DANIEL  4: Glow Worms & Grass
October 27, 2019
Charles Billingsley

Our lives are full of choices—and most of them are concerned with how we can make life easier, more fun, or more interesting for ourselves, right? Do you ever struggle with the fear that you are being selfish, as in, always wanting “your way”? Can you share?

Open:

As we study the Old Testament book of Daniel, we get enthralled with the craziness of the life of the king of Babylon, where Daniel and his three friends were taken as captives. King Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon for over forty years, twenty five of which had Daniel as one of his cabinet. As chapter four of Daniel is concluded, the king saw Daniel’s God as the One, True God, against Whom he had greatly sinned.

Focal Passage: Daniel 4:1-37

Key Verse: Mark 8:36: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

The Patient Heart of God: Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation

• Read Dan. 2:46-47 and 3:28-29. What had King Nebuchadnezzar observed about the God of Daniel and his Jewish friends in these chapters?
• Daniel has now been a wise man for the king for about twenty-five years. Can someone please summarize the events in Daniel 4:4-10, someone else tell of the dream in verses 11-14, and someone else summarize vv.15-18? What is significant about the change of subject in verse 15?
• Read verse 19. How does Daniel react when he hears the dream? Why does it affect him so greatly? Someone please summarize the forewarning that God has given the king.
• Read verse 27. What warning does Daniel himself give the king?

The  Sovereign Power of God

• Read Daniel 4:27-28. What was the sin that the king has to be broken over?
• Read (around the room): Proverbs 16:18; 16:5a; 15:25a; and 6:16. What does God think about pride? Who was the cause of the king’s humiliation?
• Read Jeremiah 22:25. Nebuchadnezzar probably never heard of Jeremiah, the Judean prophet. How did Jeremiah’s prophecy reinforce the sovereignty of God? What about Proverbs 21:1?

The Restoring Hand of God

• Read Dan. 4:34, 36-37. What was the pivotal act that brought an end to the king’s trial? How did he respond?
• How does verse 37 differ from the proclamations he had made after Daniel had averted the killing of the wise men by interpreting the dream in Chapter 2, as well as the end of Chapter 3, with the Fiery Furnace?
• How could Nebuchadnezzar have avoided such a seven-year disaster? Was God being fair, to have attempted to show him through Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, as well as Daniel warning him?

Take Aways

• The patient heart of God—God is patient, but will do what He needs to do to humble us.
• The sovereign power of God—God is Sovereign—and will do what He needs to do for us to recognize this.
• The restoring Hand of God—God is a redeeming God, and will restore us if we humble ourselves before Him.

The battle you are facing is ultimately between who you want to be and who Creator God wants you to be.

Close:

Pride is simple to define: it is our will for our life fighting against God’s will. We can usually spot it instantly in someone else—but recognizing it in ourselves is hard for us to see, and harder still to take authority over.

Nebuchadnezzar had built a huge city with superlatives on every side. He had a “right” to feel a healthy pride in what he had achieved. However, rather than giving the glory to the only true God, he took the praise for himself. Over a period of several years God tried to get his attention, to no avail. Finally, after a fearful dream, Nebuchadnezzar called in Daniel. Daniel instantly knew God was about to bring the king to his knees, and issued a passionate, final warning of disaster coming. One year later, the king became as a cow in a field, eating grass for a meal.

When is the last time God tried to get your attention for a sin that you refuse to acknowledge? Does it frighten you that there will be an eventual cutting off of the grace that you take so lightly? Don’t let it go on until God has to take drastic action: repent, turn from the sin, and if it enters your mind afterward, take those thoughts captive! David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise!” (Psalm 51:17).

DANIEL  2: BUT GOD!
October 13, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

There are so many ways in which people come to “the end of the rope.” And though you hear practical solutions, you also hear desperate statements. Can you share a memory?

Last week we began a new study on the life of young Daniel and his three Jewish friends, as they purposed in their hearts to not defile themselves while in captivity in the land of Babylon. God honored their devotion and commitment while they adjusted to their new life. Today we will focus on Chapter 2, as the four friends seek God during a potential death sentence.

Key Verse: Daniel 2:20: “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.”

Focal Passage: Daniel 2:1-49.

Life’s not fair

• Read Daniel 2:1-5. What are your first thoughts as you read this narrative? Why is it amazing that Daniel and his friends were by now, two years later, still staunch in their faith toward God?
• What do you think the king was trying to achieve with his bizarre—and impossible–command? Was it possible? Was it fair? Why or why not?
• Word about the directive of the king had to have spread rapidly. What were some of the possible scenarios playing out in homes around Babylon?
• Daniel and his friends were still young teenagers, and there was little likelihood of being able to escape Babylon, so what were their options?

All we can do is trust God

• Read verses 11-13. What did the wise men exclaim when the king insisted they tell him the dream, with no hint of what he had envisioned?
• What did the king’s guard begin doing immediately? How dire were the consequences to Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Azariah (Meshach), and Mishael (Abednego)?
• Even though the circumstances were not fair, had there been anything up to this point in Daniel’s control? Were the four friends from Judah able to change any of the events? Could they have foreseen this occurrence?
• Daniel has not yet heard what was going on, unless it was from panicked citizens. Was there anyone known to be trusting in the one, true God at this time? Why not?

God is our only hope

• Read verses 16-19. How did Daniel react to the words of Arioch, the captain of the guard, and what did he immediately do?
• How did Daniel’s action show that his relationship to God was still his priority, after two years in the foreign land?
• What happened as the result of fervent prayer? Read James 5:16b-18. What limits does fervent prayer have? Read 1 Peter 3:12. Does God delight in your prayers?
• Why is it safer to trust God for action than to trust men?

Who or what will you trust?

• Read Daniel 2: 27-28. What was the outcome when Daniel was taken before the king?
• What are the two most significant words in these verses?
• What does “But God” signify to you?

Close:

What an amazing story about our God, who watches over His children. Second Chronicles 16:9 tells us, “…the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Such a tremendous promise for those who need Him to snatch them from the jaws of death!

Daniel’s biography from Daniel, Chapter One, ends with the determination of four young Jewish boys to serve God in the land of captivity. Now, approximately two years later, the four are again put to the test as they fear for their lives when faced with a command that will kill all wise men in the realm of Babylon. Prayer alone saves the boys as they fervently take their plight to God, calling on Him to deliver them from the crazy edict of the angered monarch.

In front of the king, Daniel unapologetically gives God the glory when asked if he (Daniel) is able to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He replies that it is only by God disclosing the dream that he can relay the circumstances of what Nebuchadnezzar has seen in his sleep. Daniel did not waver in giving glory to God.

Would that we would be so strong in our faith as to realize that anything Satan can throw at us—from daily trials to insurmountable problems of approaching death—can be taken to the Lord in prayer, and know He will take care of the situation. When all circumstances seem against us, when we are literally at the end of our rope, we have a God in heaven whose eyes roam to and fro, throughout the earth, watching over us. Is your heart so right with God that His eyes would stop and rest on you as you pray? Let us remember this important lesson from Daniel, and seek our God daily, so that our hearts are always at peace in His grace and mercy!

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
  September 29, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Every day on Facebook there are thousands of posts showing the positive or negative character qualities of the potential candidates in the upcoming Presidential race.  Do you respond in anger or are you able to love those people who declare views contrary to yours?

As we continue our series, Who Is My Neighbor, we want to examine our personal lives to see if love—real, unconditional, godly love—is the motivation for our actions, our speech, our giving, or works. If it’s superficial or false, it falls short of God’s ideal. Today we want to learn how we can really love those people who are not very likeable! How does love act when we think someone is wrong, hateful, or evil?

Key Verse: Matthew 22:37-39: Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” and Matthew 5:43-44a: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy,’ but I say to you, love your enemies…”

Focal Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.

Open:

Love unconditionally

• Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. What does God mean by the word love? How do you love those within your family? What about the times when they disappoint, rebel against, or anger you?
• Are you able to love unconditionally, regardless of someone’s behavior? Why or why not? How do you love if they hate you, or are truly your enemy?
• Do you want to be loved unconditionally? Why is it so hard to love others like that, when we desire it for ourselves?
• What is the ultimate goal when we love enemies as God desires us to?

Love authentically

• Read verses 4-5a. What are some definitions of the word authentic?
• What do you do if someone is pretending to care for you, but you know they are insincere? When a believer acts in a way different from their words, what does the world call them? How does the world discern hypocrisy?
• If you believe you love your enemies, ask yourself what you base your answer on, and what your motivation is; explain your answer if you will. Where does genuine, godly love, spring from?
• Can you think of times you are rude? Why is it important to us that we are “right”? If you—and all Christians—reacted only in love to those who oppose us, what would happen? Would it impact their lives eventually?

Love completely

• Read verses 5b-6. Where do we draw the line in withholding love from our enemies? How much did Jesus love us? Read Romans 5:10. Do you love your enemies like that?
• Read Luke 6:32-35. Who are we supposed to love, according to these verses? What did Jesus mean when He said “God is kind to the unthankful and evil” people?
• If we consistently react with love when confronted with hate, what are some possible outcomes?
• If we love in order to gain something, what does our love mean to God?

Love strategically

• Read verse 7. If we love intentionally, when will we stop loving? Who are you focused on, if you love without giving up?
• How can you deliberately strive to love, no matter what occurs? Did Jesus love like that? Where did He draw the line?
• In John 3:16, what are some phrases that show how much God, before the creation of the world, ordained that He would love? Can you love like that?

Close:

As we think about loving those who are our enemies, often our mind goes to the guy who cut us off in traffic, or the person who ran the red light, almost causing a wreck. Perhaps it was the person who snickered when the boss called us into his office, or that post on social media that drove you wild. But those people are only frustrations in a normal day—they are not enemies. The truth is, very few of us have real enemies. Enemies are people who have a strong desire to see us hurt physically, mentally or emotionally; they spend time plotting evil and wicked plans to bring us hurt.

We get so comfortable being in control in our own life that we often believe those who challenge that control are enemies. The truth is, those aggravating people, as well as any genuine enemies, need the gift of God’s love more than the friends who are in our inner circle.

Rather than getting riled because of those who irritate us, we need to take our thoughts captive and pray for whatever circumstance has caused them pain. We need to be examining our heart to bring it into conformity with God’s will for us.  He established His word and His law, not to take away our freedom, our fun, or our happiness, but that we should find beautiful peace and joy by obeying those things He has said are for our good. Can you obey Him for a day? A week? Can you keep on “keeping on” until your heart has become like His?  If we can learn to carry our cross daily, we can love our enemies as Christ desires us to!

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
September 15, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

It’s so easy to give a strong tongue lashing (from the privacy of our own car) to a near-by driver who causes a dangerous situation, isn’t it? Our anger rears its ugly head quickly! Can someone share a recent experience or anecdote?

