Pastor Frank

Mid Week Message 3-26-19

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Message Title: Greater Works, Greater Power

Series: The Last 24 Hours

Key verses:

John 14:12-1; John 16:7-8; Acts 1:8

Sermon Notes:

Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit:

  1. Is not an it, but a He.  (John. 14:15-17)
  2. Is sent to help.  (John 14:16)
  3. Is sent to come alongside us with power. (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7)
  4. Is sent to teach and help us remember Jesus’ words. (John 14:25-26; 2 Peter 1:21)
  5. Is sent to personally unite us back to God. (John 14:16-20)

Separation and Re-unification

  1. At the fall, mankind became spiritually dead and separated from God.  (Genesis 2:7)
  2. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit abided with mankind and His power fell on some, but the Holy Spirit never abided in (John 14:17)
  3. The Holy Spirit came after the cross because the Holy Spirit is holy. (John 16:7-8)
  4. Jesus paid it all for us on the cross and paved the way for the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us once again. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
  5. The Holy Spirit comes in you by faith when you accept Jesus. (Ephesians 1:13)

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

Who was your favorite teacher growing up 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 John 14:15-17, 25-26; John 16:5-14. What do you learn about the Holy Spirit from these verses?  In what ways has He been sent to come along side us and help us?
  2. Read John 14:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:19. When you think about the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, how does it make you feel?  How do you think it should make us feel?
  3. Read Ephesians 5:15-18. What do you think are the differences between the indwelling and the filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
  4. Read Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:16-26. If the Holy Spirit is power in the believer’s life, then why do you think that so many believers don’t experience His power in their lives?
  5. When was the last time you felt the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?
  6. Read Acts 1:8, 4:5-12? What is the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives?  Have you ever experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life when you were sharing Jesus?  Please share.
  7. Jesus tells His disciples the night before He died, that it was good for Him to go because He was sending the Holy Spirit into our lives. He is sent here to come along side us in our journey with Jesus.  As you reflect back on your life, how have you seen the Holy Spirit help you?

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?

Mid Week Message 3-19-19

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Message Title: A New Commandment , A New Way

Series: The Last 24 Hours

Key verses:

John 13:33-38, John 14:1-14

Sermon Notes:

In the Upper Room:

  1. Jesus tells the disciples that He is leaving them.
  2. Where He is going they can’t follow.
  3. Jesus commands His disciples to be known as a loving (John 13:34)

Jesus answers Peter’s question: “Where are you going?  Why can’t I follow?”

  1. Only Jesus can go to prepare a place for us in (John 14:2-3)

Jesus answers Thomas’s question: “How can we know the way?”

  1. I am the way to heaven. (John 14:6)

Jesus answers Philip’s request: “Show us the Father”

  1. I and the Father are one. (John 14:9)
  2. The greater work is in the scope of sharing the Gospel in love.

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

Getting to Know You:

When you are troubled, what symptoms show on your face and in your spirit?

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. What do you think Jesus was trying to teach Judas by washing his feet before he identified him as a betrayer? What do you think He is trying to teach us?
  2. Read Mark 14:17-19. Why do you think they asked Him this question?
  3. Read Psalm 139:23-24. How do you think this verse applies to the last question?
  4. If you knew ahead of time that someone would stab you in the back, how would you treat that person? What does Jesus teach us about heavenly love with His dealings with Judas?
  5. Read Matthew 26:17-25, 1 Corinthians 11:27-18. It appears that Jesus identified Judas and had him leave before He instituted the Lord’s Supper.  Why do you think that is?  What does this teach us about how we should approach communion today?
  6. Read Philippians 3:4-11. Many theologians say that Paul was Jesus’ chosen replacement for Judas as the 12th  If this is so, how would you compare the two?
  7. What do you think Judas teaches us to watch out for in ourselves and in the church?

 

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?

Mid Week Message 3-12-19

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Message Title: Seeds of Betrayal, Depths of Love

Series: The Last 24 Hours

Key verses:

Matthew 26:14-16;  John 13:21-30

Sermon Notes:

Who was Judas:

  1. Judas was the popular name of a famous war hero in the time of Jesus.
  2. He was the only disciple from Judea.
  3. He was the treasurer for the ministry of the Son of God.
  4. He was an awesome actor/hypocrite.
  5. He followed Jesus to gain personal wealth and power.

 

What does Judas tell us about Jesus?

  1. Jesus loved and cared for Judas until the end.
  2. Jesus sees the heart of all

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

When you are troubled, what symptoms show on your face and in your spirit?

