather than Gods? Especially after God has just demonstrated that his ways are better than our own.

What difficulties in life are particularly hard for you to trust God in the midst of?
In what ways are you particularly tempted to think you know better than God?
What do you think of the idea that there is power in beauty?
Do you still struggle with elements from this passage? If so, which ones? Why?

View Details

Ephesians 3 Sermon Notes:1) The Puzzle Now Solved | 1-6

2) The Proclaimer Now Equipped | 7-13

3) The Prayer: Deeper Knowledge | 14-19

4) The Praise: Greater Glory | 20-21

Reflection questions:1) What mystery is Paul talking about in vv. 1-13? Is it still a mystery, or has it been revealed?

2) Read the following passages, in order (as best we can tell) of when Paul wrote them: 1 Cor. 15:8-10; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Tim. 1:15. What does this tell you about Paul’s growing self-awareness? Did his growing self-awareness give him more or less assurance of God’s salvation? (See also, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, likely Paul’s final letter.)

3) Read vv. 14-21. How would your life look differently if you were more rooted and grounded in love (v17)?

View Details

Ephesians 2 Sermon Notes:1) Our Grave Condition without Christ | 1-3, 11-12

2) Our Glorious Change in Christ | 4-10, 13

3) Our Great Privilege in Christ | 11-22

Reflection Questions:

Are vv.1-3 negative? Are they trying to make us feel bad about ourselves, or are they trying to show us the greatness of God’s love and grace and mercy (cf v.4ff)? Compare v1 to Ezek 37:1-14. What does want God want Ezekiel to “know”?
Is there one sense where mankind is passive when it comes to salvation? (And if so, who or what is active in salvation?) Does God expect mankind to stay passive after salvation? See v.10, especially.
While Ephesians 3:11-19 is talking primarily about unity in Christ for Jews and Gentiles, is that same unity amidst diversity true today for Christians with different backgrounds, different nationalities or ethnicities, and/or differences of other kinds?

View Details

Psalm 22

View Details

Ephesians 1 Sermon Notes:1) The Greetings that the Apostle gives us from Christ, 1-2

Saints
Grace and Peace

2) The Blessings that we have in Christ, 3-14

Chosen, 4
Children, 4-5
Redeemed, 7
Rich, 11
Secure, 13

3) The Desire to Clearly See the Deep, Deep Love of Christ, 15-23

Our Hope
Our Inheritance
Christ’s Might
Christ’s Height
Christ’s Headship

Reflection Questions:1. Why does the New Testament call Christians “saints”? Are we holy/saints if we do enough good things? Or are we holy because of someone else’s work and sacrifice? See 2 Cor 5:21 and Hebrews 10:11-14.

Based on Ephesians 1, what does it mean to be “in Christ”? See some other passages where Paul uses similar language: 2 Cor 5:21 (yes, again); Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-4
Ephesians 1:15-23, is Paul praying for the Ephesians (and other readers, including us) to know something they’ve/we’ve never heard about it, or to know certain truths more deeply and clearly?

View Details

Genesis 4 Sermon Notes:1) Sin Wins | 1-7

2) Blood Cries Out | 8-11

3) Curse Carries On | 11-14

4) Vengeance Saves | 15-17

5) Culture Advances | 16-24

6) Remnant Calls | 25-26

Reflections questions:1. Does it ever feel like sin or sinners are winning in this life? See Psalm 73; how did Asaph wrestle with that same feeling?

Does it ever feel like sin is winning in your life? Read Romans 7:1-8:1 (just like last week), but also read James 1:14-15. How does sin gain the victory over us? What are some of the preliminary steps? Does God provide a way out? Also see 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.
Why doesn’t God wipe out all sinners the minute they sin? Is this a sign of His weakness, slowness, or some kind of idle threat? Or is it good news? See 2 Peter 3:8-10 and Romans 2:3-5.

View Details

Genesis 3:8-24 Sermon Notes:1) The Presence that Exposes | 8-13

2) The Promise that Sustains | 14-15

3) The Punishment that Reminds | 14-19

4) The Propitiation that Covers | 20-21

5) The Protector that Foreshadows | 22-24

Reflection questions:1. Do God’s attributes (His presence/omnipresence, omniscience, holiness and more) cause you to run from Him, or to invite Him in? Compare Genesis 3:1-13 to Isaiah 6, Luke 5 (especially v8), and Psalm 139. What does David see in Psalm 139 that causes Him to invite God in (vv23-24)?

How is Genesis 3:15 a promise to God’s people and not simply bad news for Satan? Trace the promise through the following passages: Galatians 3:13, 16; 4:4; Romans 16:20; Revelation 12 and 20.
How do the continuing effects of sin, the fall, and the curse remind us of our need of (and provision of!) a Savior? See Romans 7:1-8:1.
How does God offer us a better covering than the one we can make for ourselves? See Genesis 3:7-8, 21; also see Isaiah 61:10; 64:6; Revelation 19:6-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:6-9.

View Details

Genesis 3:1-12 Sermon Notes:1) Naked Aggression | 1-5

2) Naked Ambition | 5-6

3) Naked and Afraid | 7-12

Reflection questions:1. How does Eve mishandle/misremember/misstate the Word of God when talking with the serpent? (Compare Genesis 2:16-17 to 3:1-3.) How might an accurate remembering of the Word of God have helped her? See Psalm 119 (Especially vv. 9, 105) and Revelation 22:18-19.

Read I John 2:15-17. How do you see Eve being tempted by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life in Genesis 3:6? Now read Matthew 4:1- 11. How is Jesus tempted by the same temptations (and by the same tempter)? How does Jesus defeat those temptations?
How does Adam respond (v.12) when God directly confronts him about his sin in v.11? Does his reaction show us anything about our own natural tendency to run from God when confronted with our sin? How does confidence of God’s love counteract this natural/SINFUL tendency to run? See Psalm 139; compare vv.1-7 to vv.23-24.

View Details

Colossians 2:6-23 Sermon Notes:1. Dwelling in the Gospel | vv. 6-15

a. The Emptiness of Creaturely Artifices

b. The Fullness of Christ's Work

Deliverance from Mere Shadows | vv. 16-23

Reflection Questions:1. Paul says that we have been rooted, built up, and established in the faith in Jesus (v. 7) These verbs describe what God has done for us, and how he works in us. The last verb in that verse is our response: abounding in thanksgiving. How can habitual thanksgiving help to dwell in the gospel, and live in accordance with the gospel, instead of drifting towards empty philosophies and burdensome traditions?

As Paul begins to tell the Colossians how they ought to live, he again reminds them of what Jesus has done for them (vv. 9-15). Look back at Colossians 1:1- 2:5. How many times has Paul reminded the Colossians of what Jesus has done? How many ways has he shown them the gospel? Why do you think Paul emphasized what Jesus has done in this way before telling the Colossians how they ought to live?
The burdens and shame that come from self-made religion and asceticism (v 23.) seem at first to be helpful tenants of religion, but they cannot change the heart. What is a struggle in your life that you have tried to conquer with rules and practices? How might resting in your union with Jesus in his death and resurrection lead to real heart change?

View Details

Genesis 2:4-25 Sermon Notes:1) Mankind’s Paradise | 4-14

2) Mankind’s Purpose | 15-17

3) Man’s Partner | 18-25

Reflection questions:1) How do you see hints of God’s goodness in creation in Genesis 2:4-14? What does mankind need that he doesn’t have in the home that God created? How will God one day restore all that we need in our future home?

2) Was man’s obedience to God (see God’s purpose for and command to man in Gen 2:15-17) an act of worship? How should our whole lives be lived in worship to God even now, on this side of the Fall? See Romans 12:1-2.

3) How can the first marriage (and the institution of marriage) inform our conduct today in our own marriage relationships? What does verse 23 (as well as v18, 20, 24-25) teach us about how we are each made for the other? (Also compare them to Ephesians 5:21-33.) How is it instructive even for those who are currently single? (Compare Genesis 2:18a to Hebrews 10:24-25 as one example.)

View Details

Genesis 1:26-28 Sermon Notes:1) Created by God | 26

2) Created male and female | 27

3) Created for glory and honor | 28

4) Re-Created in Christ | See: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 7; Philippians 1:6; 3:20- 21; I John 3:2-3; 1 Cor. 15:49

Reflection Questions:1. Are all mankind made in God’s image? What is one implication of being made in God’s image? See Genesis 1:26-28.

Has our sin marred the image of God in man? Has it been completely destroyed; is it irrecoverable? Can the image of God be redeemed in Christ? See Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 8:29; Col 3:9-10; Eph 4:24; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Col 1:15- 20; I John 3:2-3 and 1 Cor 15:49.
In heaven, will God only redeem our souls (the spiritual, immaterial part of us), or will He also redeem our bodies? See Philippians 3:20-21; I John 3:2-3.

View Details

Genesis 1:1-2:3 Sermon Notes:1) God is Creator | 1:1

2) God is Trinitarian | 1:1-3, 26-27

3) God is Extraordinary | 1:3, 5-7, 14

4) God is a Detailed Designer | 1:26-28

5) God is a Delegator | 1:28-30

6) God is Good | 1:31-2:3

Reflection questions:1. If God created all things, then why is mankind so tempted to create meaning and purpose outside of God’s Word? Why are you tempted to do this?

Loneliness is mentioned in Genesis 1-2, but was God ever lonely? Why/why not? (See John 1:1-5; Acts 17:23-26.)
Do you ever struggle with the thought that God’s promises are too good to be true? How is that thought similar to the way that Satan would tempt Adam and Eve? (Cf Gen 3:1.) What would you tell a friend if they said that (His promises are too good to be true) to you?

View Details

Acts 4:32-5:14 Sermon Notes:1) Great Power | 4:32-35

2) Great Grace | 4:33-37

3) Great Deception | 5:1-11

4) Great Gear | 5:5-14

Reflection questions:1) Why might it be easier if we were commanded as Christians to relinquish our private property? What difficult decisions could we avoid? (No, I am not suggesting we should or that the Bible says we should.)

2) Does this passage say why Ananias lied? How do you think Satan tempted him to lie? What reward was he seeking? (Cf. Matthew 6:2-4 for one possibility.)

3) Is the great fear that fell upon the church an encouraging note to you? What does it mean to fear God? See Hebrews 12:18-29.

View Details

Acts 4:23-31 Sermon Notes:1) The Servants released | 23

2) The Servants raise their voices | 24

3) The Nations rage | 25-27

4) The Lord reigns | 27-28

5) The Lord responds | 29-31

Reflection questions:1) What aspects of the disciples’ prayer stick out to you? How can the circumstances and the words of this prayer teach us to pray?

2) Read Psalm 2. What parallels do you to the story of Acts 3-4 (see vv. 25-27 for a hint) as well as the story of the entire Bible?

3) The disciples prayed for boldness to speak God’s Word, and their prayer was answered. (In a way, it’s answered again at the end of Acts – see Acts 28:30-31.) Is there one person (or more) to whom you want courage to speak God’s Word?

View Details

Psalm 126 Sermon Notes:1) The great things He has done | 1-3

2) The gladness we have | 3

3) The restoration we seek | 4-6

Reflection Questions:1. “The Lord has done great things for us.” (v3) What great things has the Lord done for you?

“We are glad.” (v3) Does joy (and gladness) characterize your life as much as the Bible suggests it should? See 1 Thess. 5:16-18. What can you do to cultivate joy in your life, while still leaving room for Biblical lament?
“Restore our fortunes, O Lord!” (v4) Are your prayers as bold as this one? Can you be bold in prayer while still holding your earthly wishes loosely, accepting whatever outcome God sends?

View Details

Judges 21:25; 1 Samuel 8:4-9:2 Sermon Notes:Main Point: “God's People Need God's King”

A King is the Right Answer
Israel Wants the Wrong King
The Wrong King Brings Us Closer to the Right King

Reflection Questions:1. What are some examples of things you are wrong to put your trust in? Why these things?

How does Jesus offer a better version of what these worldly objects of hope promise?
What might you do daily/weekly/monthly...to help you more consistently place your trust in Christ when you are tempted to turn to other people or things?

View Details

Colossians 1:24-2:5 Sermon Notes:1) Grief is Not Wasted

2) The Hope of Glory

3) The Realities of Suffering

Reflection Questions:1. If our suffering is not wasted, then surely we should be able to see how God has redeemed suffering in the past. But in order to see that we might have to lift our gaze to beyond how we normally perceive our pain.

What are some examples from scripture of God using other's suffering to bring hope to those around them?
What are some examples of others in your life who have shown God's goodness through their suffering?
If you can recognize those things, how might God be working in circumstances in your life now to reveal his redemption to you and to those around you? How can you then be intentional like Paul to proclaim Christ through your suffering?
Those that Paul says have "plausible arguments" will try to persuade you that your suffering is meaningless. But in order to do that, they have to ignore what God produces in us through suffering. Does the result of our suffering justify the process? If God uses your temporary suffering, however painful and dreadful it may be, to bear witness to an eternal hope, is it not worth the cost? Consider and meditate upon Matt 13:44-46 and Phil 3:7-11.

View Details

Acts 4 Sermon Notes:1) The Word is not bound | 1-4

2) There is no other name | 5-12

3) We cannot help but speak | 13-22

Reflection questions:1) What do you notice in vv. 1-4 about the opposition to the church and its message and the spread of the church’s message?

2) What hard truth does Peter speak to the Jewish authorities (vv.8-12)? What comfort is contained in his words, for those who have ears to hear it?

3) Can you see some respect to authority in Peter’s answers (vv8-12, 19-20)? Is there also a limit to his respect? What command will Peter not obey?

View Details

Acts 3 Sermon Notes:1) A Man who Received Grace not Gold | 1-10

2) A Group who Received Guilt They Deserved | 11-16

3) A Chance to Receive Restoration from Sin | 17-21

4) A Group who Received Grace not Guilt | 22-26

Reflection questions:1. Can we do for others what Peter did for the nameless lame man? Can we follow Galatians 6:10? What is the significance of the following phrases in that verse: “as we have opportunity … everyone … especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

How responsible are you for the death of Jesus? (See vv.13-16 and notice all of the you’s.) How responsible was Jesus for your salvation, your deliverance from death? See 2 Cor. 5:21; Acts 3:19-20.
Would you describe repentance as a decisive turning from sin to salvation in Christ (see 2 Cor. 7:10)? Would you also acknowledge that repentance is followed by a greater awareness of sin, and a greater realization of our need to fight against sin daily? See Rom. 6:15-19; 7:7-25.

View Details

1 Timothy 4:6-16

Sermon Notes:1) When your pastor hopes in the Living God, he can focus on godly doctrine, 6-7, 10.

2) When your pastor hopes in the Living God, he can strive for godly discipline, 7- 10.

3) When your pastor hopes in the Living God, he can maintain a godly demeanor, 10-12.

4) When your pastor hopes in the Living God, he can maintain a godly devotion,10, 13-16.

Reflection questions:1. Why did God include a letter from one pastor to another in the Bible? Is this letter only for pastors? What does Paul’s benediction (1 Tim. 6:16, and be sure to check the footnotes) have to say about that?

Is physical training pointless? Is it valuable? How valuable? What’s more valuable, and why? (See 1 Tim. 4:7-10; 1 Cor. 9:22-27; Phil. 3:12-14; 2 Tim. 2:1-7; 4:6-8.)

3.In what sense does Paul mean that Timothy can save himself? Compare this verse to the following: 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 Tim. 1:15; Phil. 2:12-13; Phil 3:1-9; Eph. 2:8-10.

View Details

Acts 2:1-41 Sermon Notes:1) A Sound | 1-2

2) The Spirit | 3-4

3) A Curse Reversed | 5-12

4) A Priest’s Error Repeated | 13-15

5) A Prophecy Fulfilled | 16-21

6) A Romans Preview | 21

7) A Gospel Review | 21-24

8) A Resurrection in the Old Testament | 25-35

9) A Searing Conclusion | 36-37

10) A Spirit-filled Encore | 38-41

Reflection Questions:1) Compare and contrast Acts 2 (especially vv.1-11) with Genesis 11:1-9; pay attention to the language(s), the goals, where the people dwell. Then compare them both to Revelation 5, especially vv. 8-14.

2) Is every aspect of Joel 2:28-32 (which Peter quotes in Acts 2:16-21) fulfilled in Acts 2? When should we expect to see the rest of it fulfilled, according to the Bible? Also, when are “the last days”? (See I John 2:18)

3) What is the main focus on Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:14-41) – tongues/languages, the Spirit, or the Resurrected Savior?