Last week we began a new series, Who Is My Neighbor, focusing on the question asked in Luke 10:29, which prompted Jesus to tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Today we want to get an answer as to “How” we can really love these neighbors, many of whom are people we neither know nor possibly like. How does love act in these situations?

Key Verse:Matthew 22:37-39: Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Focal Passage: Matthew 5:43-48.

Be a Blessing

• Read Matthew 5:43-44a. What is the commandment Jesus gives in verse 44a? Read James 4:17. Now that you are aware of the commandment in Matt. 5:44a, how does James 4:17 hold you accountable?
• What are some ways we can be blessings to people we do not know? How has the Hurricane Dorian and now Tropical Storm Humberto enabled us to help “neighbors”?
• Read verse 45. What point is Jesus making about God? Does anyone recall the significance of “heaping” blessings? * How are we to be like God, in that we love and do good to people we may consider an enemy?
• Read James 2:14-17. How are these “works” meant to be huge blessings poured out on those we don’t know—or possibly don’t like?

Be a Servant

• Read verse 44c. This small phrase contains what action word? Why is it important for us to put our faith into action?
• Read 1 John 3:18. Why is God (through John) telling us to do this? The word for “deed” is toil; what does toil represent?
• If you help someone to the point of dirt and sweat, what type of picture will that portray to the neighbor whom you are helping? How is that what Jesus would have us do?

Be a Prayer Warrior

• Read verse 44d. Why is it important to pray for someone who is an enemy?
• Explain how/if you can dislike someone yet pray for their well-being. What will eventually happen?
• Read Romans 5:8. Did Jesus have enemies? Who, according to this verse? How much did He love them (us)?
• As you pray for others, how can you reflect on God’s character traits, and His desire to see the world come to Jesus?

Result: We’ll Make Our Father Proud

• Read verse 48. Why will praying for your enemies make you “mature” (not perfect as in sinless perfection, but as in complete, mature)?
• Is Biblical godliness attainable for whole-hearted Christ-followers? Does it come natural to humans to love and pray for their enemies?
• Read 3 John 1:4. As we strive to be more like Jesus, how does this make God proud? If Jesus said that loving and praying for our enemies will make us more like Himself, can we believe this? Why?

Close:

As we close the lesson sheet on this very amazing subject, how does it make you feel? Are you on edge that God would ask such a thing of you as to love and pray for those who hate you—or whom you hate—and you think it to be something that can be attained only by the Son of God? Loving our enemies seems easy when we’re sitting in the church pew, comfortable and surrounded by friends. It’s not so easy when we get up to leave, and the first person we see is that (hypocrite) who started the false rumor about you, or the man whom you know abuses his wife and children. Or you get in the car to go home and you’re hardly out of the parking lot before someone cuts you off in traffic; or the fast food drive-through hands you your food order, you pull out into heavy traffic, and your Coke is sweet tea! Suddenly you’re inundated with feelings that weren’t in your heart while the sermon was being preached.

Don’t mistake the truth: it is not easy to live the Christian life! We are at the bull’s eyes of Satan’s darts every day, and he knows exactly where to aim them. Our weaknesses are his area of expertise, and he knows exactly how to get us enraged, or impatient, or angry at those we are supposed to love. What is our answer?

Go to God’s word! His words to us—as we learned in 2 Peter 1:3—contain everything we need for life and godliness. Life is found in Him, and godliness can be cultivated day by day by taking your thoughts captive, controlling your urges to do the wrong thing, and turning each intent of the heart over to Him, begging Him for a heart like His. Does He want this for you? Yes. Is it His will for you to be more like Him? Yes (Romans 8:29). So, begin, or begin again. It’s never too late to start, and for the apathetic or backslider—second chances are His specialty!

Jesus in the House
September 1, 2019
Charles Billingsley

Have you recently had an opportunity to do a good deed for a friend or neighbor? Can you share what you did, and tell how you felt afterwards?

Today we are going to take a fresh look at the account of Jesus healing the paralyzed man in Mark 2. We’re going to examine the different people or groups present that day and see if we can identify which one we might have been in, had we been there. It is a report of friendship, faith and forgiveness, and we’ll examine the power each of those can play in our lives.

Key Verse: Mark 2:10-11: “ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic,  “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Focal Passage: Mark 2:1-12.

A story of friendship, faith and forgiveness

• Read Mark 2:1. Who is the first person we meet in this narrative? What was significant about His relationship to Capernaum?
• Read verse 2. We now have a group represented: who are they? How many people were inside the house?
• What does Jesus do when everyone is gathered? What is the word translated for ‘preached the “word”’?
• What is significant about the Greek word “LOGOS”? Does anyone recall where it is used in the book of John?

The Impact of Friendship

• Read verses 3-4. Who are the next two characters (or group) we encounter?
• What did the four men go through to get their friend in front of Jesus?
• Ask yourself: How far have I ever gone to bring my friends to Jesus?

The Result of Faith

• Read verse 5a. Whose faith did Jesus take note of? Whom did the men have faith in? What—do you suppose—did they believe?
• Why does faith require action? Can you back up your answer with Scripture?
• Read verse 5. Why did Jesus say this? What could He have said instead?
• Why is it imperative who or what the object of your faith is?
• Ask yourself: is my faith actively seeking to please and love Jesus always?

The Power of Forgiveness

• The paralyzed man had need of two things in his life; what were they?
• What happened to him the moment Jesus pronounced his sins forgiven?*
• Read verses 6-7. Who now enters the picture? What do they represent as they continually monitor what Jesus is saying and doing?
• If they were in today’s churches, who would they probably be? Share some examples from your own experience.
• Why did they feel Jesus didn’t have authority to forgive sins? What did the OT law require for sins? Did they speak their words aloud?
• Read verses 8-11. What did the scribes believe about Jesus? What was the significance of Jesus telling the man, “Arise…Go”?
• Read verse 12. What happens when Jesus is in the house?

Remember: The impact of your friendship for another can lead them to the Kingdom of God.

Remember: The result of a bold and daring faith can be a life change for one of your friends.

Remember: The power of forgiveness lies in the Hands of Christ alone. He is the only One who can save you.

Close:

Wouldn’t you have loved to have been in Capernaum the day Jesus entered that house?! We think of the gathered crowd, the anticipation, the excitement—and we feel it would have been the experience of a lifetime. But we must ask ourselves, which group of people, or persons, would we have identified with? The crowd, hyped up to see Jesus; the friends, hoping for a chance for their pal to get healed; the crippled man, such as we often are, needing His touch; the critics, always finding something wrong with the service, the decorations, the noise, or the lengthy message?

Yet—we are in church every week, and JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE! Perhaps He has come because there are some who worship Him; there will always be some in need who come for healing their broken hearts, setting their spirits free from prison, having blind eyes opened to see the Light. He comes because some friends pray for their buddies or family members; He comes to bring joy. And the critics come. The same critics who were in Capernaum, jealous that Someone is not doing things the way they’ve always done them, or preached the right sermon, or gotten glory they themselves sought.

Again, WHO ARE YOU IN THIS NARRATIVE? Pray that you are so in love with Jesus Christ that you are only waiting for His word to “Arise,” “Take up _____ (whatever He asks you to do),” and “Go!! (wherever He tells you!)”

*He was Justified—“Just as if I’d never sinned.” He is Adopted—into the family of God. He is United—with Jesus for eternity!

LIFEGUARD: FAKE TEACHERS 2 PETER 3
August 18, 2019
Jonathan Falwell

Was there a person you knew—or someone from television—that you looked up to when you were a child, to the point where you mimicked their mannerisms to the best of your ability?

Today we end the series on the book of 2 Peter. We have been made aware of tribulation and suffering that we will endure as a Christ-follower, as well as learning how to recognize false teachers. Today we look at an evil world gone mad, trying to stop the message of the Gospel and frighten Christians into silence. Let us commit to imitating Jesus Christ in all we do and say.

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:2-3: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

Focal Passage: 2 Peter 3:1-18

People will mock what you believe

• Read 2 Peter 3:1-2. What did Peter want his readers to be mindful of? When truth is attacked, what are we to call to mind?
• What are some promises of God that you hold on to during times of stress?
• Read verse 3. Who will be a major force to reckon with in the last days? Why do some people dismiss the truth? Will there always be unbelievers?
• In verse 4, what is the main theme the wicked will taunt God’s people with?

But God will never be mocked

• Read verses 5-6. What example of the earth not continuing as it was do the scoffers overlook? Read Matt. 22:29. What are some evidences of the accuracy of Scripture, and why can we trust all of God’s word?
• Read verse 7. What had God—by His Word—done with the earth in the past? How is He holding it together? What will He do with the earth at the end?
• Read verses 8-9. Why has God waited to end earth as we know it? What is proven by the patience of God?

The end is a reality

• Read verses 10-12. What are four characteristics of the Day of the Lord?
• Jesus Christ is going to return! Is this a promise you can back up with Scripture? What type person does Peter say you must be, to be ready?
• Read Matt. 16:2-3. Jesus says we cannot be ready for the end unless we know the signs; how can we know those signs?
• Read Matt. 24:43. How must we be living, since we do not know the hour He will return?

Remain faithful because God is faithful

• Read verses 13-14. What are we to be watching for? In addition to be living in “holy conduct and godliness” (verse 11), how else are we to be living?
• Read verse 17. When it seems as if everyone around us is mocking God, what will keep us faithful to Him?
• Verse 18. What is our goal in this life? What is the answer we must have ready if asked by scoffers where our God is (verse 15a)?

Close:

An old hymn, Jesus Is Coming Soon*, has these words: “Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear, freedom we all hold dear now is at stake; humbling your heart to God saves from the chastening rod, seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians, awake!” And the chorus begins, “Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound…” Those lyrics sound as though they could have been written for today. The sinful lifestyles lived by the people of nearly a hundred years ago seems nothing compared to the evil that is rampant in this world. The tragedy is that more people today are going to hell than ever before.

Peter was concerned not only for the Christ-followers of his day, but those who would be reading his letters for years to come. We who are alive more than 2000 years after he lived grab hold of the words and cling with faith to the promises left by the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing everything written in scripture holds true until the end of time.

Hopefully you are encouraged through this study of Peter’s writings to remain faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ, enduring suffering, recognizing false teachers or preachers, and looking for signs of His return. What a tremendous depth of the riches of Christ is found in these books! Lay hold of the truths, being steadfast til His return!

*Winsett, R. E., “Jesus Is Coming Soon”

LIFEGUARD: LESSONS FROM 2 PETER 1
August 4, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

It’s amazing the memories we retain from those who have been closely involved in our lives: grandparents, extended family, parents or guardians, or others. Can you share something that still impacts your life today, that you learned from one of them?