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. What do you think Jesus was trying to teach Judas by washing his feet before he identified him as a betrayer? What do you think He is trying to teach us?
  2. Read Mark 14:17-19. Why do you think they asked Him this question?
  3. Read Psalm 139:23-24. How do you think this verse applies to the last question?
  4. If you knew ahead of time that someone would stab you in the back, how would you treat that person? What does Jesus teach us about heavenly love with His dealings with Judas?
  5. Read Matthew 26:17-25, 1 Corinthians 11:27-18. It appears that Jesus identified Judas and had him leave before He instituted the Lord’s Supper.  Why do you think that is?  What does this teach us about how we should approach communion today?
  6. Read Philippians 3:4-11. Many theologians say that Paul was Jesus’ chosen replacement for Judas as the 12th  If this is so, how would you compare the two?
  7. What do you think Judas teaches us to watch out for in ourselves and in the church?

 

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?

Mid Week Message 3-5-19

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Message Title: Healthy Churches Find Contentment in Jesus

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Philippians 4:10-20

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. Healthy churches/people seek the mystery of contentment in Jesus. (Philippians 4:12)

What is Paul teaching to Philippi about Giving?

  1. When we give, we give to God.
  2. God sees when we give to Him in His name.
  3. Paul says that when we trust God and give, we are fragrant to God.
  4. He blesses us for giving.
  5. It is credited to our account in heaven.
  6. Healthy churches/people give to Jesus’ work.

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

What was your favorite childhood toy and for how long did it make you happy?

 

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 John 4:13-19. Apparently the “woman at the well” kept drinking from one failed relationship to another. What “wells” have you observed that the world drinks from that they think will bring satisfaction, but doesn’t?  What wells have you drank from that left you discontented and unfulfilled?  What do you think Jesus is trying to teach her and us in John 4?
  2. Read Philippians 4:10-13. Paul says the he has learned the “secret” to finding contentment in any circumstance. What do you think that secret is and how important is verses 13 to Paul’s inner peace?
  3. Where are you on the journey of learning this “secret” of contentment with Jesus in your life?
  4. When would you say you were the most content in life? How do you think we can grow in this “secret of contentment” that Paul is talking about?
  5. Read Psalm 50:10-12, Philippians 4:14-19. If God owns the world and doesn’t need our money, then why do you think it is important to Him that we learn to give to His work?  What do you think He is after in our hearts?
  6. What do you think verse 17 is teaching? What account do you think Paul is talking about?
  7. In verses 18 and 19, Paul says that giving to God smells good to God, pleases Him, and that He responds to this giving and will meet the giver’s needs.  Do you think that these rewards (Matthew 6) are in this life, the next, or both?

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?

Mid Week Message 2-26-19

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Message Title: Healthy Churches Are Never Perfect – “The Fight to Stay Healthy”

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Philippians 4:1-9

 

Sermon Notes:

 

  1. Healthy churches can have contentious Christians (v2-3)
    1. The Cause of Contention
    2. The Consequence of Contention
    3. The Cure for Contention (v3)
  2. Healthy churches have the secret of true blessing. (v4)
    1. Why should Christians rejoice?
    2. In whom should Christians rejoice?
    3. How often should Christians rejoice?
  3. Healthy churches have the antidote to anxiety (v6-7)
    1. The ailment (v6a)
    2. The antidote (v6b)
    3. The after effect (v7)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

In general, how do you make yourself feel good or happy?

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 Philippians 4:1-9. It has been said that Philippians was the healthiest church in the New Testament. If this is so, then what do these verses teach us about healthy churches?
  2. Read Philippians 4:2-3. What do you learn about these two women from these Scriptures?
  3. Why do you think godly people at times disagree with each other and do you think this is wrong?
  4. What do you think is the worst that could happen in the church if these two sisters don’t come to unity? What is the worst disunity you have seen in a church and how did it turn out?
  5. Read Philippians 4:4-5. What do you think Paul means in these verses about rejoicing in the Lord always?  How does the reality of the Lord being near help us to rejoice always?  How does it help you?
  6. Read Philippians 4:6-7. Why are we not to be anxious?
  7. Why do you think being thankful is a part of this formula for finding heavenly peace? How have you seen these verses play out in your life?
  8. Read Philippians 4:8. Why do you think Paul is telling us to train our minds to focus on these things? What do you think the result is if we don’t?

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?