View Details

Acts 1Sermon Notes:1) Apostolic Empowerment | 1-11

2) Apostolic Oblivion | 3-8

3) Apostolic Apostasy | 12-20

4) Apostolic Succession | 15-26

Reflection Questions: 1) Acts 1:3 says that Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God during the 40 days before He ascended into heaven. What is the Kingdom of God? And what is the “good news of the Kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43)?

2) What does Jesus say will happen after His people receive the power of the Holy Spirit? What are all the ways you are currently witnessing (in small or large ways) about the good news of Jesus and its (current and future) impact upon your life?

3) Does Acts record the casting of lots in chapter 1 to encourage us to use similar methods in our decision making? What about the presence of prayer? How can we know which parts of Acts are prescriptive (prescribing what we should do) and which ones are descriptive (merely describing what happened)? How can the rest of Scripture help us decide?

View Details

Isaiah 66Sermon Notes:1) The Lord will right every wrong | 1-6

2) The Lord will fulfill every promise | 7-14

3) The Lord will proclaim His Kingdom to every coast | 15-24

Reflection questions:1. What are some of the most memorable verses from Isaiah for you? What chapter of Isaiah did you underline the most? (Note: Jesus doesn’t love you less if you do/don’t underline your Bible.)

How does knowing that God will right every wrong change the way you approach your life? See Matthew 10:22 and John 16:33.
What do the following passages show us about God’s good news and His Kingdom, and what role we should play in proclaiming it? Isaiah 66 (especially v15-24); Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 67; Romans 10:13-17.

View Details

Isaiah 65Sermon Notes:1) God will definitely repay the rebellious | 1-7

2) God will definitely divide people into two distinct destinies | 8-16

3) God will definitely reward His remnant with delight | 17-25

Reflection questions:1. Do you ever think that your sins actions will not have eternal consequences, because you’ve been able to avoid really bad consequences so far? Did you know that people in the 1st - century once said that, too? How does Peter, let alone Isaiah 65, respond to that kind of thinking? See 2 Peter 3:1-10, especially vv.3-4, 9-10.

Why did Asaph become envious of the arrogant (v2) in Psalm 73? What did he forget about them (v27) and about himself (vv.23-28)?
How should our future hope affect our lives as we await that hope? See 2 Peter 3:11-15. (For a negative example, see 2 Thess. 3:6-15 and 1 Thess. 5:1-10.)

View Details

Acts 2:42-47

View Details

Isaiah 64Sermon Notes:1) The Urgent Need of a Holy God |1-2

2) The Awesome Presence of a Holy God | 3-5

3) The Awful Pollution of an Apathetic People | 5-7

4) The Unanswered Question to a Faithful God | 8-12

Reflection Questions:1. Why does Isaiah want God to “come down” so urgently? Read vv. 1-3, then read vv.5-7. Couldn’t Isaiah or the others just try harder?

What are some of the ways that God has answered Isaiah’s question in v.12? In the century when Isaiah lived? In the days after the exile? Can we still ask those same questions (of v.12) today?
Do you ever have passing doubts about the resurrection? Consider what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, especially v8.
Why is the resurrection so important? Read what Paul wrote to those who were doubting the resurrection: I Corinthians 15:17-19.

View Details

Isaiah 63:7-19Sermon Notes:1) The LORD Remains Faithful to His Covenant People in All Their Afflictions | 7-9

2) The LORD Remains Faithful to His Covenant People in All Their Rebellion | 10-14

3) The LORD’s Faithfulness to His Covenant People Leads Them to Cry Out for Tangible Deliverance | 15-19 (cf 11-13)

Reflection Questions:1. What descriptions of God do you see in vv. 7-9? What sticks out about Isaiah’s prayer to God, about God?

Why is Isaiah asking so many questions of God? Do these questions imply that Isaiah does not trust God’s promises?
Read the following passages and see what parallels you can find to Isaiah 63:7-19. Consider Exodus 3:7; 4:22; 6:7; 19:4; 33:14; Psalm 78.

View Details

Colossians 1:15-23Sermon Notes:1) Jesus is the beginning

2) You are reconciled in Christ

3) Continue in the Faith

Reflection Questions:1. Jesus is the perfect incarnation of our God. He is fully man, and fully God without any blurring or confusion of natures. How does all of the revelation of God's nature in the Old Testament give us hope to be able to trust in what Christ has done for us?

Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus sustains all things by his powerful word. Here in Colossians 1:17 we see that Jesus holds all things together. How should our faith be strengthened by this knowledge? How might we trust in God's plan, knowing that the one who died on the cross for us also is actively working in every aspect of our lives?
What are some tangible benefits of our reconciliation with God? How do you see those benefits working out in your life?

View Details

Isaiah 63:1-6

Sermon Notes:1) The One in Red Brings Vengeance

2) The One in Red Brings Salvation | 1, 4-5

3) The One in Red is the Only One Who Can Accomplish Both | 1, 3-5

Reflection Questions:1. What type of news headline always makes you want to see someone punished for their actions? Does your reaction show that you believe sin deserves punishment? See Romans 3:23 and 6:23.

Do you realize how much you deserve God’s punishment? Do you realize how much you need his salvation? See Romans 6:23 and 7:7-25 (especially vv.19, 24).
Can you think of anyone who can accomplish justice and peace in the universe as well as forgiveness and peace in your heart? See Romans 3:26; Revelation 5:1-11; 19:1-6.

View Details

Isaiah 62Sermon Notes:1) No Rest for the Savior | 1-6

2) New Names for the Forsaken | 2, 4, 10-12

3) No Rest for the Sought Out | 1, 6-9

Reflection Questions:1. Read Romans 7:7ff where Paul talks about remaining sin in the life of a Christian. Read also Philippians 1:6 where God says he will finish the good work in us which He has begun. How do you see evidence of the first passage in your life, and how does the second passage comfort you in light of that?

How would you describe your identity and image of yourself? What words or names would you use? Would you tend to use negative, hopeless terms like Forsaken or Desolate? What new names does God promise to His people? See vv. 2, 4, 10-12.
Read Isaiah 62:1-9. How would you describe the attitude and prayer life of God’s people? Compare it to Luke 18:1-8

View Details

Isaiah 61Sermon Notes:1) The Year of Redemption that Has Dawned | 1-3

2) The People of Restoration who Restore Others | 3-4

3) The Reaping of Abundance that Brings Joy | 5-7

4) The Double Recompense that Warns and Comforts | 7-9

5) The Robe of Righteousness that Covers Our Shame | 3, 6-7, 10-11

Reflection Questions:1. What part of God’s salvation has already happened and will never change? See Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11; see also 2 Cor. 5:17.

What part of God’s salvation is still in progress in your life? See Romans 7:7-25; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:23-24
How does God want His people (who are already saved and still being sanctified) to interact with our fellow image bearers as we await our full inheritance? See Isaiah 61:3-4; 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9- 10; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Psalm 67, especially vv.1-4.

View Details

Isaiah 60Sermon Notes:1) Light has come | 1-3

2) Wealth of the nations shall come | 3-7

3) Glory and Beauty shall come | 7-17

4) Peace shall come | 14-19

5) In its time, it shall come | 19-22

Reflection Questions:1. How can the hope of God’s promises sustain us in dark times? Read Is 60:1-3; Ps 42-43.

Imagine the overseers and taskmasters and the authorities in your life. Imagine that they were replaced with peace. What does that make you think of?
What do these words make you think of? “Savior, if of Zion’s city I, through grace, a member am, Let the world deride or pity—I will glory in Thy name. Fading is the worldling’s pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure None but Zion’s members know.”

View Details

Isaiah 59Sermon Notes:1) The LORD Can Save … Can’t He? | 1

2) Sin Can Separate | 2-8

3) Truth Has Stumbled | 9-15

4) The LORD Saw and … | 15-21

Reflection questions:1. Is it wrong to ask God questions when His promises haven’t seemed to come true yet? Compare Isaiah 59:1 (and 58:3) and Psalm 13.

Read Isaiah 58:2-8. What are some of the negative effects of sin, in addition to separation from God?
Is it ever appropriate to pray for the sins of others, in addition to your own? Read Isaiah 59:9-13.
Read Exodus 2:23-25 – What did God see? What did God know or remember? Compare to Isaiah 59:15ff.

View Details

Isaiah 58Sermon Notes:1) How Hypocrisy Hinders Divine Hearing | 1-3

2) How to be Selfish on the Sabbath | 3-5, 9, 13

3) How to be Selfless on the Sabbath | 5-14

4) How God Satisfies the Selfless | 6-14

Reflection questions:1. Based on Isaiah 58, which of the following best reflects the attitude God desires on the Sabbath: a day for “me time,” a day to rest in God’s goodness, a day to bless others in light of His goodness?

Is God simply promising to bless us if we do the right things? Do the promises God offers negate the fact that salvation is by grace alone? See Eph 2:1-9, but also read v.10, and Eph 6:1-3.
Read the promises of God (in vv8-14) to those who keep His Sabbaths and fast days in the way He desires. Are any of these blessings that you need right now?

View Details

Isaiah 56:9-57:21Sermon Notes:1. The Wrong Leaders | 56:9-12

The Wrong gODS | 57:1-13
The Right-er of All Wrongs | 57:14-21; cf 57:1-2, 13

Reflection questions:1. How would you describe Israel’s leaders in Is 56:9-12? (Compare to Ezekiel 34:1-16.) How would Jesus be a better shepherd? See Psalm 23 and John 10:1-16.

What are the some of the ways that Israel’s worship in Is 57 had gone astray? Was Israel’s main problem laziness (lack of effort) or misguided effort? Consider Isaiah 30:15-18, as well.
What was God asking Israel to do in order to be healed? Consider Isaiah 57:15, 18-19; Psalm 51:16-17.

View Details

Colossians 1:1-14Sermon Notes:

Increasing Faith | vv. 3-8
Increasing Fruit | vv. 9-12
Increasing Gospel | vv. 5-6, 13-14

Reflection Questions:

When was the last time you were overwhelmed with the joy and glory of salvation? If it's been a while, why has it become insignificant or mundane? Why is Paul compelled to pour out thanksgiving every time he prays for the Colossians?
What are some specific ways that your spiritual fruit shows your devotion to God? What ways have you seen your spiritual fruit grow since becoming a Christian?
God has delivered us from slavery to sin and death. Like God reminded Israel over and over again, he reminds us where we've come from and who we are now. What is your identity in Christ and how can you live out of the gospel more today than you did yesterday?

View Details

Philippians 2:3-9, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10Sermon Notes:1) Meet the Servant | Philippians 2-4

2) Serve in the Strength that God provides | 1 Peter 4:10-11

3) Serve Better by Knowing Service Doesn’t Earn Salvation | Philippians 3

4) Serve Better by Saying “No” More | John 3:30

5) Serve Better by Expecting Busy Seasons | 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Reflection Questions:1. How did Paul prepare Euodia and Synteche to get along? What did he first show them? See Philippians 4:2, as well as chapter 2.

How can you change your habits to make sure that you are serving in the strength that God provides? See 1 Peter 4:10-11
What are some of the things that God wants us to say No to, some of the things He wants us to say Yes to? What are you already saying Yes and No to? Are you doing more or less than you realized?

View Details

Genesis 3:11-19; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Romans 12:10, Galatians 6:10Sermon Notes:1) Our past and present separate us from God and others, Gen 3:11-19

2) Our Savior has comforted us so that we might comfort and connect to others, 2 Cor 1

3) Our Savior has left us examples of comfort and connection, Acts 4:34- 37; I Cor. 10:6

4) Our Savior has left us commands of comfort and connection, Rom 12:10

5) Our Savior has not left us without comfort, 2 Corinthians

Reflection Questions:1. How does our sin nature keep us from connecting with God and others? Do we ever forget how much remaining sin we still have even after God saves us? See Romans 7:7-25.

Can you think of a time when the God of all comfort comforted you in a way that allowed you to comfort others? See 2 Cor. 1:3-7.
Barnabas (Acts 4:36) was a nickname that meant “son of encouragement.” Can you think of someone you know who is a Barnabas? How might you become more of a Barnabas? Also, Titus was apparently a Barnabas, too. See 2 Cor. 7:5-13.
Have you prayed that God would give you more opportunities to do good (Gal. 6:10), or that you could recognize the opportunities that you already have? Have you prayed that God would help you to outdo (Rom 12:10) your neighbors in showing honor to others?
Do you ever worry that God will let you overdo it in caring for others? Consider this prayer from St. Augustine: “Lord, command what you will, but then grant what you command.”

View Details

Romans 11:33-36; Psalms 1, 84, 119, 121, 136Sermon Notes:1) Recognition – Recognize His Worth, Rom 11:33-36.

2) Preparation – Preparing for Worship, Psalms 120-134.

3) Participation – Participate in Worship, Psalm 136.

4) Rumination – Ruminate upon Sunday’s worship, Psalm 1.

5) Anticipation – Anticipate the next Holy Day, Ps 84.

Reflection Questions:1. Why is God worth your worship? See Romans 11:33-36; 12:1-2; 16:25-27.

What’s one way you can prepare for worship this year?
What’s one way you can participate in worship this year?
What’s one way you can ruminate or meditate upon worship this year?
What truth can you anticipate learning more deeply next Sunday and the next?

View Details

Revelation 2:12-17Sermon Notes:1) The Faithfulness We Speak Must Be Matched by the Faithfulness We Do

2) The Faithful Endurance of the Church in Pergamum

3) The Trouble of Compromise in Christian Living

Reflection questions:1. When does our contemporary life demand of us to confess publicly our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

How often are we prompted to do something by other people, the radio, social media, TV, or advertising? How often are those things a “manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ?” (Philippians 1:27)
Do we examine these suggested actions, after the example of the Christians in Berea? (Acts 17:11)

View Details

Luke 2:21-38Sermon Notes:1) A Gift fit for the Poor, 21-24

2) A Gift worth Waiting for, 25-26, 33-38

3) A Gift to Die for, 27-32

Reflection questions:1. Why is it important to know that Jesus was born into poverty? Compare v.24 with Leviticus 12:8. Also see 2 Corinthians 8:9.

Have you ever waited for a gift and then been disappointed to not receive it? Think about that as you read the following verses: Luke 2:25-26, 36-38; Romans 5:1-5, especially v.5.
Was Simeon unique, or are there others in the Bible who received the gift to die for? Cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

View Details

Luke 2:1-20

View Details

John 1:1-18Sermon Notes:1) Creation through the Word, 1-5

2) Illumination by the Word, 4-13

3) Glorification from the Word, 14-18

Reflection Questions:1. John says that Jesus came to his own, and his own received him not (v11). Why is this? Why would anyone reject a gracious savior like Jesus? What does this savior say about them? See also John 1:5; 3:19.

While John does not tell you about the Savior’s birth (and His miraculous conception), how does he tell you that Jesus was Divine, the Son of God? How many different ways do you see evidence of Jesus’s divinity in John 1:1-18?
John emphasizes the grace that is found in Christ several times in vv. 14-18. How would Jesus manifest that grace to the world? For one clue, see John 1:29.

View Details

Luke 1:39-56Sermon Notes:1) Elizabeth's Exclamation of Faith

2) Mary's Exclamation of Fear

Reflection Questions:1. Elizabeth and Mary would have had very little authority and status in their culture and world. Yet, the Holy Spirit spoke scripture through them both. How does the Spirit speaking through Elizabeth and Mary show God's love for the last, the least, the lost, and the little?

While we don’t know much about Mary, vv. 46-56 show us a great deal of her faith and understanding of God's promises. What passages in scripture can you think of that Mary might have been recalling? How do you think Mary's familiarity with scripture impacted her faith?
God isn't simply taking from those who have too much and giving to the needy, like some Robinhood of the sky. Instead, God is removing the idols of pride, self-sufficiency, and riches, from those who have rejected him. But God fills those who are humble before him with blessing and mercy. How is your pride, might, or wealth getting in the way of you fearing God more fully, and humbling yourself before him?

View Details

Mark 1:1-15Sermon Notes:1) The Call of the Wild, vv. 2-8

2) The Tamer of the Wild, vv. 9-15

3) The Good News for a Wild World, vv. 1, 14-15

Reflection questions:1. John the Baptist made a simple observation about Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) How are you seeking to make Christ increase in your life? In your interactions with others, and in how you present yourself?

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism where the Father said he was “well pleased” with Christ, He was driven to the wilderness where He was tempted. What might this tell us about the timing of temptation in our lives? See I Cor. 10:12.
What are the first words that Mark records Jesus saying? What are the first words Matthew records about the mission of Jesus (see 1:21)?

