Pastor Frank

FollowUp 9-18-18


Message Title: Knowing God

Series Title: Knowing God

Key verses:

Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3

 

Sermon Notes:

    1. God wants you to know (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
    2. Knowing God is eternal (John 17:3)
    3. Knowing God is a matter of personal (Psalms 34:8)
    4. The more complex the object, the more complex is the journey of knowing that object.
    5. God is one in essence and yet there is a plurality of the Godhead in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Gen 1:26-27, Matthew 28:18-20)
    6. They are in perfect harmony and unity of relationship.  (John 14:8-21)

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:

Are you more of a dog or cat person and why?

 

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

  1. Read Jeremiah 9:23-24. What relationships in your life are you most proud of?  What type of effort did you put into these relationships to make this happen?  How do you think the Lord God Almighty would answer this question?
  2. Read John 17:1-3. What do you think it is about knowing God that brings eternal life?  What do you think Jesus meant by His words?
  3. Have you ever let someone in to your confidence or your “circle of family trust” and was later wounded by that person? If so what happened and how did that make you feel?
  4. Do you think God can relate to your feelings? Can you think of a time in the Scriptures when this happened to God? After some discussion on this read Isaiah 65:1-3, Luke 22:47-48.
  5. If God is the expert of getting betrayed by people, why do you think He still opens Himself up to others?
  6. Trinity Quiz: Read Revelation 1:8. Who is the Alpha and Omega?  Read Revelation 22:12-16.  Who is the Alpha and Omega?  Compare this to Isaiah 48:12-16.  Who is speaking?  Can you identify the Trinity in these verses?  Welcome to the complexity of the mystery of the oneness of the Godhead. Refer back to sermon note 4 for an explanation.

 

Extra Credit Homework:

Read John 14:8-21.  Go through this passage carefully and try to see how the different persons of the Trinity relate to one another, both in who they are and what they do.

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 9-11-18


Message Title: Fellowship

Key verses:

1 John 1:1-4

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. Fellowship refers to those who share in a deep common bond of experiential
  2. Christian fellowship flows from the Divine, washing over the human soul, that constitutes utterly unparalleled life.
  3. Christian fellowship happens in
  4. The Early Church worshipped in the temple
  5. The Early Church fellowshipped in their homes.

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:

Have you ever been in an earthquake?  Where were you and what did you do?  How did it make you feel?
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

  1. Read 1 John 1:1-4. What emotion do you sense from John the Apostle in these verses?  Why do you think that is?
  2. When was the last time you had the opportunity to explain Jesus to someone and how did that make you feel?
  3. If your child asked you to explain what “fellowship” means how would you explain it to them?
  4. Read Acts 2:41-42. Christian Fellowship has always been an important component of our spiritual experience in following Jesus. Why do you think so many Christians choose to live out their Christian faith without pursuing fellowship in their lives?
  5. When was the last time Christian fellowship really had an important impact on your life?
  6. Read 1 Timothy 3:15. Pastor Frank spoke about the importance of foundations especially during earthquakes.  What was the last personal earthquake you experienced in your life and how did God use your relationships in the Church to get you through it?
  7. Read John 13:34-35. How have you seen Christians fellowshipping together be a witness to unbelievers. Please share.

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 9-5-18


Message Title: The Power of Prayer

Key verses:

Acts 12:1-19

 

Sermon Notes:

 

  1. Regardless of the situation, nothing is impossible with God!

 

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?”  [Jer 32:27 NASB]

 

  1. Prayer should be our first response to tragedy and trials!

 

“The righteous cry and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.”  [Ps 34:17 NASB]

 

  1. Pray for others, and ask other believers to pray for you!

“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you;”

[1 Sam 12:23 NASB]

 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.’ ‘The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”  [James 5:16 NASB]

 

  1. Prayer moves the hand of God!

 

”The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.”   [Ps 34:7 NASB]

 

  1. Prayer should never be a substitute for work!

 

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;”        [Col 3:23 NASB]

 

  1. Pray expecting results; don’t doubt – not ever!

 

“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”  [Matt 21:22 NASB]

 

20 Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king’s country. 21 On an

appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. 22 The people kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.

 

  1. God’s answer to our prayers can surpass our expectations.

 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,”   [Eph 3:20 NASB]

 

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

Who was the most surprising person to ever show up at your door?

 

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

  1. Read Acts 12:1-19. When you read these verses what do they teach you about prayer?  When did you first discover the power of prayer in your spiritual journey with Jesus?
  2. Read Acts 12:5,11-15. Do you find anything amusing in these verses?  When Rhonda announced who was at the door, what do you think you would have said if you had been there?
  3. If you had been present at this prayer meeting, what do you think this miracle would have done for you?
  4. If someone was to ask you to define prayer and the purpose of prayer, what would you say?
  5. What do you think is the greatest mystery of prayer?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 8-28-18


Message Title: Conquerors That Are Still Fighting, Part 2

 

Key verses:

Eph 6:10-17

 

Sermon Notes:

The Spiritual Armor for victory.