Today we begin a new series on lessons to be learned from the apostle Peter as he wrote to believers of the first century A.D. His writings, so filled with truth and life, not only helped the new Christians of his day, but have made lasting impressions through the centuries since.

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:2-3: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

Focal Passage: 2 Peter 1:1-21

The Door has been unlocked

• Read 2 Peter 1:1-4. Who was Peter writing this letter to? What was the precious faith he was referring to?
• In verse 3, what does Peter say God has given to us? What does this power enable us to do? How much of life are we able to navigate well if we use the Bible as our guide?
• When are we able to use this knowledge? Why will it continue in eternity?
• How did this knowledge come to us? What does he promise we will receive? What else will we receive (4b)?

So walk through the Door

• Read verses 5-9. We have been given everything needed to live in this world; what does it require from us? In verse 5-6, what character qualities are we to build into our lives?
• What is the promise in verse 8?
• What happens when we do not act upon our salvation experience (verse 9)? What do those who lack the qualities in verses 5-6 develop?

The later is gets, the more important it becomes

• Read verses 10-11. How does discipline in knowing scripture help us? Read Psalm 119:11. How does this verse corroborate 2 Peter 1:10?
• Read verses 12-14. How long did Peter say he would remind Christians of “these things” (1 & 2 Peter)? What did he know would eventually happen?
• Read verse 15. What did Peter do that ensured we would always have reminders of what he knew to be truth?
• Reading and memorizing God’s word is never “second nature”; what does it take in our lives to accomplish this? Read Gen. 3:19a. Symbolically, if you liken this passage to studying God’s word, to absorb the Bread of Life, what would be the necessary action needed? Does growth happen without effort on the part of the person? Why not?

This is the real deal

• Read verse 16-19. When a friend tells us of something they have seen, what type of impact does it make, over something which we read but have no personal experience or witness of? What testimony did Peter have?
• What were some of the miracles and actions of Jesus which Peter and others witnessed?
• Read verse 19-21. What was the significance of the prophecies that were fulfilled?

Close:

In this day of news feeds that are viewed with suspicion on every side, it is not often that we are able to have a first-hand report of something that is truly news-worthy—and be certain we can believe it! Yet the apostles who followed Jesus were eyewitnesses of the miracles He performed, the like of which had never been seen (John 9:32). How wonderful it is to have the testimony of a man who not only was able to encourage others of his day to a devoted walk with the risen Savior, but also the Christians who have lived during the past 2,000 years?

It is with conviction and encouragement that we are able to absorb the writings of the apostle Peter, knowing the hand of God was moving upon him as he wrote! The result is letters of how to live life by navigating it according to the revelation of Jesus Christ. Would that we be faithful as we follow Him through this crazy world! It is a book to be memorized, its message one that will sustain us through hard times, through the mountain tops, valleys, tribulation and help us experience joy.

Read it, commit it to memory, and be ready always to answer those who ask you the reason why you believe!

GOOD NEWS FOR HARD TIMES, PART 4
July 21, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Do you recall times in your childhood when you just had to know that one of your parents—or someone you trusted—was going to go through a difficult or scary situation with you? Why was that such a comfort?

We are continuing our series, “Good News For Hard Times,” as we look at the joy and comfort we get in knowing our God is going to be with us through any difficult circumstance we will face in this life. No one will be able to remove His protective presence from us, nor snatch us out of His hand! His promises are rock-solid, sufficient for all time, and He is all we need to endure the pain and suffering that the world, the flesh and the devil will throw at us.

Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:6 (NLT): “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.”

Focal Passages: 1 Peter 3:12-4:6; Heb. 4:14-16.

Discuss:

Reality #4: Worry is always a very real part of suffering.

• No one’s life is exempt from suffering. What are some of the situations that happen, making us wake in the night, unable to sleep because of worry?
• What is another emotion that comes in with the worry? Why do we fear?
• What should we do to lessen the grip worry and fear manage to get on us?

Response #4: God’s protection is real.

• Read 1 Pet. 3:12. How do we know that God’s promise is true?
• What are some situations that have happened in your life, on which you can base your belief that God is with you?

Be encouraged: God protects your reputation.

• Read verses 13-17. What are the promises in these verses? What are the “command” verbs in them?
• How does God want you to live? What does a life of holiness result from?
• God is concerned that you live righteously. What is one of the major factors in holy living? What are the two facets of forgiveness (read Matt. 6:12)?

Be encouraged: God protects your heart.

• Who affects your heart? What are some lies your head can tell your heart? What can you do with these hurts?
• What are some things the world can throw at us? Why can they not remove God’s protection?

Application:

• God’s protection will always be there. Read Romans 8:35, 38-39. Why can His protection not be removed from you?
• You can run to Him for help at any time! Read Heb. 4:14-16. How are we to approach God? How is this like the confidence you had in your folks as a child?

Be encouraged: God protects you from your past.

• Read 1 John 1:9. Why is it so necessary to not let sin go unconfessed? How much wickedness does He cleanse us from when we repent?
• What happens to our sinful past when we are made clean? Read Psalm 103:12. Are we condemned to live with our past choices?
• What is the difference between forgiveness of our sins and the continuing consequences of our actions? Read Rom. 8:1. How can we be free from the filth of our past?

Close:

Living a life of faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, believing Him able to save your soul and one day to usher you into heaven, is great—and a necessary starting point! But there is so much more to a relationship with Him after you’ve established a life of faith. It is the difference between knowing someone for who they are, being the recipient of their generosity, but then becoming friends or brothers with them. Your relationship has taken on new dimension!

In this day of technology, we might purchase a computer that is the latest model. We can log on, interact with friends or family, upload games, movies or entertainment, and do a variety of actions that provide hours of enjoyment. But only when we get into the manual telling of the capabilities of the device, spending hours learning its potential, and studying its inner ability, do we grow in our awe of just how truly ‘marvelous’ the thing actually is! Our relationship with Jesus Christ begins when we hear the story of His life, and what He accomplished on the cross at Calvary. But the enormous wealth of relationship advances when we spend daily time in His word, devouring everything He has felt it necessary to tell us! Add to the study a quality prayer life, and your relationship will grow deeper and deeper, until you find yourself hungering and thirsting for His presence. As your faith grows, your knowledge of Him will increase, and it will become very real that He has committed His life to you, being there in the good times and bad, never leaving or forsaking you, always ready to supply wisdom when you need it, and comfort in abundance. Why would anyone desire to go through this life with the filth of the world staining their garments, when they can experience the joy and peace from the One who loves them more than they ever thought possible! We need to tell them.

Easter Sunday – 2019
April 21, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Today, Easter Sunday, was a day filled with “the worst of times and the best of times,” to borrow a quote from Charles Dickens. If you were on social media today, or just in your ordinary life, can you give an example in either category?

Today is the day above all others that separates Christianity from any other religion in the world. We alone can point to the where Jesus Christ was buried on Friday evening, after dying from the crucifixion. We also are able to take you to that tomb, where on Sunday morning, the women went while it was still dark, and found the tomb empty, with angels proclaiming, “He is not here, for He is Risen, just as He said!” No other world leader ever walked out of a tomb under their own power and have hundreds of eyewitnesses to verify that He is alive!

Key Verse: John 3:17: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 9-10; John 3:16-17; Philippians 1:21-24a.

Discuss:

WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR:

• Read 1 Cor. 15:1-8. What was Paul’s reason in verses 1-2 in writing to these believers?
• Verses 3-4 contain the truth which we proclaim. What do we call it? Why is it such “good news”?
• In verses 5-8, how many people saw Jesus after His resurrection? If you had seen a loved one die and placed in a tomb, then over 500 people saw that person walking and talking, what would you think? Would you doubt the truth?
• The entire gospel is contained and defended in these verses. Why is this so important?
• Read John 3:16-17.
• Read 1 Cor. 15:9-10. How do you imagine Paul’s attitude to be as he spoke these words?
• Did Paul deserve God’s grace on his life? Why or why not?
• Why is your journey so much like Paul’s? Was your life full of disobedience, dishonoring the commandments of God, but Jesus came to you anyway?
• Why is the empty tomb a reminder that Jesus appears to us when we don’t deserve His presence? 

TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN

• Read Phil. 1:21-24a. This was Paul’s innermost, truest feeling. How can you explain such a willingness to live or die for Christ? Is this how you feel or are you ready to be with Christ, “but not quite yet”?
• What did he mean, in saying these words?

Close:

Each year, as Easter approaches, we look for something new to add to this two-thousand-year-old series of events. The beautiful thing is, there is nothing to add: it has all been done, it was finished two thousand years ago, and there is nothing that can be put on as an addendum.

What does change, year to year, is the number of lives who have been radically changed. This year there are some who people would never have imagined that they would ever be saved. Some lives were so far down that all friends had given up. Yet God reached down and extended His grace to some of them. Others whom neighbors thought to already be a believer, actually got saved—and are literally a new person! The stories continue. Lives are changed, marriages are saved, addictions are healed, and diseases are cured.

Does that mean you lacked faith because God did not change something you asked of Him? Not at all. We see only the little picture, almost like looking though binoculars, missing everything except the small thing we’re focusing on. God sees the big picture—the overall, the beginning from the end. We see in fragments, minuscule portions, and put them together like a puzzle—most of the time incorrectly.

No, there’s nothing new to add to the perfect story of Easter. Jesus Christ, as Paul wrote in our opening passage, came from heaven to earth, and died for our sins, just as the Scriptures foretold. He was buried, raised from the dead on the third day, (just as the Scriptures foretold), was seen by Peter, then by the twelve, then by more than 500 of His followers at one time, most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote to the Corinthians. Then He was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, He was seen by Paul. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Then, so important to us—He reached down while we were dead in our trespasses and sins, and made us alive with Him forever. Now, we’re waiting for Him to return for us. What a glorious ending!

Words Matter : Isn’t It Amazing?
March 31, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

There are many incidents that happen unexpectedly, and we often react by being stunned speechless or amazed beyond belief! Can you think of an example?

For centuries animal sacrifices were necessary for the Jews to attain forgiveness of sins. Is it any wonder then, that the crowds were drawn to the charismatic, compassionate personality of Jesus, as He brought a message of hope, joy, peace and love? The Jewish leaders who hated Him reminds us of the legalism in our own history, when only hymns were sung (some churches barring instruments), and clothes for church services had to be suits and ties, or hats, gloves and “Sunday” dress. As we have evolved into a more casual worship style, some still cry “Heathen!” But God the Savior draws people to Himself with love—no matter their skin, clothes or singing—and His love can’t be denied, nor ignored. Isn’t that amazing?!

Key Verses: Mark 1:22: “And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Focal Passages: Mark 1:21-28.