View Details

Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon Notes:1) An Unexpected Pregnancy, 18-19

2) An Angelic Proclamation, 20-21

3) A Prophetic Explanation, 22-23

4) An Obedient Conclusion, 24-25

Reflection questions: 1. How was “just” Joseph (v19) planning to deal with the unexpected circumstances in his life? What does this show us about the limits of human wisdom, and how we should approach God with our plans? See Proverbs 3:5-6; 14:12; 16:9; Matthew 6:33.

Isaiah 7:14 was probably written about 700 years before Christ was born. What does the 700-year 1 -plan of God tell you about His wisdom and His care for you? See Romans 8:27-39; Romans 12:33-36.
What does this story teach us about obedience in the face of difficulty circumstances? Consider: 1 Cor. 15:58.

View Details

Isaiah 56:1-8 Sermon Notes:1) Justice Commanded, Blessings Promised, v 1-2

6 Reasons keeping the Sabbath (v2, 4, 6) is emblematic of the justice (v1) God commands:

The Sabbath is about rest for you, and rest for those who serve you.
The Sabbath proves we believe that God is Lord over our time. (Thomas, Isaiah, 354.)
“The Sabbath is … not an end in itself, but … a sign that the whole of life was to be lived in submission to God.”2
“True Sabbath observance is to refrain from evil, not just work.” (Webb, The Message of Isaiah, 221)
The Sabbath looks forward to the final rest that God promised.
The Sabbath proves that His people are other-worldly.

2) Legacy Promised, Pessimism Prohibited, v 3-5

3) Outcasts and Prodigals, Gathered and Accepted, v 6-8

Reflection questions: 1) Read v1. Is God promising salvation to those who obey? Or is God’s salvation a motivation for His people to obey? Which one gives you greater assurance of His love? How can remembering that help you in your daily life?

2) God promised acceptance to foreigners and eunuchs despite their outsider status with the people of God in Isaiah’s day. One author says of this, “They [God’s people] were to be an open community, warmly embracing all who genuinely bound themselves to the Lord (3, 6).” (Webb, The Message of Isaiah, 222) How can we live out that exhortation today?

3) Meditate on this verse: “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Ps 25:10

View Details

Revelation 2:8-11 Sermon Notes:Suffering is Standard:

1) The Background

2) The Cause

3) Their Expectations

4) Our Implications

Reflection Questions:1) What areas of life are most tempting to have guaranteed peace with the world? Politics, culture, school friends, co-workers, classmates, teammates, children, spouse…?

2) How might the contemporary church be failing or succeeding in hearing and keeping the words written to Smyrna?

3) What parts of being a disciple of Christ might need the most support and encouragement in order to be able to be faithful and keep the words of our Lord?

View Details

Isaiah 55 Sermon Notes:1) A Generous Invitation, 1-5

2) A Mysterious Invitation, 6-9

3) A Sovereign Invitation, 10-11

4) A Joyful Invitation, 12-13

Reflection Questions: 1. How can offer us such lavish blessings for free? See Isaiah 53; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Acts 20:28

Are there things about God’s mercy and grace that you don’t understand? Are there things about God’s nature and plans that you don’t understand? When is the last time you thought about those things so that you could remember how much “higher” God’s thoughts are than your thoughts? See Is 55:8-9; Romans 12:33-36.
Is the certainty and sovereignty of God’s plans and purposes (Is 55:10-11) comforting or troubling to you? Why? What about the certainty of His promise of future joy (Is 55:12-13)?

View Details

Isaiah 54 Sermon Notes:1) The Joy of Peace for the Barren, 1-6

2) The Covenant of Peace for the Unfaithful, 4-10, 13

3) The Security of Peace for the Shaken, 11-17

Reflection Questions:1. Can you think of examples (beyond Isaiah 54) where God provided or gave hope to those who were barren? Barren women who gave birth? Or other barren, seemingly-empty situations where He provided? Have you experienced His hope in your barrenness, as well?

Can you think of any other religion or any other supposed god who makes covenants and promises to His people? What effect are God’s covenants supposed to have on His people? See Hebrews 6:13-20.
How do we live in between the giving of God’s promise and the attainment of the promised reality? See Hebrews 11:8-16.

View Details

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Sermon Notes:1) The Surprising Servant, 52:13-15

2) The Sorrowful Servant, 53:1-3

3) The Suffering Servant, 53:4-6

4) The Silent Servant, 7-9

5) The Substitutionary Servant, 53:10-12

Reflection Questions: 1) Was Jesus the kind of Savior that Israel expected? Why or why not? Consider what I Corinthians 1:17-31 says about our Savior and about His people. 2) Isaiah 53:6 says that we are all like wayward, stubborn sheep going our own way. Think of the last sin that you had to repent of. Can you see an element of lawlessness and rebellion that led to it? See also I John 3:4.

3) Consider the meaning of vv.10-11. How will the Servant make many to be righteous? Compare 2 Corinthians 5:21.

View Details

Isaiah 52:1-12 Sermon Notes:1) The Clothing of Redemption, 1-2

2) The Cost of Redemption, 3-6

3) The Cryer of Redemption, 7-10

4) The Cleansing of Redemption, 11-12

Reflection Questions:1. What does the Bible say about shame and nakedness, clothing and salvation? Some passages to consider: Genesis 3; Isaiah 52; Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:6-9.

Did God pay any money to save us? Was our salvation cheap, or was it costly? See Acts 20:28.
Do we clean ourselves up to get saved? Does God’s grace clean us up before and/or after we get saved? See Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-8.

View Details

Hebrews 2 Sermon Notes:1) From Subjection to Supremacy vv. 1-9

2) Sanctification Through Suffering vv. 9-13

3) Salvation Through Suffering vv. 1-4, 14-18

Reflection Questions:1) How can we be sure that God will make all things new even though we do not yet see all things in subjection to Jesus?

2) Sin tears us away from God, but sanctification brings us closer to God. How has suffering you have experienced in the past drawn you closer to God through your sanctification?

3) How does God's justice give us hope in our suffering? How does Christ, our faithful high priest, give us lasting hope?

View Details

Isaiah 51 Sermon Notes:

1) The Righteousness that Comforts, vv. 1-8

2) The Redemption that Cries Out, vv. 9-11

3) The Remembrance that Casts Out Fear, vv. 12-16

4) The Reversal that Consoles, vv. 17-23

Reflection Questions:

1) Why is their comfort, knowing that God will make all things right? Cf Galatians 1:3-4 and the “present evil age.”

2) Have you ever thought, “Surely, Godly people don’t complain when life gets hard”? How might vv.9-10 or certain Psalms challenge that point of view? How does Philippians 4:6 inform the way we should pray to God in hard circumstances, as well?

3) 2 Corinthians 5:21 shows us not so much a reversal as an exchange. (‘The Great Exchange’ many have called it.) What is being exchanged? What transfers from us to Christ, and what transfers from Christ to us?

View Details

Hebrews 1 Sermon Notes:1) The Ultimate Word

2) The Ultimate Character

3) The Ultimate Victory

Reflection Questions: 1. If Jesus is the fullness of God's revelation to us, why do our hearts so often seek direction and value apart from him? What are some ways that you can recenter your focus on the Word of God today and this week?

Jesus is the center of God's story because he is the only one who had all the qualifications to fulfill the great gospel story. How do you try to bend your story so that it's focused on you? How does seeing who Jesus is help us to see him as the center of the story?
What gets in the way of our sharing in the victory that Jesus has won?

View Details

Isaiah 50 Sermon Notes:1) The Suffering of God’s People, 1-3

2) The Steadfastness of God’s Servant, 4-9

3) The Separation the Servant Causes, 10-11

Reflection Questions: 1. Is our sin the cause of some of our suffering in this life? Is it always the cause of our suffering in this life? See Isaiah 50:1-3 and John 9:1-3.

Is the Servant an example of how God’s people should have obeyed? Is he merely an example, or is he something more? Compare Isaiah 50 with 1 Peter 2:21- 25.
Read verse 4 and the following commentary: “Nothing indicates a tongue befitting the disciples of God, so much as the gift of administering consolation.” 1 How can you give the gift of consolation to someone today?

View Details

Isaiah 49 Sermon Notes:1) The Servant is Israel, 3

2) The Servant has a divine mission, 1-2

3) The Servant has a worldwide mission, 1, 6-8, 11-12, 22

4) The Servant’s mission is to restore Israel, 2-3, 5-7, 19-21

5) The Servant’s success is secured by a covenant, 8-9

6) The Servant’s mercy will release prisoners and captives, 9-13, 22-26

7) The Servant’s people may feel forgotten, but they certainly are not, 13-16

8) The Servant will be served by kings, 7, 17-18, 22-23

9) The Servant will provide life out of barrenness, 19-21

10) The Servant’s Strength will bind the strongman and rescue the captives, 23-26

Reflection Questions: 1) When is the “time of favor” and “the day of salvation” that Isaiah talks about in v.8. See 2 Cor. 6:1-2 (and consider reading 2 Cor. 5 for context).

2) Does Jesus have a bride? See Isaiah 49:18 and compare to Revelation 19:6-9.

3) Is the Servant willing to get blood on His hands and clothes to save His people? See Is 49:26; 53:3-10; 63:1-6.

View Details

Isaiah 48 Sermon Notes:I. A Rebellious People: Good company doesn’t ensure good choices, 1-8

II. A Regret-filled People: Second chances don’t ensure good choices, 12-22

III. A Refined People: God’s choice and discipline leads to good character, 6-11

Reflection Questions: 1. Romans 9:6 says that not everyone who was born an Israelite is truly an Israelite from the heart; they’re not true worshippers of God. So should we be friends with good people or bad people? Christians or non-Christians? Who should we live like and imitate? Consider the following verses: 1 Cor. 15:33; Psalm 1; James 4:4; Romans 12:1-2.

What does 2 Corinthians 7:10 say about regret and grief? Can grief ever be good? What outcome did Paul want to see from their grief? Was he pleased, and why (in what way)? See 2 Cor 7:5-11 for context.
Why did God refine His people, Israel? What reason is given in Isaiah 48:9-11?

View Details

Isaiah 47 Sermon Notes:I. God Is Jealous for His Glory and His People, 1-7

II. God Will Crush All of His impersonators, 8-11

III. God Exposes the Emptiness of Alternative Saviors, 1-3, 12-15

Reflection Questions:1) Why is ancient Babylon’s destruction good news for God’s people? Consider this quote: “Scripture sometimes uses the term ‘Babylon’ to convey everything that is evil and hostile towards God and his people (e.g. Rev. 17:5). But evil will one day be destroyed (Rev. 14:8; 18:2).”

2) Why can Israel take comfort in this passage, despite the fact that God admits that he was “angry” with her? See Is 47:3-6 (the ‘you’ is Babylon); Hebrews 12:5-11.

3) Read Isaiah 47:12-15, and compare it to Psalm 2:10-12. What warnings and/or comforts do you see in each passage?

View Details

Isaiah 46 Sermon Notes:I. The God Who Carries Our Burdens, 1-4

II. The God Who Saves us from Our Distress, 5-7

III. The God Who Declares Our Future, 8-11

IV. The God Who Draws Near to His Beloved, 12-13

Reflection Questions:1. What are vv. 1-7 teaching us about idols? See especially vv. 2, 7. Compare this to the story of Dagon in 1 Samuel 5.

People carry idols; God has been carrying (and will continue to carry) His people. What promises and past actions of God would that truth have brought to mind for Israel. See Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 1:31; 32:11; Isaiah 63:9.
How has God brought His righteousness and salvation near to us who were far off? See Ephesians 2:11-22, especially vv. 13, 17.

View Details

Psalm 146 Sermon Notes:I. Exhortation to Praise (vv. 1-2, 10)

II. Exhortation to NOT Trust (vv. 3-4)

III. Grounds for Trusting and Praising God (vv. 5-9)

View Details

Psalm 18 Sermon Notes:I. The Lord, My Rock and My Salvation

II. God’s Faithfulness to the Faithful

III. True Victory, Both Now and Forever

Reflection Questions:1. To what lengths has God gone to bring you salvation? How have you seen God's great power at work as he breaks into your life to rescue you? If you cannot see God working, take some time to examine your heart and consider, am I crying out to God? Am I resting in God's salvation or the work of my own hands?

How does the faithfulness of God radically change your perspective on this Psalm? What rewards are given to the Faithful one? What is the cost of unfaithfulness?
Victory can mean deliverance from our present difficulties, but it can also be found while we are burdened by the consequences of sin. How does our foreversalvation give us hope and change the way that we look at our current circumstances?

View Details

Psalm 99 Sermon Notes:1. God's Holiness

Demands Justice
Which Produces Forgiveness and Worship

View Details

Psalm 55 Sermon Notes:1. Angst 2. Anger 3. Assurance

View Details

Matthew 4:1-11 Sermon Notes:1. God Meets Our Needs 2. God Directs Our Path 3. God Offeres Us Himself

View Details

Psalm 51 Sermon Notes:1. The Astonishing Problem of Sin

An Astonishing Repentance
The Astounding God of Mercy

Reflection Questions: 1. It can be difficult to see our sin for what it really is. In what ways have you recently seen how astonishing your sin is, and how much you need to be saved from it? How do you still struggle with seeing your sin as God sees it?

David realized all his scheming and lies were worthless, in light of God's perfection. Repentance from sin is costly because we must sacrifice our selfworth. However, it also shows an astonishing truth and hope about what life might be if we are saved. What are some of the joys and hopes you have experienced when you have truly turned from your sin?
Are you still surprised by who God is? If so, what have you been surprised by recently? How can meditating on the mercy of God help you grow in wonder and love for Him?

View Details

Psalm 27 Sermon Notes:1. The Lord is a Protecting Light

Dwelling in His Temple
Confidence in Prayer
Confidence in the Future that Waits

View Details

Psalm 88 Sermon Notes:1. The reality of suffering (how it impacts us daily)

A Christian response to suffering (what is our response)

View Details

Psalm 107 Sermon Notes1. Failure of Life Apart from God

a. The failed search for rest vv. 4-9

b. The failed run from God vv. 10-16

c. The failed pursuit of self vv. 17-22

d. The failed search for freedom vv. 23-32

The Cry for Help
The Steadfast Love of the God of Every Circumstance

Reflection Questions:1. True deliverance is God drawing us back to him, and us finding full satisfaction in him alone. What ways can suffering draw us to God, and what ways can freedom from suffering draw us to God?

God is able to deliver, save, and pull his beloved children out of any circumstance. What are some things in your life that you need to be rescued from? What would true deliverance look like in those circumstances?
Sometimes we put ourselves in bad situations. Sometimes we want our sin more than our Savior. However, our sin will always bite us in the end. What are some ways that you can begin to see the emptiness of earthly pursuits and cry to God for help? How does knowing that God will forever be faithful to his covenant promises (Hesed) give you encouragement as you turn away from the empty things of this world?

View Details

Psalm 16 Sermon Notes1. God Will Protect You vv.1-4

God Will Provide for You vv.5-6
God Will Perfect You vv.7-11

Reflection Questions?1. How has God protected you and those you love? How did God protect David? How did God protect Daniel? How did God protect the 12 Apostles? Can we really say that we have no good apart from God? Do we delight in the saints and avoid those that run after other gods?

How has God provided for you and those you love? Is the LORD your chosen portion and your cup? What does David mean when saying, "the lines fallen for me in pleasant places?" Do you have a beautiful inheritance?
What does David mean when he says he will "always set the LORD before me?" Is your heart glad, and does your whole being rejoice in God, His presence and His goodness? Do you know the paths of life? Do you find fullness of joy in God's presence? Do you look forward to pleasures forevermore in glory?

View Details

Psalm 105 Sermon Notes1. Summons to Praise

Grounds for Praise
Canaan to Egypt
In Egypt
Egypt to Canaan

Reflection Question: What are some of the works that God has done in your own life that show his faithfulness?

View Details

Psalm 3 Sermon Notes:1. Enemies of the Deliverer

Protection of the Deliverer
Peace of the Deliverer
Justice of the Deliverer

Reflection Questions: 1) Who are the enemies of God in your own personal life? How can you best pray for them?

2) What are things or people you look to for relief and deliverance?

3) What are your abilities, resources, or relationships that you look to as sustaining you? How can we rightly understand God's use of them in our lives vs. a sinful view?

