“We See Him”
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Dec 26, 2021“We See Him”
“We See Him”
- Dec 19, 2021“Fall on Your Knees”
“Fall on Your Knees”
- Dec 12, 2021“Jesus is Better”
“Jesus is Better”
- Nov 28, 2021“The Good Shepherd”
“The Good Shepherd”
- Nov 21, 2021“Prayer and Partnership”
“Prayer and Partnership”
Sermon Note Questions Prayer and Partnership | Colossians 4:2-18 #CenterofAllThings November 21, 2021- What would it look like for you to devote yourselves to prayer? Be specific.
- Why do you think Paul gives these specific final instructions to the Colossians to close out his letter? (Col. 4:2-6)
- Go through the “credits of Colossians” in Col. 4:7-18 as a group listing the people as you go and examine why you think Paul lists them? What can today for our own church ministry with Paul’s partnerships in gospel ministry?
- Looking back through the series in Colossians: Center of All Things, what is your main takeaway or what stands out to you the most from this letter to the Colossian church?
- Extra Credit: Onesimus is mentioned in Colossians 4:7. Read the letter of Philemon. What names do find are listed in both Colossians and Philemon? And what is going on between Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon? What do we learn from the way Paul treated each person?
- Nov 7, 2021“Clothed With Virtue”
“Clothed With Virtue”
Questions for small groups or personal study. Clothed With Virtue | Colossians 3:12-17 #CenterofAllThings November 7, 2021- What similarities do you find in Col. 3:12-17 and Ephesians 4:22-24; 31-32?
- Where do you see the “see-saw” in Paul’s teaching again in this passage? (identity to lifestyle and back and forth)
- Is verse 13 easy or difficult to follow? Why?
- Why should we “above all” other things choose to put on love? Why love?
- Thanksgiving is a major theme here but why? (attitude of gratitude)
- Notice how Paul doesn’t lists rules or laws in this passage; but he does give direction and ideals. Read the following quotes and discuss how they shed light on this passage. “We are not shaped by rules, we are shaped by a Ruler. And “We are not taxpayers with rights, we are sinners saved by grace.” — Mark Meynell
- Oct 31, 2021“Vice Versa”
“Vice Versa”
Questions for small groups or personal study. Vice Versa | Colossians 3:1-11 #CenterofAllThings October 31, 2021
- What has already happened to believers and will happen to believers in the future according to Colossians 3:1-4? (Justification,sanctification,glorification)
- What does it mean to “set your mind on things above?” And how is this done practically? What dangers do we want avoid with the heavenly vs earthly comparison?
- Compare Colossians 3:5-10, Ephesians 4:20-24. What is meant by the process of Put off, Put On, Renew? And how is this worked out? (Rom. 8:13)
- Why do you think Colossians 3:11 so important to this passage? What’s it saying? Why is it important we don’t show partiality or discrimination in the church community especially when it comes down to sin and sanctification? What is the role of honesty, authenticity and vulnerability in this growth process of putting off sin and putting on Christ?
- Oct 24, 2021“Escape The Shadows”
“Escape The Shadows”
Questions for small groups or personal study. Escape the Shadows | Colossians 2:16-23 #CenterofAllThings October 24, 2021
- What’s your main takeaway from the sermon?
- What are the shadows and what is the substance? (Col. 2:17; Heb. 10:1)
- How have you experienced the two main points, “Don’t be judged by legalists” and “Don’t be disqualified by mystics,” How did Jesus experience and deal with them?
- Why is the metaphor of viewing Christ as the Head of the body, the church, so important? What can we infer from the images of a head, body, ligaments, joints and growth etc.? (Col. 2:19 / Eph. 4:15-16)
- In 2 Corinthians, Paul does a little role playing, pretending almost to act like a “super-apostle” to point out the foolishness of self-centered boasting. Examine his message to the Corinthians and compare it to what he says to the Colossians about Christ as the Head and the Center versus the false teaching of the legalists and mystics. (Look at 2 Corinthians 11-12, particularly on 2 Cor. 11:12-12:10. I know its a lengthy passage but it helps to see his whole flow of thought and what he really ends up boasting in at the end.)