Mid Week Message 2-20-19

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Message Title: Healthy Churches Understand and Protect the Gospel

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Philippians 3:2-3, 9

 

Sermon Notes:

Peter is saying in Acts 15 that:

  1. They/we don’t need to observe the laws of Moses to be saved. (Acts 15:10-11)
  2. We are all saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 15:10-11)

Paul says in Philippians 3:

  1. There is no advantage of spiritual righteousness before God in being Jewish. (Philippians 3:7-9)
  2. Only Jesus makes you spiritually healthy. (Philippians 3:9)
  3. Healthy churches understand and protect the Gospel. (Philippians 3:2)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

Getting to Know You:

Do you like bacon?  If so, what do you like to eat it with?

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 Philippians 3:1-14. How would you describe Paul’s tone/emotions in this section of Scripture?  Why do you think this is?
  2. Read Philippians 3:1. From a prison in Rome, Paul is telling the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord”!  How often do you think you “rejoice in the Lord”?  What do you think that means?  Who encourages you the most to do this?
  3. Read Philippians 3:2-3. Who were the “dogs” that Paul was talking about in his day?  Why were they so dangerous?  Who, in our day, do we have “to watch out for” that distorts the message of Jesus?
  4. Read Philippians 3: 4-7. How do you see people today putting “confidence in the flesh”?
  5. Read Philippians 3:7-9. What things do you think Paul is talking about that he “lost” in order to gain Jesus?  What did you have to lose to gain Christ?
  6. Read Acts 15:6-11, Philippians 3:9. What do Peter and Paul have in common in these verses?
  7. Read Philippians 3:10. Why do you think Paul says he wants to “know Christ”?  Doesn’t he already know Christ?  There is a hunger in Paul to know Jesus more.  How do you continually pursue to know Jesus better and have greater fellowship with Him?  Do you think we should ever get bored in this pursuit?  Why or why not.

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?

Mid Week Message 2-12-19

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Message Title: Healthy Churches “Working It Out”


Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Phil 2:12

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. At the heart of God is the desire to give, to forgive, and to serve! (Philippians 2:5-11)
  2. Healthy churches/people keep learning more and more about Jesus! (Philippians 2:5-11)
  3. Healthy churches/people seriously ponder in a personal way what Jesus did for them! (Philippians 2:12)
  4. Healthy churches/people produce healthy followers. (Philippians 2:19-30)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

Did you see the Passion of the Christ movie?  If so, what were your impressions?  How did it affect 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 Philippians 2:5-12. What do you think is the intent of these verses when Paul says we need to “work out/or process our salvation with fear and trembling?”
  2. Did you ever experience a time in your spiritual journey with Jesus when Philippians 2:12 happened to you? Please share?  Do you think this is a one-time event or a never-ending journey?
  3. When a person has truly processed who Jesus is and what Jesus has done for them in a personal way, how should it affect them? How did it affect you?
  4. Read Philippians 2:13.What do you think Paul means in this verse? How do you think this verse relates to what he said in Phil 2:5-8?
  5. Read Philippians 2:14-15. What do you think Paul is trying to say in these verses?  What task is the most difficult for you to do without complaining or arguing?
  6. Read Philippians 2:19-30. What two or three words would you use to describe Timothy and Epaphroditus?   Who do you think of that models these qualities today?
  7. To what degree would you call yourself a “spiritually healthy person?” Who do you think is the person that God has used recently in your life to get you to this place?

 

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?

Mid Week Message 2-5-19

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Message Title: Working Your Way to the Bottom:
The Path to True Life in the Midst of Struggles (Phil. 1:27-2:11)

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Phil 2:1-11

 

Sermon Notes:

 

  1. Struggles are a sign that you’re on the right (Philippians 1:27-30)
  2. When things are difficult and we face opposition, we need to come together in mutual love and avoid the tendency to focus on ourselves. (Philippians 2:1-4)
  3. Our role model is Jesus Christ, who faced struggles, opposition, and suffering and put others before Himself. (Philippians 2:5-8)
  4. When we adopt His mindset and not the one of the world around us, we find ourselves on the path to true life, joy, and significance. (Philippians 2:9-11)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