View Details

Psalm 2 Sermon Notes:1) Rival Kingdoms

2) God's Response to His Rivals

3) The Son Declares Salvation & Judgment

4) Injunctions to Respond

Reflection Questions:1. In what ways do you see the nations in an uproar against God?

How can our response to the nations be similar to God's?
How should our "thick, blood-bought, family" relationship with our God affect our thoughts, emotions, repentance, and obedience?

View Details

Psalm 23 Sermon Notes:1) Because His Grace has brought us safe thus far, 2 Sam 7:18. Past Grace

Fellow Christians
Fun Surroundings
Strategic Location

2) Because His Grace our hope secures. Present Grace

The contrast with the world around us – “Rejoice! The culture has turned against you.”
The constant need for missionary activity, across the street and around the world.
The perfect place for a counterculture.

3) Because His Grace will lead us home. Future Grace

Reflection questions:1. How has God brought you safe thus far? How have you seen His grace in the past year, two years, over your entire life?

Why do we have reason to believe God will be gracious, despite many dangers, toils, and snares, today and in the future?
Consider this quote: “When our joy comes from our gifts and our success, we will always be under pressure. For we are only as good as the last sermon, the last youth talk, the last spiritual conversation, the last few months of Christian service, the last success. … The remedy to glory much in grace. It is a privilege to be used in ministry; but it is a much greater privilege to be recipients of grace.” (Christopher Ash, Zeal without Burnout, pp.105-6)

View Details

Isaiah 45 Sermon Notes:1) What the Ungodly meant for evil, God meant for good news, 1-7

2) What God’s people despised, God meant for freedom and restoration, 8-13

3) When God means to save and bless, God makes His Plan and Promise Clear, 14- 25

Reflection questions:1) Read Genesis 50:20. How does Joseph’s life (in slavery, in prison) remind you of Israel’s exile and God’s plan to bring them home through Cyrus’ decree?

2) Read Psalm 1. Does God promise (through the metaphor of the tree, which represents “the blessed man”) that His people will never experience hardship? If not, what does He promise? What is He trying to tell us about our life?

3) Are God’s plans always 100% clear to us? Is God’s Word always 100% clear about every detail? Are they clear enough? See also Jeremiah 29:10-14; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Isaiah 45:15-22.

View Details

Isaiah 44 Sermon Notes:1) The Only God Who Can Save, 1-8

2) The gods Who are Only Good for Firewood, 9-20

3) The Only God who Astounds as He Saves, 21-28

Reflection questions:1. If a human says, “I’m the only one who can save you,” then what would you call it? If God says the same thing, what would you call it?

What is an idol? A carving of wood or stone? Something you trust more than God? Something that you think can give your life ultimate meaning and purpose? Who worshipped/worships idols?
Why did God use Cyrus to release God’s people out of exile? Read Romans 11:33-36, and ask yourself: What does this passage show me about God that I need to understand better?

View Details

Isaiah 43 Sermon Notes:1) No Fear, 43:1-7

2) No Rivals, 43:8-19

3) New Exodus, 43:16-28

4) New Israel, 44:1-5

Reflection questions:1) In Matthew 10:28, Jesus tells us not to fear man, but to fear God, “who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” In Isaiah 43, God tell His people not to fear, and then lists all of the reasons to trust Him, including His great power (vv3, 8- 15). How are both commands based on God’s superior power?

2) How does knowing that God has no rivals (vv8-13) help you avoid trusting idols? What does this (from John Calvin) mean: “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory”?

3) How is the salvation that Christ brings like a new and better Exodus? (See Exodus 20:1-2; John 8:34; Gal 4:8; Romans 6:15-23.)

View Details

Isaiah 42 Sermon Notes:1) The Stubborn Servant, 18-25

2) The Saving Servant, 1-9

3) The Song of the Servant, 10-13

4) The Zeal of the Servant, 13-17

Reflection questions:1) What was Isaiah’s mission and expectation as a prophet? See Isaiah 6:8-13. Had God’s prediction come true? See Isaiah 42:18-25.

2) Compare Isaiah 42:1 to Matthew 3:16-17. Now read Isaiah 42:1-9. How else would Jesus embody the servant of Isaiah 42?

3) Why is the zeal of the servant good news for us? How do you see this zeal in the New Testament? See Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 13:20-21; Jude 24-25.

View Details

Isaiah 41 Sermon Notes:1) An Awesome God, 1-7

2) A Helpless Idol, 21-29

3) A Pitied and Protected People, 8-20

A) Protection promised, 8-10

B) Enemies scattered, 11-13

C) Obstacles conquered, 14-16

D) Needs met and more, 17-20

Reflection questions:1) How do you see God – strong or kind? How does Scripture present Him? In Isaiah 40-41? In Psalm 62:11-12? In Psalm 2:9-12?

2) How should God’s people respond to both His strength and His kindness? See Psalm 23, Ps 121 and 124, Ephesians 4:32.

3) If idolatry is putting too much trust in something that is not God, then how might 1st-century Jews have committed idolatry? Did they trust in a different idea of the Messiah than the one that Jesus came to fulfill? What did they want (see John 6:13-15)? What did Jesus come to do (see Matthew 16:13-24; Isaiah 53)?

View Details

Isaiah 40 Sermon Notes:1) The Ever-Comforting God, 1-2

2) The Ever-Conquering God, 3-5, 9-11

3) The Ever-Constant God, 6-8

4) The Incomparable God, 12-26

5) The Everlasting God, 25-31

Reflection questions:1) Do you need God’s comfort any less than Isaiah’s original audience did? What is one result of God’s comfort shown to us? See 2 Cor. 1:3-7.

2) How does the coming of John the Baptist (which prepares the way for Jesus) result in “comfort” for God’s people? Compare Isaiah 40:1-5, Mark 1.

3) Read Isaiah 40 aloud, especially vv.12ff where the rhetorical questions start, whether you’re in a group or in your home by yourself. (If this is too touchyfeely for you, then congratulations; you might be a Presbyterian.)

View Details

Isaiah 39

View Details

Isaiah 38 Sermon Notes: 1) A Brush with Death and a Gracious Reprieve, 1-8

2) A Good Affliction and a Reflective Rejoicing, 9-20

3) A Mundane Ending and an Ominous Request, 21-22

Reflection questions:1. Does Hezekiah deserve the reprieve that he gets in vv.1-8? What should this kind of kindness teach us? See Romans 2:4

2. How can affliction possibly be good? See Psalm 119:65-71.

3. Just because God sometimes gives signs, should we ask for more? See 2 Cor. 2:1:22-24. What do the signs God gives say about Him?

View Details

Isaiah 37:8-38 Sermon Notes:1) History: A Testimony to God’s faithfulness, 8-13

2) Prayer: A Plea for God’s Glory, 14-20

3) Prophecy: A Defense of God’s Glory, 21-29, 38

4) Prophecy: A Defense and Restoration of God’s Remnant, 30-35

5) History: Another Testimony to God’s Faithfulness, 36-38

Reflection questions:1. Is Hezekiah a good king or a bad king in this passage? Why or why not?

What does Hezekiah teach us about prayer in this passage? What similarities do you see to the opening of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6?
Why is God’s power made perfect in our weakness? See Isaiah 37:36; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Exodus 14:13-14.

View Details

Isaiah 36:1-37:7 Sermon Notes:1) The Doubt that the Enemy Sows, 36:1-20

2) The Faith that Dares to Trust, 36:21-37:4

3) The Savior that Won’t Let Go, 37:5-7

Reflection questions:1. Compare Isaiah 36 to Isaiah 7. What do you see about Israel’s enemies, God’s message to the King, the King’s response?

Barry Webb says, “It is always Satan’s way to make us think that God has abandoned us.” How do you see this message in Isaiah 36, and how have you heard that message recently (from your conscience, from someone you know, from the news or entertainment world)?
Do we deserve worse than what God gives us, or does God give us better than we deserve? How does the way you frame that question affect your attitude? See Psalm 103:8-13.

View Details

Isaiah 35 Main Point: God brings his people back to a New Eden through Jesus Christ.

1) God Rejuvenates a Desolate Place

2) God Goes to Rescue His People

3) God Makes a Highway to Eden

View Details

Isaiah 34 Sermon Notes:1) God Warns, 1-4

2) God Avenges, 5-9

3) God (Un/Re) Creates, 9-17

4) God Waits, Is 30:15, 18; Is 33:2; Rom 2:4; Genesis 2:16-17

Reflection questions:1) Should God’s vengeance (Is 34:5-9, especially v.8) upon His and our enemies make us vengeful, as well? What effect does Paul say it should have upon us? (See Romans 12:14-21)

2) Some of 2 Peter’s audience had heard false teachers who claimed that God’s judgment was an empty threat (2 Peter 3:3-5). What did Peter say about this? Was God slow or unfaithful, or was God patient? And how should we respond to His patience (see 2 Peter 3:11-13 and Rom 2:4)?

3) God is faithful (Is 34:16-17) to judge those who do not repent. But how is our Creator faithful to us who are new creations (2 Cor 5:17) in Christ? See Philippians 1:6.

View Details

Isaiah 33 Sermon Notes:1) The Prayer of a Humble People, 1-9

2) The Answer of a Holy God, 10-16

3) The Beauty of Our Promised Home, 17-24

Reflection questions: 1. What kind of prayer will God always answer? See Is 30:18; 33:2; 33:6; Psalm 139:23-24.

If no one can dwell with the consuming fire (Is 33:14), if no one can be perfect, then what hope do we have? See Psalm 1, 15, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:8-9.
Why does suffering ultimately produce hope? See Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:6-9

View Details

Isaiah 31-32 Sermon Notes:1) The God who Woos and Pronounces Woe, 31:1-9.

2) The God who Shelters the Weary and Foils the Fool, 32:1-8 (cf 31:4-5).

3) The God who Lets the Harvest Fail so that the Spirit can Restore, 32:9-20.

Reflections questions:1) Do you tend to think of God primarily as a God of woe and doom or primarily as a God who woos us? Read Hosea 2 (especially vv.13-14) and ask yourself: Isn’t God both?

2) Do you ever (or know anyone else who does) feel like no one is looking out for you or that everyone is out to get you? How can God (the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land – cf. Is 32:2) comfort those who feel this way? See also, Psalm 91.

3) Do you ever feel like you are sowing/planting in tears? Do you wonder if God will ever let you reap/harvest with shouts of joy? See Psalm 126

View Details

Isaiah 30 Sermon Notes:1) Our Stubbornness and Rebellion leads us to shame, and swift ruin, 1-7

2) God’s Kind Waiting leads us to Repentance and Rest, 15-18

3) God’s Might and Majesty leads us to Milk and Honey and Healing, 18-33

Reflection questions:1. What does the Bible say about waiting on God? See Psalm 130; Ps 27.

What might “quietness and trust” look like in your life? See Psalm 46 (especially v.10).
What would it look like to repent or return to God instead of anxiously looking for another savior (be it a “swift horse” to fight a war, or something else that could fix your latest problem)? See Matthew 6:25-34.

View Details

Isaiah 29 Sermon Notes:Main point: God causes his people to see coming salvation out of apparent destruction.

I. Distress of God's People (vv. 1-4)

II. Deliverance from Enemies (vv. 5-8)

III. Blindness to God's Work (vv. 9-16)

IV. Revelation of God's Work (vv. 17-24)

View Details

Isaiah 28 Sermon Notes:1) True Wisdom and Beauty in a Sea of Arrogance, 1-13

2) True Security in a Sea of Delusions, 14-22

3) True Purpose in a Sea of Meaninglessness, 23-29

Reflection questions:1. What is the beginning of wisdom? What school do you have to attend to find it? (See Isaiah 28:5-6 and Proverbs 1:1-7.)

Which is better – seeking peace for the sake of peace, or seeking the hard truth of the present that eventually leads to peace? See Isaiah 28:14-22; Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11.
How does knowing that God has a purpose (and that it is good) make the present difficulties easier to endure? See Isaiah 28:23-29; Phil 3:20; 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

View Details

Isaiah 27 Sermon Notes:1) God is Faithful to fight for you, 1

2) God is Faithful to form you, in spite of you, 2-6

3) God is Faithful to you, even if He’s mysterious to you, 7-11

4) God is Faithful to gather you, no matter where you flee, no matter where you’re from, 12-13

Reflection questions:1. How does Is 27:1 show you the unity of the Scriptures? Compare Genesis 3 (esp v.1, 14-15) and Revelation 20:1-3.

Read Is 27:2-6. Is the emphasis on what the vines (God’s people) do, or on what the vinedresser does? Compare John 15:1-11; what responsibility do the branches (God’s people) have, and what promises do they have? See John 15:7, 9-11 especially.
Read Is 27:13; what does God say to those who are “lost” in a foreign land? Compare to Luke 15.

View Details

Hebrews 10:19-39 Sermon Notes:1. Jesus is Better

The Christian Life According to Hebrews

a. Proximity to God

b. Persisting in Faith

c. Love Towards Others

The Anti-Christian Life
Encouragement for Endurance

Reflection Questions:1. Why does Jesus being our savior have an effect on our lives today? How is living in light of the gospel different from legalism?

Do you ever "get beyond" the need for the gospel? How does resting in the gospel everyday impact our persistence in faith?
If you knew that Jesus was coming in one week, how would that change your love and good works towards others? Should we live as if Jesus is coming in one week?
How does God's righteous judgment offer comfort for his people in the midst of a broken world and uncertainty?

View Details

John 1:19-34

View Details

John 1:1-18 Sermon Notes:Thesis: The Son of God became man so man might become a child of God.

Nature of the Son
Nature of the Incarnation
Nature of Salvation

View Details

Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon Notes:1) Miraculous Conception, 18-20

2) Miraculous Revelation, 20-23

3) Miraculous Salvation, 21-25

Reflection questions:1. Why is Jesus (from Joshua/Jeshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”) also called Immanuel (“God with us” in Hebrew)? R.T. France: “The point is not that Jesus ever bore Immanuel as an actual name, but that it indicates his role, bringing God’s presence to man. This meaning is related to that of his actual name, Jesus, in that it is sin which separates man from God’s presence, so that salvation from sin results in ‘God with us.’” (From the Tyndale NT Commentaries, 84)

Read 2 Peter 1:16ff. What incident is Peter referring to from the gospels? See the Transfiguration in Matthew 17. What does Peter think is “more fully confirmed”? The voice that He heard from heaven? Or the Word that has been recorded, preserved and passed on for generations, the Word which WE HAVE? How should that make us feel about our copy of the Bible?

View Details

Micah 5:2-5a Sermon Notes:1)A Ruler from Small Beginnings, v.2a

2) A Ruler from Ancient Beginnings, v.2b

3) A Ruler to Restore the Remnant, 3

4) A Ruler to Restore Shalom, 4-5a

Reflection questions:1. Does God USUALLY choose the wise and talented, the rich and famous? Why or why not? See Micah 5:2, Deuteronomy 7:7-9; I Corinthians 1:26-31; I Samuel 16:1-13.

Read 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – What would happen if one of David’s sons was really bad? Would the covenant with David be cancelled? How do those themes occur in this passage from Micah?
Read 2 Samuel 7:18 – Ideally, how do God’s servants respond when He shows them Amazing Grace?

View Details

Genesis 3 Sermon Notes:
1) Why is man cursed?

2) What does the curse mean?

3) How will the curse be reversed?

Reflection questions:1) What happened to the Garden of Eden? How can I find it today? See Revelation 22:1-5.

2) How do I know that Jesus is the seed/offspring/he that is mentioned in Genesis 3:15? See Galatians 3:16. Also see Galatians 3:13-14.

3) What does it mean (see Gal 3:13, above) that Christ became a curse for us, to redeem us from the curse? Read Numbers 6:24-26. Think about each blessing in this list; think about what the opposite might be; now think about what Christ experienced on the cross. Compare Matthew 27:45-50.

View Details

Isaiah 26 Sermon Notes:Thesis: God's future salvation gives us peace in present turmoil.

God's Salvation in a Song of Two Cities

A. City of Jerusalem

B. City of Babylon

C. The Nature of an Impenetrable City

God's Salvation in a Tale of Two Peoples

A. Present and Future Wicked

B. Present and Future Righteous

View Details

Isaiah 25 Sermon Notes:1) God has done wonderful things, 1

2) God opposes the proud, 2-5, 10-12

3) God gives grace to the humble, 4-9

Reflection questions: 1) Compare this passage with the following passages: Revelation 19:6-9; Revelation 21:1-5. What parallels do you see? What do you think God is trying to tell (through Isaiah and John’s Revelation) with these images?

