August 2, 2020
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June 21, 2020
Open Heart Surgery
Special Speaker: Eric Hein
Open Heart Surgery
Special Speaker: Eric Hein
June 14, 2020
Paul Olver
June 14, 2020
Guest Speaker: Paul Olver
Guest Speaker: Paul Olver
June 7, 2020
Pastor Mike McCune
Pastor Mike McCune
June 7, 2020
Pastor Mike McCune
Application Questions:
How do you navigate difficult situations?
How have you felt the blessing of life lived with the Lord?
Which of the Beatitudes do you struggle with the most?
How have you witnessed the Beatitudes in other believers?
How are you blessed because of your relationship with the Lord?
Pastor Mike McCune
Application Questions:
How do you navigate difficult situations?
How have you felt the blessing of life lived with the Lord?
Which of the Beatitudes do you struggle with the most?
How have you witnessed the Beatitudes in other believers?
How are you blessed because of your relationship with the Lord?
May 31, 2020
Kyle Joyner
Kyle Joyner
Application Questions:
1. Have you surrendered your life to the Father? If not, why?
2. How are you living out the will of the Father in your life?
3. How do you distinguish between what is true and false in your life?
4. What is the foundation you are adding/building your faith on for when the storms come?
5. How might you help someone else “sure-up” their foundation?
1. Have you surrendered your life to the Father? If not, why?
2. How are you living out the will of the Father in your life?
3. How do you distinguish between what is true and false in your life?
4. What is the foundation you are adding/building your faith on for when the storms come?
5. How might you help someone else “sure-up” their foundation?
May 24, 2020
Galatians 6
Pastor Mike McCune
May 24, 2020
Pastor Mike McCune
Galatians 6
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Application:
1. What are some of the obstacles that might stand in the way of “gently” restoring someone caught in sin? Why would gentleness be important when confronting someone with their sin?
2. How prone are you to inviting other believers into your burdens? Are there ways that you could improve in this area?
3. How have you struggled with over analyzing your own spiritual state to the exclusion of Christ and the gospel?
4. How did you react to Paul’s command about doing good to fellow believers? In what ways might that change your attitude toward other Christians? Or to the Church as a whole?
Reread the Letter to the Galatians- How has the Holy Spirit awakened you to ways in which you are boasting in your “flesh” rather than the cross of Christ and walking in the Spirit? What steps will you take to surrender your boasting to Him over the next week?
Pastor Mike McCune
Galatians 6
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Application:
1. What are some of the obstacles that might stand in the way of “gently” restoring someone caught in sin? Why would gentleness be important when confronting someone with their sin?
2. How prone are you to inviting other believers into your burdens? Are there ways that you could improve in this area?
3. How have you struggled with over analyzing your own spiritual state to the exclusion of Christ and the gospel?
4. How did you react to Paul’s command about doing good to fellow believers? In what ways might that change your attitude toward other Christians? Or to the Church as a whole?
Reread the Letter to the Galatians- How has the Holy Spirit awakened you to ways in which you are boasting in your “flesh” rather than the cross of Christ and walking in the Spirit? What steps will you take to surrender your boasting to Him over the next week?
May 17, 2020
Galatians 5
Pastor Mike McCune
Galatians 5- Are you my brother and sister?
Galatians 5:13- You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Flesh gives way to death-
- The Flesh will fail and be destroyed.
- We rely on the flesh because it’s what we are familiar with.
- The ways the flesh leads to death is innumerable and Paul takes time to list some of those ways in vs. 19-21. Look over that list and reflect on whether you are currently participating in these ways that lead to death. You would think that this would perhaps cover all the sins we would need to avoid but don’t assume so quickly.
- Anything that is contrary to Christ is leading us to sin. That sin feeds the flesh. So if you are caught up in sin today you are feeding the flesh. One of the true ways of starving the flesh is to stop feeding the sin in our lives.
- It’s easier said than done but not impossible.
Spirit gives way to Life-
- The way that the Lord knit us together with a soul that can outlive our flesh.
