Pastor Frank

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?

Mid Week Message 11-13-18

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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

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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

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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?

FollowUp 10-24-18

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Message Title: Omnipresence:  The God Who Is There

Series Title: Knowing God

Key verses:

Psalms 139:1-24

 

Sermon Notes:

    1. God is present everywhere at the same time vs.7-11
    2. God is timeless. v.16, Rev. 22:13
    3. God is accessible to you all the time because He cares for you. vs.1-6, 13-18
    4. Because God is present with you, He will guide you and help you do what’s right. vs. 7-10
    5. We struggle with God’s omnipresence when we can’t feel Him.
    6. Because God is holy and cannot stand evil, man’s relationship with God was severed.
    7. Even though God is omnipresent, man still tries to hide from Him. vs. 11-12
    8. Man not only hides but also hates one another. vs. 19-22
      It’s when we see God’s holiness and Omni-qualities in contrast to our brokenness, do we see our need for redemption
    9. Even if we can’t feel God, we can still trust Him. vs.23-24

     

    Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

    Getting to Know You:
    What was the biggest crisis that you have gone through in recent times? How did you handle it?

    Or – What was the biggest crisis someone had confided in you about? How did you advise and help that person?

    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: A study of Psalm 139

     

    1. What do you worry about the most? Why?
    2. Read vs. 1-6. If God knows your every thought, every action, every word, and If God is watching out for you (v.5), why do Christians still experience fear and anxiety? Where does it come from?
    3. When a Christian backslides, the common response is to hide from God, especially if there’s a sin that’s hard to give up. In what ways do Christians try to hide from God? Read vs. 7-12. Why is hiding pointless according to King David?
    4. Read vs. 13-16. King David saw God’s creative design and purpose upon his life, even when he was a fetus in his mother’s womb. How do these verses prove that life begins at conception?
    5. Read vs. 17-18. King David’s worship and meditations on God’s attributes left him in awe and wonder of God greatness. How has this message series on God’s attributes drawn you closer to God?
    6. Read vs. 19-22. King David had an emotional episode that made him vent his most hateful feelings on God, and he did not see that as inappropriate. Why? What happens when we vent on people? Why is God a safe place to vent?
    7. Our emotions can be our biggest enemy when our negative emotions overwhelm us. It can also be our best friend when our positive emotions dominate our lives. The challenge is how to remain positive when bad things happen to us. Read vs. 22-24. How did King David remain positive despite suffering from all the traumas he has experienced? What spiritual disciplines do you practice that helps you to let God into your deepest emotional traumas? How has emotional healing taken place in your life?


    Taking it Home:     What is one thing you can apply to your life from last Sunday’s message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?

FollowUp 10-10-18

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Message Title: The God Who Is All Powerful

Series Title: Knowing God

Key verses:

Genesis 1:1, Psalms 33:6-9, Psalms 62:11, 1 Kings 19:9-13, Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:1-3

 

Sermon Notes:

  • God creates everything from nothing.
    (Genesis 1:1, Psalms 33:6-9)
  •  Real power belongs to the Lord God Almighty. (Psalm 62:11)
  • God is all-powerful, gentle and humble.  (1 Kings 19:12-13, Matthew 11:28-30)
  • If God wasn’t powerful we would be in trouble. (Ephesians 1:18-22)
  • Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

    Getting to Know You:

    Who is your favorite superhero and why?  What powers do they possess?

    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 Genesis 17:1, Psalms 24:10, 46:7, 91:1.  How do you define the word “almighty”?  What does this word mean to you?

        1. Read Genesis 1:1, Psalms 33:6-9. When you read these verses, how do they make you feel?  When you look at creation itself, what two things stand out to you as displaying God’s awesome power?
        2. When you ponder the creation of God, you will see that He uses His power to create, bless, and give life to others. How do you think this compares to mankind’s pursuit of power and how we approach or use it?  Can you think of some examples?  Please share.
        3. 1 Kings 19:9-13, Matthew 11:28-30. How do you define a bully?  What do these verses tell us about the nature of God?
        4. Can you think of a time when God gently pulled you aside to remind you of His Power and Presence in your life so as to encourage you? Please share.
        5. Can you think of a time in your life when God chose not to demonstrate His power the way you asked and wanted Him to? How did that make you feel?  Why do you think He did that and what did He teach you in the process?
        6. Read Ephesians 1:18-22. What word or phrase jumps out to you in these scriptures?  What do you think Paul is trying to tell us in his prayer?



    Taking it Home:

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

FollowUp 10-2-18

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Message Title: The Unchanging God In A Changing World

Series Title: Knowing God

Key verses:

Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13: 8; James 1:17; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29

 

Sermon Notes:

  1. . His {person} and {essence} never changes
    1. i) his {holiness} never changes
    2. ii) his {love, mercy and compassion} never changes

    iii) his {justice) never changes

    1. His {purposes} never change
    2. His {promises} never change
    3. The God who {never changes} is always {effecting change}

     

    Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

    Getting to Know You:

    When did you have the most dirt or mud on you and how did it happen?  If you were a kid what did your parents have you 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. Have you ever been in a relationship when the person changed from better to worse? How did you cope with that? Would you trust them again?

    1. How do you feel being in a relationship with a God Who does not change?
    2. Have you ever experienced a time when it appeared that God had changed His mind? How did you explain that?
    3. In what ways has God been changing you to be more like Jesus? Is there any evidence of that in your life?
    4. Do you believe that God keeps His promises? Has God ever failed you? If so, when?
    5. What is your favorite promise in the Bible? Why?
    6. In John 16:33 God makes a promise. What does that mean to you?
    7. What does the promises in Joshua 1:5 and Romans 8:38 really mean to you? How does that make you feel?

    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?