2) Read Is 25:3 – Why is it hard for strong people to glorify and fear God? How do some of your personal strengths make it hard to see your need for God’s continual help?

3) Read Isaiah 25:7-8. How would you live if you were not afraid to die?

View Details

Isaiah 24 Sermon Notes:1) An Inescapable Flood of Judgment for All Kinds, 1-3, 17-22

2) A Drought of Joyous Wine for Covenant Breakers, 4-13

3) A Joyous Remnant and a Conflicted Prophet, 14-16

4) A Light to Dwarf the Sun and a Lucky Few who Bask in Its Glow, 23

Reflection questions: 1. Why do you think Isaiah stressed the universality (for all kinds of people, v.2) of God’s judgment so much? Hint: The ESV Study Bible says his primary audience was “God’s rebellious people craving worldly security.”

Why does God mention wine so much in vv.4-13? What does wine often stand for in Scripture (e.g., Ps 104:14-15)? What significance did wine have for the people of Jerusalem? (See Is 22:12-14; Cf 1 Cor. 15:29-34)
Read v.23, then read Revelation 21:22-26; 1 Tim 6:16; Numbers 6:24-26. What light can outshine the sun? Why is that significant?

View Details

Isaiah 23 Sermon Notes:1) Loving money leads to sadness when it departs, 1-8, 14

2) Loving money can lead to pride, which always precedes a fall, 9-14

3) Loving money is not the unforgiveable sin, but it’s hard to shake, 15-18

4) Money belongs to God, and it will return to Him, 18.

Reflection questions:1. Do you love money? Do you like it too much? Is it an idol in your life? Either because of what it allows you to buy? Or because of the sense of security it provides?

Read Luke 12:16-20. What do you think Jesus means when He talks about being “rich towards God”?
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. What does it mean to set your hope on the uncertainty of riches? Why are riches uncertain? And how can you be rich in good works? Also read 1 Tim. 6:6-12.

View Details

Isaiah 22 Sermon Notes:1) The Valley of Vision Can’t See the Coming Commotion, 1-8

2) The Self-Sufficiency of God’s People Can’t Replace Repentance, 8-11

3) The ‘Senseless Revelry’ of God’s People Can’t See beyond the Now, 12-14

4) The case studies of self-centeredness can teach us, if we let them, 15-25

Reflection questions:1. What does Carpe Diem mean? What does Coram Deo mean? Which one seems like a more Biblical way to live?

Read I Corinthians 15:1-34, especially v12, 19, and 29-34. What reference do you see to Isaiah 22? How does Paul correct their attitude and their beliefs in 1 Cor 15?
Refection quote: “The words of v11b (and of 37:26) are a striking anticipation of chs.40-66, where God is repeatedly named as (lit.) ‘making and forming’ (who made … who planned) and as doing so from of old (cf. 43:7; 44:2, 24). It is another hint of single authorship.” (Derek Kidner, p646 from the New Bible Commentary) In other words, Isaiah, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), is the single author. There are not 2 or 3 or more Isaiahs who wrote this book.

View Details

Revelation 2:1-7

View Details

Isaiah 21 Sermon Notes:1) The Watchman’s Conflict, 1-10

2) The Watchman’s Call, 11-12

3) The Watchman’s Cautionary Tale, 13-17

Reflection questions:1. How must Isaiah have felt about the people who were the object of his bad news (the oracle of Bablyon’s destruction?) Read Is 21:2-4.

Compare Is 21:3-4 with Jesus’s words in Luke 19:41-44. For whom does Jesus lament? What is He doing and where is He going as He says those words? (See Luke 19:41; 19:28; 19:11; 18:31-34.)
God warns foreign nations in this passage of coming judgment. Where should we turn to be shielded from God’s judgment? Read Psalm 2:9-12 and reflect upon this comment from Derek Kidner: “There is no refuge from him, only in him.” (IVP Commentaries, vol 14a: Psalms 1-72)

View Details

Isaiah 19-20 Sermon Notes:1) Injury – Divided, Confused, and Defeated, 19:1-15

2) Insult – Ashamed and Laid Bare, 20:1-6

3) Infirmary – Striking and Healing, 19:16-25

Reflection questions:1. Read Psalm 20:7. Why were people back then tempted to trust in chariots and horses? How can we today trust things equivalent to chariots and horses?

Is Isaiah 20 the craziest thing that God ever asked a prophet to do? Consider: Hosea 1:1-3; 3:1-5. Now ask, why did God use such drastic tactics then?
What good ever comes from being embarrassed and humiliated (cf Is 20:5-6)? Consider Psalm 119:71, as well as vv.65, 68.

View Details

Mark 16:1-13 Sermon Notes:1. Expectations of Death 2. Reality of Resurrection 3. Response to Reality

View Details

Isaiah 18 Sermon Notes:1) The Lord’s Laughter at the world’s backup plans, 1-2

2) The Lord’s Aloofness when their other gods don’t save, 2-4

3) The Lord’s Last-minute Salvation, 5-6

4) The Lord’s Loot: “to his feet your tribute bring,” 7

Reflection questions: 1. After reading Isaiah 18, read Psalm 2. How would you characterize the nations of the world in relationship to God? How does God react to them (v4)? How does the story of Psalm 2 end (vv9-12)?

2. Read Judges 10:6-16. Why do you think God responds the way He does to Israel’s initial cry for help (see vv.11-14)? What difference do you see in Israel’s 2nd cry for help (especially v.16a)?

3. Read Isaiah 18:3-6. Now read Galatians 4:4 and Romans 5:6. Why is it that God seems to be an “at just the right time” kind of God? Also see Psalm 46:1.

View Details

Isaiah 17 Sermon Notes:1) The Fleeting Hope of Mighty Nations, 1-6, 12-14

2) The Forgotten God of Our Salvation, 9-11

3) The Forgiving God of Our Creation, 4-8

Reflection questions:1) Read Isaiah 17:1-4. Why is Ephraim (aka, the Northern Kingdom of Israel) mentioned in the judgment passage as Syria (whose capital was Damascus)? Read Is 7:1-3 for the background.

2) Israel’s attitude seemed to be, “If we form a military alliance with Syria (instead of trusting God to deliver us), then we will be ok.” If _____, then I will be ok. How would you fill in that blank? What does that tell you about _____, and your feelings towards it.

3) How can you ensure that you do not forget the God of your salvation (v.10)? Read Psalm 103 (especially vv.1-2) and Ephesians 1:3-14 (especially v3) for some ideas.

View Details

Isaiah 15-16 Sermon Notes:1) God’s Enemies Will One Day Be Weeping, Wailing, and Wasted, 15:1-9; 16:6-14

2) God’s People Shall Be a Shelter for the Sojourner, 16:1-4a

3) God’s King Shall Reign in Steadfast Love and Faithfulness, 16:4b-5

Reflection questions:1. “Consider how Jerusalem is supposed to treat the refugees (16:1-5). Are there any implications here for the way the Church treats unbelievers who seek mercy? If so, what are they?” (LifeChange, Isaiah, 205.)

Read Galatians 6:9-10. Who does v.10 say should be the recipients of our “doing good”? What does it say about when we should do good?
Read 2 Samuel 23:3-5. Is David talking about his own reign over Israel? Or someone else’s? Also consider 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and 2 Sam 8:15.

View Details

Isaiah 14 Sermon Notes:1) The True People of God, 1-11

2) The True Enemy of God’s People, 3-20

3) The True End of the Enemy, 20-23

4) The True Purpose of God, 24-27

5) The True Home for the Wandering, 28-32

Reflection questions:1. Some think Isaiah 14:1-2 is a preview of Isaiah 40-66. Read Isaiah 40. What themes do you see from Is 14:1-2 that are reflected in this chapter?

Who do you think of when you read Is 14:12-15? (Compare and contrast with Revelation 12:8-12) What God-opposing sins do you see in this passage? Can you see the seeds of those sins in your own heart at times? (Robert Murray McCheyne: “The seed of every sin known to man is in my heart.”)
Read Isaiah 14:30a, 32. How are these verses comforting? Compare to Revelation 21:3-4; 22:1-5.

View Details

Isaiah 13 Sermon Notes:1) The Day of the Lord is Near, no matter who you are or when you live, 1-6, 22b

2) The Day of the Lord displays God’s anger against unrepentant sin, 6-16

3) The Day of the Lord displays God’s Sovereignty over good and evil, 1-3, 17 (cf Is. 10:5- 15; 14:1-2)

4) The Day of the Lord will humble Babylon and all her prideful imitators, 11, 17-22

Reflection questions:1. Why was it important for Israel to know that a particular foreign nation was going to be defeated? What was the state of Israel’s army at this time? See Isaiah 7:1-2, which may have been several years before Isaiah 13.

Why was Israel experiencing such bad fortune in the realm of war and geopolitical struggles? See Isaiah 9:13-14, as well 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4.
Was the Day of the Lord good news or bad news? Was it good new for some, not for others?

View Details

Mark 10:17-22 Sermon Notes:You are unable to earn eternal life, but Christ is able.

Correcting the Definition of Good
Challenging the Keeping of the Commandments
Identifying the Idol of the Heart

View Details

Isaiah 12 Sermon Notes:1) The Song of Salvation, 1-2

2) The Well of Salvation, 3

3) The Heralds of Salvation, 4-6

Reflection questions:1. What are reasons that you have to trust (v2) in God and not be afraid? Biblical reasons? Personal, experiential reasons?

Is your experience of salvation a deep well (v3; Rom. 11:33-36), an overflowing cup (Ps 23:5), or a glass that’s half-empty? Cf. Psalm 51:12.
Do you naturally want to tell others about the great deeds of God(vv4-5)? Have you noticed how a motivation to testify, tell, or evangelize is connected to a knowledge of God’s holiness? (See Is 12:4-6 and 1 Peter 3:14-15)

View Details

Isaiah 11:1-16 Sermon Notes:1) The Righteous Character of the Branch, 1-5

2) The Reign of Peace of the Branch, 6-9

3) The Regathering of the Branch’s people, 10-16

Reflection questions:1. What do you love about your home? What do you miss about previous homes? How will what you love and miss about all of your homes be fulfilled in your future home? (Read Rev. 21-22, especially 21:1-5)

What do the leaders in your life lack that you wish they had? Does the shoot (descendant) of Jesse (King David’s father) lack any of those things? Does he meet or exceed your desires for a leader?
Do you ever find yourself longing for the peace of the Branch’s kingdom (vv6- 9) without realizing that it requires the Branch’s kingship? In other words, do you find yourself longing for the blessings that will only fully arrive in heaven? Do you ever have a Holy Dissatisfaction (as the Puritans would say) with the things of this life? (Also see Psalm 120, especially v7.)

View Details

Isaiah 10:5-34 Sermon Notes:1) God uses evil instruments to judge His unfaithful people, 5-11

2) God sees the evil of His evil instruments, 12-19

3) As God judges His unfaithful people, God preserves a faithful remnant, 20-27

4) As God judges His unfaithful people, God also judges His evil instruments, 24-34

Reflection questions:1. Read Habkkuk 1 (especially v.13) and Ps 73 (especially vv. 3-4, 13, 16-17). What question did Habakkuk and Asaph, the author of Ps 73, struggle with? What was their comfort?

Read Acts 2:23. Who killed Jesus? Whose plan was it? Who is held responsible or guilty for it? What is the solution or atonement for that guilt? (See Acts 2:36- 41.)
One of Isaiah’s sons (see Is 7:3) had a funny name, which meant, “A remnant shall return.” Some have pointed out that the word “return” could also be translated “repent.” Where is the comfort in knowing “a remnant shall return”? Where is the call for action in “a remnant shall repent”?

View Details

Matthew 14:22-33

Sermon Notes:1) Jesus’ Sovereign Plan

2) Jesus’ Divine Power

View Details

Isaiah 9:8-10:4 Sermon Notes:What does this fire and brimstone passage teach us about God?

1) The Lord wants repentance and rest more than rebuilding, 9:8-12

Because He gives rest – Isaiah 30:18

2) The Lord wants us to seek Him more than experts, 9:13-17

Because He gives wisdom to those who ask – James 1:5

3) The Lord wants compassion more than contention, 9:18-21

Because He is patient with us and wants us to reflect His patience – 2 Timothy 2:24-25

4) The Lord wants philanthropists rather than parasites, 10:1-4

Because He lavishly gave to us – 2 Cor 8:9

View Details

Revelation 1:1-8 Sermon Notes:Main Theme: Revelation is written for instruction the Christian life

How can Revelation be practical?

Do our expectation of life and sense of identity really matter?

How does Revelation shape our expectations and identity?

View Details

Psalm 1 Sermon Notes:1) The Blessed Man’s Don’t’s, v1

Titus 2:11-12

2) The Blessed Man’s Delight, v2

3) The Blessed Man’s Expectation, vv.3-4

4) The Blessed Man’s Destiny, vv. 4-6

5) The Blessed Man’s Secret

Psalm 32:1-2
2 Corinthians 5:21

6) The Blessed Man’s Lesson for Us:

Being a Psalm 1 pastor
Being a Psalm 1 church with Psalm 1 Ministry Teams
- Faithful with what God provides, hopeful in God’s prospering, confident in God’s ultimate protection.
- Psalm 1 Generosity
- Psalm 1 Service

Reflection questions:1. How can Psalm 1 help you with your doubts, fears, or tendencies to despair?

How can Psalm 1 help you with your expectations – expectations for your growth in Christ, your future, your fruitfulness?
How can “Psalm 1 expectations” help you achieve what someone once called “the rare jewel of Christian contentment”? See 1 Timothy 6:6.

View Details

2 Samuel 6:1-15

Sermon Notes:1. God's Status & Statutes

God's Judgment
The Response to Judgment
God's Blessing

View Details

Isaiah 8:1-9:7 Sermon Notes:1) Immanuel can be your hope, even in hard times, 8:1-10.

2) Immanuel can be your hope, even in lonely times, 8:11-22.

3) Immanuel can be your hope forevermore, 9:1-7.

Reflection questions:1) Read Psalm 103:1-5. How can you “forget not all [the Lord’s] benefits?” During hard times, lonely times, and all times?

2) How has the Lord forgiven your iniquity?

3) How has He healed your diseases?

4) How has He shown you steadfast love and mercy?

View Details

Isaiah 7 Sermon Notes:1) The Call to Believe, 1-9.

2) The Cowardice that Looks Like Belief, 10-14.

3) The Consequences of Unbelief, 13-25.

4) The Colossal Good News out of Ahaz’s Bad Unbelief, v14; Matthew 1.

Reflection questions:1. Should Ahaz have trusted God’s Word (1, the promise to David in 2 Sam 7:16; 2, the name of Isaiah’s son; 3, the Word to stand firm from Isaiah’s mouth)? Is God’s Word reliable? See Hebrews 6:13-20, “the certainty of God’s promise,” according to the ESV editors.

Why did Ahaz not believe? How did he try to make his unbelief sound like a good thing? Have you ever tried to fool others or yourself by using similar words?
Read Matthew 1:18-25. Why would believing Gabriel and taking Mary as his wife have been an act of costly obedience (or costly faith) for Joseph?

View Details

Isaiah 6 Sermon Notes1) Seeing the Fullness of God’s Glory, 1-4

2) Seeing the Foul-ness of Man’s Sin, 5

3) Seeing the Forgiveness of God’s Atonement, 6-7

4) Seeing the Forecast for God’s Prophet: Sobering, yet Sure, 8-13

Reflection questions:1. From Oswald Chambers: “Our soul’s personal history with God is often an account of the death of our heroes. Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place. … When the person died who represented for me all that God was, did I give up on everything in life? Did I become ill or disheartened or did I do as Isaiah did and see the Lord?” (Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 13).

What do you think of when you hear the phrases “remnant,” “holy seed,” “stump”? See the following passages in Isaiah to understand the promises that God, through Isaiah, gives to his holy seed or holy offspring: Isaiah 41:8; 43:5; 45:25; 53:10; 59:21; 65:9, 23; 66:22.
Can the Sovereign, infinite God be known truly, accurately, and reliably, if He has revealed Himself to us in His word? If He has stooped down to our level and used “baby talk” (a la John Calvin) to communicate with us, His creations? Can the infinite God be FULLY known by finite creatures such as us? See Romans 11:33-36.

View Details

Acts 13:44-49; Isaiah 49:6 Sermon Notes:1) The "religious" disrupted (v.44-45)

2) The "religious" thrust aside (v.46-47)

3) The mission continues (v.48-49)

Reflection Questions:1. How might being on mission for God disrupt our life?