- When we invite Christ into our lives our soul gets filled with the Spirit. When that happens we experience the adoption to sonship that we talked about last week and we also gain that promise of eternity when we surrender our all for His ALL.
It gives way to life to live differently.
- To serve others
- To serve Jesus with the fruits of the spirit
o Galatians 5:22-26- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
- Serving others magnifies the life we want to live for Christ.
Matthew 20:28- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Key Take Home- Learn how to serve brothers and sisters by walking in the Spirit.
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Application Questions:
1. Who is your most difficult/favorite family member? Why?
2. How do you treat your siblings? How should that look differently?
3. Choose one person in your life to lovingly serve this week. Ask God to strengthen you and humble you as you meet that person’s needs.
4. Draw what it looks like to live in slavery to sin versus freedom in Christ. Use Galatians to inspire your illustration.
5. Pick one of the expressions of the fruit of the Spirit (Reread- Galatians 5:22-23) to focus on this week. Pray that God would put you in situations where you can practice growing in that expression of spiritual fruit. Journal about your experience.
Galatians 5:13- You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Flesh gives way to death-
- The Flesh will fail and be destroyed.
- We rely on the flesh because it’s what we are familiar with.
- The ways the flesh leads to death is innumerable and Paul takes time to list some of those ways in vs. 19-21. Look over that list and reflect on whether you are currently participating in these ways that lead to death. You would think that this would perhaps cover all the sins we would need to avoid but don’t assume so quickly.
- Anything that is contrary to Christ is leading us to sin. That sin feeds the flesh. So if you are caught up in sin today you are feeding the flesh. One of the true ways of starving the flesh is to stop feeding the sin in our lives.
- It’s easier said than done but not impossible.
Spirit gives way to Life-
- The way that the Lord knit us together with a soul that can outlive our flesh.
- When we invite Christ into our lives our soul gets filled with the Spirit. When that happens we experience the adoption to sonship that we talked about last week and we also gain that promise of eternity when we surrender our all for His ALL.
It gives way to life to live differently.
- To serve others
- To serve Jesus with the fruits of the spirit
o Galatians 5:22-26- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
- Serving others magnifies the life we want to live for Christ.
Matthew 20:28- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Key Take Home- Learn how to serve brothers and sisters by walking in the Spirit.
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Application Questions:
1. Who is your most difficult/favorite family member? Why?
2. How do you treat your siblings? How should that look differently?
3. Choose one person in your life to lovingly serve this week. Ask God to strengthen you and humble you as you meet that person’s needs.
4. Draw what it looks like to live in slavery to sin versus freedom in Christ. Use Galatians to inspire your illustration.
5. Pick one of the expressions of the fruit of the Spirit (Reread- Galatians 5:22-23) to focus on this week. Pray that God would put you in situations where you can practice growing in that expression of spiritual fruit. Journal about your experience.
May 10, 2020 - Mother's Day
Galatians 4
We celebrate the Mothers in our lives today in many different ways.
When Paul is writing about ABBA Father, you may feel like that foster child at times with God in that you want to be a part of God’s family, but you think it’s too good to be true or you experience it for an amount of time and walk away without the full adoption that the Lord wants to extend to you.
We must trust in our adoption by Jesus
o Stop walking as a foster child but instead as an adopted one
o Nicodemus - John 3:3-17
We must trust in our identity- Sinner VS Saint
Key Take Home- Spiritual adoption by Jesus produces freedom for His children to live as an heir with Him in the promise(s) God provides.
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 4:6-7- Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Application-
- Have you experienced ADOPTION by Jesus? If not, why?
- How did your mother lead you to a stronger faith in Jesus?
- What difficulties did your mother find in leading you to a stronger faith?
- How often do you pray for your mother?
- Write down the areas of your life where you aren’t walking in the freedom of the gospel. Pray that God would continue to work in your heart.
- Talk to a friend or family member who knows someone who has wandered from the faith. Use what was discussed in this session to encourage that person and spend time praying for the lost friend.