Discuss:

The Word of God Amazed:

• Read Mark 1:22. Who was the “they” mentioned in this verse? Can you give examples of what Jesus taught that ran counter to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees? (Matthew 5 and Matthew 23 have many examples).
• How is that different from today, when educated men deny the existence of God, and the deity of Christ that is revealed in God’s word?
• Read verse 27. Why was His authority so different from that of the scribes and Pharisees? What did He promise to His listeners?
• Jesus had power the crowd had never witnessed; what was their reaction?

Can anyone share something miraculous He has done in your life, and it could only have happened by the power of God?

The Word of God Changed:

• Read verses 23-26; what happened to the man who had the demon cast out of him? Can you think of other miracles Jesus performed that left someone with a changed life?
• God has not changed throughout history. He still changes lives today! Can you share the testimony of someone you thought to be beyond the hope of salvation, only to see their new life in Christ?
• How is it possible for people to sit in church Sunday after Sunday, hearing the word of God preached, yet never coming to salvation?

The Word of God Traveled:

• Read verse 28. How was it possible for the news of Jesus’ fame to spread throughout the regions?
• When people heard of the miracles, the teaching, the feeding of the thousands, and much more, what do you suppose they did?
• Read Matt. 24:14. If you had lived in the days when Jesus spoke these words in Matthew, how would you have responded? Now how do you see it being fulfilled?
• Rather than going to far countries, what would happen if everyone in your church prayed to reach just ONE person in your own community this year?

Take Away: How do we recapture the wonder and amazement of the Word of God?

• Immerse yourself in it (i.e., READ IT!)
• Trust the Words you read (i.e., BELIEVE IT!)
• Tell others about the things you read (i.e., TELL IT!)

Close:

One of the beautiful hymns of the faith says “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me—a sinner, condemned, unclean!”* This should be the theme song of every believer throughout the ages, that we, who were “DEAD, in trespasses and sins” were made alive together with Him (Eph. 2:4-10). Have you ever seen a dead person do anything? Yet we had death written all over us, mired in sinful flesh, and He made us alive in Him—as His own children. Isn’t that amazing??

Sometimes we hear a preacher or a televangelist, and something seems just a bit “off.” If we go home and search the scriptures, we will usually find where the problem comes in. That was what was happening with the crowds who followed Jesus, listening to His words of hope, love, joy and peace. Rather than the rituals they had lived under for so long, He was offering LIFE, and not just life, but life overflowing! His words were so full of authority that the woman at the well—who was blatantly immoral—ran back to her village of Samaria and the people flocked to Jesus to hear the words of hope for themselves! Isn’t that amazing??

We have our own story! We don’t have to tell someone else’s story, or the life of some wonderful missionary or preacher—just tell our own. We are not the same person we were ten or twenty or even fifty years ago. We have been made into new creatures, with plans and purposes fashioned for us by the Creator of the universe. Of all the things that could ever be, our own redemption story, which will result in eternal life in heaven, should be the most amazing experience of our lifetime! Is that still amazing you?

The Impact of a Godly Man

March 17, 2019
Dr. Rick Rigsby

Open:

Sometimes a public speaker will emerge who is able to inspire something within most of the audience to reach for a higher goal than they have ever tried before. What are some encouragements that move you to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone?

Recently we have been looking at the characteristics of a godly man. We have learned that he must first and foremost love God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. His family must come next. Today we have a guest speaker who is known for his message of how a godly man can make a legacy of impact in his home and his community when he is sold out to God. We welcome Dr. Rick Rigsby to our church.

Key Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4-5: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Focal Passages: Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

Discuss:

Teach it in your home:

• Read verse 7a. Where is the focus of the man who teaches the precepts of the Lord to his children? How far can the legacy reach?
• Was this a commandment or a suggestion? What were the “words” that Moses was referring to?
• What distractions do men today allow to come between their role of intentional teaching and procrastination leading to abandoning their role?

Model it in your neighborhood:

• Read verse 7b-9. Where are some of the places you go when you walk during the day? Where are your thoughts during this time?
• What three things—or situations–should you be looking for as you go through your day?
• What do your neighbors see as you come and go? How do you conduct yourself?

Telling the truth:

• What are two warning flags that are raised as you relate experiences and activities of your day? Why would lying, half-truths and exaggeration be those caution areas? Is there a difference?
• Why is the truth so vitally important in all areas of your life?

Thinking the best of others:

• Why do we want to assume the worst motives for the actions of others?
• Why is it so vital to not judge someone, as opposed to evaluating them? What is the difference? Read Matt. 7:1-3. How do you close opportunities when you judge someone else?

Doing what we say we will do:

• What does it mean to you to “give your word” even if you don’t vow it to be a promise? Read Matt. 5:37. What does God command you? Why?
• How many times do you let work or distractions keep you from a promise made to your child to spend quality time with her/him?

Go. Teach. Baptize. Make Disciples:

• It is often said that we will be able to take only one thing with us to heaven. What is that? Read Proverbs 11:30. Will you have anyone in heaven because you lived your life?
• This was the last commandment Jesus gave; do you take it seriously or let the world and its busy-ness distract you?
• How can you get so full on the world’s entertainment, food, lifestyle or “stuff” that you have no room left for Godly living? Explain.

Close:

Words typed in a study or a closing have no ability to convey the extreme passion and impact that comes from a speaker who knows—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that his message has the ability to change lives. If you have not taken the time to listen to the amazing sermon preached by Dr. Rick Rigsby, please do so. It can change your life.

Growing up in the home of a man whose heart was sold out completely to God, Rick was taught the value of the basics that have been almost forgotten in this millennium. His father, reared in the South when whites were taught to value a person based on their color, overlooked the failures and ignorance of that teaching, focusing rather on being the type of man who put God first in all situations. He was not bound by his color, his education, nor his flesh; rather, he let God’s word be the authority he lived by and reared his children to do the same.

May we all see how the impact of a godly man affects his children as they grow into adulthood. Godliness leaves a legacy that can last for generations.

Love In Action
March 3, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Sometimes projects or DIY items that need to be assembled seem like they should be easy! We look for the beginning logical steps, and soon find ourselves in a mess, needing instructions. Can anyone relate?

The past two weeks we have looked at the word “love” from God’s perspective and studied what it is—and what it is not. We have learned that God sees love as the highest priority for us who are called believers: love God, love your neighbor, and love your enemy. That may seem easy, but today we will see how to put love into action by taking the steps God’s word gives us.

Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. (NKJV)

Discuss:

Be Ready:

• Read 1 Cor. 16:13a. What does God want us to watch for? The word watch can be translated “be on your guard.” Are you able to add additional situations that would compel you to be more watchful than you at first thought? Read 1 Pet. 5:8 and 2 Pet. 2:1. Were these possibilities mentioned?
• What is the reason we should be watchful? How will that change the way you live your life in front of others?
• Read 1 Thess. 5:6. What type of sleep does God mean? How does apathy or selfishness reflect a “sleepy” attitude?

Be Right

• Read verse 13b. How do we “stand fast” in the faith?
• If you have decided to follow Jesus, what are some of the mental disciplines or commitments that you are pledging your life to carry out?
• Read Phil. 4:1. How do these two verses go hand in hand?

Be Tough

• Read verse 13c. When we think of bravery or strength, it appears this context applies more to a man than to a woman, although there are many times a woman must be brave or strong as well! What are some possible situations when a man needs to be strong?
• Does anyone recall the original meaning of the word “brave” as used in the text? Perhaps a quote from Matthew Henry would be helpful: “ ‘Act the manly, firm, and resolved part: behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor inveigled [lured, ensnared] by them; but show yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm resolution.’  Note, Christians should be manly and firm in all their contests with their enemies, in defending their faith, and maintaining their integrity. They should, in a special manner, be so in those points of faith that lie at the foundation of sound and practical religion, such as were attacked among the Corinthians: these must be maintained with solid judgment and strong resolution.” (Matthew Henry Commentary to the Corinthians.) Why do we want Christian men to step up to the plate and be godly in their leading and loving?
• Read 2 Sam. 10:12. When a soldier fights, who is he fighting for?
• How does today’s society portray men, husbands and fathers? If you accept yourself as the world sees you—either a bully or spineless—where will your family be when you are old?

Be Tender

• Read verse 14. How will a genuine and godly love manifest itself in your life?
• Read 1 Pet. 4:8. What are some things you can do as people cross your path during the day that will show them you truly care for—or love—them?

Close:

You’re probably just like the rest of us—you have heard people justifying their disgust with Christianity, saying it’s “just a bunch of dos and don’ts!” The more you read the Bible and learn God’s heart, the more you see, as Jesus said in Matthew 22:34-40, that love is the summation of all the rules: love the Lord with all your heart, and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. If you do these, you will be a person after God’s own heart.

That is so easy to say, and yet within minutes of committing ourselves to this lifestyle, we are besieged with attacks to make us lose the promise we have made. We almost immediately have a choice to react with love, or react with intolerance, anger, or any other response that would be the antithesis of what we know to be correct. Is it something outside of our ability? Not at all! God promises that the more scripture we commit to memory, the more it will prevent us from sinning (Psa.119:11). He also promises that if we are tempted to sin (in this case, to act outside of a loving response), He will make a way out—whether it’s biting our tongue, ignoring the provocation, or turning around and leaving (1 Cor. 10:13). We are also told we can do all things through His power, for He will give us strength (Phil. 4:13), which means we can react in love, no matter the vexation. Most of the time, it’s just easier to give in to the frustration we feel and react in like anger—but that is not God’s way. Man’s anger will never achieve the righteousness of God (Jas. 1:20), that righteousness that we should so desperately want to emulate. May we say with Job, “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12).

And the Greatest of these is Love – Part 1
February 17, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

The world, Hollywood, and movies or TV are all trying to re-define “love” to be consistent with whatever they are seeking to justify in any given set of circumstances. How would you define love? Does your definition differ than you would have described it many years ago?

Recently we’ve been looking at God’s plan for our lives as we seek to obey Him in love. If we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and spirit, and love our neighbor more than we love ourselves, we certainly need to understand what God means by “love.” Today we’re going to hear the first part of a 2-part sermon on love, examining 1 Corinthians 13, inspecting each word to see what God expects from us, and how we are to represent it.

Focal Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

Discuss:

Love is patient and kind:

• Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and Matthew 7: 21-23. What is the common thread between these two passages? What is lacking in both? What does this teach us?
• Read 1 Cor. 13:4. What relationships are you to be patient and kind in?

Give the group time to answer. Did anyone list “enemies”? Why should it have been listed?

