September 16, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Set Free Deeds
~Introduces the love of the Father
1 John 3:16-19
Matthew 25:31-40
~Intercedes for others
Acts 8:31-38
~Invites tangible action
Zechariah 7:9-10
~Involves Sacrifice
time, talents, and treasures
~Inspires others
Hebrews 10:24-25
Application Questions:
1. Circle your response to engaging injustice
(Don't Care) (Somewhat Interested) (Highly Motivated)
2. What keeps you from "interceding" for others caught in injustice?
3. What steps have you taken to help set people free of injustice?
4. How might the Lord be motivating you to engage injustice differently?
Pastor Mike McCune
Set Free Deeds
~Introduces the love of the Father
1 John 3:16-19
Matthew 25:31-40
~Intercedes for others
Acts 8:31-38
~Invites tangible action
Zechariah 7:9-10
~Involves Sacrifice
time, talents, and treasures
~Inspires others
Hebrews 10:24-25
Application Questions:
1. Circle your response to engaging injustice
(Don't Care) (Somewhat Interested) (Highly Motivated)
2. What keeps you from "interceding" for others caught in injustice?
3. What steps have you taken to help set people free of injustice?
4. How might the Lord be motivating you to engage injustice differently?
September 9, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Gifted for Greatness
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Upon the covenant made with God through repentance
To witness the growth taking place inward
1 Samuel 16:7
To glorify God not ourselves
Luke 22:24-27
To be a blessing as God has blessed us
To remain vigilant for God's Kingdom to come on earth
Application Questions:
Have you received the Gift of the Holy Spirit? How do you know?
Name a gift you most admire. How do you see that expressed in a believer?
How are you currently using your gift(s) to encourage the body?
What are some tangible ways that you've witnessed a gift bringing God's Kingdom to earth?
Pastor Mike McCune
Gifted for Greatness
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Upon the covenant made with God through repentance
To witness the growth taking place inward
1 Samuel 16:7
To glorify God not ourselves
Luke 22:24-27
To be a blessing as God has blessed us
To remain vigilant for God's Kingdom to come on earth
Application Questions:
Have you received the Gift of the Holy Spirit? How do you know?
Name a gift you most admire. How do you see that expressed in a believer?
How are you currently using your gift(s) to encourage the body?
What are some tangible ways that you've witnessed a gift bringing God's Kingdom to earth?
We are sorry to report that we were unable to upload the message from Sunday, September 2 due to technical difficulties.
August 26, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 3.0 Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Titus 3:1-2
Matthew 5:14-16
5 qualities that are not to be forsaken
-Be obedient to the rulers and authorities
Romans 13:1-7
1 Peter 2:13-17
Even though our citizenship is in heaven for (eternity focused) we must be obedient in earthly matters until we are called home
-Serve the community by being ready to do what is good
As a Christian we don't take the role of spectator but instead participant
Matthew 5:13
-Guard your tongue from speaking evil
Matthew 12:33-37
Colossians 4:5-6
-Refuse to fight and engage in quarrels
Those who want to argue the most still aren't convinced themselves about what they want to argue about
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Be ready to surrender your rights
-Show yourself gentle and humble to all men
Matthew 5:5
Meekness isn't weakness, it's power under control
You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late
Application Questions:
1. Which of the 5 qualitites do you find most difficult to live out? Why?
2. How have you witnessed Christians live in ways that reflect the teachings found here in 3:1-2?
3. In what ways is your life characterized by an "eagerness" to do what is good? How would you like to grow in this attribute?
4. Choose one of the 5 qualities from the passage and ask God to help you obey it in a more faithful manner?
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 3.0 Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Titus 3:1-2
Matthew 5:14-16
5 qualities that are not to be forsaken
-Be obedient to the rulers and authorities
Romans 13:1-7
1 Peter 2:13-17
Even though our citizenship is in heaven for (eternity focused) we must be obedient in earthly matters until we are called home
-Serve the community by being ready to do what is good
As a Christian we don't take the role of spectator but instead participant
Matthew 5:13
-Guard your tongue from speaking evil
Matthew 12:33-37
Colossians 4:5-6
-Refuse to fight and engage in quarrels
Those who want to argue the most still aren't convinced themselves about what they want to argue about
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Be ready to surrender your rights
-Show yourself gentle and humble to all men
Matthew 5:5
Meekness isn't weakness, it's power under control
You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late
Application Questions:
1. Which of the 5 qualitites do you find most difficult to live out? Why?
2. How have you witnessed Christians live in ways that reflect the teachings found here in 3:1-2?
3. In what ways is your life characterized by an "eagerness" to do what is good? How would you like to grow in this attribute?
