Pastor Frank

Mid Week Message 4-9-19

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

Message Title:Not of this World

Series: The Last 24 Hours

Key verses:

John 15:18-21

Sermon Notes:

The “world” that Jesus is talking about:

  1. Is the broken fallen belief system of humanity that lives independent of God.
  2. Is in rebellion towards the Creator and controlled by Satan.

Why does the world persecute Jesus and his followers?

  1. The world is lost and has no proper concept of its Creator. (John 15:21; John 1:10)
  2. We follow a different set of kingdom values. (John 15:22-25; John 3:19;  John 7:7)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

What was your favorite band growing up?

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 15:18-25. What do you think Jesus was trying to teach His disciples here, the night before He went to the cross?  How is He speaking to you in these verses?
  2. What do you think it is about Jesus that the world hated back then? What do you think it is about Jesus that the world hates now?
  3. Why do you think so many people hate Christians today? Have you ever been treated poorly for being a follower of Jesus?  Why do you think that was?  How did you handle it?
  4. Do you remember a time in your Christian life when you first felt that you were in the world, but not of the world? When was it and what was the circumstance?
  5. Read 1 John 2:15-16. What do you think John means by “do not love the world?”
  6. What does the “lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life” look like in our current generation/culture? Give examples.
  7. Read James 4:1-4. Is James saying that it is wrong to have wants, needs, and desires?  If not, then what is he referring to in this passage?

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 4-2-19

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

Message Title: Stay With Me

Series: The Last 24 Hours

Key verses:

John 15:1-11

Sermon Notes:

  1. God has always desired that His people would produce good fruit. (Isaiah 5:1-7)

The night before Jesus died, He told the disciples that:

  1. God is planting a new vineyard. (John 15:1)
  2. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. (John 15:2-4)
  3. God desires in us fruits of righteousness and good (Philippians 1:11, Colosians1:10)
  4. God desires in us the fruits of the Holy (Galatians 5:22-23)
  5. God desires positive life changes (fruit) as we live in Jesus. (John 15:8)
  6. We need to choose to stay close to Him. (John 15)
  7. Apart from Him we accomplish nothing (John 15:5)

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

 

Getting to Know You:

What is your favorite fruit to eat?

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 15:1-11. Knowing what had transpired on Thursday night and that Jesus was heading to the cross, in what emotion/tone do you sense Jesus is saying these words? In what emotion or tone would you be saying these words if you were Jesus?
  2. As you read John 15:1-11, what verses or words catch your attention and why?
  3. Read Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10; Galatians 5:22-23. As a branch on Christ’s vine, how would you describe the fruit He has produced in your life?  What fruit has He produced in your life that you are most surprised about?
  4. Have you ever seen a believer in Jesus enter a season in their life when they stop abiding in Him? Has this ever happened to you and if so, what did you learn from that season?
  5. What do you think it means to abide/remain and how do you think we can practically do this on a daily basis?
  6. If Jesus is the vine, we are the branches, and God the Father is the “vine dresser”, what do you think God uses to prune us with? After some discussion, look up Job 23:10; Hebrews 12:11; James 1:2-4.
  7. As you look back on your spiritual journey, what have been some of the hardest things God has pruned in your life, but looking back now you are grateful He did?

 

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 3-26-19

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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?