• Why do most of us struggle to be patient and kind? Can they be separated? Why do they act as a team? Will someone give an example?
• What is the biggest attribute that patience requires? What was the meaning of the original language when it referred to patience? How is that different from the meaning today?
• Read James 2:15-16. What was lacking in the person who said, “Be warm and be filled!” and went on about his life? Was this kindness? Love?
• How can one change an outcome by showing kindness? Most of us will say we want to be like Jesus Christ. As the crowds of ordinary people gathered around Him, what qualities did He always show?

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude

• What do you immediately see as a common thread underlying all four of these attitudes? Who are they all focused on? Where should our focus be?
• How does jealousy (or envy) begin? How can you quench it when you first detect it? What is the best way to rid yourself of jealousy?
• How can you detect pride within yourself? What should you do immediately?
• How do you react when someone is out-and-out rude? How can you respond without being similarly rude?
• Read Phil. 2:3-8. How are jealousy, boastfulness, pride or rudeness the opposite of what Jesus Christ was like?
• Why are these four negative traits not to be tolerated in a Christ-follower?

Close:

Nearly everyone is familiar with the 13^th chapter of 1 Corinthians—mainly because we pull verses out to use them when someone in our relationships causes an offense! But God has given us some incredible “meat” to chew on with these qualities. Some should never be found in a mature Christian, others will be a work-in-progress until the day we draw our last breath.

Paul immediately lays out the walk of a Christian as being a heart-condition, rather than external works (which make men Pharisees). Activities done—even in the name of Jesus—without love, are nothing but “civil good,” able to be done by anyone. The same theme is in Matthew, as used in bullet 1. Works will always be seen by men, but the motivator that is acceptable to God is a heart full of love.

Once Paul starts down the road of defining love, there is no room for excuses or weak synonyms. Love IS…., and love is NOT. None of these are natural to our flesh: they are disciplined qualities that the soul sold out to God learns to use to bring Him glory and honor. There are probably few people reading this who can honestly say they are always patient and kind, but never (or seldom) jealous of others, boastful, proud or rude. Most of us fall at least once a day in any of these areas, and probably more often. We want to keep the pathway to     1 John 1:9 wide open, able to run to the Father’s arms and throw ourselves on His mercy and forgiveness, letting Him clean us up from the stains of the world, ready to return to the ministry He has given us. Make it a goal this year to learn the characteristics of love, putting them into practice where it is the hardest (your home? Your job?). Bringing God glory and enjoying Him forever is the first calling of a Christ-follower.

KEY VERSE: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”   1 Cor. 13:13.

  Say Yes : Time to Follow (part 1)
February 3, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

How many times have you signed up for a class or seminar, only for the first week to come and you have a car problem; the second week, a virus has you down; the third week, a family member needs your help, and by the fourth week you barely give the night a second thought?

In reviewing our verse for this series, we are seeking God’s expectations when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” As we have seen in past weeks, loving God leaves a path as we go through our day: perhaps a smile, a word of praise or encouragement, an action for the good of a stranger, etc. These are examples of “fruit” when one seeks to do His will. Today we are going to look at the importance of the local church, and why we need to make our attend-ance, service and growth a priority that is never put on the shelf, never letting it become something to do “next week.” Great discipline and intentionality must be exercised in order to eventually grow where we are hungering and thirsting for the Living God.

Focal Passage: Matthew 4:18-22.

Discuss:

Go to church:

Background: Most unchurched people feel pastors can be stereotyped as always asking for money or pushing to add to their numbers. The truth is, God Himself instructed His people to worship Him through Old Testament temples and New Testament churches. Our study today is to show His will is for believers to serve and love Him and each other.

• Read Matt. 4:18-22. This small nucleus is the original “setting apart” of men who would eventually change the world. The same calling is for us today, as we answer His call on our lives. What would be symbolic of “leaving our nets”?
• Read Luke 4:16. How do you know that Jesus was always in “church” on the day of worship?
• Read Matt. 18:20. What are some of the reasons we worship together? What are the reasons many people are apathetic about their attendance? What promise does Jesus make in this verse?
• Read Heb. 10:25. What can Satan accomplish if he can get us isolated from other believers?
• Read Acts 2:41-47 for a picture of the first NT church. What were their customs? In Acts 5, the story of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, is told. Can someone paraphrase what you know of it? What was so important about the early church’s purity? Why have we fallen away from that purity?

Grow in church:

Statistics: Statistics show an alarming trend among Christians today: only 36% attend church more than once a month. Those who consider themselves “faithful,” attend church 1.26-2.3 times per month. Less than 20% read their Bible daily, and only 1 out of 10 memorize 3 or more verses per year. The good news is that the church attendance among Gen Y and Gen Z is seeing a definite curve upward, perhaps due to the detached world of social media, leaving many needing real personal contact.

• Read Matt. 5:6. How much time do you spend preparing for a normal work week or quality family time? How does this compare with the amount of time you spend in God’s word? What are ways you can grow as a Christian? What promise does this verse end with?
• Read 2 Peter 1:5-8. What are the eight qualities a believer should strive to achieve? How does one succeed in acquiring them? What is the promise these verses end with? If you had these qualities, and saw the promised fruit, would you ever be satisfied to return to a life of mediocrity?
• Read John 15:5. What is the promise in 15a? What is the warning in 15b?

Close:

It is a misnomer to believe that worship in its truest form can be a “habit.” To keep this treasure—your relationship with God—safe and alive, you must discipline yourself to be a vibrant part of a local church body as long as it is possible. Eventually you will find that the weeks you have to miss the fellowship of meeting together leaves a hungering that you find is satisfied only by getting back with your “family” as soon as possible. There is true encouragement and a love that exists among believers who love God with all their hearts and love their neighbors as much as they love themselves. Their walk will bear fruit, as we read above in 2 Peter.

Have you ever sat down and listed the benefits of being part of a local church body? It is almost every Sunday that one will hear another person state, “I don’t think I would have made it through this past year had it not been for my church family!” What a beautiful statement, and a wonderful witness and testimony of that local church. If your church is very large, you probably already realize that unity, friends, and those who hold you up in prayer normally comes from a smaller group, like Sunday School (by whatever name) or small groups who meet in homes.

Knowing the local church was ordained by God, that it is continually being built by Him, and that Satan cannot defeat it (Matt. 16:18) is enough reason to give it the preeminence it deserves. We know that we cannot be accepted by God because our parents loved the Lord with all their hearts—each person must accept Jesus Christ for himself. Have you made Him your Lord? If so, worship and meeting in your local church should be “a given” as much as the unwritten law that you’re going to your job each day! Your God deserves your “utmost, for His highest!” (Oswald Chambers).

KEY VERSE: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15.

 Say Yes : What Must I Do As I Follow Christ?
January 20, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Most people claim not to be influenced by the many commercials on public television, yet the jingles often stick in our minds! What do you think of when you hear “Just Do It!” or “Have it your way!” or “Double your pleasure, double your fun”? Are they all based on actions that gratify ourselves and not someone else? If you’re alone, write your answers in a notebook.

As we begin a new series on what we must do to follow Christ, it seems appropriate to begin with the Israelites, whom God chose to be His people, and the hardships they suffered as they learned to trust Him fully. History shows us the intimate details of their lives as they followed their own desires, repented, came back to God and eventually the cycle was repeated time after time. May we learn from their experiences, and faithfully follow Him, saying “Yes!” to His commandments.

Focal Passages: Deuteronomy 8:11-18; James 1:22-25.

Discuss:

Know His Word:

• Read Deut. 8:11-18 to understand how seriously God takes His commandments for you to live a godly life. What stands out to you?
• We must Read God’s Word! Read James 1:22a. What do you immediately notice about Deut. 8:11 and James 1:22a? Why is it not enough to just intellectually know God’s word?
• Read Joshua 1:8a. A recent poll on those who reveal their Bible reading track record, show about 20% of churched Americans read their Bible daily, whether it’s a favorite passage, a regular time of systematic reading, or a familiar verse. How can a Christian grow without knowing God’s Word?
• We must Think About It (Meditate on what we’ve read)! Read Josh. 1:8b. What are Joshua’s instructions and why?
• We must Obey God’s Word! Read Josh. 1:8c and Jas. 1:22b. God did not change His will for you to observe and obey His word during the thousands of years from OT to NT; why is it still His will that His words be obeyed?

Know His Way:

• Read Jas. 1:22c-25. This may seem a little hard to understand. A quick analogy is the amount of time some women spend “putting on their face,” in the morning. It takes much time to get everything perfect, but when she leaves the mirror, she is confident she looks her best. During the day, her thoughts may go back to her appearance, always knowing she still looks well. How does that illustrate the difference in the verse in James?
• Read Josh. 1:8b-9. To be confident you are carrying in your heart the words you read in Scripture, you must know it intimately. How can you meditate on it as you go about your day?
• Why are you told not to fear or be afraid?

Respond:

• Read John 14:15. How does this line up with the verses you read previously? If you give your spouse or family the same amount of time you give the Lord (prayer, Bible reading, meditating) during most days, would you make them happy? Why or why not?
• Read Eph. 2:8-10. In your heart, do you think the good works you do will get you into heaven? Explain your answer. If they do, would you be able to boast? Read Matthew 7:21-23. Were these people boasting about what they had done for Christ? How did Christ reply?
• Where do “good works” come from? How is that like the fruit of a tree that bears because it has a good root system and plenty of water?

Close:

Everyone who is a regular attender at church knows in his heart that he needs to be reading God’s word. Satan uses the busyness of our schedules to thwart that need, creating time constraints that cause us to plan a time to read but somehow it seldom comes about unless we are disciplined and intentional. It is setting aside part of your morning or day when you get alone with God and absorb the “marching orders” He has given for us to be good soldiers through this life of land mines. They lurk on every corner, from the flirtatious wink of a co-worker to the pornography available at our fingertips on the internet.

If we, indeed, have a passion for following Christ, we may get slightly off-kilter by the term meditate. Have you ever considered how like a cow our mind can be? One of the very unique animals created by God, a cow has four stomachs: as she takes in food or pieces of potential problems, the grass, hay or food goes into the first stomach. During the digestive hours (up to 72!), the cow will burp up the food, chew on it some more, where it eventually goes into the 2^nd stomach. There it is separated from the bad that can hurt the cow (bits of metal, wire, etc), then on to the 3^rd stomach, and eventually reaches the 4^th, where the digestion is finished and the cow produces clean, white, healthy milk! So it should be with us: God’s Word—even one verse—can be ingested into our soul, where, during the day, we can think on a word or phrase. Any garbage that is exposed can be purified out, and eventually the Word will do a work in our heart. How wonderful is that?