When Paul is writing about ABBA Father, you may feel like that foster child at times with God in that you want to be a part of God’s family, but you think it’s too good to be true or you experience it for an amount of time and walk away without the full adoption that the Lord wants to extend to you.
We must trust in our adoption by Jesus
o Stop walking as a foster child but instead as an adopted one
o Nicodemus - John 3:3-17
We must trust in our identity- Sinner VS Saint
Key Take Home- Spiritual adoption by Jesus produces freedom for His children to live as an heir with Him in the promise(s) God provides.
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 4:6-7- Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Application-
- Have you experienced ADOPTION by Jesus? If not, why?
- How did your mother lead you to a stronger faith in Jesus?
- What difficulties did your mother find in leading you to a stronger faith?
- How often do you pray for your mother?
- Write down the areas of your life where you aren’t walking in the freedom of the gospel. Pray that God would continue to work in your heart.
- Talk to a friend or family member who knows someone who has wandered from the faith. Use what was discussed in this session to encourage that person and spend time praying for the lost friend.
May 3, 2020
Galatians 3
Message Title - Are You So Foolish?
There’s a difference between foolish events/mistakes compared to being a foolish person.
- A foolish event highlights the lack of consideration before an incident. The event can be learned from to prevent like events from happening in the future.
- A foolish person lives in their foolishness and is unaware of it. A foolish person walks in a way that chooses to “ignore” the error of their ways to a fault.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Proverbs 26:4
When Should I Choose Proverbs 26:4?
Here are some times you should stay silent instead of speaking.
If You are Angry
Solomon has a lot to say to his son about the foolishness of having a hot temper. This is why Solomon reminded his son in Proverbs 15:18 that, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
On Social Media or email
Social media encourages us to form strong opinions based on incomplete information.
If You Don’t Have Your Facts Straight
“The fool does not delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” These words from Proverbs 18:2 and 18:13 remind us to stop, listen, and think before we speak.
If You Aren’t Genuinely Concerned about the Person
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” Proverbs 26:5
When Should I Choose Proverbs 26:5?
If You are Under Control
Previously we spoke about the foolishness of addressing someone when you are angry. Angry words will lead nowhere, but a word fitly spoken can make a great difference. If “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” then our words of life accompanied by a cool and gentle spirit can bring great grace to those who hear.
If You are in an Appropriate Context
Knowing where and when to speak words of correction can be one of the most difficult choices we face.
If The Issue is Worth the Possible Disagreement
Disagreements should not be avoided at all costs because sometimes they are absolutely necessary. In the Bible we see calls to correct others when needed and the example of the apostles who rebuked each other when one was out of line. Check your motives, check your heart, and open your mouth to speak.
Scott Slayton, https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/should-you-correct-a-foolish-person-or-stay-silent.html
Abraham’s journey of faith can be found in Genesis 12, 15–16, 21–22 and Hebrews 11
How do we know we can live in faith? Examples from Scripture, other witnesses, our own experiences
Key Take Home- We surrender our foolishness when we walk by faith as a child of God and what Jesus has done and is doing for us.
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 3:26-28- So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Application
- Ask God to teach you what it means to be free in Him this week.
- Learn more about Abraham’s journey of faith in Genesis 12, 15–16, 21–22. Follow up your study by reading Hebrews 11:8–19.
- Make a list of the ways you’ve experienced freedom in Christ since becoming a Christian. Spend time thanking God for setting you free
There’s a difference between foolish events/mistakes compared to being a foolish person.
- A foolish event highlights the lack of consideration before an incident. The event can be learned from to prevent like events from happening in the future.
- A foolish person lives in their foolishness and is unaware of it. A foolish person walks in a way that chooses to “ignore” the error of their ways to a fault.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Proverbs 26:4
When Should I Choose Proverbs 26:4?
Here are some times you should stay silent instead of speaking.
