Sermon 546: Attitude of Gratitude (1st Thessalonians 5:12-18)

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One off sermon on Gratitude today

Today’s Bulletin

1st Thessalonians 5:12-18

1 Thessalonians 5:12–18 “12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

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Sermon 545: For Such A Time As This (Exodus 35:4-29)

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Today’s Bulletin

Preaching today is George Boomer, the Senior Pastor of Grace PCA in Lawrence.

Exodus 35:4-29

Exodus 35:4–29, “4 Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. 5 Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; 6 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats’ hair, 7 tanned rams’ skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 9 and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.

10 “Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the LORD has commanded: 11 the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 12 the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the screen; 13 the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 14 the lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 and the altar of incense, with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; 17 the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court; 18 the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords; 19 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests.”

20 Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’S contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. 22 So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD. 23 And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them. 24 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the LORD’S contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. 25 And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. 26 All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair. 27 And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, 28 and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. 29 All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the LORD had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
for such a time as this: exodus 35:4-29

Ice Breaker: What family tradition do you look forward to most, and why?

This Week Specific

1. Boomer shared a story about his grandfather being generous with candy and his own selfish response as a child. What are some ways you've experienced either giving or receiving generosity that shaped your view of money and possessions? How did those experiences affect you?

2. The sermon emphasized that everything we have is "a gracious gift from God." How might viewing your possessions, skills, and resources as gifts from God (rather than things you've earned) change how you use them? Be specific about areas like your home, career abilities, or education. 1st Chronicles 29:11-12, 14, Haggai 2:8, 1st Corinthians 10:26.

3. Pastor Boomer mentioned that the Israelites gave out of their poverty, having just been slaves. What holds you back from being more generous - is it actually a lack of resources, or something else like fear, desire for control, or concerns about the future? How can the gospel address those hesitations?

4. The sermon highlighted how children led the way in joyful giving through lemonade stands and garage sales. What creative ways could you and your family work together to be more generous? How might you teach and model generous giving to the next generation?

5. Tim Keller was quoted saying "money itself isn't usually an idol, but what you put your money towards does show you where your idols are." Looking at your spending over the last month, what patterns do you see? What might those patterns reveal about what you truly value or trust in?

6. The speaker suggested praying this prayer for 21 days: "Lord, what would you do through me to accomplish your vision for our church? Help me discern a sacrifice for our campaign that is meaningful and joyful." Beyond church giving, how could this prayer mindset reshape your approach to generosity in all areas of life - work, neighborhood, family needs, etc.?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 544: Okay, So We're Doing This (Genesis 22)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Worst Test Ever (v.1-2)
II. Road Trip (v.3-5)
III. Isaac’s Awkward Question (v.6-8)
IV. You Don’t Know Submission (v.9-10)
V. Jehovah Jireh Ram Providah (v.11-14)
VI. I Will Surely Bless You (v.15-19)
VII. Expansion (v.20-24)

Genesis 22

1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”

And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

Now after these things it was told to Abraham, “Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 21 Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” 23 (Bethuel fathered Rebekah.) These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24 Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. 3 And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, 4 “I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” 5 The Hittites answered Abraham, 6 “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead.” 7 Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. 8 And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar, 9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.””

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Sermon Discussion questions
Ok, So We’re Doing This: Genesis 22

Ice Breaker: What family tradition do you look forward to most, and why?

This Week Specific

1. Just discuss this quote by John Ortberg
   “Obedience to Jesus in all things is the journey. Obedience is a far more creative, proactive, grace-powered, intelligent way of life than is normally thought in our day. The obedience Jesus called for requires judgment, discernment, creativity and initiative. It is about becoming an excellent person not an excellent rule follower. In fact, an obsessive concern with following rules will hinder your development in becoming the kind of person that does what Jesus says.”

2. Abraham Abraham
   In verse 11 the angel speaks Abraham’s name twice, this is the first of seven instances in Scripture where God or his angel refers to someone by their name in this manner, what do think is the significance?

   
   Here are the other instances.

   1. Abraham, Abraham – Genesis 22:11

   2. Jacob, Jacob – Genesis 46:2

   3. Moses, Moses – Exodus 3:4

   4. Samuel, Samuel – 1 Samuel 3:10

   5. Martha, Martha – Luke 10:41

   6. Simon, Simon – Luke 22:31

   7. Saul, Saul – Acts 9:4

3. Reflecting on Tests of Faith
   Think about a time when you felt God was testing your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

   How does seeing God’s testing as an opportunity for growth change how you view current challenges?

4. Trusting God’s Provision
   Abraham said, “God will provide” without knowing how. Where in your life do you need to trust that God will provide, even if the way forward seems unclear?