- Oct 17, 2021“In Christ Alone”
“In Christ Alone”
Questions for small groups or personal study. In Christ Alone | Colossians 2:6-15 #CenterofAllThings October 17, 2021- What’s your main takeaway from the sermon?
- Why do most say Col. 2:6-7 the main thesis statement for the entire letter? What is Paul saying here?
- How do you see what Paul mentions as threats to the foundation of the christian life as still relevant today? ([verse 8] threats that can take you captive: philosophy and empty deceit, human tradition, elemental spirits, things not according to Christ)
- Jesus + Nothing. What does that mean? How and why does Paul teach this in 6-15?
- Look through and discuss each place Paul uses the phrases “in him” or “with him” in Colossians 2:6-15. What does it mean to be “in Christ?”
- Oct 10, 2021“Job Description of a Christian Minister”
“Job Description of a Christian Minister”
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Questions for small groups or personal study.
Job Description of a Christian Minister | Colossians 1:24-2:5
#CenterofAllThings October 10, 2021
- What’s your main takeaway from the sermon?
- Which of the points from the sermon outline below stuck out to you the most? and why?
- How does this sermon and message apply to you even though you may not be a full-time minister or pastor? What part do you play in this?
- In 1:28, what does Paul mean by stating his goal to “present everyone mature in Christ?” How is the Christian life one of maturing and growing? (microwave or crockpot) Compare Eph. 4:11-14; Phil. 3:13-14; Col. 1:28.
- Paul says he has a great struggle for them and then goes on to list words of his prayer for them and the church at Laodicea. Examine his prayer and discuss what he prays for. (Col. 2:1-3)
- Oct 3, 2021“Paramount”
“Paramount”
- Sep 26, 2021“Praying For You”
“Praying For You”Questions for Small Groups and Personal Study
I’m Praying For You | Colossians 1:9-14
#CenterofAllThings September 26, 20211.Share with the group one main takeaway from the sermon. What impacted you or stuck out to you? 2. Share with the group a time when prayer became an essential part of your life, either you prayed for others or others prayed for you? 3.What should “I’m praying for you” really mean in a church community? 4. Look at and review the content of Paul’s prayer in Col. 9-14. What does he pray for specifically? How is his prayer similar or dissimilar from our own prayer lives or prayer habits? 5. Verse 9 uses words like “knowledge, wisdom and understanding” and then ties those words to a physical walking and outward lifestyle that is pleasing to God. What is the connection between our knowledge of God and our daily lifestyle? What is the danger of disconnecting knowledge and understanding of God from our lifestyle and ethics? 6.Paul says a life fully pleasing to God is a life “bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge, being strengthened with power, and giving thanks.” How do these phrases describe an overview of a truly Christian life? In what ways do you see or you would like to see this being worked out in your own life? Spend some time in prayer. You could have each person pray for 2 or 3 specific things. You could try praying some of the exact words and phrases Paul uses in Colossians 1. When we don’t know how to pray or what to pray; I find letting scripture inform our prayers is a great place to start.
- Sep 19, 2021“The Center of All Things”
“The Center of All Things”
Questions for small groups or personal study. Center of All Things | Colossians 1:1-8 #CenterofAllThings September 19, 2021
- Why is Paul writing the letter of Colossians? What is the occasion and purpose of the letter? Where is Paul writing this letter from? Who is Epaphras? (Col. 1:7)
- How and why is Christ the center of all things and what implications does this have for our lives today? (Col. 1:15-17)
- Some have said Colossians is the most Christ saturated letter in the NT. Skim through the book of Colossians and find phrases of “in Him” “in whom” “in Christ.” Discuss what these phrases mean and how they are used throughout the letter.