The Scripture has all that we need to run a household of faith, have a functional family that is sold out to Christ, and live blessed, peaceful lives (2 Peter 1:2-4). When we are in the Word of God daily, letting it saturate our soul and spirit, applying it to our actions, and putting into practice the principles God has given us, the overflow spreads to our family unit, our friends and our acquaintances. Why should we walk in a defeated, downtrodden path, when He has given us a path of Life (Psalm 16:11)? Let us walk in His light, teach it to our children or those closest to us, and spread love as we obey Him!

KEY VERSE: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15.

 Letting Go, Moving On
January 6, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Everyone messes up! Mistakes made in the past are very hard to forget, and it takes a strong person to move on after a life-altering choice. We can ruin our lives wishing we could live certain times over again, but to put a bad event behind us is necessary for mental health. Can someone share a memory?

This past year has been a season when we’ve been constantly encouraged to make Christ the priority in our lives, grow daily in Scripture, and live godly lives. Now it’s time to look back to see if those messages bore fruit. At the same time, we have the opportunity to put past failures behind us and start with a clean slate in a new year. We will look at the great apostle Paul and learn life lessons of “keeping on keeping on” past adversity.

Discuss:

Recognize the pain and failures of the past are not the description of our future:

• Read Philippians 3:7. The NLT quotes Paul as saying the things that were important to him at one time are now worthless. Can you share some things you have done in the past that are now meaningless because of what Christ has done, and that what is really important is Christ?
• That verse also tells us we are to forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead. It’s easier said than done. Among your group discuss the difficulty of doing this.
• Read Genesis 50:14-21. This passage is the perfect biblical example for pastor Jonathan’s message today on letting go of the past and moving on to the future. What were Josephs brothers afraid of? Would someone be willing to share a fear of something in their past they carried for a long time they felt would follow them for all their life? We cannot allow our past to keep us fearful and shape our future. Discuss that we cannot change our past.

Take the right steps …. Seek forgiveness:

• What are Joseph’s brothers doing in Vs 16-17a? The same steps they took are the same steps we must take for salvation. What two things did the brothers do? These are the same steps we must take with others. Why is this hard?

Respond the right way… forgive

• When it is reversed and we are the ones being asked to forgive, what must we do? Discuss how hard it is to ask someone for forgiveness.
• In vs 17b, why do you suppose Joseph reacted the way he did?

Know that the job of judge is not ours

• In vs 19b Joseph asks an important question. Discuss the question and its effect? A judge in our judicial has an important and weighty duty to perform once someone has been declared guilty. What is it? Do we sometimes try to mete out punishment on someone who has wronged us? In Romans 12:19 it tells us to let God handle the punishment. Talk about why we should do that.

Know that the job of peacemakers is ours

• Vs 21b tells us Joseph reassured his brothers by speaking kindly to them. He forgave them then proved it by offering to move on. Discuss how this corresponds to God’s forgiveness of ourselves.

Close:

As we look forward to 2019, it is imperative that we put things behind us that we cannot change. We never find joy by continuing in strife. The solution to strife is to pray about it, pursue resolutions, and be persistent to pray about those conflicts. We will have freedom that comes as a result. For 2019 let’s keep the focus we discussed last week:

• Stay in God’s Word – read and study His Word daily
• Talk to Him daily – a strong prayer life is the only way to keep the line of communication open with God
• Keep a journal of what you’re learning, reading, and praying about
• Read books, stories, articles about faithful followers of Christ
• Connect with others in the journey to remain to remain accountable – Christians were not meant to live in isolation
• Prioritize your faith walk over EVERYTHING else – this includes a commitment to regular, intentional worship services.
• Don’t quit
  • If you get behind in your devotions and bible reading, you can catch up
  • Falling behind yesterday is not an excuse for today

Doing these things will change the way you live and feel. It will change everything,

 The Final Word
December 30, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Everyone messes up! Mistakes made in the past are very hard to forget, and it takes a strong person to move on after a life-altering choice. We can ruin our lives wishing we could live certain times over again, but to put a bad event behind us is necessary for mental health. Can someone share a memory?

This past year has been a season when we’ve been constantly encouraged to make Christ the priority in our lives, grow daily in Scripture, and live godly lives. Now it’s time to look back to see if those messages bore fruit. At the same time, we have the opportunity to put past failures behind us and start with a clean slate in a new year. We will look at the great apostle Paul and learn life lessons of “keeping on keeping on” past adversity.

Discuss:

Nobody’s Perfect:

• Read Philippians 3:12a. Even the great apostle Paul indicated elsewhere that there were periods of his life he would like to do over. Can you share a time when you thought you were right, and wouldn’t listen to advice, only to learn later you were wrong? What did you learn from this?
• Think of the people you know, whom you feel are “practically perfect in every way” and discuss why you think of them like this. God knows no one is perfect. Read Psa. 103:13-14. Why do you compare yourselves to others?
• Read Romans 7:15-25. How did Paul say he struggled? How can you relate to the spiritual battles he fought? What can you learn from him?

Keep Trying:

• Read verse 12b. How does this verse inspire us, when the going gets tough?
• Read 2 Cor. 11:23-28. Have you suffered as Paul did? How was he able to keep going, through the perils he endured? How do yours compare with his?
• What is the biggest reason you believe may be a factor in people giving up? How can you help them?

Let Go of What’s Behind:

• Read verse 13a. Who is the great accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10)? Does he accuse you of your past?
• No matter how much we agonize over past choices, most can’t be undone. What are some ways we can leave that baggage in the past and move on?
• Can you think of scriptures that would help break the chains that bind us?

Look Forward to What’s Ahead:

• Read verse 13b. How do we keep our focus on the years ahead, when we are able to serve Christ through whatever gifts He has given us?
• The beginning of 2019 is upon us; what are some ways we can increase our joy in this new season of our lives?

Do What’s Needed:

• Read verse 14. Have you ever run a race? Where do you keep your focus as you move ahead? How can you get there if you get sidetracked? What causes you to keep moving forward? Read Prov. 24:16. Does this help?
• Share verses to memorize that will furnish strength when you are overcome by the weights you carry in this world? Read Matt. 11:28-30.Does Christ want to help you shoulder these burdens?

Take Away:

• Stay in God’s word daily! Learn more of scripture each day this year.
• Talk to God daily! How would your relationships be if limited to 30 sec. daily?
• Keep a journal for your thoughts, lessons, prayers and growth.
• Read books by people who have had victory in battles that you are facing.
• Connect with others who can encourage you. Isolation kills spiritual growth!
• Don’t quit! Don’t allow challenges to make you throw in the towel—victory is probably just around the corner.

Close:

Another year! It seems we just put last year’s Christmas decorations away, made our resolutions, and suddenly the stores begin putting up the tinsel again—and you realize a new year is coming fast. How does time pass so quickly? More importantly, has your spiritual growth shown an upward trend this past year? When you made those resolutions last year to be more faithful in church, Bible reading, and prayer, did it happen? If not, start again! There will always be challenges that Satan puts in our way, or hindrances to carrying out our mission, but it is with a new lease on life that we realize whatever is past is PAST. Let it go—it can’t be redone. If you need to ask forgiveness from someone, restore something to someone, do so, but don’t carry the baggage that causes your spirit to suffer and your joy to be suffocated. Christ has forgiven you—what better news could you have to start 2019? Go out, find a friend, and tell them your story. It may change the new year for someone you love!

KEY VERSE: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Philippians 3:12.

 For Unto You… Righteousness
December 9, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Knowing an up-coming event is going to happen can keep one in joyful anticipation! All of us look forward to special occasions that occur as a rarity. Can you think of something you were anxious to see finally come to fruition—and the enjoyment was amazing?

Last week we looked at the Old Testament, focusing on some of the many prophecies that Jesus Christ fulfilled when He left heaven, coming to earth in the form of a tiny baby, born in a stable. He was the Enemy of Satan, the coming Blessing, Ruler, Presence and Hope for the world. Today we look at the response we should have to His coming, and how it impacts our lives.

Discuss:

A Call to Righteousness:

• Read Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Zechariah 3:8. Who is Jeremiah quoting in these verses, who was going to raise up the Branch? Why is He called a “Branch”?
• What was He going to do on the earth?
• What is His name by which He is called? Read Isaiah 64:6. How can we sinners be righteous?
• Where is the presence of God here on earth? How should His presence affect our actions?

A Call to a Higher Standard:

• Read Colossians 3:5a. What does this command mean to the Christian living today?
• Read Col. 3:17. How are we representing the Lord Jesus each day? Can our representation be a negative testimony? Will anyone want the relationship with God if they see us in church on Sunday, but living (speech, actions) as the world during the week?
• Read 1 Cor. 10:31. What are some ways we can show Christ in our lives each day?
• Why do you think Christians are finding it easier and easier to use profanity in daily conversation, or using God’s name carelessly (omg, etc)?

A Call to Point the Way:

• Read Malachi 3:1-2. This was written about 400 years before Jesus was born. Who was Malachi referring to? Read John 1:6-9 and Matt. 3:1-6. How did Matthew and John describe John the Baptist?
• How and where did John announce that Jesus was now among the people?
• Read verse 2b once more. How was Jesus described? Read Job 23:10. How does He test and refine us?
• When we tell someone our story of salvation, what is the major thing that they should notice about us? (2 Cor. 5:17).
• John came into the world to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would have a forerunner. How did people miss this fulfilment?
• We, as John, have a responsibility to point others to Jesus Christ. As the time draws closer for His return, will you have souls in heaven whom you have witnessed to? Read Prov. 11:30b to see God’s take on this!

Close:

The wonder of Christmas forever remains the same, no matter how much the world desires to take Christ out of the season. The story of the angels’ coming to Mary and Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem, and the birth of the Christ Child in the manger will never lose its appeal to anyone whose heart is open and willing to accept the glorious facts of the Gospel.

Can you imagine life without hope, without Someone who has the power to change your life, and save you from your sins? It would be a dismal existence without Him. The millions of people around the world are waiting for someone like you to tell them there is a way to have their sins forgiven, and hope for a future. How can we turn down so great a responsibility? Have you imagined standing before God and seeing faces of those you’ve passed by, willing to let someone else witness to them? What if they spend eternity in hell because you did not go? We need to take the story of the gospel, preaching it to anyone who has open ears. Say with Isaiah, “Here am I, Lord, send me!”

KEY VERSE: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders. And His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

 Being Thankfull is Not Enough
November 25, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

With our thoughts recently centered on gratefulness, did you find any part of your life that you could not adequately express thanks for? For instance, maybe someone who’s spent years desiring a child and finally gives birth, and can hardly speak of that joy without crying! Can you share?

As Thanksgiving week winds to a close, we want to properly thank God for being the giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). Some of His gifts, however, are so great as to fall outside our ability to thank Him enough. As we look at those gifts, we want to write their significance on our hearts, daily praising Him for what He has done, and how He has changed our lives.