5. Sacrificing Idols in Our Lives
   Sometimes we value God’s gifts (like family, career, relationships) over God Himself. What areas of your life have you have made an idol of a good gift? What does it look like to practically “lay it on the altar” and place it under God’s control?

6. Facing ‘Unreasonable’ Commands with Faith
   Abraham’s command felt impossible and unreasonable, yet he chose faith. What teachings of Scripture feel especially challenging for you to follow (e.g., forgiveness, purity, generosity)? What does obedience in these areas look like for you this week?

7. Confidence in God’s Promises
   Abraham’s obedience was anchored in confidence in God’s promises. What specific promises from Scripture encourage you in difficult times?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 543: Well Well Well (Genesis 21:22-34)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. God Is With His People (v.22-24)
II. Well Drama & Mutual Resolutions (v.25--32)
III. Responding In Worship (v.33-34)

Genesis 21:22-34

“At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

25 When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized, 26 Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” 27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. 28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?” 30 He said, “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” 31 Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines.”

Tamarisk Tree

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Sermon Discussion questions
Well Well Well: Genesis 21:22-34

Ice Breaker: If you could make a promise to yourself and absolutely keep it, what would it be?

This Week Specific

1. Reflecting God’s Presence: Just as Abimelech noticed God’s blessing on Abraham, what might it look like for others to see God at work in your life? How could you display integrity, patience, or kindness in your family, work, or school settings that would reflect God's presence in you?

2. Faith in Waiting: Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. In your personal life, where do you feel challenged to wait on God’s timing? How can you support each other in trusting God during long or difficult waiting periods?

3. Peacemaking in Conflict: Abraham approaches the conflict over the well with peace rather than aggression. When faced with conflict, whether at work, home, or school, how can you pursue peace and humility as Abraham did? What practical steps could you take to resolve conflicts in a Christ-like way?

4. Responding in Worship: After making peace and receiving God’s provision, Abraham worships by calling on God’s name. In your day-to-day life, how can you intentionally pause to worship or express gratitude to God, especially after experiencing His provision or guidance?

5. Living in the World but Not of It: Abraham made a covenant with a local ruler but kept his primary allegiance to God. In what ways can you live faithfully in your community, job, or nation without compromising your allegiance to God? How does this apply to navigating cultural or societal pressures?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 542: Baby Mama Drama (Genesis 21:1-21)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. The Promise Fulfilled, Embraced & Celebrated (v.1-7)
II. Unbearable Tension (v.8-13)
III. Departure & Provision (v.14-21)

Genesis 21:1-21

“The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
Baby Mama Drama: Genesis 21:1-21

Ice Breaker: If you could pick one annoying habit of yours to never do again (like repeatedly hitting snooze), what would it be and why?

This Week Specific

1. Faith and Doubt: Reflecting on Abraham and Sarah's journey of faith, how do you balance believing God's promises while facing doubts or fears in your own life? Can you share a personal experience where you felt both faith and doubt simultaneously?

2. Handling Conflict: Sarah's actions toward Hagar and Ishmael demonstrate how unresolved tensions can lead to conflict. How do you handle conflict within your family or work environment? What biblical principles can guide your responses to such situations?

3. Obedience and Response: Abraham's obedience in naming Isaac and circumcising him reflects a commitment to God's instructions. In what areas of your life are you feeling called to obedience? How can you take practical steps to respond to God’s guidance?

4. Longings and Satisfaction: The sermon emphasizes that even fulfilled desires do not always bring lasting satisfaction. What longings do you have in your life that you believe will bring fulfillment? How might you shift your focus to seek deeper satisfaction in God rather than in circumstances?

5. Connecting with Others: Just as God showed care for Hagar and Ishmael, who in your life might need your support or encouragement right now? How can you reach out to them in a way that reflects God's love and provision?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 541: I Think I’ve Seen This Film Before (Genesis 20)

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Manhattan Pres PCA · 541 I Think I’ve Seen This Film Before (Genesis 20) Sermon

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Oops I Did It Again (v.1-2)
II. Not Today Abimelech (v.3-7)
III. You Done Me Wrong  (v.8-10)
IV. It’s Complicated (v.11-13)
V. Blessings Despite Blunders. AKA Grace (v.14-18)

Genesis 20

1 From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” 10 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?” 11 Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. 13 And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

14 Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” 16 To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.” 17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. 18 For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
I Think I’ve Seen This Film Before: Genesis 20

Ice Breaker: If you could pick one annoying habit of yours to never do again (like repeatedly hitting snooze), what would it be and why?"

