Pastor Frank

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?

Mid Week Message 1-29-19

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

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?

Mid Week Message 11-13-18

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

Message Title: God Hates Human Pride

Series: God Hates…….?

Key verses:

Proverbs 6:16-19, 1 Peter 5:5-7


Sermon Notes:

  1. God hates the haughty eyes of human pride.
  2. This type of pride keeps us from God.
  3. Pride is detrimental to the human soul.
  4. Pride destroys
  5. The opposite of pride is humility. (1 Peter 5:5-7)
  6. Humility is a choice.
  7. Humility allows God to work in my life. (1 Peter 5:6)


Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:
How do you like to eat your eggs in the morning?

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 Proverbs 6:16-19. God makes a list of some things that He hates that humans do and He lists pride as the first on His list.  Why do you think that is? If you were to write a list, what would you put as number 1?
  2. Who was the most prideful (arrogant, self-centered) person you have ever met in your life and how did this person make you and others feel around them?
  3. When would you say was the season that you were the most prideful in your life? What events or people did God use to change that? How did your pride keep you from God?
  4. Read 1 Peter 5:5-7. Peter seems to contrast pride with humility.  How would you define humility and who do you think is the best example of humility that you know?
  5. Read Matthew 11:28-29. What examples do you see in Jesus’ life of Him being a humble person. For some hints, read Philippians 2:3-8, John 13:3-17.
  6. How would you rate yourself as a humble person today? Would you say you are more prideful or humble as a person?  How has Jesus been working in your life in these areas?

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 11-7-18

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

Message Title: Follow Jesus and Join the Movement

Key verses:

Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 4:18-19, Matthew 28:18-20, John 21:15

 

Sermon Notes:

      1. I follow Jesus because He first loved (1 John 4:19)
      2. I follow Jesus in loving other people. (Mark 12:31, John 13:34-35)

 

Someone said, “People who hurt people are hurting people.

The Opposite is true for Christians… “People who love people are loved people.”

 

      1. I follow Jesus into the world because He loves the nations. (Matthew 28:18-20)
      2. Love Jesus and follow Him. (John 21:15)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

 

Getting to Know You:

How many countries have you visited in your life?  Which one was your favorite and why?  What are the people like?

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 are the differences between a movement and a social club?
      2. Read John 21:1-15. Who do you think are the “these” that Jesus was talking about?  Most commentaries believe that the “these” are the fish.  Peter had denied Jesus in Jerusalem and now he is back in Galilee doing what he did before meeting Jesus, fishing.  Have you ever seen people follow Jesus for a season, and then go back to their old lives?  Why do you think they do this and how do you think this makes Jesus feel?
      3. Has this ever happened in your faith Journey with Jesus? What are the “these” in your life before you met Jesus?
      4. Pastor Jonathan used the phrase on Sunday. “People who hurt people are hurting people, and people who love people are loved people”. Do you believe this is true?  How have you seen this played out in other people’s lives and in your own?
      5. How has Christ’s love changed you?
      6. When you reflect back on your life, how do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
      7. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-10. Generosity is connected in loving.  How has God been generous with you?  How do you love generously in your life?
      8. Read Matthew 28:18-20. In the Great Commission, Christ called us to disciple others.  How do you apply this in your life?  Are you thinking of mentoring someone for the Lord?  Who?

 

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 10-30-18

Watch On Vimeo
/0 Comments/in /by

Message Title: Omnibenevolence: The God Who Is Love

Series Title: Knowing God

Key verses:

Jeremiah 31:3, Hosea 11:4, 1 John 4:7-11, Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. God is love. (1 John 4:8)

God had 4 choices in creation:

  1. God could have created nothing at all.
  2. God could have created a world where there was no such thing as good or evil.
  3. God could have created a world where beings could only choose good.
  4. God could have created a world like this one where beings would have the freedom to choose between good or evil. (Genesis 2)
  5. The supreme ethic that God has given to us on earth is (Deuteronomy 6:4, John 15:12,1 John 4:7-8)
  6. Freedom is indispensable to love. (Mark 12:28-31, John 21:15-17)
  7. God’s ultimate proof of His love to you is centered in His Son Jesus. (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, Romans 8:38-39)

 

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:

What was one of your favorite love songs 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 1 John 4:7-8. What does this verse reveal to you about the nature and the heart of God?  When do you think you first discovered your capacity to receive and give love?  Where do you think love comes from and how important is it in your life?
  2. How would you define love?
  3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. How does love as described in this chapter compare to love as typically defined in our culture?
  4. Who would you say is the top two or three persons that has loved you the most on this earth? How do you think their love for you has affected your life?
  5. Who are the people that you have loved the most and how do you think your love has had an impact on their lives?
  6. Have you ever loved someone that rejected you? Do you think that God knows how this feels?  Read Luke 22:47-48.  Can you think of any other examples in the bible?
  7. How has God’s love for you changed your life? How do you think his love for you is continuing to change your life?
  8. Why do you think God loves you? Why do you love God?

 

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?