If You are Angry
Solomon has a lot to say to his son about the foolishness of having a hot temper. This is why Solomon reminded his son in Proverbs 15:18 that, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
On Social Media or email
Social media encourages us to form strong opinions based on incomplete information.
If You Don’t Have Your Facts Straight
“The fool does not delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” These words from Proverbs 18:2 and 18:13 remind us to stop, listen, and think before we speak.
If You Aren’t Genuinely Concerned about the Person
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” Proverbs 26:5
When Should I Choose Proverbs 26:5?
If You are Under Control
Previously we spoke about the foolishness of addressing someone when you are angry. Angry words will lead nowhere, but a word fitly spoken can make a great difference. If “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” then our words of life accompanied by a cool and gentle spirit can bring great grace to those who hear.
If You are in an Appropriate Context
Knowing where and when to speak words of correction can be one of the most difficult choices we face.
If The Issue is Worth the Possible Disagreement
Disagreements should not be avoided at all costs because sometimes they are absolutely necessary. In the Bible we see calls to correct others when needed and the example of the apostles who rebuked each other when one was out of line. Check your motives, check your heart, and open your mouth to speak.
Scott Slayton, https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/should-you-correct-a-foolish-person-or-stay-silent.html
Abraham’s journey of faith can be found in Genesis 12, 15–16, 21–22 and Hebrews 11
How do we know we can live in faith? Examples from Scripture, other witnesses, our own experiences
Key Take Home- We surrender our foolishness when we walk by faith as a child of God and what Jesus has done and is doing for us.
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 3:26-28- So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Application
- Ask God to teach you what it means to be free in Him this week.
- Learn more about Abraham’s journey of faith in Genesis 12, 15–16, 21–22. Follow up your study by reading Hebrews 11:8–19.
- Make a list of the ways you’ve experienced freedom in Christ since becoming a Christian. Spend time thanking God for setting you free
April 26, 2020
Galatians 2
Message Title: Are you impressing to others or impressed by Jesus Christ?
John 15:1-8- Pruning of the branches compared to cutting away of the old
Paul a Missionary to the Gentiles- Circumcision VS Uncircumcision
Hypocrisy from Cephas (Peter) Addressed
Avoid Hypocrisy in our lives by understanding our identity- Galatians 2:19-21
Experience Circumcision of the Heart for true change
- Key Take Home- Don’t live to please others…live to please Jesus!
- Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 2:20- I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Application-
- Have you allowed the “spiritual” circumcision of your heart to take place?
- How do you address hypocrisy in your life or with others?
- Do you struggle in your identity with Christ?
- How certain are you in your identity in Christ?
o If you are a believer, you are His child!
John 15:1-8- Pruning of the branches compared to cutting away of the old
Paul a Missionary to the Gentiles- Circumcision VS Uncircumcision
Hypocrisy from Cephas (Peter) Addressed
Avoid Hypocrisy in our lives by understanding our identity- Galatians 2:19-21
Experience Circumcision of the Heart for true change
- Key Take Home- Don’t live to please others…live to please Jesus!
- Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 2:20- I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Application-
- Have you allowed the “spiritual” circumcision of your heart to take place?
- How do you address hypocrisy in your life or with others?
- Do you struggle in your identity with Christ?
- How certain are you in your identity in Christ?
o If you are a believer, you are His child!
April 19, 2020
Galatians 1
Message Title- Are you living in surrender or Self-Dependency?
Galatians 1:1-24
They are perverting the gospel
The gospel challenges our pride
- We need a Saviour we can’t save ourself-
- All the credit for salvation comes through Jesus Christ.
- It's ALL the work of Jesus
The gospel challenges our wisdom
- Something that many consider foolish
- For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18
- God became a man and died a humiliating disgraceful death on our behalf
- It’s true foolishness
The gospel challenges our knowledge
- It goes against the scientific knowledge we can possess
- It goes against the personal experiences we may have
-That a man would die, rise from death, and the with his glorious new body would never die again
Key Take Home- Don’t substitute a false gospel for the true gospel of Christ that can bring grace and peace into your life
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 1:10- “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Application
1. Praise God for the gospel as you pray this week. Thank Him for saving you and pray for opportunities to share the good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection with others.