This Week Specific

1. Abraham's Fear and Distrust: In Genesis 20, Abraham falls into the same sin as before by lying about Sarah being his sister. In what ways have you found yourself repeating the same mistakes or sins? What do you need to change to not fall into that? Are there areas in your life where you're tempted to use deception or control because you fear the outcome? How can you trust God more in these situations?

2. Impact of Fear on Decisions: Abraham acted out of fear, assuming that there was no fear of God in Gerar. In your own life—whether at work, school, or with family—how does fear influence your decisions? How can you practice trusting God’s control over situations you can’t control?

3. Besetting Sin: The sermon discussed “besetting sins,” or habitual sins we struggle to overcome. What might be a besetting sin in your own life? How can you bring this into the light through prayer, community, and accountability? You can talk about this generally, don’t have to share your personal issue here.

4. Integrity vs. Self-Protection: Like Abraham, who deceived Abimelech out of self-protection, we sometimes compromise integrity to protect ourselves or our reputations. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to bend the truth? How might trusting God’s provision help you walk in greater integrity?

5. Community and Accountability: The sermon highlighted the importance of community in battling sin. Who in your life can you trust to help keep you accountable in areas where you struggle? How can you actively seek out community for support in your spiritual journey?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 540: Sodom: Made It Weird, Made it Worse (Genesis 19:30-38)

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Today’s Bulletin

Manhattan Pres PCA · 540 Made It Weird Then Made It Worse (Genesis 19:30-38) Sermon

OUTLINE

I. Afraid In A Cave (v. 30)
II. Wine & Worse (v.31-35)
III. Grandpa Dad and More Descendants (v.36-38)

Genesis 19:30-38

“Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. 31 And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

34 The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 35 So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
Made It Weird, Then Made It Worse: Genesis 19:30-38

Ice Breaker: You can choose any famous historical figure to join your family for a week. Who do you think would create the most awkward family dinners and why?

This Week Specific

1. Isolation and Community Influence: Lot and his daughters ended up isolated in a cave, leading to disastrous decisions. In what ways can isolation (emotional, spiritual, or physical) negatively affect your family life or personal decisions? How does your choice of community impact your faith and values?

2. Compromise in Desperation: Lot’s daughters made a terrible decision out of fear and desperation for a future. Are there areas in your life—whether in work, school, or relationships—where you’ve felt pressured to compromise your values? How can trusting God’s provision help you avoid making such compromises?

3. The Gradual Drift of Worldliness: Lot initially resisted the sinful culture of Sodom but gradually assimilated into it. What are some subtle ways the culture around us tries to shape our thinking, especially in family dynamics, work, or school? How can you stay vigilant in resisting worldly influences?

4. The Role of Christian Community: Lot’s failure to return to Abraham and the covenant community contributed to his downfall. In what ways can being part of a Christian community (church, small group, or fellowship) help you stay accountable and grounded in your faith at home, in school, or at work?

5. Choosing Role Models: The sermon highlighted the importance of who we look up to and imitate. Who are the people you look to for guidance in your family, career, or personal life? How do they align with your values as a follower of Christ?

6. Parental Responsibility in Faith Formation: Lot’s daughters were heavily influenced by the Sodomite culture and their father’s decisions. If you’re a parent, how can you better model faith in Christ for your children, helping them navigate the world’s influences at school and in friendships?

7. Responding to Fear with Faith: Lot’s fear led him to make poor choices. Can you identify areas in your life (work, family, school) where fear is influencing your decisions? How might trusting in God’s promises free you from making decisions based on fear rather than faith?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 539: Sodom: Compromise & Consequence (Genesis 19:1-29)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Angels At The Gate (v.1-3)
II. Know Them Not (v.4-5) 
III. Worst Father Ever? (v.6-9)
IV. Fly, You Fools (v.10-22)
V. So Dumb, So-dium (v.23-26)
VI. Morning After (v.27-29)

Genesis 19:1-29

“The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” 6 Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, 7 and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down. 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door. 11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both small and great, so that they wore themselves out groping for the door.

12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” 18 And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords. 19 Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. 20 Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” 21 He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. 22 Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 24 Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven. 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD. 28 And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.

29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
Sodom:Compromise & Consequences: Genesis 19:1-29

Ice Breaker: If you had to quickly leave your house forever and could only take three items with you (assuming all people and pets are already safe), what would you grab and why?

This Week Specific

1. In what ways do you see yourself in Lot’s story?

   Lot struggled with living in a culture that was deeply sinful, yet he lingered when God called him to flee. How do you wrestle with living in a culture that often celebrates things contrary to God’s ways? Where might you be "lingering" instead of fully following God’s commands in your life—whether in your home, work, or school?

