Pastor Frank
Mid Week Message 10-8-19
Message Title: The Testimony of a Possessed Man
Series: Testimony
Key verses:
Isaiah 9:1-2; Mark 5:1-20
Sermon Notes:
- The heart of Jesus is to seek and save the lost. (Isaiah 9:1-2; Mark 5:1-6)
- Testimonies are powerful. (Mark 5:19-20)
Why 12 baskets on the Jewish side and 7 on the Gentile side?
- The heart of Jesus is to seek and save the Jewish
- The heart of Jesus is to seek and save the Gentile
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Getting to Know You:
What is the most frequent app that you use?
Quick Review:
Looking back on last Sunday message and your notes, what was the most memorable part for you?
Digging Deeper:
- Read Isaiah 9:1-2. What does this prophecy say about the coming Messiah’s ministry?
- Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What does this prophecy say about the Messiah Himself?
- Have everyone in your group read one verse of Mark 5:1-20 out loud. What do you think these verses teach us about the person of Jesus? How can we know Jesus better from these verses?
- What is the most dramatic transformation you have seen Jesus Christ work in a person’s life? Please share.
- Why do you think the people were afraid when they saw the man who had been possessed “sitting there dressed and in his right mind” (verse 15)? Why do you think they asked Jesus to leave?
- Read Mark 5:18-20. When this person went back to his family and home town and told them what good things the Lord had done for him and how God had mercy on him, what do you think their feelings and responses were?
- When you reflect on Jesus words in verse 19, what great things has the Lord done for you? How has He showed mercy on you? Who was the last person you have told this to?
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?
Prayer request:
Please pray that this message series will impact people’s lives, especially as each person is processing and thinking through their own testimony of Jesus and how they can be sharing it with others.
Mid Week Message 10-2-19
Message Title: What’s Your Purpose in Life?
Series: Reasons for God
Key verses:
1 Timothy 1:13-14, Rom 8:28-29, Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Luke 9:23-26
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Icebreaker Question:
What is the most memorable conversion testimony that stands out in your mind? Please share.
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, what was the most memorable part of the McBride’s testimony last Sunday?
Digging Deeper:
- Read 1 Timothy 1:13-14. Contrast Paul’s life before he became an apostle and after. Why is change an essential part in following Jesus?
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean to be a new creation? How would you describe the process of being a new creation?
- Romans 8:28-29. What is the one thing you remember God changed in your life when you first became a follower of Jesus? How did that change come about? Why is that change so significant?
- Philippians 3:12-14. Hebrews 12:1-2. The Christian life is a work in progress, and it’s hard work. From your experience what are the things that can hinder your spiritual growth? Explain.
- Luke 9:23-26. Following Jesus costs something? What was your hesitation before becoming a Christian? What convinced you that it was worth the cost?
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?
Prayer request:
Please pray that this message series will challenge our congregation to share their conversion testimony to their neighbors and friends.
Mid Week Message 9-24-19
Message Title: Medical Science and the Existence of God
Series: Reasons for God
Key verses:
Psalm 19:1-2, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
NOTES:
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Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Getting to Know You:
Do you know of anyone who was in a life or death condition whose life was saved because of the heroic acts of the attending physician(s)? Please share.
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, what was the most memorable part of Dr. Carr’s message last Sunday?
Digging Deeper:
- Read Genesis 1:26-27. Based on Dr. Carr’s message, what distinguishes humans from plants and animals? Why is this distinction significant? What qualities of God do plants and animals not have? What does it mean to you to be created in God’s image?
- According to Dr. Carr, as a medical doctor, he is committed to treating patients and saving lives/improving the quality of life. Why do you think this is important? Why can’t we just let people die without attempting to save them?
- Dr. Carr pointed out that the fact that bad things happen to good people is not proof that there is no God. Do you think Jesus would agree with this statement? Why?
- The first Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Conservation of Energy) states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred from one form to another. Why does the existence of life give evidence for supernatural(divine) intervention, according to Dr. Carr? Read Genesis 2:7. Where does life come from, according to this verse? Where does life come from, according to the Theory of Evolution?
