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Who Needs a Doctor? July 21, 2024 Who Needs a Doctor? Sermon Series: It Had To Be Said Download PDF Luke 5:27-32 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Main Idea Jesus calls sinners because the sick need a doctor Outline If you are a sinner, go to Jesus! We are all sinners, worse than sick Expect to see sick people around the doctor Jesus alone is the true physician that saves. Jesus is the doctor, not me or you Jesus is the God-man who saves sinners by dying in their place Pre-Questions What are some common reasons people visit a doctor? How do these reasons relate to seeking help for spiritual issues? Before diving into the passage, consider: How do you usually respond when you realize you need help, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? Discussion Questions What is the main point Jesus is making in Luke 5:27-32? Why does Jesus compare sinners to the sick needing a doctor? In what ways do you relate to the idea of being spiritually sick? How have you experienced Jesus as your spiritual physician? How can our group better support each other in recognizing our need for Jesus? What practical steps can we take to welcome and support those who are seeking spiritual healing? How can we extend the message of Jesus being the ultimate physician to our broader community? What challenges might we face in reaching out to those who don't see their need for Jesus?

Heading 3 Deb Crater Centennial Park

The Power of Sin in the Christian Life May 12, 2024 The Power of Sin in the Christian Life Sermon Series: The Church Never Preaches On... Download PDF 1 John 3:1-10 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. Main Idea Christ’s victory over sin gives us a new identity from sin. Outline A new trajectory (1-3) A new morality (4-7) A new family (5-10) Pre-Questions 1. How has the presence of sin (post-salvation) affected you? 2. Why does it matter if we sin? Discussion Questions 1. Read Romans 7:16-20. How does this passage help us understand the idea of sin remaining in our lives even after we are saved? 2. What dangers come with the idea that we can be fully free from sin in this life? 3. Often, we believe that the gospel message is only for non-Christians, but how does this message teach us that it is also for believers?

Yes and Amen to the Promise of Mercy March 24, 2024 Yes and Amen to the Promise of Mercy Sermon Series: Yes And Amen Download PDF Matthew 20:29-34 29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. Main Idea Jesus, our triumphant king, is God's yes and amen to the promise of mercy Outline 1. Broken or blinded by sin we need to see our need for mercy (29-30) 2. Rejected or reviled by people we still need to seek the mercy of Jesus (31) 3. Busy or burdened to mission, Jesus will stop to show us mercy (32-34) Pre-Questions 1. What questions do you have when you, either heard this message and/or read this passage? 2. How do you celebrate Holy Week? What does it mean to you and your family? Discussion Questions 1. In which areas of your life do you think sin blinds you? (If you're not sure ask your spouse or a close friend) 2. In Matthew 20:30 & 31 the blind men call out to the Son of David. What is the significance of this (read 2 Samuel 7)? 3. Our world tells us that we're not "blind," and that we're good. Like the crowds, when the world tries to silence us, what should be our response? 4. In this passage we see that God isn't too busy for the blind men. With what thing - this week - do you need to trust that God isn't too buys for you?

Live Your Truth September 8, 2024 Live Your Truth Sermon Series: Calling Out Cultural Lies Download PDF John 8:31-38 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Main Idea Truth is not fabricated, truth is found Outline Truth is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ Truth is found in the righteousness of Jesus Christ Truth is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ Pre-Questions What context have you heard "live your truth?" What from this passage/sermon surprized you? Discussion Questions How have you heard vs 32 used before? How has this passage/sermon changed your understanding? How does sin bring slavery? Rather than demonizing those who may have used this phrase, in what ways might we - subconsciously - believe this as well? How can we break free from bondage of sin? How does the message of "live your truth" and the desire to run from the TRUTH show our sin nature?

Personal Distractions vs. Truth and Righteousness February 25, 2024 Personal Distractions vs. Truth and Righteousness Sermon Series: Withstand Download PDF Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Main Idea We are most vulnerable when we are most distracted Outline 1. Attention is the antidote for distraction 2. Truth is the antidote for deception 3. Righteousness is the antidote for dishonor Pre-Questions 1. When you think of righteousness, what are some words you use? 2. How did this sermon inspire you toward worship? Discussion Questions Pastor Ryan said that attention is the antidote for distraction. Where are you distracted? How would our culture define truth? How does scripture define it? What does it mean to be righteous? Why does righteousness matter? What gospel glimpses do you see in Ephesians 6:14?

The Beauty and Truth of Heaven April 21, 2024 The Beauty and Truth of Heaven Sermon Series: The Church Never Preaches On... Download PDF Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Main Idea Heaven is another reminder that the best is yet to come Outline 1. The Heaven that there currently is. (v1) 2. The Heaven that there will be. (v2-5) Pre-Questions 1. What ways does our culture get the concept of heaven wrong? 2. What most excites you when you think of heaven? Discussion Questions 1. Who is heaven for? 2. In what ways did this sermon challenge your view of Heaven? 3. How does Hebrews 12:22–25 connect to Revelation 21:1-5? 4. How is heaven a real future place and a real current reality? Read Ephesians 2:4–6 and discuss.