  1. The “helmet of salvation“.
  2. The “sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
    1. This refers to speaking God’s Word.

What does Jesus teach us about his time in the wilderness?

  1. There is power in speaking God’s Word into our life
  2. Our lives are first spiritual and then physical.

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

What is the longest you have ever gone without eating?  How does hunger affects you?

 

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

 

  1. Read Ephesians 6:10-17. What piece of spiritual armor has been the most critical for your life lately and why?
  2. Read John 10:27-30. How do these verses relate to the importance of the “helmet of salvation”?
  3. According to these verses who protects our salvation in Christ? When you read these verses how do they make you feel and why?
  4. Read Mt 4:1-11. How does Jesus inspire you in this section of Scripture?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 8-21-18


Message Title: Conquerors That Are Still Fighting

 

 

 

Key verses:

Eph 6:10-17

 

Sermon Notes

  1. The “spiritual armor” for victory.
    1. Courage is the attitude of spiritual victory.

     

    1. The “belt of truth”:
      1. Truth of salvation (Eph 1:13)
      2. Truth that comes from following (Eph 4:41)

     

    1. The “breastplate of righteousness”:
      1. This stands for an uprightness of integrity of character.
      2. This flows from Christ’s righteousness in us.
    2. “Shoes of good news”
    3. The shield of

     

     

    Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

    Getting to Know You:

    When you were growing up, what were some of your favorite dress up costumes?

     

    Quick Review:
    Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

     

    Digging Deeper:

     

    1. Read Eph 6:10-17. What piece of spiritual armor do you do you need the most in your life right now and why?
    2. How many times does Paul use the word “stand” in this section of Scripture? Why do you think he does this?  When was the last time you had to take the courage to stand as a follower of Jesus?
    3. Paul describes the belt as truth. How important do you think truth is in your faith in Jesus? Please share? How important do you think truth is in living your daily life? Please share.
    4. There is an old saying, “If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life”. Do you believe this is true?  How have you seen this happen in a person’s life?  Your life?
    5. How would you describe your “breastplate of righteousness” in your life right now?
    6. Who was the one that wore the “shoes of the gospel of peace” that brought you to Jesus?
    7. How do you utilize the “shield of faith”? Describe some fiery darts from the evil one that could weaken your faith.
    8. The shield was used to lock with others to form a wall of protection. Who have been some of the most meaningful people you have locked your shield of faith with?

    Taking it Home:

    What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 8-14-18


Message Title: More Than A Survivor: Be Strong and Courageous

Series: Romans 8

 

 

Key verses:

Joshua 1:1-9

 

Sermon Notes

  1. What is Christian Courage?
    1. It’s the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost.
    2. It’s the God-given ability to take risks with the knowledge of God’s abiding presence.
  2. When will we need this Courage?
    1. Human Opposition
    2. Spiritual Oppression
  3. How do we get this Courage?
    1. Obedience – the Courageous Christian is the one who walks in obedience to God’s Word
    2. Daily Meditation – it’s the disciplined and prayerful reading, understanding reflection and applying God’s Word in all of life’s situations
  4. What is the secret to be more than a survivor?
    1. Remaining or Abiding in Christ

 

Getting to Know You:

What challenging situations are you dealing with at present that require courage to obey God?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

  1. Have you meditated on God’s Word today? What is God saying to you in your circumstance?
  2. Why does meditation on God’s Word play such an important role in your life?
  3. Do you agree that most people have some kind of fear? What about you? Name one or two things in your life that make you fearful. How does that affect your decision-making?
  4. Why do you think the Lord so strongly emphasized the commandment “be strong and courageous?”
  5. How does God help us not to be fearful or intimidated? What difference does mentioning His presence make?
  6. How can you encourage others to courageously obey God despite the difficult circumstances in their lives?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message, and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 8-7-18


Message Title:Conquering Through Everlasting Love

Series: Romans 8

 

 

Key verses:
Romans 8:31-39

 

Sermon Notes:

The good news of who we are in Christ:

  1. We are not under condemnation (Rom 8:1)
  2. We live under a new law of relationship in the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:2-14)
  3. We are adopted into God’s family as His child. (Rom 8:15-17)
  4. God is going to resurrect us and all creation one day in glory. (Rom 8:19-21)
  5. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer. (Rom 8:26)
  6. All things work together for good to those who love God. (Rom 8:28)
  7. God is making you more like his Son every day. (Rom 8:29)
  8. In Jesus, we are more than conquers. (Rom 8:37)
  9. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Rom 8:38-39)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

When you look back on your life who would you say are the 4 people that loved you the most?