What does it mean to be the people of God?
How can be we salt and light in our lives?
How does God's sovereignty spur us on toward mission?

View Details

Isaiah 5 Sermon Notes:1) The Worthless Wine-yard, 1-7

2) The Warnings of Woe, 8-25

6 Woes (vv 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22)

3) The Invading Warriors, 26-30

Reflection questions:1) Have you ever read history and wondered why people back then couldn’t understand why this or that was so wrong? Consider Matthew 7:1-5 – Is it easier to see your own sin, or that of someone else?

2) Israel was rebuked for the sins of greed (v8), drunkenness (11, 22), arrogance (18-19), excusing their sin (20), conceitedness (21), and injustice in the form of accepting bribes (23) and possibly more. Do you see any of those sins in yourself? Which prayer is more fitting for you: ‘Redeem my life from the pit (Ps 103:4),’ OR, ‘Lead ME not into temptation (Mt 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:12)?’

3) Is the word “judgment” or “discipline” more appropriate for God’s actions against His people? No matter which word seems best and most Biblical, what comfort is there for God’s people when He allows unfortunate circumstances to come our way? See Hebrews 12:3-17.

View Details

Isaiah 3-4 Sermon Notes:1) Leaders Exiled, 3:1-15

2) Beauty Taken Away, 3:16-4:1

3) Home at Last, 4:2-6

Reflection questions:1) God’s judgment upon Israel is her leaders being taken away. Are you preparing yourself to be leader? If you are a leader or a mature Christian, are you preparing others to lead and become more like Christ? See 1 Tim 3:1; 2 Tim. 2:1-2; Titus 2:1-8

2) Read Proverbs 31:30. Also read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (especially vv.6-7, 12). Is beauty (or a good external appearance) a good thing or a bad thing? Or is it merely something that we overemphasize, something does not qualify or disqualify?

3) Read Isaiah 4:2-6, then read Revelation 19:6-9; 21:1-5. What images of Isaiah’s do you see John use in Revelation?

View Details

Isaiah 2:1-22 Sermon Notes:1) The Glorious Future of God’s Holy City, 1-5

2) The Ugly Pride of Man’s Downfall, 6-19

3) The Terrible Dread of God’s Majesty, 10, 19-22

Reflection questions:1) Is 2:1-5 seems to be a vision of what could be for God’s people. How much of this is possible on this side of heaven? Also see Matthew 5:13-16. What does Jesus call us to do in these verses? What does he want the end result to be (see v.16, especially)?

2) What can you learn about pride from this passage? What about these passages: James 4:6; Philippians 2:3-8 (esp vv.3-4); I Cor. 10:12; Rom. 12:3.

3) Many believe that Isaiah’s audience wanted the day of the Lord (so he would destroy their enemies) to come and that many of them were in for an unpleasant surprise, based on Isaiah’s prophecy. See Amos 5:18-20 for another example of this. What should Amos’s “be careful what you wish for” message teach us?

View Details

Isaiah 1:1-31 Sermon Notes:1) God’s Rebellious Children Need a Bath, 1-17

Title and setting of the book, 1
Israel’s rebellion and ruin, 2-9
Israel’s ruined worship, 10-17

2) God’s Rebellious Children Have an Opportunity, 18-20

3) God’s Repentant Children Will See Justice Restored, 21-31

Justice (Paradise) Lost, 21-23
Justice = Restoration for the Weary, 24-27
Justice = Vengeance upon the Wicked, 28-31

Reflection question:1. What is the Bible’s idea of justice? Read Leviticus 19:9-18 and try to see the following points/illustrations/applications (especially the 4th one) of the “Love your neighbor as yourself” principle:

Vv. 9-10 – Loving others with our possessions
Vv. 11-12 – Loving others with our words
Vv. 13-14 – Loving others with our actions
Vv. 15-16 – Loving others with our judgments
Vv. 17-18 – Loving others with our attitude (Taken from DeYoung and Gilbert, What is the Mission of the Church?, pp. 142-147.)

View Details

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 Sermon Notes:1) The Dead End: Meaninglessness and Vanity under the Sun, Eccl 1-12

2) Man’s Chief End: Finding Meaning and Purpose BEYOND the sun, 12:8-14

3) Man’s Chief End: Fearing and Glorifying God, 12:13

What does it mean to Glorify God? (These lists are based on some Biblical word studies done by one of our elders.)

A) Fearing God in our hearts. Fear = awe leading to obedience and reliance on God (Paraphrased from Eerdman’s Concise Bible Handbook)

B) Praising and Thanking God in prayer and praise

Praising Him for who he is
Thanking Him for what he does
Such as: His attributes, benefits (including Salvation for us and others!), miracles, providence, and promises.

C) Honoring God in our actions

Stewardship
Sabbath rest and worship
Building and keeping a beautiful place of worship
Maintaining our physical fitness and chastity (because our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit)
Obedience (including the fruit of the Spirit, good works including evangelism)
Suffering for His name’s sake.

4) Man’s Chief End: Keeping His Commandments (to Make Disciples), 12:13

What is a disciple?

A) A follower and imitator of Christ

B) A man/woman of priorities and practices. (He/she believes that they MUST:)

Worship and serve God
Serve God in a local church
Grow in Godly character
Know and use their gifts (including every gift, like picking up chairs).
Trust God’s promises
Pray regularly
Study the Word
Develop a Biblical world view
Testify of God’s goodness to him/her in the gospel
Finish well

C) A future-focused disciple-MAKER

Able to evangelize and follow-up until the new disciple becomes a disciple-maker.

View Details

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Sermon Notes:1. Missing out when we function as individual parts independent from others.

Missing out when we aren't serving in the role God called us to.
Missing out when we're missing whole parts of the body

Discussion Questions:1. What are some of your passions? What are some of your skills?

What are some of the needs that need to be filled at Forestgate?
What unique giftings might Forestgate possess that contributes to the health of the broader, global, body of Christ?

View Details

Romans 8:31-39 Sermon Notes:1) The Questions that Haunt an Apostle’s Conscience, 31-34

2) The Answers that Almost Make Sense, 31-34

3) The Ultimate Question behind the Other Questions, 35-37

4) The Ultimate Savior that Silences Every Doubt, Conquers Every Fear, 37- 39

Reflection Questions:1) Do you ever doubt that things are going to work out for you? Why is that? With whom do you share your doubts? Read Psalm 56 and see how (and with whom) David shared his doubts.

2) How does Paul answer the accusations and possible condemnations (vv33-34) in this passage? Did Paul have a lot of things that could have condemned him, or was Paul (formerly called Saul) a pretty good guy? Read Acts 8-9; Acts 13:9; 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

3) Have you ever wondered why Paul has such confidence in the security of God’s love? Did Jesus say or do something to make his people think that? See John 10:27-30; 11:25-26, 43-44; 20:24-31.

View Details

Romans 8:26-30 Sermon Notes:1) Our Perfect God Is Perfecting Our Prayers on the Way Up, 26-27

2) Our Perfect God Is Perfecting His Plans for His People, 28

3) Our Perfect God Is Perfecting His People to Be More Christ-like, 29-30

Reflection questions:1. Read I John 5:14. Do you ever worry that your prayers are not according to God’s will? How does it help you to know that the Spirit intercedes for us as we pray?

Read Proverbs 16:9. Can you think of a time when God showed you His plan in a way that unexpected or very different from your plans? (Also see Gen. 45:4-8; 50:15-21.)
Read I Peter 1:6-7. Can you think of a time when God uses “various trials” to refine you and make you more like Jesus? Was it enjoyable at the time? Can you rejoice in it now? Did you rejoice in it while it was happening?

View Details

Romans 8:18-25 Sermon Notes:1) The necessary perspective regarding suffering, 18

Suffering is a fact of life
Suffering is a fact of THE CHRISTIAN life (2 Tim 3:12)
Suffering is temporary (2 Cor 4:16-18)
We suffer, because this world is not our home (Phil 3:20-21)

2) The worldwide problem behind suffering, 19-22

3) The glorious payoff after suffering, 23-25

Reflection questions:1. What was the last “first-world problem” you complained about? How could counting your blessings (Eph 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 1:3-4) have improved your perspective about that problem?

How does our knowledge of this world’s fallenness help us to sympathize with the pains and groanings that others might express? See Job 2:11-13 (Note: This is the high point for Job’s three friends.)
Read 2 Cor 4:7-18; Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-2. After reading this, how would you describe “the glory that is to be revealed to us” in Rom 8:18?

View Details

Romans 7:7-25 Sermon Notes:1. The law is good because it reveals we're bad

Sin can misuse the law to make you feel good
We grow by using the law to show us we are bad

Reflection Questions:1. How does understanding our adoption into the family of God help us view obedience as a response to love rather than an outlet to earn love?

Do you ever feel tempted to think about your faith as "Justified by Faith" but "Sanctified by Law" (See Galatians 3)?
Google "3 uses of the law" (here is a good ligonier article). What are the 3 uses? What then are some improper uses of the law?
How can we use the law to increase our faith?

View Details

Romans 8:12-17 Sermon Notes:1) A Debtor to Mercy Alone, 12-13

2) A Death that Brings Life, 13

3) A Divine Father, 14-16

4) A Divine Inheritance, 17

Reflection questions:1) In what sense are we indebted to Christ? Should that phrase make us feel guilty, or should it encourage us? Consider the story found in Luke 7:36-50, especially vv. 41-43, 47.

2) Are you trying to kill your sin, today, this week? Which sin? Are you asking God to show which sins needs to be killed the most? Read Psalm 139:23-24.

3) Why do you think Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) uses the word “sons” and not “sons and daughters” in this passage? (From the ESV’s preface: “Sons … was used as a legal term in the adoption and inheritance laws of first-century Rome. As used by the Apostle Paul, this term refers to the status of all Christians, both men and women, who, having been adopted into God’s family, now enjoy all the privileges, obligations, and inheritance rights of God’s children.”)

View Details

Romans 8:4-11 Sermon Notes:1) A Stark Contrast, 4-6

2) A Dominant Hostility, 7-8

3) A Powerful, Resurrection Spirit, 9-11

Reflection questions:1. Is Paul saying that, spiritually speaking, there are only two kinds of people in the world? What is the difference, ultimately, between those two kinds of people? See Psalm 1:1-4 and Psalm 32:1-2.

If we are all “in Adam” or “in the flesh” from our birth (see Ps 51:5), how do we become someone who walks “according to the Spirit,” someone who is “in Christ” or “in the Spirit”? See 1 Cor 2:14; John 3:3; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Acts 9:1-5, 17-19.
What is your reaction to the truth that we will never be fully sinless, in our minds and in our actions, on this side of heaven? Is it Rom 6:1a (“Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?”) or is it more like Philippians 3:12-15?

View Details

Romans 8:1-4 Sermon Notes:1) In Christ, we have no condemnation, 1

2) In Christ, we have freedom, 2

3) In Christ, we have atonement, 3

6 ideas in this verse:

1) The law couldn’t do it, because it was weakened by the flesh.

2) But God did it.

3) God did it BY sending His own Son

4) Sending Him in the likeness of sinful flesh

5) Sending Him for sin

6) God condemned sin in the flesh (Summary of 2-5)

4) In Christ, we have Spirit-filled life, 4

Reflection questions:1. Do you ever fear the judgement or punishment that man can give? What did Jesus say about such fear? (See Matthew 10:28)

How would you answer the rhetorical question posed by Psalm 130:3? (Ps 130:3 – “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”) Hint: read the rest of the Psalm, too.
How should we respond to the gift of “no condemnation in Christ Jesus”? Consider Paul’s response in the immediately preceding verses: Romans 7:24-25.

View Details

Book of Romans Overview Sermon Outline:I. Salvation by Faith (Ch. 1-11)

A. Need for Salvation: Sin (Ch. 1-3:20) (vv. 3:9-12) 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one….”

B. Provision of Salvation: Alien Righteousness (Ch. 3:21-5) (vv. 3:21-24, 28) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…v. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

C. Result of Salvation: Freedom & Security (Ch. 6-8) (vv. 6:1-2, 11-12) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?...11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

D. Scope of Salvation: Sovereign Operation (Ch. 9-11) (vv. 9:11-13, 14-16, 19-24) 11 Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated”… 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy…19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

E. Through Means (vv. 10:13-15) 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

F. For a Purpose (vv. 11:11, 25-26) “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous”… (25) “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved.”

II. Transformed Life

(Ch. 12-15) (vv. 12:1-2) “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Reflection Question:For reflection this week, consider Romans 12:9-21. What are the ways in which you have been bearing fruit in some of these regards? What are the areas of your struggle or sin which you can confess to the Lord, or to one another?

View Details

Ruth 4:13-22 Sermon Notes:1) A Husband for Ruth, 13

2) A Redeemer for Naomi, 13-17

3) A King for God’s People, 17-22

Reflection questions:1. Ruth provides a link from the time of the Judges (Ruth 1:1) to the time of King David (Ruth 4:17-22). What was the spiritual condition of God’s people during the days of the judges? (See Judges 21:25) What kind of a king to God’s people was David? (See 2 Sam 21:16-17; 23:1-7)

Why is David well-regarded as a king despite his spiritual failures? See Psalm 51 (including the superscription “to the choirmaster…,” part of the original text of the Psalms).
Ephesians 5:25ff says that marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the church. Ponder that same truth as it is expressed in The Church’s One Foundation, v1:

The church's one Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is His new creation, by water and the Word; from heav'n He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.

View Details

Ruth 4:1-12 Sermon Notes:1) A name forgotten, 1-6

2) A name redeemed, 1-10

3) A name renowned, 11-12

Reflection Questions:1) Even if you don’t understand all of the transactions and negotiations in v.1- 12, why do you think the “other redeemer” (the unnamed one) chooses not to redeem Ruth and Naomi and the property of Elimelech? See v.5. (Also see question #3.)

2) Read Proverbs 31:10-31 (and Ruth 3:10). How do you see hints of Ruth in this passage?

3) Read Ephesians 5:25-33 and 2 Cor. 8:9. How do you see hints of Boaz in each passage?

View Details

Ruth 3 Sermon Notes:(Outline taken from David Strain, Ruth & Esther: There is a Redeemer & Sudden Reversals, 53-62.)

1) The Persistence of Sin in a Believing Heart, 1-5

2) The Good News of Rest for a Restless Heart, 6-14

3) The Promise of Fullness for an Empty Heart, 15-18

Reflection questions:1. Critique the following statement – “I don’t need to repent anymore; I’m a Christian.” Passages to consider: Ruth 1:20-21; 3:1-5; Romans 7:13-25.

How do you sometimes have trouble resting and trusting in the promise of God’s provision? In what ways do you think God is going to come up short? Reflect on Matthew 6:25-34.
How is Boaz good news for Naomi and not just for Ruth?

View Details

Ruth 2 Sermon Notes:1) The Redemptive Background You Need to Know, 2, 20b

2) The Chance Meeting You Happen to See, 1-7

3) The Worthy Protector You Long for, 8-17

4) The Unfolding Revelation that Keeps You Reading, 17-23

Reflection questions:1. Gleaning (Dt. 24:19; Ruth 2:2ff) could be seen as extension of the command to love your neighbor as yourself, loving with one’s possessions (See Leviticus 19:18 and 19:9-10). How can we do this today in a non-agricultural society? Consider this suggestion: “We must deliberately plan our financial lives to have extra left over to give to those in need.” (DeYoung and Gilbert, What is the Mission of the Church?, 144.) Also consider Ephesians 4:28

How do you see Boaz’s generosity and character in this story? Does it make you think of anyone else who gives far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Eph 3:20)?

3.In what ways are you doubting that God can provide for you – finances, protection, spiritual nourishment, or something else? Are you doubting that God’s grace is greater than all your sin, or all your need?

View Details

Ruth 1 Sermon Notes:1) The Road of the Bereaved, 1-5

2) The Request to Leave, 6-13

3) The Resolve to Cleave, 14-18

4) The Report of Grief, 18-22

5) The Reason to Still Believe, 22b

Reflection questions:1. What does it look like to believe in God’s Sovereignty but not in His goodness? What does it sound like? (Feel free to see Naomi’s examples in vv. 8, 20-21.)

Has your bitterness ever made you doubt God’s goodness to you? Has your bitterness ever driven people away from the God you say you love? Has your bitterness ever driven your friends away from you?
What can help us to stop feeling bitter and hopeless about our circumstances? See the following passages that start out bitter and end with hope: Psalm 77 (especially vv.7-15); Psalm 73; Lamentations 3 (especially vv.13-27).