2. Take the time to tell one person about how the gospel has affected your life. Explain how knowing Jesus has changed you.
3. Study: Read Acts 7:54–8:3 and 9:1–31 to study Paul’s conversion. Make note of how encountering Jesus transformed Paul’s life.
Galatians 1:1-24
They are perverting the gospel
The gospel challenges our pride
- We need a Saviour we can’t save ourself-
- All the credit for salvation comes through Jesus Christ.
- It's ALL the work of Jesus
The gospel challenges our wisdom
- Something that many consider foolish
- For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18
- God became a man and died a humiliating disgraceful death on our behalf
- It’s true foolishness
The gospel challenges our knowledge
- It goes against the scientific knowledge we can possess
- It goes against the personal experiences we may have
-That a man would die, rise from death, and the with his glorious new body would never die again
Key Take Home- Don’t substitute a false gospel for the true gospel of Christ that can bring grace and peace into your life
Memory Verse This Week- Galatians 1:10- “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Application
1. Praise God for the gospel as you pray this week. Thank Him for saving you and pray for opportunities to share the good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection with others.
2. Take the time to tell one person about how the gospel has affected your life. Explain how knowing Jesus has changed you.
3. Study: Read Acts 7:54–8:3 and 9:1–31 to study Paul’s conversion. Make note of how encountering Jesus transformed Paul’s life.
April 12, 2020 - Easter Sunday
The Gospel of John: The Resurrection has NOT been Canceled.
John 20
Key Take Home: The Victory secured by Jesus canceled sin and death for the life of a believer.
We Celebrate:
-Our debt has been canceled (John 20:1-18)
-Death has been canceled/overcome with the promise of eternity
(John 12:44-50 and Hebrews 2:14-15)
-In spite of circumstances because Jesus can cancel the storms around us
(Matt.14:28-33)
- Because Jesus canceled anxiety with His peace (John 20:19-23)
Memorize John 20:31
John 20:31- “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Application
1. Memorize John 10:11. Write it down and place it where you can see it many times in the course of a day.
2. How has Jesus Christ canceled the worry, anxiety, fear and disappointments in the past week by bringing His peace into the situations?
3. Do you celebrate all that was canceled when Jesus rose from the grave for you? How?
John 20
Key Take Home: The Victory secured by Jesus canceled sin and death for the life of a believer.
We Celebrate:
-Our debt has been canceled (John 20:1-18)
-Death has been canceled/overcome with the promise of eternity
(John 12:44-50 and Hebrews 2:14-15)
-In spite of circumstances because Jesus can cancel the storms around us
(Matt.14:28-33)
- Because Jesus canceled anxiety with His peace (John 20:19-23)
Memorize John 20:31
John 20:31- “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Application
1. Memorize John 10:11. Write it down and place it where you can see it many times in the course of a day.
2. How has Jesus Christ canceled the worry, anxiety, fear and disappointments in the past week by bringing His peace into the situations?
3. Do you celebrate all that was canceled when Jesus rose from the grave for you? How?
April 5, 2020
Pastor Mike McCune
The Gospel of John: Our King has Come
John 12
Our King has come:
-In events and times in the past
- Riding on as donkey into Jerusalem
- To lay down His will to pursue His Fathers
- And will come again
Memorize John 12: 44-46 (NIV)
44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Application:
Do the events of Palm Sunday and others have significance in your life?
How do you celebrate Jesus daily in your life?
Who will you tell about the King that's come into your life?
The Gospel of John: Our King has Come
John 12
Our King has come:
-In events and times in the past
- Riding on as donkey into Jerusalem
- To lay down His will to pursue His Fathers
- And will come again
Memorize John 12: 44-46 (NIV)
44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Application:
Do the events of Palm Sunday and others have significance in your life?
How do you celebrate Jesus daily in your life?
Who will you tell about the King that's come into your life?