Discuss:

God’s Love:

• Read John 3:16-17, and personalize it in your own Bible. Can anyone share their testimony of salvation? How do you feel your love for Jesus compares today to what you felt the day you first accepted Christ as Savior?
• Read Rom. 5:8. Can you share a recent moment when the reality of what Jesus did on the Cross made a new impact on your life? How can you keep the significance of that incredible act fresh, giving God praise daily for it?

God’s Power:

• Read Col. 1:15-17. How powerful do you see God? By what method did He bring creation into being? How did Jesus do many of His miracles?
• What does His power mean to you personally?
• Read Heb. 2:9. How does it impact you that God the Son left the glory of heaven, came to earth as a human, fully man but fully God, and died on a cross to save you? Would you give your child to die for the sins of the world?
• If He has the power to speak creation into being, to die for the sins of everyone who trusts in Him, what does that mean He can do with your problems?

God’s Healing:

• Read John 3:14-15, again personalizing verse 15 with your name. Who does this verse say is able to be saved?
• Read Num. 21:5-9. What was the sin of the Israelites? How did God intervene in order to provide a way of forgiveness? Do you think any of the people refused to look upon the serpent because it seemed “too easy”?
• Does anyone recall the story of Naaman, the captain of the Syrian army who became a leper, and his servant girl? Paraphrase it for the group if you do, then read 2 Kings 5:10-14. How did the provision for Naaman’s healing differ from that in Num. 21? Why do we think healing should be hard for God?
• Can you think of an area where you need God’s healing touch, but feel you are not worthy, or the “steps” given in counseling are too easy? Share only if you want.
• God’s Gift:
• Read John 1:29 and again, personalize the gift of salvation with your name. Do you struggle with thinking that belief in Jesus as God’s son, Who died for your sins so that you can be forgiven and become His follower, is too simple?
• Read 1 John 2:2. The simplicity of the gospel is so applicable to all ages that children and adults, poor or rich, may understand and be saved. How can you keep from becoming complacent about the size of the cross? What does it mean to you?

Do you recognize the significance of the gift (read Rom. 5:12-21 at home)?

Have you received the gift? If not, what hinders you?

Close:

No matter the area of your life, the subject discussed, or the initial impact something has made on you, it is difficult to keep an attitude of joy about it day after day. Eventually, we find ourselves expecting the day to bring what it has been: whether a daily rose from a loving spouse, to a clean house with supper ready. Perhaps the gladness of a new baby might last longer, as he falls asleep in your arms, but one day when he’s starting down the road to independence your expectations might become less ecstatic. When you are contemplating the gifts of eternity, however, the wonder of the Cross should never become less than a constant delight. Realizing  the eternal impact it has on your life—you who are unworthy, sinful, and make a myriad of mistakes daily—should give you pause to stop and glorify God for His continued goodness to you! What would you be doing, and where would you spend eternity if He had not stepped to your “grave” and called you by name, out of your tomb, as He did Lazarus? “Even when [you] were dead in sins, [you] has He made alive with Christ!” (Eph. 2). Last week’s key verse is also powerful for today: “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” How appropriate for those things that mean the difference between life and death!

KEY VERSE: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17.

Giving, Gaining, and Greed
November 11, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

What brings you the most joy? Is it giving a very essential item or gift to someone truly in need, giving a new toy to your child to add to his shelves of previous gifts, or receiving a gift to add to your own collections? Can anyone share?

We are entering the season of Giving. Whether it is the giving of Thanks, the giving of Christmas items for children in foreign countries, or the giving of ourselves to help others, these next few months will determine whether you desire to be a giver or a receiver. Most people will admit to desiring more “stuff,” but this is not Biblical. Today, we will talk about giving, gaining and greed.

Focal Passages: Jeremiah 22:13-16; Acts 20:35, 2 Cor. 8:9; Luke 14:12-14

Discuss:

“Having” (stuff) never leads to contentment:

• Read Jer. 22:13-155a. The scripture records Jeremiah’s words to Jehoiakim, the king. What does God have against him?
• How does this remind you of two other kings who were consumed with getting things, including adoration and worship? Read Dan. 4:29b-30 and Eccl. 2:10-11.
• Thinking of your own home, does it reflect a lifestyle of spending to display it in pride, or is it a home where a family lives and loves? Can anyone share?
  • Has your pride in a beautiful home, new cars, or personal collections made you a better Christian? How can it be a stumbling block?
    

Giving is what brings joy:

• Read Jer. 22:15b. What were the things about Josiah that God commended?
• How were the two kings—Josiah and Jehoiakim—different?
• What did you do in 2018 that gave you the most joy? How was someone helped by what you did? Can you share?

Giving is what brings you closer to Christ:

• Read Jer. 22:16b. What was God referring to, regarding Josiah? Did it strengthen Josiah’s relationship with God to share what he had?
• Why do we have a new appreciation of God when we share ourselves?
• Why did God give you the resources you have?

Giving is what makes you more like Christ:

• Read 2 Cor. 8:9. What were the riches of Christ throughout eternity past? What was His poverty when He came to the earth? What are the riches we receive from Him?
• John 3:16 begins, “For God so loved the world that He GAVE”; so why does giving make us more like Christ?
• What are some things we can give to others daily?

Giving is what leads to reward:

• Read Luke 14:12-14. What was Christ telling us in this passage?
• When is the last time you invited someone out to eat, to your home, or gave in some other fashion, when you knew they would not be able to repay you? Can you share?
• Why would we get rewards in heaven for doing that which we should be doing?

Close:

Almost everyone has heard the famous response of John D. Rockefeller, considered to be the richest man in modern history, when asked how much money would be enough. His reply? “Just a little bit more.” Many of us live our lives desiring “just a little bit more,” and find it never satisfies. The truth is, we all love gifts. But do you love “getting” more than giving? What does your home witness about you? There is another truth Paul quoted Jesus as saying, in our Key Verse for the day, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” It might interest you to know that a foreign country, where Christianity is growing daily, considers America to be a country in need of prayer. Not prayer for our ungodliness, but beseeching God to take away our enormous wealth, as they see it as a huge obstacle to following Christ whole-heartedly.

Not everyone receives with genuine gratefulness: some feel the action tends to make them indebted to the giver. How sad! True generous giving is an essence of the Godhead. God’s greatest gift to the world, Jesus Christ, was the ultimate gift to pave the way for our eternal life. Christ gave His life, the most He could give, for us who are unworthy and could obtain salvation in no other way. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to men, comfort, conviction of sin, and so much more. Giving of ourselves—our time, our gifts (listening, counseling, meals, etc.) in times of pain, and our resources to bless others—transforms us, as Paul tells us in Romans 8:29-32, into the likeness of Christ. And he goes on to say, “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Giving is beautiful, giving is Christ-like, and giving will bring rewards to throw at the feet of Jesus.

Key Verse: Acts 20:35: I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Masquerade : Be Real
October 28, 2018
Dr. Ben Guterriz

Open:

Have you attended a function where someone tried to impress those present, yet their family or close friends knew their words were not consistent with the person they are at home? Can someone share an example, and tell how you felt for the family?

As we continue our series Masquerade, today we focus on the Mask of Religion. Wearing this mask, we try to appear spiritually as someone we’re not. We wish to appear perfect, which is not only deceitful—therefore sinful—but ruins opportunities to show the world how faithful and loving God is during our worst trials. Dr. Ben Gutierrez teaches us how important it is to be transparent, so our testimony becomes powerful and gives praise to God for His grace to us.

Focal Passages: Matt. 23:1-6, 11-12; Mark 5:1-15, 18-20; Mark 7:31-33a; Eccl. 7:20; Jas. 3:2; 1 John 1:8-9.

Discuss:

THE DANGERS OF WEARING THE MASK OF RELIGION

It Has No Spiritual Benefit:

• Read James 3:2. What signals do you pick up when someone you are talking to is not authentic? Do you notice a lot of emphasis on “I”?
• What impact does portraying a spiritual manner have on one’s own character? What are some of the sinful qualities that wearing this mask hides?

It Repels People:

• Most people have some idea of the kindness of Jesus as a man, and how He lived His life. They see through someone who claims to be a Christian; how?
• Read Eccl. 7:20. What type of feelings might a child experience if they see their parent or guardian act in a holy attitude at church, yet be the opposite at home? What might happen as they get old enough to leave home?
• Read 1 John 1:8-9. Why do people resort to wearing a mask to cover a life of discontent with themselves or their circumstances?

It Is Not Believable

• Back to the reference from Ecclesiastes, what do other people think when they know you are pretending to have “all your ducks in a row”?
• How does it alienate friends or acquaintances if you are not authentic in portraying your lifestyle?
• What is at the root of wearing a mask? Read 1 Peter 5:5. How will your testimony reflect the fact that you are covering a perceived flaw?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF GOD’S BLESSING ON BEING REAL

Two Examples of those Who Wore Masks

• Read Matt. 23:1-6, 11-12. Who were the two groups in this passage whom Jesus was using for an example of how NOT to be?
• What were some of the reasons they were an offense to God?
• Their lifestyle was summed up in verse 5a: what was it? Do you know anyone who lives like this, perhaps with their clothes, home, yard or other pretense?

An Example of Someone Who Was Real

• Almost everyone knows the story of the Gadarene Demoniac. Will someone paraphrase the story from the book of Mark (for time’s sake)?
• Read Luke 8:37. What was the reaction of the people to Jesus because of the now fully-restored man?
• Read verse 18-19. How did Jesus respond when the man asked to go with Him and become one of His followers?
• Read verse 20. This man was known by everyone in the region of the Gadarenes. What was their reaction when he told them what had happened?
• Read Mark 7:33a. Jesus decided to return to the towns where the demoniac had lived. What impact did his testimony have on the people? How do you know this?

Close:

No doubt many of us have recognized in the past few weeks areas where we have continually worn a mask. It would be the prayer of every pastor who has spoken during this series that we are able to break free from the bondage this mask gives us. It is not hiding anything: those who are authentic realize immediately that we are fooling only ourselves. There is a universal law among financiers that to recognize a counterfeit bill, one must become so familiar with genuine currency that the false is spotted instantly. It is the same with the masks we wear: true Christ-followers will spot those whose life does not line up with Truth. At the same time, for those who don’t know us well, our family will recognize the deceit and it will alienate us from them eventually. Unbelievers may not know Jesus as their Savior, but most people will be able to tell you that He was someone who lived a life of being real and will know you are not living that life. All in all, the result will be that a mask will be holding back its wearer from a life of fullness and joy. It is not unlike an elderly woman (or man) who keeps themselves fit, wearing clothes and make-up meant for youth. The evidence is there for everyone to see—except the one looking from the inside out.