2. What sacrifices have you had to make or need to make to fully follow Christ?

   Lot hesitated because of the comfort and possessions he would lose by leaving Sodom. Are there areas in your life where comfort or attachment to material things is hindering your obedience to God?

3. How do you respond when those around you reject or mock your faith, like Lot’s sons-in-law did?

   Lot’s sons-in-law thought he was joking when he warned them of God's judgment.

   How do you balance the call to share truth with those around you while dealing with potential rejection or indifference?

4. Lot tried to balance his faith with cultural expectations, but this led to devastating decisions, especially concerning his family.

   How do you prioritize your family’s spiritual health over societal expectations? In what ways might you be compromising, knowingly or unknowingly, in your work, school, or family life?

5. In what ways does God show mercy to you, even when you don’t deserve it, like He did with Lot?

   Lot didn’t ask for help, yet God’s mercy was extended to him and his family. How has God extended His mercy to you, even when you were resistant or slow to obey?

6. How does this passage shape your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?

   God judged Sodom but also provided a way of rescue for Lot. How does this affect the way you view justice and mercy in your relationships and responsibilities at work, home, or school?

7. Reflect on Lot’s wife’s disobedience in looking back.

   Lot’s wife looked back despite clear instructions not to. What “past” or worldly things are you tempted to look back at? How does this affect your spiritual growth and your focus on God’s calling for your life now?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 538: Lifeblood (Leviticus 17)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

Leviticus 17

“1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the people of Israel and say to them, This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. 3 If any one of the house of Israel kills an ox or a lamb or a goat in the camp, or kills it outside the camp, 4 and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it as a gift to the LORD in front of the tabernacle of the LORD, bloodguilt shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood, and that man shall be cut off from among his people. 5 This is to the end that the people of Israel may bring their sacrifices that they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to the LORD, to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and sacrifice them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD. 6 And the priest shall throw the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting and burn the fat for a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 7 So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.

8 “And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice 9 and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to the LORD, that man shall be cut off from his people.

10 “If any one of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn among them eats any blood, I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. 12 Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who sojourns among you eat blood.

13 “Any one also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth. 14 For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, You shall not eat the blood of any creature, for the life of every creature is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off. 15 And every person who eats what dies of itself or what is torn by beasts, whether he is a native or a sojourner, shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening; then he shall be clean. 16 But if he does not wash them or bathe his flesh, he shall bear his iniquity.””

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Sermon Discussion questions
Lifeblood:: Leviticus 17

Ice Breaker: What is something a friend or spouse would say is quirky about you?

This Week Specific

1. 1. Drawing Near to God:

   • Why do you think God gives such specific instructions for how the Israelites were to approach Him in Leviticus?

   • How do we, as Christians, draw near to God today? What role does Jesus play in this process?

   • In what ways do we sometimes try to “diversify our assets” when trusting God doesn’t seem enough?

   2. Loyalty to God:

   • The sermon highlights betrayal, mentioning figures like Judas and Benedict Arnold. How does divided loyalty to God manifest in our lives today?

   • What are some modern-day idols that can tempt us to be disloyal to God?

   • How can we combat the temptation to turn to other "gods" (e.g., money, status, success) when we feel God is distant?

   3. God’s Means and Exclusivity:

   • Why is it important that Israel followed God’s specific instructions for worship and sacrifice? How does this relate to Jesus being the only way to God?

   • How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus?

   • In what ways do we sometimes try to create our own “means” of drawing near to God, apart from Jesus?

   4. Respect for Atonement:

   • Why was it such a serious offense to consume blood in Israel? What was the symbolism behind it?

   • How do we today show respect or disrespect for the atonement Jesus provided?

   • What does it mean to “go all in on Jesus,” as the sermon suggests? How do we live this out practically in our daily lives?

   5. The Struggle to Trust:

   • The sermon talks about the Israelites struggling to trust that God would deliver. In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully trust God?

   • How do you remind yourself that Jesus is enough when you’re tempted to seek satisfaction or help elsewhere?

   • Peter’s confession in John 6 is a key part of this message. How can Peter’s words, “Where else are we to go?” encourage you in times of doubt or uncertainty?

   6. Exclusive Loyalty in Today’s World:

   • How does the idea of exclusivity in loyalty to God challenge the values of a pluralistic, multi-faith world?