4. Choose one of the 5 qualities from the passage and ask God to help you obey it in a more faithful manner?
August 19, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 2.2 Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Titus 2:11-15
Application Questions:
1. How have you allowed God's grace to transform you?
2. What forms of "ungodliness" characterized you prior to coming to know Christ?
3. In what ways have you learned "self-control" since then?
4. What are some practical ways to keep an eternal perspective displaying your hope in Jesus' return?
5. Reflection - At least twice this week, set aside 10-15 minutes to reflect on God's grace in your life. Spend some time meditating on His kindness to you through prayer, journaling and worship.
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 2.2 Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Titus 2:11-15
Application Questions:
1. How have you allowed God's grace to transform you?
2. What forms of "ungodliness" characterized you prior to coming to know Christ?
3. In what ways have you learned "self-control" since then?
4. What are some practical ways to keep an eternal perspective displaying your hope in Jesus' return?
5. Reflection - At least twice this week, set aside 10-15 minutes to reflect on God's grace in your life. Spend some time meditating on His kindness to you through prayer, journaling and worship.
August 12, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Tangible Faith - S.E.R.V.E
1 Peter 4:7-11
Romans 12:3-11
S- sacrificing for others
E- experience the manifestation of the Lord in greater ways
R- rendering deeds of faithfulness
V- vocalize the Lord’s faithfulness
E- esteem others for Jesus Christ
Application questions
How have you witnessed others serving you?
What’s been most difficult--to serve others or have others serve you? Why?
When do you find it most difficult to serve others?
How might the Lord be stirring you to serve with passion?
What acts of service excite you? (Re-read examples in Romans 12:4-8)
Pastor Mike McCune
Tangible Faith - S.E.R.V.E
1 Peter 4:7-11
Romans 12:3-11
S- sacrificing for others
E- experience the manifestation of the Lord in greater ways
R- rendering deeds of faithfulness
V- vocalize the Lord’s faithfulness
E- esteem others for Jesus Christ
Application questions
How have you witnessed others serving you?
What’s been most difficult--to serve others or have others serve you? Why?
When do you find it most difficult to serve others?
How might the Lord be stirring you to serve with passion?
What acts of service excite you? (Re-read examples in Romans 12:4-8)
August 5, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 2.0 Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Titus 2:1-8
For Paul, a life that points others to Jesus Christ requires:
-Temperance
-Worth of Respect
-Self Controlled
-Sound in Faith
-Sound in Love
-Sound in endurance
Matthew 6:9-13
Application Questions:
1. Sound doctrine comes with study of God's Word. How might this reminder spur you on to deeper study?
2. How might the Lord be using you to model for younger or older believers?
3. What young men/women are you praying for by name? How can you model prayer for them with your life?
4. How are you making the Lord attractive for others?
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 2.0 Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Titus 2:1-8
For Paul, a life that points others to Jesus Christ requires:
-Temperance
-Worth of Respect
-Self Controlled
-Sound in Faith
-Sound in Love
-Sound in endurance
Matthew 6:9-13
Application Questions:
1. Sound doctrine comes with study of God's Word. How might this reminder spur you on to deeper study?
2. How might the Lord be using you to model for younger or older believers?
3. What young men/women are you praying for by name? How can you model prayer for them with your life?
4. How are you making the Lord attractive for others?
July 29, 2018
Special Speaker: Lance O'Dell
Christ's Love Compels Us
Matthew 14:22-33
Application Questions:
1. Proverbs 9:10 states, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." What attributes of God cause you to "fear" or be in awe of Him?
2. Scripture tells us (1 John 4:18) that perfect love drives out fear. What attributes of God cause (compel) you to love Him?
3. Fear has to do with punishment/consequences, love has to do with a desire to build a relationship - Are there fears you have that prevent the growth of your relationship with God?
4. In our story today what initially cause Peter to overcome his fear?
5. What caused Peter to slip back to fear?
6. What was Christ's response to fear?
Special Speaker: Lance O'Dell
Christ's Love Compels Us
Matthew 14:22-33
Application Questions:
1. Proverbs 9:10 states, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." What attributes of God cause you to "fear" or be in awe of Him?
2. Scripture tells us (1 John 4:18) that perfect love drives out fear. What attributes of God cause (compel) you to love Him?
3. Fear has to do with punishment/consequences, love has to do with a desire to build a relationship - Are there fears you have that prevent the growth of your relationship with God?
4. In our story today what initially cause Peter to overcome his fear?
5. What caused Peter to slip back to fear?
6. What was Christ's response to fear?
July 22, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 1.2 - Living Counter Cultural...For Great Impact
Titus 1:10-16
Character
Tactics
Motivation
The Caution: Is this a consistent pattern of the person?