Key Verse: Matthew 23:12: But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Masquerade : Our Digital Masks
October 14, 2018
Jonathan Falwell

Open:

What happens when you look through Facebook at the profiles of those you graduated with? Do you become discouraged as they appear so gorgeous, handsome, or look younger than you feel you do? Does it occur to you these may be intentionally misleading photos? Can anyone share an example?

Today we continue “Masquerade,” seeking to take off the masks we wear so others may see the real you, rather than an inaccurate picture of who we try to be. We want to focus on the digital world we live in—and the issues caused by modern technology. Are you open to having God shine His light on your spirit, exposing the masks you use on social media?

Focal Passages: Romans 8:5-8, James 4:1-8, Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 11:2, 16:5.

Discuss:

Rage and Anger

• As we have done on previous weeks, will someone please explain why we feel the need to present a false front to others?
• Read James 4:1. What example can you give that has caused you, or someone you know, stress or anger through social media over the past year? How did you (or they) respond?
• Read Gal. 5:19-16. Why will you always have conflict between the flesh and the spirit? Read Rom. 7:15-25. As you exercise the fruit of the Spirit, what happens to the things of the flesh?
• Read Gal. 6:10. Who are we to be good to? How is responding to a negative tweet or post in the same manner as the one who posted the original, lowered you to their standard? Can you explain how hard it is to refrain from a rebuttal, and why it’s a victory to overlook what has taken place?

Jealousy

• Read James. 4:2-3. What is the root cause for posting pictures of new homes, new cars, or new possessions? How does that cause a feeling of covetousness? How is that wrong? Why do we always want more?
• If we seek the things that would enrich our lives for Christ, what would be our emotional feeling?

Desire for Acceptance

• Read James. 4:4-5. What are some of the things the world throws at us that are hard to resist?
• Why do we feel the need for acceptance so strongly that we go to great lengths and sometimes sinful actions? Why is our understanding of how much God loves us not sufficient for all our needs at all times, in all ways?

Pride

• Read James. 4:6. Where does pride ultimately lead us? Can we be proud and serve God at the same time? Read Prov. 13:10 in KJV (if possible). What does this verse say about all disagreements?
• Read Prov. 11:2 and 16:5. How much does God hate pride, which is at the root of the need to wear a mask?
• What matters to God: how we look or whether we are pointing others to Him for salvation?

Our Response

• Read James. 4:7-8. What are the instructions in these two verses?
• Why does James say that our loyalty is divided between God and the world? Is that the way it should be?

Close:

Wearing a mask has become such a normal part of who we are, that it might seem an impossibility to be transparent with our feelings. Yet through God’s help, we can overcome any sin, realizing the lies come from Satan. One of the surest methods of defeat is to spend hours on social media, where our mentality is fed with large helpings of things that would encourage worldly feelings—covetousness, jealousy, anger, wrath, gossip, and so much more, including the temptation to interact with someone of the opposite sex—or an old flame. How does God feel about these hours? They could be put to such good use by witnessing of things He has done for you, blessings He has given you, and His love for you. One lady (many people, actually) makes it a point each day to write a short devotion, overflowing with God’s love. It will not be known until eternity the impact her short posts have had on people, and those whose lives she has touched. Would that we all used social media to further God’s kingdom!

Key Verse: Romans 8:5: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Masquerade : The Art of Covering
September 30, 2018
Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Do you know someone who acts in a certain manner, but their words just do not seem to ring true? Without naming names or gender, what is it about them that you believe indicates they are playing a part which is false?

Today we begin a new series that will cut many of us to the quick: the unveiling of the mask we wear to appear as if we have everything in our life together, even if we’re falling apart on the inside. Over the next few weeks we’ll examine the dangers in this action, hiding the real person in order to keep our imperfections from the eyes of the world. Today we set the stage by looking at the general reasons and risks some feel the need to wear a mask.

Focal Passage: Genesis 27:1-29.

Discuss:

Putting on our masks starts with deceit

• Do you recall ever going to a costume party? What was the primary thing you wanted to achieve?
• Once your costume was on, did you find yourself acting in character with how you were dressed? Explain what you mean.
• Read Gen. 27:1-10. Why did Rebekah choose to deceive her husband? What other option could she have chosen, which would have been right in God’s sight?

Putting on our masks starts with feelings of inadequacies

• Read verses 11-12. What was wrong with the protests Jacob laid before his mother? What could he have said if he did not want to sin against God?
• Read Gen. 25:20-26. What had God told Rebekah? How do you see her actions? What was she teaching Jacob by instructing him to do this deed?
• If we put on a mask of perfection, which is ultimately a lie, what are some of the feelings we may be trying to cover up? Why is it lying?

Once we put on the mask, it starts a never-ending cycle

• Read verses 18-24. Although Rebekah began the charade, Jacob was now making his own choices. What five lies did he tell to keep the plan together?
• What could Jacob have done at any point while before Isaac, to redeem himself in the eyes of his father?
• Why does one lie lead to more? Who is the “Father of Lies”?

Our masks will all be removed

• Read Heb. 4:13. No matter how hard we try to cover up our inadequacies , what will happen?
• Why should we cultivate a lifestyle of truth, without any masks of hypocrisy?
• Read Matt. 10:26. If you choose to live a lie in order to appear something you are not, who will possibly remove that mask at a time you least expect it—and possibly in a very humbling way?
• If you have been saved, what is your position before God? What are some of the descriptions of your relationship that should make you feel valuable and
• valued? (Child of God, etc.) How does this speak against the act of deceit?

Close:

This passage leaves us with the feel of a modern novel: barren wife finally gets pregnant and learns she is going to have twins. God Himself tells Rebekah the “older shall serve the younger,” leaving her with a promise she could/should have trusted. The story progresses as the father prefers one child, the mother prefers the other. At that point you begin to sense a conflict in the home that will cause immense problems. Then comes an evening when Isaac, old and of bad eyesight, wants to give the blessing to the older son Esau, the firstborn who had already rejected his birthright for a meal (cf Heb. 12:15-17)—thereby himself thwarting the words of God to his wife many years before. Rebekah, overhears the conversation between Esau and Isaac, and takes it upon herself to control the situation by deceiving  her husband, to make certain that her favorite son, Jacob, would receive the blessing (already promised by God, Who would have brought it to pass in a holy way). Consequently, she is not only usurping her authority over Isaac, but teaching Jacob that it is permissible to lie. Jacob, consenting to do her will, offered token reservations, to which she had the answers. As Jacob goes in to his father, he himself now takes the responsibility of the choices to deceive, when—five times—God gives him ample occasion to throw himself upon Isaac’s mercy.

How like Jacob we can be! Not wanting to seem less holy, less perfect, or less rich than our neighbors, we put on our mask, remembering to play our part when we are in the position where it matters. We may be looking for admiration, gain, power or anything else the world offers, but it’s tiring to keep that role going all the time. How much better if we could see the truth: that those who know us well realize we are far from perfect, and in their hearts they label us a “hypocrite.” Yet even with our imperfections, we were chosen by God to be His child! If we could get that from our head into our heart, we would be full of awe that would humble us; we would have the mask we wear torn away and would be given beauty for ashes.

Key Verse: Matt. 10:26: Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known.

How Church? : Tell, Grow, Send
September 16, 2018
Matt Willmington

Open:

Most people will tell you they have continued to learn new things on a regular basis. Can you share something you’ve recently learned? We’ll relate it to the topic in a few minutes!

The past few weeks we’ve looked at the God-established body called “the church.” We’ve examined the importance of it, how relevant it is in today’s world, and how much a local body of believers can achieve. Today we look at “how” we do this thing called Church. We will find that it is a very simple but effective way to obey the calling of God on our lives.

Definition of a living, active church: It is the Family of God, under the Authority of God, living out the Word of God, on a Mission for God.

Focal Passages: Matt. 4:18-20; Matt. 11:28-30; Matt. 28:16-20; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 7:9,10.

Discuss:

The Church Is: The Family of God

• Read Matt. 18-20. What happened as Jesus walked through life?
• Who is He calling now?
• What relationship do those who follow have with Him (read Mark 3:33-35)?

Under the Authority of God

• Read John 14:21. If we are the children of God, how will we live our lives?
• Read 1 John 2:3. What is our authority?
• Read 1 John 2:17. If we love God, will we be happy to obey Him? What type of attitude will you have?

Living Out the Word of God

• Read 1 John 3:16,17. How do we live our lives?
• Do you react to those you meet during the day the same way you would if they were friends? Is this as Jesus would do?

On a Mission for God

• Read Matt. 11:28-30. How often do people who are in a spiritual storm search out a church?
• What should we do, especially for those who are facing the storms of life?
• There are promises in these verses; what are they? How can we convince others that they need His yoke of grace?

TELL

• How can we begin to help those who do not know the love of God?
• Why does it matter that we ask them to tell us their story?
• How important is baptism to you? It is the first ordinance that Jesus told us to do after salvation, even as He was baptized as He began His ministry. Why do people put it off? Have you?

GROW

• There are always plenty of people who were not raised as you were, and who know so much less about Jesus than you. How can this be important to you?
• What are other ways you can continue to grow, in order to “sprout seeds” that can be planted in someone else’s life?

SEND

• If you know you must be prepared to leave home in an instant, what are some preparations you will make? How is that the same as being “instant in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2)?
• Are YOU willing to go?

TEST YOURSELF: On a scale of 1-10—if 1 is close to Jesus, 10 is far from Him, where are you?

HOW do you walk closer? WHO are you following? WHO is with you that you are bringing with you?

Close:

How many people do you know who have storms of life raging, yet never go inside the church building? If they have never been to church, they may have no idea of the peace and joy that can found in Jesus Christ. You may be the only one who will ever tell them. It is important that you gently and lovingly show them you care about where they will spend eternity, then listen as they tell you their story. Most people love talking about themselves: give an interested, listening ear. Are you aware that many converts to cults are those who have been hurt in their youth, believing that God is good, yet feeling betrayed and leaving the church when a parent, sibling or loved one dies, as God answered their fervent prayers with “No”? There was no “trust” factor built into their thinking.

We need to take the Great Commission to heart, not choosing to leave it to the pastoral staff. It was not given to pastors—it was given to fisherman who chose to follow Jesus, learn from Him, and then carry His message to their world. We, too, need to carry this message to our community, our neighbors, co-workers and friends, so that they will not be lost for eternity. Can you imagine standing at their judgment as God orders them to “Depart from Me—I never knew you,” and they turn to look you in the eye, and ask why you never told them of the saving grace of Jesus? It is vital that we make use of the time we have left. Do you know how to witness? It’s never too late to learn! Ask any of the staff of the church, and they will guide you to someone who would be willing and happy to help you. Answer like Isaiah, “Here am I Lord, send me!”

Key Verse: Matt. 28:18-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” Amen.