   • What does it look like for a Christian to remain loyal to Christ when surrounded by competing worldviews and ideologies?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 537: The Sake of 10 (Genesis 18:16-33)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. God Spills The Beans of Justice (v.16-21)
II. Abe Intercedes For Sodom (v.22-26)
III. How Low Can You Go (v.27-33)
IV. God’s Justice and Jesus (Genesis to Revelation)


Updated Alternate Outline

I. What Happened Here

II. Questions Of What God Is Teaching Us

1 Why does God decided to tell Abraham his plan to destroy SoGo? (v.16-19)
2. What exactly does it mean, God heard the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah? (v.20)
3. What’s God mean by, I will go down and check? Doesn’t he already know? (v.21)
4. Why does Abe ask, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” And “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (v.23-25)
5. Will God Do Justice still today? (Whole Bible)
6. What can we learn about prayer by how Abraham intercedes for SoGo? (v.22-33)
7. Why the weird deduction from 50 to 10 people? (v.22-33)
8. Can a man or woman change God’s mind? (v.22-33

III. A Question of One, would God have shown mercy for one righteous? (New Testemant)

Genesis 18:16-33

“Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”

22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” 26 And the LORD said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
For The Sake of 10: Genesis 18:16-33

Ice Breaker: What is something a friend or spouse would say is quirky about you?

This Week Specific

1. Abraham's Compassion and Prayer
   Abraham intercedes for a city he knows is filled with sin, asking for God's mercy. Who are the people or communities in your life that you feel called to pray for, even though they may be far from God? How can you cultivate a heart of compassion like Abraham for those around you?

2. Boldness in Prayer
   Abraham boldly negotiates with God, moving from 50 righteous down to 10. How bold are you in your prayers, especially for others? Can you think of an example in your life where you need to approach God with greater boldness and persistence in prayer?

3. Responding to a Corrupt Culture
   Abraham lived in a culture that was decaying morally, yet he remained righteous and sought God’s will. What practical steps can you take to remain faithful to God in a culture that often rejects biblical values, especially in your workplace, school, or neighborhood?

4. God’s Justice Today
   We see that God is both just and merciful in His dealings with Sodom and Gomorrah. In your day-to-day life, how do you reconcile the concept of God's justice with His mercy? Are there ways you can trust God's justice more deeply when you see injustice around you?

5. Humility in Approach to God
   Abraham humbly acknowledges his position as "dust and ashes" (v. 27) while boldly praying to God. How can humility in your relationship with God help you when you pray, work, or relate to others in your daily life?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 536: A Laugh By The Oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1-15)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. God + To Show = Theophany (v.1-2)

II. Generous Hospitality (v.3-8)
III. Doubting the Wonder of the Lord (v.9-12)

IV. Seriously, Is Anything Too Hard For The LORD? (v.13-15) 


Genesis 18:1-15

“1 And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.””

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Sermon Discussion questions
Laughing at the oaks of mamre: Genesis 18:1-15

Ice Breaker: When have you laughed at the wrong time?

This Week Specific

1. Reflecting on God's Promise: In Genesis 18, Sarah doubted God’s promise of a son. What promises of God are you currently struggling to believe, either in your family, at work, or in other areas of life? How does knowing God cares most about your faith help?

2. Believing in God's Power: The sermon emphasized the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

   Two parts-

   1. Think about a time when you faced a seemingly impossible situation. How did you respond?

   2. What is a situation in your life right now that feels impossible? How can you trust God with this area, and how might you need to adjust your prayers to reflect belief in His power?

3. Hospitality in Everyday Life: Abraham showed generous hospitality to his visitors. What are practical ways we can invite others into our life to reflect Christ’s love? Choose one specific action you can take this week.

4. Applying Childlike Faith: The sermon mentioned that growing in faith sometimes means returning to simple truths we learned as children. In what areas of your life—such as your work, home, or studies—do you need to recapture a sense of awe and trust in God’s power?

5. Practicing Bold Prayer: Brian encouraged us not to shy away from bold prayers, even for seemingly impossible situations. What bold prayer do you need to begin praying—whether for a family member, a co-worker, your church, or your own spiritual growth?

6. Overcoming Cynicism: Like Sarah’s laughter, we can sometimes laugh at God’s promises because they seem too good to be true. How does cynicism show up in your daily life, and how can you intentionally replace it with faith, particularly in challenging environments like work or school?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 535: Solomon Turns From God (1st Kings 11:1-8)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

No Outline This week

1st Kings 11:1-8

“1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. 8 And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.”

Sermon Discussion Questions: Solomon Turns From the Lord: 1 Kings 11:1-8

Ice Breaker: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has really stuck with you? Why?

This Week Specific

In our passage this week, Exodus 34:16 is quoted and is a passage that prohibits marrying non-Israelite women. What are some things that the presence of the law might tell us about Solomon’s heart? In what ways have you seen your heart do the same?

