Big Idea: Jesus pays the price to set us free
1. The law
Its curse (Gal 3:23-24)
Its ceremonies (Gal 4:4-5; Eph 1:7)
2. The bondage of sin
Its guilt (Titus 2:11-14)
Its power (1 Pet 1:17-19)
Dedicated (1 Samuel 1:1-28)
Big Idea: A dedicated child begins with a dedicated parent
1. Dedicated in pain (1:1-8)
2. Dedicated in prayer (1:9-20)
3. Dedicated in purpose (1:21-28)
Pursued For Ministry
Big Idea: Men and women are to be pursued, not just permitted, for ministry in the church
Christian Risk and Reward (Acts 21:1-16)
Big Idea: Christians know that the reward of following Jesus outweighs the risk of following Jesus
Why would a Christian risk it all for Jesus?
They know that...
1. Suffering today cannot be compared with the glory of tomorrow
2. The bigger risk is to not put it all on the line for Jesus
3. Nothing can separate them from the love of God
A Legacy of Leading (Acts 20:17-38)
Big Idea: The greatest legacy we can have is leading others to follow Jesus
Paul exemplified...
1. Focus
2. Faithfulness
3. Fortitude
4. Fondness
God Raises the Dead (Acts 20:1-12)
Big Idea: Courage for Christians comes from remembering that God raises the dead
1. Living for Jesus can feel complicated (Acts 20:1-6)
2. Living for Jesus can feel tedious (Acts 20:7-9)
3. But, God raises the dead (Acts 20:10-12)
What Is Baptism?
You Are God's Resolution (Philippians 1:6)
Big Idea: You Are God’s Resolution
1. Who?
- Our assurance is dependent on a Person more reliable than any of us!
2. What?
- Our assurance is based on a willpower stronger than ours!
3. When?
- Our assurance is grounded in past and future events that hold power in our present!
Jesus Son of God (John 1:6-13)
Big Idea: Jesus is the light of the world and those who receive him will have eternal life
1) We are not the ultimate light (John 1:6; 8a)
2) We are to point others to the light (John1:7; 8b)
3) And those who receive him will have eternal life (John 1:9-13)
Are You Ready? (Luke 12:35-40)
Big Idea: The key to being ready for Christ’s future return is to anxiously anticipate it now
1. We must be ready like a faithful servant (Luke 12:35-38)
2. We must be ready like a wise home owner (Luke 12:39-40)
Give Thanks (Colossians 3:15-17)
Big Idea: Christian thanksgiving is a lifestyle, not a leftover
Christian thanksgiving...
1. Befriends peace (Colossians 3:15)
2. Inspires praise (Colossians 3:16)
3. Characterizes our practice (Colossians 3:17)
Jesus' Invitation (Luke 14:12-24)
Big Idea: Jesus invites all to his banquet, but only those who respond with a humble heart sit at the table.
1. Jesus wants a full banquet & invites ALL!!!
2. Not all will make it to the table
3. You are invited, so come!
Our Fellowship of Faith (Philemon)
Big Idea: Our fellowship activates the faith we share in Jesus
Our fellowship...
1. Flows from love not law (8-14)
2. Turns foes into family (15-16)
3. Bears the cost for community (17-20)
Where True Riches Are Found (Luke 16:1-15))
Big Idea: True riches are found in God’s eternal Kingdom
Observations:
1: Those who believe have a different perspective (Luke 16:8)
2: The world and everything in it are temporary (Luke 16:9)
3. How we live our lives is a test of sorts…and there are rewards on the line (Luke 16:10)
4. Nothing we have is ours…But we will have riches of our own one day (Luke 16:12)
5. What people value highly is detestable in God’s eyes (Luke 16:15)
How do we maintain an eternal mindset?
1. Take inventory
2. Use world wealth to make friends
3. Look to Jesus’ example on the cross
To the World - Part 5 (Acts 19:1-20)
Big Idea: God changes the world through his word and his work
1. God’s Word (Acts 19:1-10)
2. God’s Work (Acts 19:11-20)
To the World - Part 4 (Acts 18:18-28)
Big Idea: Multiplication is the work of many
1. Leaders are limited (18:18-23)
2. Co-workers are crucial (18:24-28)
3. God gives the growth (18:24-28; 1 Cor. 3:5-11)
To the World - Part 3 (Acts 16:16-40)
Big Idea: Our Lord and Savior can turn opposition into opportunities
1. Spiritual opposition (Acts 16:16-18)
2. Physical opposition (Acts 16:19-34)
3. Political opposition (Acts 16:35-40)
To the World - Part 2 (Acts 16:1-15)
Big Idea: Living sent means living sensitively
1. Sensitivity to adapt (Acts 16:1-5)
2. Sensitivity to wait (Acts 16:6-10)
3. Sensitivity to seek (Acts 16:11-15)
To the World - Part 1 (Acts 15:36-41)
Big Idea: The Lord can even use our conflicts for his kingdom
1. Mission is the motivation (Acts 15:36)
2. Disagreement arises from difference (Acts 15:37-39a)
3. Human weakness becomes kingdom strength (Acts 15:39b-41)
Soul Songs (Psalm 23)
Big Idea: You can trust the Shepherd because the Shepherd walks with you.
1. The Shepherd’s provision (v 2-3)
2. The Shepherd’s protection (v 4-5)
3. The Shepherd’s presence (v 6)