Present Darkness vs. Spiritual Strength February 18, 2024 Present Darkness vs. Spiritual Strength Sermon Series: Withstand Download PDF Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Main Idea We need the whole armor of God if we are to stand strong. Outline 1. We need to be all in because the enemy is all in (vs 10-11) 2. We need the right perspective to identify the true enemy (vs 12) 3. We need the whole armor for the whole battle (vs 13) Pre-Questions What do you think of when you think about spiritual warfare? What kind of things stuck out to you in the sermon that you’d like to address further? Discussion Questions In the sermon, Ryan said “The Devil has a specific strategy for you. He doesn’t use cookie-cutter strategies.” How does this impact your perspective on how you must fight? How does knowing our enemy change how we operate in the world around us? After hearing this sermon and reading this passage of scripture, who is God calling you to love that you wouldn’t naturally love? How will you put on the armor this week? When Jesus went to the cross he was most likely crucified naked in our place. How does Jesus’ death allow us to be able to put on the armor of God? How does the Gospel connect to putting on the armor of God? In light of this, how will you respond in worship?

What Defiles a Person? June 30, 2024 What Defiles a Person? Sermon Series: It Had To Be Said Download PDF Mark 7:1-23 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.” And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Main Idea It's not about what goes in, but what comes out Outline 1 The Source of Contamination I. The Pharisees Answer: from outside (vv1-5) II. Jesus' Answer: from inside (vv14-23) 2. The Solution to Contamination I. The Pharisees Answer: rules upon rules (vv9-13) II. Jesus' Answer: a new heart (vv6-8) Pre-Questions 1. What about this message challenged you? What about this message encouraged you? Discussion Questions 1. Jesus teaches that what defiles a person comes from within, not external factors (Mark 7:14-23). How does this teaching challenge the common perceptions of holiness and purity in today's society? 2. Read Mark 7:1-13 and compare it with Isaiah 29:13 and Colossians 2:8. How do these passages collectively address the issue of placing human traditions above God's commandments? Discuss specific examples where modern Christian practices might fall into this same trap and how we can return to a more biblical focus. 3. In Mark 7:14-23, Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external rituals. Reflect on Proverbs 4:23 and Jeremiah 17:9-10 with Jesus' teaching. How do these passages help us understand the condition of the human heart and God's desire for our inner transformation? Share practical ways these insights can guide our spiritual growth and community life. 4. In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for valuing human traditions over God's commandments. How can we identify and correct areas in our own lives where human traditions might overshadow God's Word? How can we ensure our practices align with biblical teachings?

Heading 3 Sherilyn Schaeffer The Journey Christian Counseling

Heading 3 Steve Bristol Alliance Counseling

The Warning of Judgement November 3, 2024 The Warning of Judgement Sermon Series: Obadiah Download PDF Obadiah 1:1-9 Main Idea God warns us that he will cut down those who boast in their pride. Outline 1. Pride dooms us (vv1-2) 2. Pride deceives us (vv3-7) 3. Pride destroys us (vv8-9) Pre-Questions When you think of the word ‘pride,’ what comes to mind? How do you think pride can impact relationships with others and God? Have you ever experienced a time when you relied on something or someone for security, only to find it wasn’t as dependable as you thought? How did that impact you? Discussion Questions In Obadiah 1:3, God points out that Edom’s pride “deceived” them, leading them to believe they were invincible. How does pride impact our view of ourselves and others? Reflect on Proverbs 16:18. How does this proverb help us understand God’s judgment on Edom in Obadiah? Can you share an example of a time when pride led to unexpected consequences in your life? Obadiah 1:4 reveals that God will “bring Edom down” despite their high position. How does this verse show that no one is beyond God’s reach or justice? Read Psalm 7:11. How does this help you understand God’s response to Edom’s actions? How does it change the way you view injustice in the world? Edom felt secure in their strongholds and alliances (Obadiah 1:5-7), but they were ultimately betrayed and vulnerable. What are some “strongholds” people might rely on today that can lead to false security? In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus contrasts building on rock versus sand. What would it look like for you to build your life on a foundation that lasts? The warning to Edom reminds us of the importance of humility and compassion. How can we guard our hearts against the pride that Edom displayed? Read Philippians 2:3-4. What steps can you take this week to demonstrate humility and compassion, particularly in difficult relationships? Obadiah 1:8-9 highlights God’s control over even the wisest and strongest of Edom. How does acknowledging God’s sovereignty help us avoid the mistakes of pride and self-reliance that Edom made? Reflect on James 4:6. How does God’s promise to lift up the humble encourage you to depend on Him rather than your own strength?