What are some things that we learn about marriage and its spiritual importance?

What might be some factors in Solomon’s turning away from the Lord? How might repentance have looked for Solomon?

What are some things that tend to draw your heart away from the Lord? What does repentance look like for you?

Weekly Questions

What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

How can this group pray for you this week?

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Sermon 534: God vs Impossible (Genesis 17:15-27)

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Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. A New Name For Sarai (v. 15-16)

II. Abraham’s Laughter (v. 17-18)

III. The Child of Promise & Provision for Ishmael (v. 19-21)
IV. A Strange Painful Obedience (v. 22-26)

Genesis 17:15-27

“15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”

222 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
God vs Impossible: Genesis 17:15-27

Ice Breaker: If you could erase and make the world forget about one modern technology for the betterment of life, what would you remove?

This Week Specific

1. Faith in Difficult Situations: Abraham had to wait many years for God's promise to be fulfilled. What are some "impossible" situations you are currently facing in your life, family, work, or school? How can you respond with faith like Abraham while you wait for God's timing?

2. Honest Prayers: Abraham's laughter in response to God's promise shows his amazement and perhaps some doubt. How do you usually respond to God's promises? Do you feel comfortable being honest with God about your struggles and doubts in prayer? How might doing so strengthen your faith?

3. Obedience in the Waiting: Abraham immediately obeyed God’s command regarding circumcision, even though it was strange and painful. Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey, even though it might be difficult or countercultural? How can you take a step of obedience this week? (Or share a time from the past if easier)

4. God's Power vs. Human Effort: Abraham tried to fulfill God's promise through Ishmael, but God made it clear that Isaac was the child of promise. Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts instead of trusting God to work? How might you shift your focus from self-reliance to God’s power?

5. Praying for Others: Abraham prayed for Ishmael, showing his concern for his son. How can you be more intentional in praying for your family members, friends, or coworkers, especially those who seem far from God? What specific prayers can you start lifting up for them?

6. Embracing the Impossible: The sermon emphasized that nothing is impossible for God. How does this truth impact your approach to challenges in your personal life or in the lives of those around you? Can you think of a time when God accomplished something in your life that seemed impossible? Is there something impossible you’re asking God for right now?

7. Living Out Your Faith: How can you apply the lesson that “obedience is not a means to gain the grace of God, but a response to the grace of God” in your daily life? What changes might you need to make in your behavior, attitude, or priorities to better reflect your trust in God's promises?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 533: Ah Schmucks, A Covenant Cut (Genesis 17:1-14)

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. The Covenant of Grace Revealed (v.1-8)
   A. God's Self-Revelation (Verse 1)
   B. The Renewal of the Covenant (v.2-4)
   C. The Promises of the Covenant (v.5-8)
II. The Covenant Sign of Circumcision (v.9-14)
   A. Circumcision as the Covenant Sign (v.9-11)
   B. The Covenant Community (v.12-13)
   C. The Seriousness of Covenant Faithfulness(v.14)

Genesis 17

Genesis 17:1–14 “1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”

99 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, 13 both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.””

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Sermon Discussion questions
TAh Schmucks, A Covenant Cut: Genesis 17:1-14

Ice Breaker: Have you ever been a "sojourner" (traveler in a foreign place)? Share a funny or memorable moment from that experience.

This Week Specific

1. How does understanding the covenant as a deeply relational bond, rather than just a contract, impact the way you view your relationship with God? What steps can you take to strengthen this covenant relationship in your daily life?

2. Abraham waited many years for God's promise to be fulfilled. Can you share a time in your life when you had to wait on God? How did that waiting period affect your faith? What can we learn from Abraham's response during his long wait?

3. God calls Abraham to "walk before me, and be blameless." What does it mean to live with integrity in our modern context? What areas of your life might need realignment to reflect a wholehearted commitment to God?

4. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant for Abraham and his descendants. Today, baptism serves as a sign of the New Covenant. How do you view the role of baptism in your spiritual life, and how can it serve as a reminder of your covenant with God?

5. The sermon emphasizes that being part of the covenant community means we have a bond with others in the church. How can you actively live out this covenantal relationship within your church community? What practical steps can you take to support and care for others in your small group or congregation?

6. God’s covenant was not just with Abraham, but with his descendants. How can you apply this idea to your own family or spiritual influence? In what ways can you encourage the next generation to grow in their faith and understanding of God’s covenant?