Matthew 7:15-20
Galatians 5:7-10
7 False Teachers in the church today by Tim Challies
Heretic
Charlatan 1 John 4:1
The Prophet
The Abuser
The Divider
The Tickler
The Speculator
What does Jesus say?
What is the way to have a relationship with God?
What's the authority?
Rebuke and Correct
"Guard your heart, guard your mind. Confront it wisely and winsomely, unified in Grace." Chip Ingram
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Reason:
Science
Philosophy
Logic
Tradition:
Denominations
Church History
Spiritual Practices
Christian Writings
Experience:
Personal Experience
Emotion
Shared Experience
Testimonies
Stories of Saints
Scripture
Application Questions:
What do you find most difficult for you to understand about the Bible?
What circumstances helped to solidify your faith in the Lord?
How do you know if you have heard false doctrine?
What bothers you most about what Paul says in Titus 1:16?
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 1.2 - Living Counter Cultural...For Great Impact
Titus 1:10-16
Character
Tactics
Motivation
The Caution: Is this a consistent pattern of the person?
Matthew 7:15-20
Galatians 5:7-10
7 False Teachers in the church today by Tim Challies
Heretic
Charlatan 1 John 4:1
The Prophet
The Abuser
The Divider
The Tickler
The Speculator
What does Jesus say?
What is the way to have a relationship with God?
What's the authority?
Rebuke and Correct
"Guard your heart, guard your mind. Confront it wisely and winsomely, unified in Grace." Chip Ingram
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Reason:
Science
Philosophy
Logic
Tradition:
Denominations
Church History
Spiritual Practices
Christian Writings
Experience:
Personal Experience
Emotion
Shared Experience
Testimonies
Stories of Saints
Scripture
Application Questions:
What do you find most difficult for you to understand about the Bible?
What circumstances helped to solidify your faith in the Lord?
How do you know if you have heard false doctrine?
What bothers you most about what Paul says in Titus 1:16?
July 15, 2018
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 1.0 - Living Counter Cultural... For Greater Impact
Titus 1:1-9
Island of Crete:
The Las Vegas of Islands
What happens in Crete should stay in Crete
Birthplace of the Greek god-Zeus
A young pastor, that gets as assignment to help turn the culture of the church from cultural sin
2 Corinthians 8:16-24 - Paul speaking about Titus
Galatians 2:1-5
Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Appointing Good Leaders:
-Blameless In Life
NOT:
overbearing
quick tempered
drunk on wine
violent
pursuing dishonest gain
-Emotional Stability
-Have Mastery of Your Life
integrity
self disciplined
truthful in relationships
-Outward Ministry Focus
How do I love people?
How do we love people?
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people"
Colossians 3:23
"Your deed are your monuments" Mr. Browne from the movie "Wonder"
"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can."
-John Westley's Rule
-Changing the culture on person, family, community of faith at a time
Application Questions:
Are you a believer of Jesus Christ? If not, what steps do you need to take (confession, repentance, salvation, surrender)?
Name one place in the world you would NOT want to be sent to share the gospel with others? Why?
What do you admire most about the task that Titus is asked to give himself to in Crete?
What areas of life currently hinder you from behaving in a way that matches your belief?
As a church, what is one significant challenge that the culture has swayed us towards?
Pastor Mike McCune
Titus 1.0 - Living Counter Cultural... For Greater Impact
Titus 1:1-9
Island of Crete:
The Las Vegas of Islands
What happens in Crete should stay in Crete
Birthplace of the Greek god-Zeus
A young pastor, that gets as assignment to help turn the culture of the church from cultural sin
2 Corinthians 8:16-24 - Paul speaking about Titus
Galatians 2:1-5
Living Counter-Cultural for Greater Impact
Appointing Good Leaders:
-Blameless In Life
NOT:
overbearing
quick tempered
drunk on wine
violent
pursuing dishonest gain
-Emotional Stability
-Have Mastery of Your Life
integrity
self disciplined
truthful in relationships
-Outward Ministry Focus
How do I love people?
How do we love people?
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people"
Colossians 3:23
"Your deed are your monuments" Mr. Browne from the movie "Wonder"
"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can."
-John Westley's Rule
-Changing the culture on person, family, community of faith at a time
Application Questions:
Are you a believer of Jesus Christ? If not, what steps do you need to take (confession, repentance, salvation, surrender)?
Name one place in the world you would NOT want to be sent to share the gospel with others? Why?
What do you admire most about the task that Titus is asked to give himself to in Crete?
What areas of life currently hinder you from behaving in a way that matches your belief?
As a church, what is one significant challenge that the culture has swayed us towards?
July 8, 2018
Guest Speaker: Pat Haley
How's Your Dirt?