View Details

Psalm 30 Sermon Notes:1. The problem: Our struggle is we don't know how to respond to intense suffering (Optimism in our own strength, vain optimism, optimism but only for the far-off future, Pessimism?)

The main idea: This psalm shows us that oftentimes, "suffering can bring reorientation." David's suffering offers him reorientation:
Reoriented Perspective (v.5)
Reoriented Relationship (v.8)
Reoriented Hope (v.11)
The answer: David's experience shows us that we don't face suffering with optimism or pessimism, but God uses the suffering to give us a reoriented "Hopeful Realism."

Reflection Questions:1. On a scale of 1-10, how much are you feeling signs of depression or anxiety from any suffering you are currently facing?

How do you tend to respond to intense suffering (see the list in parenthesis under "the problem" above).
Why do you tend toward that response and not the others?
What about David's experience in this psalm gives you hope or comfort for your own situation?
How might you reorient the way you see this current suffering with more of an outlook of "Hopeful Realism?"

View Details

Matthew 2:1-12 Sermon Notes:1. Wise Men Recognize the King

Herod Is Troubled by the King
Wise Men Worship the King

Reflection Questions:1) What are the "gatherings" your life tends to revolve around? Work? School? Recreations? In what ways can you improve in gathering with God's people, but not the absolute exclusion of other necessary or good gatherings?

2) What are the areas in which you tend to sin but justify or cover it with a "holy excuse?" Can you admit them to yourself, your loved one(s), and God?

3) What are the areas of your life that you are "holding back" offering your best to God?

View Details

Hebrews 7:14-28 Sermon Notes:1) We need a priest, 19

2) Jesus is a better priest, 14-17

3) Jesus gives a better hope, 18-25

4) Jesus gives such a greater salvation, 24-28 (cf Heb 2:3)

Reflection questions:1) Read Galatians 3:1-3. Why were the Galatians trying to be “perfected” by their own efforts? How would this passage from Hebrews have helped them?

2) Read Hebrews 10:14. What is the “single offering” that the passage refers to? In what way has that offering “perfected [God’s people] for all time”? In what way are God’s people “those who are being sanctified”?

3) Does the knowledge of your sin and of Christ’s sacrifice/suffering make you feel unworthy of His love? Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 10:19-25 – Should the knowledge of Christ’s work for you drive you away from Him, or pull you closer?

View Details

Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Matthew 17:1-8 Sermon Notes:1) God's word guides us

2) God speaks with us

3) Jesus, the ultimate prophet

4) The church, his body, as prophet

Discussion Questions:1. What are some rules you absolutely hate following?

2. What are some things you do, that you don't like doing, but you know are good for you?

3. Imagine being in love, how does it feel "doing all the right things to make a relationship healthy"? Does it feel burdensome or a joy?

4. How might a close relationship turn what was "begrudging obedience" into joyful expressions of love and trust?

5. How was Jesus a better law giver then Moses? How was Jesus a better covenant mediator then Elijah?

6. How are you called to be like Jesus, specifically how do we, as his body, continue his prophetic role in the world?

View Details

Luke 24:50-53 Sermon Notes:1) An Evangelistic Benediction, 50

2) A Dramatic Exaltation, 51

3) A Doxologic Jubilation, 52

4) An Enduring Association, 53

Reflection Questions:1. Christ blesses his disciples in vv. 50-51. Read Numbers 6:22-27 for background on how God blesses His people through His priests and compare to Psalm 67. How does God bless us, and what effect should it have on us?

2. The immediate response to Christ’s ascension was to worship God with great joy. While the Bible has much to say about worship, what do the following passages show you about what our worship should look like – either internally (in terms of our attitude) or externally (what we should express)? Hebrews 12:18-29; Psalm 2:11-12.

3. Fellowship (worshipping continually in the temple) is a minor note in this passage, but what more does Luke say about it in his second volume, Acts 2:42-47? Are you experiencing less fellowship with God’s people during this time? Do you miss it, or have you not realized how much you miss it and need it?

View Details

Luke 24:36-49 Sermon Notes1. Peace, 36-39

Proof, 38-48
Power to Proclaim, 45-49

Reflection questions:1. Were the disciples’ circumstances peaceful? (See John 20:19) How is that Jesus was able to pronounce peace to them during this time? (Consider John 16:33 and 14:27)

Why did the disciples need more proof of the Resurrection? What promises of God are you struggling to believe? Do you ever worry that God is disappointed in you because you have doubts? What word you use to describe God’s actions towards these doubters who should’ve known better?
Does Jesus still want us to wait (v49 – “stay”) until we proclaim the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins? Or has the promise “power from on high” been fulfilled? See Acts (Luke’s 2nd volume), specifically Acts 2.

View Details

Luke 24:13-35 Sermon Notes1) The Secret, 13-18

2) The Sadness, 17-24

3) The Story (Revealed), 25-27

4) The Satisfaction, 28-35

Reflection questions:1. How would you answer this question – I will be happy (or content) when ______ happens?

Read vv. 25-27. Can you think of one Old Testament passage that predicts part of the life and ministry of Jesus? Can you think of one theme of the Old Testament that is fulfilled in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ?
Read 1 Corinthians 15 about the Resurrection, particularly vv. 12-19. Why is the Resurrection so important to the Christian life? What perspective does it give us about our current life in a fallen world? Focus especially on v.19.

View Details

Luke 24:1-12 Sermon Notes1) The Perplexing Fact of the Resurrection, 1-4

2) The Frightening Remembrance of the Resurrection, 4-8

3) The Unbelievable Wonder of the Resurrection, 8-12

Reflection questions:1. Is it possible to be a Christian and not believe in the resurrection? How would you try to explain this to someone who said they like what they read about Jesus, but they can’t believe in miracles?

What are some truths of Christianity that are important to daily life that you have trouble remembering during your hardest struggles? How would your life be different if you could remember what you know?
When is the last time you marveled, wondered, or were amazed at the truth of the resurrection? When is the last time you said something like the following to yourself: “Amazing Love! How can it be? That thou my God should die for me”?

View Details

Luke 23:44-56 Sermon Notes:1) Stop and pay attention! (How the Centurion eventually understood) v.44-47

2) Think for yourself! (How the crowd eventually understood) v.48-49

3) Look out for his kingdom, not yours! (How Joseph understood even though the council missed it) v.50-56

Reflection Questions:1. How can you take time to slow down in your life and focus on Jesus to prevent what happened to the Centurion?

We know the gospel means both these statements are true "you are more sinful than you can see" but also "you are more loved than you can imagine in Christ". Which do you struggle more with?
What other "benefits" do you receive from being a Christian? How might those things become idols in and of themselves if you forget they are good gifts from God?
How might you feel if you were in the crowd crucifying Jesus and he looked at you? What expression would be on his face?

View Details

Luke 23:26-43 Sermon Notes:1) The Prophet who Warns of Destruction, 26-31

2) The Priest who Pleads for the Mockers, 32-39

3) The King who Welcomes the Repentant, 37-43

Reflection questions: 1. Read through Matthew’s parallel account of this passage (Matthew 27:27-51), and see if you can understand why D.A. Carson (in his book Scandalous) makes the following statements about that passage:

a. The man who is mocked as king is the king, 27-31

b. The man who is utterly powerless is powerful, 32-40

c. The man who can’t save himself saves others, 41-42

d. The man who cries out in despair trusts God, 43-51 (this last section parallels next week’s sermon passage)

View Details

Luke 23:1-25 Sermon Notes:1) The Will of Herod, 4-11

2) The Will of Pilate, 1-7, 11-16

3) The Will of the Mob, 16-25

4) The Will of the Lord, Isaiah 53

Reflection questions:1. Should we always assume that what we want is the same thing that God wants for us? See Psalm 37:4; Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 16:9

How does Barabbas show us a picture of the gospel even if we can’t assume that Barabbas ever believed the gospel? See 2 Cor. 5:21.
As we continue to look at the final week of Jesus’s life, how do you see the prophecies of Is 53 fulfilled in the life of Jesus?

View Details

Luke 22:54-71 Sermon Notes1) The Follower who Fails, 54-62

2) The Mob who Mocks, 63-65

3) The Son who Awaits His Sentence (and His Seat of Power), 66-71

Reflection questions:1. Consider this quote: “You don’t know Christ is all you need until Christ is all you have.” (source unknown) How does Peter’s failure and restoration (following his unfounded self-confidence) illustrate this? How have you experienced this truth in your own life?

How do the sufferings and humiliation of Christ comfort you? Consider the following passages Psalm 22 (especially v.24) and Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15-16.
How does the exaltation of Christ comfort you? Consider Revelation 21:1-5.

View Details

Luke 22:35-53 Sermon Notes1. Get Ready for Action

Get Set in Prayer
Jesus Gets Arrested

Reflection Questions:1) What are some trials you face now? What are some ways God has been faithful to you in the past that can give you confidence in the face of these?

2) How are you preparing yourself and your families for action in conflict with opposition to the gospel?

3) In what settings are your biggest temptations to remain silent about the gospel? How can you ask others to pray for this?

4) Where are your burdens of suffering in this life? What would it look like for God to strengthen you versus taking away the suffering?

5) How is God changing you through your suffering?

View Details

Luke 22:24-34 Sermon Notes1) The prideful servants, 24-27

2) The servant rulers, 28-30

3) The humbled leader, 31-34

4) The servant king, 27, 31-34

Reflection Questions:1. Reflect on Peter’s restoration in John 21:15-23. How do you see a hint of Peter’s jealousy in vv.18-23? How do you see Peter’s humility and his grief over sin (also see 2 Cor. 7:10)?

Do you think God cured Peter of his pride after this story (and after Peter’s failure in Lk. 22:54-62)? See 1 Peter 5:1-7.
Do you think Peter learned more about Satan and his power to tempt believers after this? See 1 Peter 5:5- 11.

View Details

Luke 22:14-23 Sermon Notes1) The Desire of the Supper, 14-15

2) The Delay of the Supper, 16-18

3) The Deliverance of the Supper, 19-20

4) The Dread of the Supper, 21-23

Reflection questions:1. Why did Jesus die? Because Judas betrayed Him? Because the Jews hated Him? Because God ordained for it to happen? Because Jesus (the God-man) wanted to fulfill His mission, God’s plan? See Luke 22:1-3; 22; Acts 2:23; Hebrews 10:5-10.

How did Passover foreshadow Jesus’s death? See Luke 22:1-23 and Exodus 11-13
How did Isaiah foreshadow Jesus’s death? See Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Focus especially on 53:5, 12

View Details

Luke 22:1-13 Sermon Notes1) The Conspiracy, 1-2

2) The Back-Stabber, 3-6

3) The Ultimate Co-Conspirator, 3

4) The Counter Conspiracy, 7-13

A secret from Judas
A sovereignty ordained plan
A supper to foreshadow His sacrificial death

Reflection questions:1) How long do you think Judas planned to betray Jesus? How long has Judas been secretly living a life of sin? See Luke 22 and John 12:1-8.

2) How long has Satan been fighting against God and God’s people? See Genesis 3; Exodus 1; Matthew 2:16ff; Matthew 4/Luke 4.

3) How long has Jesus been planning to redeem His people from their sins and to defeat Satan? See Ephesians 1:3-14; Genesis 3:15; Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10.

View Details

Luke 21:29-22:2 Sermon Notes1) The Kingdom of God is Drawing Near, 21:29-33

2) The Temptation of Daily Life is Drawing Near, 21:34-36

3) The Feast of Flatbread is Drawing Near, 21:37-22:2

4) The Blood of the Lamb is Drawing Near, 22:2

Reflection questions:1. Alongside obvious sins like drunkenness, Jesus mentions “the cares of this life” as something that can weigh us down and distract from our eternal destiny. In light of that, would you agree with the following statement? “There is an excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life, which is just as ruinous to our spiritual prosperity, and just as poisonous to the inner man.” (J.C. Ryle, Luke, 2:286)

Which of the following excesses are you more prone to? “Whether we are tempted to dissipation or distraction, we are committing a sin of excess – either excessive drinking or excessive concern with our worldly business. Some people like to break all the rules. Like the younger brother [in Luke 15] … Other people like to keep all the rules. Like the older son in the same parable. … Yet their hearts are just as far from God. It is not so much the bad things that tempt them, but too many of the good things. They are so caught up in what they are doing that they are not looking for their Father’s joy.” (Phil Ryken, Luke, 2:445)

View Details

Luke 21:5-28 Sermon Notes:1. Jesus is our comfort in hardship (v.1-8)

Jesus is at work in our hardship (v.9-19)
Jesus provides the way out of hardship (v.20-24)
Jesus will end hardship (v.25-28)

Reflection Questions: 1. How anxious are you about the future? What are some common ways you deal with that anxiety?

How might Jesus provide some relief from that anxiety?
What is a trial you are currently facing?
How might God be growing you in that trial?
What are some common ways we forget we stand before God's judgment solely in Christ's good record and instead make it some mix of Christ's record and our record?
If resting in Christ's deliverance from judgment, how is the day of judgment a good day for us?

View Details

Luke 20:41-21:4 Sermon Notes1) The Lord who Exceeds David’s Example, 20:41-44

2) The Lord who Judges Hypocrisy, 20:45-47

3) The Lord who Commends Generosity, 21:1-4

Reflection questions:1. How is Jesus Great David’s Greater Son? How is Jesus a superior king? See 2 Sam 8:15; 23:1-5 and Isaiah 9:1-7.

How is God’s judgement of hypocrisy (seen in Luke 20:45-47) bad news for hypocrites and good news for those who think life is unfair for the righteous? See Psalm 73; the author of Psalm 73 certainly thought life was unfair at times.
How might you Luke 21:1-4 impact you differently based on whether you think of yourself as rich or poor? What else does God say to the rich, other than passages like this where He encourages generosity? One example: 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

View Details

Luke 20:27-40 Sermon Notes1) Sad, U See: Because they didn’t believe the truth about resurrection, 27-33

2) The Good News about Marriage and Heaven, 28-36

3 reasons why heaven is better

3) The Good News about Resurrection, 37-38

4) Sad, U See: Because they heard the truth and didn’t repent, 39-40

Reflection questions:1) Do you ever find yourself thinking that heaven will be just like this life, only longer? Think about all the ways that heaven will be better than this life. Think about all the things you will no longer need in heaven.

2) If marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the church (see Eph 5:32), then how is Christ a better husband than any earthly husband? Think of all your flaws in your earthly relationships, especially your relationship with your spouse, if you’re married; how is Christ a better, more faithful friend?

3) Why is the resurrection so important? Read 1 Cor. 15:13-19 where Paul writes to a church that had begun to doubt the truth of the resurrection.

View Details

Luke 20:19-26 Sermon Notes1) The Plan Conceived, 19-20

2) The Trap Laid, 21-22

3) The Tables Turned, 22-25

4) The Truth Examined, 25-26

Reflection questions:1. The plans of the scribes and chief priests were not as pure as they appeared to be. Are there times when your own thoughts are not as pure as they should be, not as pure as you think they are? See David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 as you consider this.

The scribes and chief priests tried to reduce a complicated question (v22) down to two simple options. Are there times when God calls us to avoid simplicity and embrace wisdom? See Proverbs 1:1-7 and 1:20-22.
Read Romans 13:1-7 and Acts 5:29. Do these passages disagree? Or do they only appear to disagree, at first? What did the men in Acts 5:29 conclude that they had to obey God, rather than men (aka, the governing authorities – cf Romans 13:1)?

View Details

Luke 20:9-18 Sermon NotesThrough Christ's death, God exalts Christ, saves his people, and judges his enemies.

I. Rejection of the Prophets

II. Judgment & Transfer of Custody

III. Christ's Exaltation & Our Salvation

Reflection Questions:1) Consider how you are bearing fruits of faith & repentance. What areas of fruitfulness are closer to "top shelf?" In what areas might your fruit be a little "mushy." How might you best pray and take steps to firm it up?

2) What are some gifts you have in this life that contend with your love for the Giver Himself? Essentially, what are some of your idols? Comfort? Health? Material success? What would it look like to reorient the gift and the giver?

3) What are your areas of sin in which you are prone to say, "Surely not me!" or perhaps "Surely this time it will satisfy!"

4) How does identifying with Christ's rejection (the rejected stone) and his exaltation (being the cornerstone) help you in your walk?