- According to Dr. Carr, from a medical point of view, the probability of a living cell evolving from a primordial sludge is essentially zero. (life evolving from non-life). Therefore, he concludes that atheists and evolutionists believe in miracles. Do you agree? Explain why or why not.
- Read Psalm 19:1-2. Dr. Carr illustrated the evolution of cars and the evolution of man. Why can’t man evolve from apes in the same way that the modern fuel cell car evolves from the steam engine car? How does complex design point to a designer?
- Read Isaiah 43:7. Romans 1:21-24. If the human race was designed by an Intelligent Designer, why is it important for us humans to have a relationship with this Designer?
- According to Romans 1:20-25, Hebrews 11:1-3, what should be our response to God’s self-revelation in the created order? What are the consequences for refusing to praise the Creator?
- How aware are you of the created world in your everyday life? What aspects of the created world is most inspiring to you? Why? How does it affect your understanding of God?
- In the future, if someone tries to shame you for believing in God by saying that they believe in science, what would you say to them?
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?
Prayer request:
Please pray that this message series will impact people’s lives especially our brothers and sisters attending or soon to be attending college.
Mid Week Message 9-17-19
Message Title: Science and Nature Glorify God
Series: Reasons for God
Key verses:
Romans 1:16, 20
Sermon Notes:
Follow up test from Sunday’s message:
Growth Group leader has the answers.
- Which came first, the chicken or the egg? ___________________________________________
- Do you love the story of the Garden of Eden? ________________________________________
- Everyone’s goal should be: T____________________________________________________
- What are these?
_______________________________________ - Regarding the drawings, what should the schools be teaching? _____________________ ______________________________________________.
- Why do evolutionists only show D_______ as evidence for evolution instead of P__________?
- What is the most powerful weapon of atheists and evolutionists against God? S_________.
- Romans 1:16. ___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
- What is the most important part of science? O_______________________________.
- Evolutionists teach that humans have ancestors that were: B_________________ M__________ P_____________ A_____________________________ etc.
- Great answer when asked,“What about Evolution?” : I believe ___________________ __________________________________________________________________________.
- Creationists believe apes make apes and people make people; this is not R_________, it is G_________ and B_______________.
- Which one of the following examples is micro-evolution and which one is macro-evolution: You can breed dogs (micro or macro evolution)? Dogs have bacterium ancestors (micro or macro evolution?)
- Evolutionists “know” dogs, sharks and dinosaurs evolved, they just don’t know: W______ _____________________________________________________.
- Why do you believe in God? D_____________________________________________
- If God used evolution to create, ask this: What did God _____________________________ _________________________________________________________________?
- God does not make things….God makes: S_____________________.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Getting to Know You:
What is one of your favorite foods that you like to make?
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, what was the most memorable part of Bills message for you on Sunday?
Digging Deeper:
- Is it reasonable to believe that humans have bacterium ancestors? Why do you think people believe that humans have bacterium ancestors? Is it because of science? Anger? Not wanting to abide by the Bible’s rules? Peer pressure? It is the only thing they have been taught?
- Does it make much more sense and is it better science to believer people can only make people as opposed to believing humans have ape-like ancestors?
- Bill, from an engineering perspective, argued that he sees design in the human body and the world around us. Do you believe his arguments are reasonable? Why or why not?
- When you consider the body that you are living in, what do you think is some of the most amazing designs to it?
- When you consider the world that you are living in, what do you think is some of the most amazing designs to it?
- Read Romans 1:19-20. The Apostle Paul argues that we can learn a lot about God from looking at what He has created around us. What do you learn about God from the creation of the world?
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?
Prayer request:
Please pray that this message series will impact people’s lives especially our brothers and sisters attending or soon to be attending college.
Answers to be sent out to the G.G. leaders
Discussion Questions; Creation vs. Evolution (Answer Sheet)
Key Verses: Romans 1:16 and Romans 1:20
- Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Two chickens, one male, one female, instantly created – just like the Garden of Eden teaching.
- Do you love the story of the Garden of Eden? It is a TEACHING from God, not a story.