7. Reflecting on the statement "I will be your God," how does this promise resonate with you personally? In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life, and how can this assurance shape your actions and decisions moving forward?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 532: The God Who Sees (Genesis 16)

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Sarai’s Plan (v.1-4)
II. Poor Plan Begets Poor Results (v.5-6)
III. Intervening For Hope (v.7-12)
IV. El Roi: God Sees & Cares (v.13-16)

Genesis 16

Genesis 16:1–16 “1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

77 The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.”

11 And the angel of the LORD said to her,

“Behold, you are pregnant

and shall bear a son.

You shall call his name Ishmael,

because the LORD has listened to your affliction.

12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man,

his hand against everyone

and everyone’s hand against him,

and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”

13 So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

115 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.”

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Sermon 531: Crying Out To God (Psalm 69)

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Panic On The Brain (v.1-4)
II. No Place to Hide & Reputation (v.5-6)
III. Haters Gonna Hate, Even Godly Zeal (v.7-12)
IV. It’s Over My Head (v.13-18)
V. Reproach & Despair (v.19-21)
VI. Imprecatory Pleas (v.22-29)
VII. Chorus of Gratitude & Praise (v.30-36)

Psalm 69

1 Save me, O God!

For the waters have come up to my neck.

2 I sink in deep mire,

where there is no foothold;

I have come into deep waters,

and the flood sweeps over me.

3 I am weary with my crying out;

my throat is parched.

My eyes grow dim

with waiting for my God.

4 More in number than the hairs of my head

are those who hate me without cause;

mighty are those who would destroy me,

those who attack me with lies.

What I did not steal

must I now restore?

5 O God, you know my folly;

the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

6 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,

O Lord GOD of hosts;

let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,

O God of Israel.

7 For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach,

that dishonor has covered my face.

8 I have become a stranger to my brothers,

an alien to my mother’s sons.

9 For zeal for your house has consumed me,

and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.

10 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting,

it became my reproach.

11 When I made sackcloth my clothing,

I became a byword to them.

12 I am the talk of those who sit in the gate,

and the drunkards make songs about me.

13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.

At an acceptable time, O God,

in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

14 Deliver me

from sinking in the mire;

let me be delivered from my enemies

and from the deep waters.

15 Let not the flood sweep over me,

or the deep swallow me up,

or the pit close its mouth over me.

16 Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good;

according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

17 Hide not your face from your servant,

for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.

18 Draw near to my soul, redeem me;

ransom me because of my enemies!

19 You know my reproach,

and my shame and my dishonor;

my foes are all known to you.

20 Reproaches have broken my heart,

so that I am in despair.

I looked for pity, but there was none,

and for comforters, but I found none.

21 They gave me poison for food,

and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.

22 Let their own table before them become a snare;

and when they are at peace, let it become a trap.

23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see,

and make their loins tremble continually.

24 Pour out your indignation upon them,

and let your burning anger overtake them.

25 May their camp be a desolation;

let no one dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute him whom you have struck down,

and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.

27 Add to them punishment upon punishment;

may they have no acquittal from you.

28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;

let them not be enrolled among the righteous.

29 But I am afflicted and in pain;

let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

30 I will praise the name of God with a song;

I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

31 This will please the LORD more than an ox

or a bull with horns and hoofs.

32 When the humble see it they will be glad;

you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

33 For the LORD hears the needy

and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,

the seas and everything that moves in them.

35 For God will save Zion

and build up the cities of Judah,

and people shall dwell there and possess it;

36 the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,

and those who love his name shall dwell in it.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
Crying Out To God: Psalm 69

Ice Breaker: Have you ever been a "sojourner" (traveler in a foreign place)? Share a funny or memorable moment from that experience.

This Week Specific

1. In verses 1-4, David expresses a deep sense of desperation and helplessness. Can you think of a time you felt similarly overwhelmed? How did you respond to those feelings, and what role did prayer play in your situation?

2. David mentions being hated without cause (verse 4). Have you ever faced unjust criticism or accusations? How did it affect your relationship with God and your sense of self-worth?

3. The sermon mentions how David was concerned about bringing shame to God's name through his situation. How can we be mindful of our witness as Christians, even in difficult circumstances?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced criticism or mockery for your faith. How did you respond, and how might David's example in this Psalm inform future responses?

5. In verses 5-6, David acknowledges his faults while addressing God. How can we practice humility in our own prayers, recognizing our imperfections without being defined by them?

6. Do you think there is a correlation between our zeal for God and persecution? Why not or how so?

7. David speaks of bearing reproach for his zeal for God (verse 9). How can we find strength and encouragement when our faith leads to misunderstanding or ridicule from others?

8. How can we cultivate a balance between honestly expressing our pain to God and maintaining trust in His character and timing?

9. In verses 30-32, David shifts from despair to praise. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a habit of gratitude and worship in our lives, especially during difficult times?