View Details

Luke 19:45-20:8 Sermon Notes1) Hard hearts don't make room for others

2) The cycle of a hardened heart

3) Jesus breaks the cycle and teaches us how to make room for others

Reflection Questions:1. What are some ways the priests failed to make room for others?

What was God's mission to Israel? How did the priests fail at that?
What does it mean to be "A light to the nations"?
How do our priorities either "make room for others" or push them away?
What are some challenges you face in "Making room for others"? How might your life need to change to do that?
What are some steps you can take this week to "make room for others"? How did Jesus live in a way that "made room for others"?

View Details

Luke 19:28-44 Sermon Notes1) Prophetic Preparation, 28-35

2) Public Procession, 35-38

3) Prophetic Exaggeration? 39-40

4) Prophetic Lamentation, 41-44

Reflection questions: 1. Read Zechariah 9:9-10, the prophecy fulfilled in Luke 19:28-40 and Matthew 21:1-10. Now reflect upon this quote: “So it has always been that the church does not effectively spread the gospel by sword or by arrogance, but by mirroring the humble spirt of its king and savior.” (Thomas McComiskey)

Read Luke 19:40. Now read Romans 8:18-27. What does Romans have to say about creation longing and groaning? What does it say the Holy Spirit groaning within us, and why is that good news?
What do Jesus’s tears for Jerusalem show us about His heart for humanity? Did Jesus rejoice in the downfall of the wicked? Should we? Also, what does it show us about Jesus’s suffering unjustly? (Also see 1 Peter 2:19-24)

View Details

Luke 19:11-27 Sermon Notes1) The Royal Timeline, Rightly Understood, 11-12

2) The (Hated) King Returns, 12-15

3) The King Rewards the Faithful, 15-19

4) The King Rewards the Fearful, 20-27

5) The Royal Rewards, Rightly Understood, 24-27

Reflection questions:1. “Faithfulness reveals faith in a good king. Fearfulness reveals hatred or apathy toward a misunderstood king.” How do you see that play out in this story?

The first two servants both say (vv16-18) that the mina (the amount of money) made or earned more money. Are they merely being humble, or do God’s gifts sometimes possess power beyond our own actions? Cf. Romans 1:16; Colossians 1:28-29.
Consider the following quote (from Leon Morris’ commentary on v.26): “In the Christian life we do not stand still. We use our g

View Details

Luke 19:1-10 Sermon Notes1) The Man Who Seeks Jesus, 1-4

2) The Man Whom Jesus Seeks, 5-7

3) The M.O. of Saved Sinners, 8

4) The Mission of Jesus, 9-10

Reflection questions: 1. Compare and contrast the stories of the Rich Young Ruler (Lk. 18:18-30), the blind beggar (18:35-43), and Zacchaeus (19:1-10). What do you notice about each of them regarding their money, their view of Jesus, their view of what they need, their willingness to obtain eternal life and more?

Who sought whom first? Zacchaeus or Jesus? Cf. John 6:44; I John 4:19; Luke 19:9-10; Luke 15; Ps 23:5- 6.
Jesus comes invites Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Can you ever think of another time that Jesus showed up uninvited, unannounced? (See Luke 23:36-49; John 20:19ff)

View Details

Luke 18:31-43 Sermon Notes1) The Journey Resumed: Re-Setting His GPS for Jerusalem. (31-33)

2) The Clueless Caravan: Why are we going there? Are we lost? (34)

3) The Shameless Hitchhiker: “Have Mercy!” (35-39)

4) The Rest Stop: the Beggar Healed. (40-42)

5) The Journey Continues: Freeloader(s) in Tow. (43)

Reflection questions: 1. What did Jesus know about what awaited him in Jerusalem? Why did He keep going? See Heb 12:2

Read the following quote, and then ask why Jesus stopped for Bartimaeus? “Jesus was so terrifically busy, but only with the things he was supposed to be doing. … If Jesus were alive today, he’d get more e-mails than any of us” (Kevin DeYoung, Crazy Busy, 54).
John Calvin says Bartimaeus and other followers were “mirrors of the grace of Christ.” How does Bartimaeus’s story show the grace of Christ? How does Paul’s story show it? (1 Tim 1:15-17) How does your story show it?

View Details

Heb 10:21-25; 2 Tim 2:1-2; Titus 2:1-5; Eph 3:20-21 Sermon Notes What is our mission at Forestgate?

1) Exalting … the Lord through Joyful Biblical worship – (REACHING UP) – Heb 10:21-25

2) Encouraging … each other to love and good deeds – (REACHING IN) – Heb. 10:21-25

3) Equipping … each other for service in the church and in the kingdom – (REACHING DOWN) – 2 Tim. 2:1-2 (Titus 2:1-5)

4) Engaging … the culture around us (REACHING OUT) – 2 Tim. 2:2; Acts 12:25 – 13:4

5) Expecting Great Things from God, Eph 3:20-21

Reflection questions: 1. Have you prayed about how you can serve some of our high-risk members of our congregation at this time?

Have you prayed about how to better engage with your small group/Bible study/community group at this time? If you’re not in a group, what might be the benefits of being in one? (Also, reach out to the staff or elders if you’re not in a group but want to be in one.)
Are you expecting great things from God this year? Have you been tempted to despair about your circumstances? What great things for God do you think He wants you to attempt next?

View Details

Luke 18:15-30

Sermon Notes1) Give it up … and come as a child

2) Give “it” up … that idol you’re clinging to

3) Give it up … and get something greater

Reflection questions:1. What characterizes a child? What about a child might Jesus be asking us to mimic when he says "come like a child"?

2. What are some ways you have failed to love God above anything else? What are typical things that you tend to really love in this world?

3. In what ways have you fallen short in "loving your neighbor" to the best of your ability?

4. How is money a particularly dangerous idol?

5. How might you, today, respond to Jesus' call to "give it up", to give up whatever might be holding you back from fully following him, fully loving him, fully loving your neighbor?

View Details

Luke 18:9-14 Sermon Notes1) We all desire to be approved, to be justified, declared right or righteous

2) The problem is we look inward, toward our own actions, to find this justification… but we never attain it

3) We can only find true acceptance, approval, and justification through Repentance (full acknowledgement that we aren’t right) and Faith (full trust that Jesus’ atonement makes us right)

Reflection questions:1. What would it be like to receive a 'Thank You' card where the person recounts all the things they had done?

2. What are some of the "respectable sins" that Christians often overlook? What are some sins that Christians tend to focus more on than others?

3. What are different ways we try and prove our goodness to others? Which ways are you most tempted?

4. How are Remorse and Regret different from Repentance?

5. How does repentance (fully admitting sin) actually bring us rest?

View Details

Luke 18:1-8 Sermon Notes 1) Losing Heart, 1

2) The Lousy Unjust Judge, 2-6

3) The Lord, the Just Judge, 6-8

4) The Last Question, 8

Reflection questions: 1. What are some reasons that you sometimes lose heart in God’s promises, or lose heart in doing good? What are some of the ways God tries to encourage us NOT to lose heart? See Gal. 6:9-10. 2 Cor 4:1, 16-17.

What does the Bible say about God’s care of widows? What can this teach us about compassion for the needy? See Ps 68:5; Lk 20:47; Lk 7:11-15; Ps 146:9; Proverbs 15:25; Zech. 7:10; Isaiah 1:17.
Why is God’s justice good news and not just a scary concept? See Revelation 6:9-11; 11:18.

View Details

Luke 17:20-37 Sermon Notes1) The Kingdom’s 1st Coming was NOT to be SEEN (or foreseen), 20-21

2) The Kingdom’s 2nd Coming will be SUDDEN, 22-33

3) The Kingdom’s 2nd Coming will cause SEPARATION, 32-37

Reflection questions:1. Why didn’t Jesus give the crowd another sign (in vv.20-21) to prove that the Kingdom had come? Compare Luke 7:18-23; what does Jesus tell the messengers of John the Baptist when they wonder if Jesus is the King they should expect?

2. What did Noah’s neighbors and Lot’s neighbors do that was wrong (vv26-30)? Was eating and drinking wrong? Was is what they did that was wrong, or what they ignored? Compare Luke 12:18-21.

3. There will be a separation when Jesus comes again to rule and reign, but what will be the line of separation? Good people and bad people? See 1 Tim. 1:15 (and Acts 8:1-3); John 3:16-18.

View Details

Luke 17:11-19 Sermon Notes1) Jerusalem, 11

2) Distance, 12

3) Mercy, 13

4) Priests?, 14

5) Glorifying God, 15

6) The Samaritan, 16

7) The Nine, 17

8) The One, 18

9) Faith, 19

Reflection questions: 1. Why does Luke mention Jerusalem in v.11? Is it merely a geographical detail? See Luke 9:21-22; 43-44; 51, 53.

Why is gospel of God’s grace to Gentiles and foreigners (see Lk 17:16-18) good news to you? If you are Jewish – Is there any advantage to being Jewish? Does that advantage (if there is one) mean that you need God’s grace less? – See Romans 3:1-4, 9-20.
Does faith save you? Does God save you? See Ephesians 2:1-9.

View Details

Luke 17:1-10 Sermon Notes:Despite the inevitable mess of our sin, Jesus Christ enables forgiveness and increases faith.

1) Jesus' Exhortations on Temptation and Forgiveness

2) Plea for Faith

3) Jesus' Response to the Plea

Small Group / Discussion questions: 1. Who in your life might you need to seek forgiveness from for putting stumbling blocks in their way because of your own sin?

How would you quantify your own degree of faith? Is it a mustard seed, or do you still feel far off? How does our sin also affect how we feel about our faith?
How does pride or self-dependency get in the way of God-dependency? How do Jesus' words that crush pride function to increase faith?

View Details

Luke 16:19-31 Sermon Notes 1) The Great Disparity in This Life, 19-21

2) The Great Chasm in The Life to Come, 22-26

3) The Great Prophet Who Came Back to Life, 27-31

Reflection questions: 1. What was Asaph jealous of in Psalm 73? (See especially vv.1-3) What had Asaph forgotten? See vv. 16-17, 23-24.

When it says that Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s side (or bosom), is that comforting, confusing, or something else to you? Before you answer, read Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16 about Abraham’s faith and his future.
Why did Jesus say it was so important to listen to Moses and the Prophets? See John 5:46-47; Luke 24:25-27, 44-45. (Also, for more regarding miraculous signs, see 1 Cor. 1:22-25)

View Details

Luke 16:14-18 Sermon Notes1) The Kingdom of God is Not about Loopholes and Looking Good, 14-15

2) The Kingdom of God is about Violent Force, 16

3) The Kingdom of God is about Law and Order, 17-18

Reflection Questions:1) How can trying to do the right thing become a bad thing? What role do your motives play in this? What role do the opinions of others play in this? Read vv. 14-15 and also see Philippians 3:1-10.

2) How did people seem to force their way into the Kingdom? See Luke 5:17-26; 7:36-50; 8:43-48. Did they really force their way in? See John 6:37, 44. See I John 4:19.

3) Jesus probably mentioned the laws about divorce (Luke 16:18) because it was one law that the Pharisees had trouble keeping. What is one of God’s laws that you try to rewrite or ignore to avoid admitting that you fall short of it? What would be a better approach? See Philippians 3:7-9.

View Details

Luke 16:1-13 Sermon Notes1) The Dishonest Manager Who Used Money Shrewdly, 1-9

2) God’s People Should Use Money to Make Everlasting Friends, 1-9

3) God’s People Should Use Money to Receive Something Greater, 10-12

4) God’s People Should Use Money, so that Money Doesn’t Use Them, 13

Reflection questions:1) Are there things we can learn from people who are unrighteous, dishonest, or dishonorable? Why? Has God given them some gifts, as well? See Matthew 5:45 and Matthew 10:16.

2) What does it look like to make friends who can receive you into eternal dwellings (v9)? Compare to Matthew 6:19-21.

3) Thomas Chalmers once preached a sermon titled, “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.” What do you think he meant? What was the expulsive power he was talking about? Compare Luke 16:13 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.

View Details

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Sermon Notes 1) The Prodigal Son, 1-3, 11-19

2) The Prodigal Father, 11-12, 17-24

3) The Other Lost Son, 1-3, 11, 25-32

Reflection questions: 1. How did the prodigal son (the younger brother) want his father’s things more than he wanted his father? How can God’s people be guilty of the same thing? See Psalm 73; Phil 4:10-13.

Read. vv. 13-14. Why was the younger son in need? Was it his fault? Was it all (including the famine) his fault? Are our bad circumstances always our fault alone? Prov. 5:3-4; John 9:1-3.
Why is the older brother so angry? How does he see the younger brother, and how does he see himself? (Cf. Luke 15:1-3) a.Consider this quote: “The proud and the self-righteous always feel that they are not treated as well as they deserve.” (Leon Morris, Tyndale NT Commentary: Luke, 261.)
Which brother was worse? Which was least deserving, more deserving? Before you answer, consider this quote: “I am both of those kinds of sinners, and maybe you are too. I am the selfish son who wants to go off and sin; I am also the stingy brother who prides himself on doing my duty. But there is grace for me in the Father’s love.” (Phil Ryken, Luke: Reformed Expository Commentary, 2:165)

View Details

Luke 15:1-10 Sermon Notes 1. Grumbling, 1-2

Searching, 3-4, 8
Rescuing, 5-6, 9
Repenting, 7, 10
Rejoicing, 5-7, 9-10

Reflection questions: 1. Why did the Pharisees grumble about tax collectors and sinners so much? See Luke 15:1-2, as well Luke 5:27-32; 7:36-50, especially vv. 37, 39; 19:1-10. Still not sure? See Luke 18:9-14.

What kind of shepherd did Israel expect? See Psalm 23; Ps 80:1, 3. What kind of shepherds did they sometimes have? See Jeremiah 23:2; Ezekiel 34:4, 6. How was God going to fix it? See Ezekiel 34:11-12; Isaiah 40:11.
How did Jesus want the Pharisees (and us) to respond to the lost sheep and the lost coin that were found? See Luke 15:6, 9.

View Details

Phil 2:1-11 Sermon Notes:1. Paul’s plea for unity, 1-2

Paul’s ‘how to’, 3-4
Paul’s pattern for our unity, 5-11

View Details

Luke 14:25-35 Sermon Notes:1. Only one thing can be “Ultimate” in our life (v. 25-26, 33)

There is a cost to following Jesus (v. 27)
There’s no middle ground, a decision must be made (v. 28-30 & v. 31-32)
Our usefulness is on the line (v. 34-35)

Reflection Questions:1. What are some things that are really important to you?

How would you prioritize those things? Which ones, or which one, do you feel is the "most" important?
How might it be true that only one thing in your life can be the "ultimate" thing?
What are some things that it costs you to follow Jesus? What must you give up to truly follow him? What are you doing for selfish reasons that you might have to stop reaching for?
Are you willing to go to him today and give those things up? Are you willing to share that with someone else so they can help hold you accountable?
How might God use you more? What might he be calling you to do to be a more engaged, more devoted follower of him? How can you be salt to those around you today, tomorrow?

View Details

Luke 14:7-24 Sermon Notes1) Humility shows that you trust God to exalt you, 7-11

2) True Generosity shows that you trust God to reward you, 12-14

3) Excuses show that you don’t trust the Goodness of God’s invitation, 15-24

Reflection questions: 1. Read Luke 14:11. Now see Luke 18:14; Matthew 18:4; 23:12; 1 Peter 5:6. Why do you think humility is so important? What is humility a sign of? How does a humble man see himself? How does he see Christ? Also see Matthew 5:3-7; Ephesians 4:32; Phil 3:8-9.

What is true generosity? What clue does Jesus give in Luke 14:14. How are we able to show true generosity? (See 2 Cor. 8:9)
Consider the three excuses makers in Luke 14:18-20. Compare and contrast them to what Hebrews 11:24-26 says about Moses.

View Details

Psalm 46 Sermon Notes1. God is our fortress, so we won’t fear roaring waters, 1-3

God is our fortress, so we won’t fear roaring nations, 4-7
God is our fortress, so we won’t roar, 8-11

Reflection Questions: 1) Compare Psalm 46:1 to Hebrews 4:15-16. What do these verses tell you about God’s character and His willingness to help you? Also see I John 5:14; Matthew 6:8; 6:31-34.

2) Read Psalm 46:4-7; Hebrews 11:8-10; and Philippians 3:20-21. What type of city, and what type of citizenship are these verses ultimately pointing to? Also see I Corinthians 15:19.

3) Does “being still” mean that we stop praying and stop all activity? Consider Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 127.

Forestgate: Recent Episodes

Forestgate Presbyterian Church (PCA)