- Everyone’s goal should be: Truth
- What are these? Cartoon drawings.
- Regarding the drawings, what should the schools be teaching? What the actual fossils were.
- Why do evolutionists only show Drawings as evidence for evolution instead of Photographs.
- What is the most powerful weapon of atheists and evolutionists against God? Shaming.
- Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…
- What is the most important part of science? Observation.
- Evolutionists teach that humans have ancestors that were: Bacterium, Mushrooms, Pine Trees, Apes etc.
- Great answer when asked,“What about Evolution?” : I believe apes make apes, people make people, penguins make penguins and lady bugs make lady bugs.
- Believing apes make apes and people make people is not Religious, it is Genetics and Biochemistry.
- Breeding dogs is micro-evolution (they are still dogs) and is true; believing dogs have bacterium ancestors is macroevolution and is anti-science.
- Evolutionists “know” dogs, sharks and dinosaurs evolved, they just don’t know: what they evolved from.
- Why do you believe in God? Design, I believe shoes are designs and I believe feet are designs…if they are designs there has to be a designer.
- If God used evolution to create, as this: What did he create first…hearts or lungs?
- God does not make things….God makes: Systems.
If you or a relative or friend have any question on Creation vs. Evolution, please call Bill Morgan at 714 898-8331.
Mid Week Message 9-10-19
Message Title: A Reasonable Faith
Series: Reasons for God
Key verses:
Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 53
Sermon Notes:
Worldview offers answers to four primary life questions:
- Origins: Where did I come from?
- Meaning: Why am I here?
- Morality: How do I understand right and wrong?
- Destiny: What happens to me when I die?
- Is it reasonable to believe that everything comes from nothing?
- Is it reasonable to believe that intelligence is produced from non-intelligence?
- Is it reasonable to believe that a cosmic explosion produces universal order and fine tuning?
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Getting to Know You:
What was the best memory or highlight from your summer?
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, what was the most memorable part of the message for you on Sunday?
Digging Deeper:
- Why do you think college campuses are so hostile to Christians/a Christian world view? Did you ever experience direct or indirect challenges to your faith in college? Please share.
- When you think about your world view, how has it changed over the years and what/who has had the most influence in that change?
- Read Isaiah 1:18. How would you define reason?
- What do you believe is the most reasonable part of your faith?
- Read Isaiah 53. Pastor Frank shared on Sunday that this chapter is what convinced him that the Christian faith/world view was true? Do you believe that this chapter is evidence for the existence of God? Why or Why not?
- Read John 5:39-40. Jesus says that the Scriptures testify about Him and His coming. Do you think Jesus was referring to passages like Isaiah 53? What other Scriptures can you think of that testify about Him?
- Read 1 Peter 3:15. What does this passage say to us about sharing our worldview with others? What do you think is so hopeful about our Christian worldview that others don’t have? How does your faith give you hope for today and into eternity?
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?
Prayer request:
Please pray that this message series will impact people’s lives especially our brothers and sisters attending or soon to be attending college.
Mid Week Message 9-4-19
Message Title: The Gift Goes On
Key verses:
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Sermon Notes:
Are you making a difference in the lives of people?
- God is blessing us so we can be a blessing to others.
- As we faithfully give to others, God will continuously bless
- Our generosity gives glory to God.
How are you making a difference in the lives of people?
Strengthening families in the Lord
Encouraging Pastors in crisis
Bringing hope to orphans
Tiling floors in a pre-school
Building a road in a remote village
Painting a house
Sharing God’s love to the marginalized
Providing a Sabbatical to a weary pastor
Providing free medical care to the poor
Feeding over 700 children every week
Providing Food packages for the needy
Encouraging fellow Christian workers
Providing education to the underprivileged
Providing a home for the homeless child
Providing clothes and school supplies for children
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s message, was there anything you heard that stood out in your mind and touched your heart?
Digging Deeper:
- Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-9. Why is it important to God that we be generous to other people?
- Read vs. 10-11. What are the blessings that come with being generous?
- Growing up, who was the most generous person to you? How have you benefited from this person’s generosity?
- How has the goodness and generosity of other people touched your life? Changed your life?