 

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:
 

  1. Read Romans 8. As you read this chapter, what section is most meaningful to you and why?
  2. Read vs 31-32. What do you think Paul is talking about in regard to “all things”?
  3. Read vs 35-37. What do you think Paul is referring to about us being conquerors?  Please share?
  4. Read Acts 7:54-60. Steve was the first martyr for his faith in Jesus.  Would you say in these verses he was defeated or that he was a conqueror?  Why or why not.
  5. As you reflect on your spiritual journey, how have you been more than a conqueror in Christ as you’ve walked with Him?
  6. Read vs 38-39. What do you think God is trying to tell you in these verses?  How does this passage effect your life?  How do you think it should?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 7-25-18


Message Title: Momentary Suffering and Eternal Glory

Series: Romans 8

 

 

Key verses:
Romans 8:18-25

 

Sermon Notes

For the followers of Jesus:

  1. Suffering and glory are promised. (Rom 8:18, 2Tim 3:12)
  2. Our present sufferings and future glory aren’t worth comparing. (Rom 8:18)
  3. The magnificence of God’s eternal glory will greatly surpass our present sufferings. (Rom  8:18-19)
  4. Sufferings and future glory concern both God’s creation and God’s children. (Rom 8)
  5. In glory, we will have a new, glorified body like Jesus’. (Rom 8:23, Phil 3:20-21)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:
What is the newest model of something you just bought and why is it better than the old one?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:

  1. Read Romans 8:18-25. What makes more sense to you about these verses after Sunday’s message?
  2. Read Isaiah 11:1-11. The “branch” is the Messiah Jesus that came 700 years after this was written.  When you read these descriptions of Christ in these verses which ones are most meaningful to you?
  3. When you think about eternity and the “age of future glory”, what do you think about? What are you most looking forward to?
  4. Read 2 Cor 11:24-28, Mt 5:11-12, 2 Tim 3:12. What were some of the most painful times of harsh treatment you have endured because you follow Christ Jesus?  How does the reality of eternity help you in dealing with these moments?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 7-17-18


Message Title: Children of God

Series: Romans 8

 

 

Key verses:
Romans 8:12-17


Sermon Notes

 

Apostle Paul gives several reasons why we cannot continue being slaves of sin.

  1.  We have a debt of gratitude to God to live according to His Spirit. (Rom 8:12)
  2.  Living according to the flesh will destroy you. (Rom 8:13)
  3.  We are now children of God. (Rom 8:14-16).
  4.  We are heirs to a Divine Kingdom that begins in suffering and ends in Glory (Rom 8:16-17)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:

If you had a choice of parents, who would you choose?

 

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:
  

  1. Read Genesis 3:1-6. How did the serpent (Satan) get Adam and Eve to sin against God? How does the Devil get us to sin against God today? What’s the similarity in tactic?
  2. Read John 5:18. How did Jesus address God and why did the religious leaders find that offensive?
  3. Read Romans 8:14-16. How does being a child of God set us free from the bondage of sin? What does fear do to us? How did Jesus deal with our fears?
  4. Read Romans 8:16-17. If we are heirs, what is our inheritance? Why is it important for the heirs of God to reflect the moral attributes of God?
  5. Read Rom 7:18-19, 24-25. Is there anything in your life that you find difficult to surrender to Jesus? Why is it hard to let give up or let go?

 

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 7-10-18


Message Title: Life in the Spirit

Series: Romans 8

 

 

Key verses:
Romans 8:1-11

 

Sermon Notes

 

  1.  The first blessing of salvation is no condemnation. (Rom 8:1)
  2.  The second blessing of salvation is liberation. (Rom 8:2-4)
  3.  Jesus did not bring us to a new set of rules, but access to a new relationship.
  4.  Jesus paid it all for us on the cross and paved the way for the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us! (Rom 8:2-4)
  5.  Life in the Spirit is about focus. (Rom 8:5-8)
  6.  Life in the Spirit is not about earning, but learning and it takes effort.

 

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

Who would you say is the most influential person you have ever met?

 

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

 

Digging Deeper:
  

  1.  Read Romans 8.  As you read this chapter, what positive things do you see come from our life in Jesus?
  2.  From verses 1-4, how would you explain the Gospel to someone who feels they are not “good enough” for God?
  3.  In verses 5-11, what does Paul say about the options Christians have in living their life?
  4.  Read Col 3:1-5.  Why do you think it is so important to God that we set our heart and mind on things above?  What practical benefit is there?
  5. How have you seen the benefits of this play out in your life?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?