Who do you think was the most selfless person you 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 Philippians 1:28-30. When we choose to follow Jesus in this world, we are guaranteed to receive opposition. Paul uses the word “granted” in verse 29 as though it is a privilege to suffer for Jesus.  Do you think it is a privilege to suffer in this world for Jesus?  Why or why not?
  2. Read Philippians 2:1-2. Why is it important, when we struggle and face suffering and opposition, that we come together? What kind of encouragement have you received from fellowship with other Christians?
  3. Read Philippians 2:3-4. How does this passage challenge society’s definition of success? How do you balance “looking out for the interests of others” with your own interests? How do you think humility differs from being a doormat?
  4. Read Philippians 2:5-8. What do these amazing verses reveal to us about the nature and existence of Jesus?
  5. In Philippians 2:7, Paul writes that Jesus “made himself nothing” (NIV) or “emptied himself” (NASB). Paul doesn’t explain how God can become a man and still remain God, but Jesus did it. What do you think it means that He “emptied Himself”? What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human?
  6. Read Hebrews 2:9-10, John 15:12-13. Why did Jesus become human? How is this the greatest expression of love imaginable? How does it encourage you?
  7. Read Philippians 2:9-11. Through humility, self-denial, and obedience, Christ achieved sovereignty over all peoples and things.  As His follower, what do you think you achieve through humility, self-denial, and obedience?
  8. When you picture all people kneeling before Christ one day, who do you most look forward to seeing?

 

Taking it Home:

What is one specific way you can imitate Christ’s humility this coming week and how can this group remember you in prayer?

Mid Week Message 1-29-19

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Message Title: A Personal Update to a Healthy Church

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Philippians 1:12-30

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. Paul’s letter is not just a personal thank you, but an update on his life.

 

God is using this valley for good:

  1. People that normally would not have heard about Jesus are now hearing about Him (Philippians 1:13)
  2. Healthy believers are bolder to share Jesus. (Philippians 1:14)
  3. Unhealthy believers are also bolder to share Jesus. (Philippians 1:15-18)
  4. Paul’s letter became Holy Scripture. (2 Peter 3:14-16)
  5. Healthy believers have a healthy view of death. (Philippians 1:21)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

When was the last time you were really nervous about something you had to do?

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. In Philippians 1, Paul felt comfortable sharing about his situation and inner feelings about his up and coming trial. Who do you feel most comfortable sharing your inner feelings with?  What circumstance or events came about that allowed you to trust these people?
  2. Read Philippians 1:12, Romans 8:28. In dark times, we don’t always see what God is doing, but in hindsight we sometimes find clarity.  How have you seen an example of this play out in your life?
  3. Have you ever experienced persecution because of your faith? Please share.  Have you yet seen how God used it for good?
  4. Why do you think most people fear death?
  5. What do you fear most about your death?
  6. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9, Philippians 1:21-23. What do you think Paul knows about death that gives him the confidence to say this? How does this attitude of Paul speak into your life?
  7. Read John 14:1-3, John 11:25, Luke 23:42, and John 3:16. How does Jesus view death?  What difference has your personal faith in Jesus made in your attitude toward death and dying?
  8. “For me, to live is ________.”  Given your priorities and schedule this week, how would you honestly finish this sentence?  What would change if you answered ”Christ”?

 

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?

Mid Week Message 1-22-19

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Message Title: Joy and Thankfulness for a Healthy Church

Series: Philippians – A Letter to a Healthy Church

Key verses:

Phil 1:1-11, Romans 8:28-29

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. Philippians is a personal, joyful letter to a healthy

 

The people of Philippi were:

  1. Military families patriotic
  2. Wealthy
  3. First told about Jesus from Paul.

 

  1. Philippians is a thank you

 

What does the church of Philippi teach us?

 

Spiritually healthy people:

  1. Understand the Gospel.
  2. Stay away from division and pride.
  3. Practice
  4. Are a joy to others.

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

Share one thing you are thankful for today.

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 Galatians 1:6-7, 3:1-3. What words would you use to describe Paul’s attitude toward the church of Galatia as he wrote these verses?
  2. Read Philippians 1:1-11. What words would you use to describe Paul’s feelings for the Philippians as he wrote these verses?  Have you noticed that there are some people in life that seem to frustrate and drain you and some people that seem to fill you up and bring you joy?  Why do you think that is and how do you deal with them as a follower of Jesus?
  3. What words would you use to describe your feelings for your church family at this time?
  4. Paul says in vs 3 that whenever he thinks of them, he thanks God for them. Who are the people in your life that when you think of them you praise God?  Please share who they are and why you feel this way about them.
  5. How is God at work in the Philippians’ lives according to verses 5, 6, 9, and 11?

What would you say are some of the most dramatic ways you have seen God at work in your life since you began following Jesus?

  1. Pastor Frank shared in the message on Sunday that spiritually healthy people understand the Gospel, avoid division and pride, practice generosity, and are a joy to others. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?  Who would you say are some of the most spiritually healthy people you have met?  How do you think they got that way?
  2. Who was the “apostle Paul” in your spiritual life? Who introduced you to Jesus and cared about your spiritual growth? Who would you say are some of your spiritual cheerleaders now?

 

 

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?