- Who has benefitted from your generosity? How?
- Read vs. 12-14. What is the connection between receiving gifts from others and giving gifts to others?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message?
Mid Week Message 8-28-19
Message Title: The Coming Messenger, John the Baptist
Series: Messengers
Key verses:
Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:1-3; Luke 7:24-27; Matthew 3:1-12
Sermon Notes:
Who was John?
- He lived out in the wilderness as a loner. (Isaiah 40:3)
- He lived out of fashion with his dress and diet.
- He embodied the spirit of Elijah. (Matthew 17:10-13)
- He was intense.
What was John’s message?
- His message was a call to repent.
- God is near, the Kingdom is at hand!
Who was John’s message targeted at?
- Religious people.
- Religious leaders.
- It was a humbling thing to come to the Jordan.
- Repentance prepares the way of the Lord in our lives.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
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:
- Read Malachi 3:1-4; Malachi 4:1-6, How many “comings” of the Lord do you see? How are they similar and how are they different? For each coming of the Lord, who is the person coming before Him? How does Luke 2:11-17 and Matthew 17:10-13 help us answer that question?
- Read Matthew 3:7-10. How do you think people use religious excuses today to justify compromise in following God?
- Back then, a Jewish person getting baptized was a humbling experience. In what ways do you think pride and lack of humility keep people from God today?
- Who has been a “John the Baptist” in your life? How did they prepare you to meet Jesus?
- How is repentance linked to your experience of salvation? In the past? Now? Where does repentance to God and/or others still need to happen in your life?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message?
Mid Week Message 8-21-19
Message Title: Robbing God
Series: Messengers
Key verses:
Malachi 3:8-12
Sermon Notes:
- Levites were the spiritual workers of the nation.
- Stealing isn’t only taking what isn’t yours, but also keeping back for yourself what belongs to someone else.
- Tithes and offerings are God’s design for worshiping Him and providing for the spiritual care of His people.
- The people of God are called to support the ministry of God.
- Tithing ultimately isn’t about the money, it is about trusting God.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
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:
- Read Malachi 1:6. Have you ever had to confront someone that you love? God likens Himself to a forceful father having to dish out “tough love” to His children. What do you think is the hardest part in doing this?
- Read Malachi 3:8-12. Do you know what it is like to have someone steal from you? What does it feel like? What do you think it would feel like to have your children steal from you?
- What happened to God’s children because of their “robbing” God?
- What was God’s challenge to His people? Why do you think it is so difficult to trust God with our money?
- Read 2 Corinthians 9:5-12. What principles do you see about giving that are in this section of Scripture?
- Read Matthew 23:23. What do you think is Jesus’ point in this verse?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message?
Mid Week Message 8-13-19
Message Title: Wearying the Almighty God
Series: Messengers
Key verses:
Malachi 2:17; 3:1-7
Sermon Notes:
- People who constantly complain, weary people around them. (Malachi 2:17; Proverbs 19:13)
Who is coming to answer their accusations of His character?
- The Lord God Himself! (Malachi 3:1-5)
What is the mission of the Messiah?
- To purify the evil of mankind.
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- His First Coming deals with the cleaning of sin. (Malachi 2:2-4)
- With His First Coming, He brings grace, cleansing, and forgiveness. (Malachi 2:2-4; John 3:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)
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- To judge the evil of mankind.
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- With His Second Coming, He brings justice to human evil. (Malachi 2:5)
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If we weary the Lord, why does He put up with us?
- God is true to Himself. (Malachi 3:6)
- God is familiar with our ways. (Malachi 3:7)
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
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:
- Read Malachi 2:17; 3:1-7. What do you learn about God from these verses?
- Do you think you have ever wearied the Lord? If so, how? How did the Lord respond?
- Read Malachi 3:1-4. Who does God say is coming to His people? What does God say this person will do? 400 years later Jesus came. Who did He say He was and what did He come to do? Do you find this miraculous? Why or why not?
- Read Malachi 3:5. What does God say He is going to do to people that don’t fear Him? What do you think it means to fear the Lord? Why do you think that is so important to Him?
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?