10. Reflecting on David’s imprecatory prayers (verses 22-29), how should we approach feelings of anger or desire for vengeance? How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:43-44 challenge our natural instincts?

11. The sermon discusses imprecatory prayers and how we should approach them as Christians today. How do you reconcile feelings of anger or desires for justice with Jesus' command to love our enemies?

12. David transitions from despair to praise in this Psalm. What practices or truths help you shift your focus to praising God during challenging times?

13. In verses 34-36, David expresses confidence in God’s future deliverance. How can we hold onto hope in the midst of our suffering, and what promises from Scripture can help us in those times?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 530: The Gospel for Gentiles: Acts 10:1-33

This week’s bulletin

10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Sermon 529: A Far-Off God (Psalm 10)

Bulletin Here

10 Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;

let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.

3 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,

and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.

4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;

all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

5 His ways prosper at all times;

your judgments are on high, out of his sight;

as for all his foes, he puffs at them.

6 He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;

throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”

7 His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;

under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.

8 He sits in ambush in the villages;

in hiding places he murders the innocent.

His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;

9 he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;

he lurks that he may seize the poor;

he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.

10 The helpless are crushed, sink down,

and fall by his might.

11 He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,

he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”

12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;

forget not the afflicted.

13 Why does the wicked renounce God

and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?

14 But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,

that you may take it into your hands;

to you the helpless commits himself;

you have been the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;

call his wickedness to account till you find none.

16 The Lord is king forever and ever;

the nations perish from his land.

17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;

you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 528: The Lord Sets Prisoners Free (Psalm 146)

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Praise then LORD, O My Soul! (v.1-2)
II. The Human Condition (v.3-4)
III. The God who… (v.5-9)
IV. A Diamond God Is Forever (v.10)

Psalm146

1 LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;

7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;

8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”

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Sermon Discussion questions
The Lord Sets Prisoners Free: Psalm 146

Ice Breaker: Have you ever been a "sojourner" (traveler in a foreign place)? Share a funny or memorable moment from that experience.

This Week Specific

1. Psalm 146 begins and ends with Hallelujah! / “Praise the LORD!" How can you incorporate more genuine praise into your daily life? Are there specific moments or practices you can adopt to keep praise at the forefront of your mind?

2. Verses 3-4 warn against putting trust in princes or humans. In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your trust in people or institutions rather than in God? How can you shift your trust to God in those areas?

3. Verses 5-9 highlights God’s care for the oppressed, hungry, prisoners, blind, and orphans. How can you emulate God's compassion in your community? Are there specific actions you can take to support and care for those in need around you?

4. The sermon lists 12 reasons to trust God, including His care for the oppressed, hungry, prisoners and sojourners. Which of these aspects of God's character resonates most with you personally? How might you be used by God in caring for others in these ways?

5. The sermon mentioned the importance of a lifelong commitment to worship. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your relationship with God remains strong and vibrant throughout your life? How can you inspire and encourage others in your community to do the same?

6. How does the idea that "God reigns forever" impact your perspective on current events or personal challenges? How can we live with an eternal mindset in a rapidly changing world?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?

Sermon 527: The King & His Bride (Psalm 45)

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. The Glory of the King (v.1-9)
II. The Beauty of the Bride (v.10-15)
III. The Eternal Kingdom (v.16-17)

Psalm 45

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song.

1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;

I address my verses to the king;

my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men;

grace is poured upon your lips;

therefore God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,

in your splendor and majesty!

4 In your majesty ride out victoriously

for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;

let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

5 Your arrows are sharp

in the heart of the king’s enemies;

the peoples fall under you.

6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.

The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;

7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;

at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:

forget your people and your father’s house,

11 and the king will desire your beauty.

Since he is your lord, bow to him.

12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,

the richest of the people.

13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.

14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king,

with her virgin companions following behind her.

15 With joy and gladness they are led along

as they enter the palace of the king.

16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons;

you will make them princes in all the earth.

17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;

therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.”

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Sermon Discussion questions
The King & His Bride: Psalm 45

Ice Breaker: What’s one memory that sticks out from your wedding or honeymoon?

This Week Specific

1. The sermon highlights the advice for the bride to leave her past and cleave to her husband. How does this concept apply to your relationship with Christ?

2. What aspects of your old life have you found difficult to leave behind, and how can you fully embrace your new identity in Christ?

3. Ephesians 5 compares the relationship between Christ and the church to a marriage. What practical steps can you take to nurture and strengthen your relationship with Jesus, similar to how you would with a spouse?

4. The sermon mentions the future marriage supper of the Lamb. How does this future hope influence the way you live today?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?