Matthew 13:1-23
Behold - The Gospel Of Mark adds "Listen!"
*Begins with emphasis
*Closes with the admonition "He who has ears to ear, let him hear!"
Response of the soil to the seed - not about the skill of the sower
*Whether or not he is a good speaker
*How he/she dresses or how they look
*Whether a speaker if funny, intelligent or passionate
*Whether male/female, race, denomination, young/old
Causes of a hard heart
*Disappointments
*Broken promises
*The failures of key relationships-parents, spouses, etc
*Man's cruelty to man
How to soften a hard heart
*Read God's Word
*Worship God with expression
*Affection
Seed that is sown on stony ground
*Unrepented sin
*Unoffered forgiveness
*Unchallenged pride
*Unacknowledged envy
How to remove stones
*Brokenness and humility
*Seek forgiveness both from God and others
*Deal with unrepentant sin
*Become other-centered...not self-centered-cause of envy
Seed that fell among thorns
*Cares of the world - a distrust that God is in control
*Deceitfulness of riches - a false belief that wealth adds value to your life
*Desire for other things - a desire for your own will and not God's
How to remove the weeds in your heart
*Daily read God's Word
*Daily prayer
*Daily offering God a morning and evening sacrifice
*Christian fellowship and church attendance
Good Soil
*Key word - understanding (repeated 5 times)
*Putting things together in a recognizable way
*Yields fruit - naturally
How to cultivate good soil
*Remove the rocks
*Remove the weeks
*Regularly maintain the habits of Christian life
*Surrender to the cultivation of the Master Gardener
Natural outcome
*An abundant life
*Nourishment for others
*Reflection of God's workmanship
Application Questions
How much emphasis do you put on the style of the sower rather than the condition of your soil?
How does a person get a hard heart and how do we become "dull of hearing"?
What are some of the rocks in our hearts?
What are some of the weeds in our hearts?
What are some of the disciplines of our Christian life that can effectively maintain the fertile soil of our hearts?
Guest Speaker: Pat Haley
How's Your Dirt?
Matthew 13:1-23
Behold - The Gospel Of Mark adds "Listen!"
*Begins with emphasis
*Closes with the admonition "He who has ears to ear, let him hear!"
Response of the soil to the seed - not about the skill of the sower
*Whether or not he is a good speaker
*How he/she dresses or how they look
*Whether a speaker if funny, intelligent or passionate
*Whether male/female, race, denomination, young/old
Causes of a hard heart
*Disappointments
*Broken promises
*The failures of key relationships-parents, spouses, etc
*Man's cruelty to man
How to soften a hard heart
*Read God's Word
*Worship God with expression
*Affection
Seed that is sown on stony ground
*Unrepented sin
*Unoffered forgiveness
*Unchallenged pride
*Unacknowledged envy
How to remove stones
*Brokenness and humility
*Seek forgiveness both from God and others
*Deal with unrepentant sin
*Become other-centered...not self-centered-cause of envy
Seed that fell among thorns
*Cares of the world - a distrust that God is in control
*Deceitfulness of riches - a false belief that wealth adds value to your life
*Desire for other things - a desire for your own will and not God's
How to remove the weeds in your heart
*Daily read God's Word
*Daily prayer
*Daily offering God a morning and evening sacrifice
*Christian fellowship and church attendance
Good Soil
*Key word - understanding (repeated 5 times)
*Putting things together in a recognizable way
*Yields fruit - naturally
How to cultivate good soil
*Remove the rocks
*Remove the weeks
*Regularly maintain the habits of Christian life
*Surrender to the cultivation of the Master Gardener
Natural outcome
*An abundant life
*Nourishment for others
*Reflection of God's workmanship
Application Questions
How much emphasis do you put on the style of the sower rather than the condition of your soil?
How does a person get a hard heart and how do we become "dull of hearing"?
What are some of the rocks in our hearts?
What are some of the weeds in our hearts?
What are some of the disciplines of our Christian life that can effectively maintain the fertile soil of our hearts?
July 1, 2018
Special Speaker: Eric Hein
Check Your Vision
Application Questions:
Where are you focusing: close in daily struggles or eternal horizon?
What keeps you from seeing the world/others through "Kingdom tinted goggles'?
Are you going through the motions or do you actually expect God to answer prayer?
Are you still living in fear or do you trust in God's limitless power to carry you through storms?
Special Speaker: Eric Hein
Check Your Vision
Application Questions:
Where are you focusing: close in daily struggles or eternal horizon?
What keeps you from seeing the world/others through "Kingdom tinted goggles'?
Are you going through the motions or do you actually expect God to answer prayer?
Are you still living in fear or do you trust in God's limitless power to carry you through storms?