- Why do you think Paul so often in his writing focuses on three key virtues: Faith, Hope and Love? Why these three? And then why does he change the order and list them in the order of faith, love and hope in Col. 1:4-5. What is he specifically saying about Hope here? (other places of these three virtues: 1 Cor. 13:13; 1 These. 1:3)
- What item below stands out to you the most and why? Feel free to discuss this list or use it in your personal study later on this week. Jesus is the Center of redemption (Col. 1:13-14) / Center of all things (Col. 1:16-17) / Center of the church (Col 1:24) / Center of our hope (Col. 1:27) / Center of our growth (Col. 1:28) / Center of our faith (Col. 2:6-7) / Center of our religion (Col. 2:17) / Center of our resurrection (Col. 3:1) / Center of our life (Col. 3:3-4) / Center of our peace (Col. 3:15) / Center of households, workplaces (Col. 3:18-4:1)
- Sep 5, 2021“S2 Episode 4: Epilogue”
“S2 Episode 4: Epilogue”
Questions for small groups or personal study. Season 2 Episode 4: Epilogue #LongStoryShort September 5, 2021- Summarize and talk through the whole story of the Bible by walking through our series from beginning to end. Talk through the plot, flow, movements, high points and low points. —Season 1— Creation, Fallout, Abraham, Israel , Moses, Joshua, David, Divided Kingdom, Prophets , Intermission —Season 2— Messiah, Gospel, Church, Epilogue.
- What are the present implications for our living today when we consider our eternal destination in light of a “new heaven and new earth” versus thinking only about heaven? What do you think the new heaven and new earth will be like? Why is the Bible communicate with these terms of new heavens and earth? What do we have to look forward? (Isa. 65: 17, Isa. 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13)
- Compare the beginning of the Bible and the end of the Bible. How are they similar and what has changed? Gen. 1:1 and Rev. 21:1 / Gen. 2:9 and Rev. 22:1-2.
- What is the purpose of the book of Revelation? What are your current thoughts and reactions to the book of Revelation? What misconceptions do you think we have when reading and interpreting Revelation?
- How does Revelation 22:20 encourage and motivate you today?
- Aug 29, 2021“S2 Episode 3: Church” Josh Prather
“S2 Episode 3: Church” Josh Prather
- Aug 22, 2021“S2 Episode 2: Gospel”
“S2 Episode 2: Gospel”Questions for small groups or personal study. Season 2 Episode 2: Gospel #LongStoryShort August 22, 2021
- Look at the Great Commission and discuss the implications for all of us today? Break down and discuss each facet of the commission. How is the church the vehicle for this? Matt. 28:19-20
- What is the gospel? What parts of the gospel message are absolutely vital for it to remain the gospel? What are modern distortions of it?
- How is Acts a continuation of the mission and message of Jesus? Discuss the foundation of the church and the role the Holy Spirit plays through Acts.
- How is Acts transitional in the greater timeline and storyline of the Bible?
- Discuss the expansion of the gospel as it follows the directions given in Acts 1:8. (Expansion to the Jewish believers and the coming of the Spirit in Acts 2 and the inclusion of the Samaritans Acts 8 and the inclusion of the Gentiles in Acts 10.)
- Aug 15, 2021“S2 Episode 1: Messiah”
“S2 Episode 1: Messiah”
Questions for small groups or personal study. Season 2 Episode 1: Messiah #LongStoryShort August 15, 2021
- Discuss the flow and plot line of the Bible using Freytag’s pyramid (slide/diagram can be found online). Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. Where do we find ourselves on this diagram today?
- What does Jesus’ name mean? What does Christ mean? How is the concept of anointing related to prophets, priests, and kings in the OT and how is this significant in relation to Jesus Christ?
- How does Jesus fulfill the office of prophet, priest and king? (places to start: prophet: Mark 1:14-15; Priest: Heb. 9:11-15; 7:22-28; King: John 19:1-3, Rev. 19:16)
- What does the Messiah actually accomplish for us through his life, death and resurrection? List everything Jesus does from these following passages: (example: Jesus forgives, Jesus redeems… etc.) You may use any number of these passages: (
- Aug 8, 2021“S1 Episode 10- Intermission”
“S1 Episode 10- Intermission”
- Aug 1, 2021“S1 Episode 9- Prophets”
“S1 Episode 9- Prophets”
Questions for small groups or personal deeper study. S1 Episode 9: Prophets #LongStoryShort August 1, 2021
- How familiar are you with the major and minor prophets? What do you find intriguing about them? What do you find difficult and confusing about this type of literature and part of the Bible?
- How is reading Prophecy and the Prophets different than other parts of scripture? How do we navigate the near and far fulfillment of some the messages preached?
- Take some time and explore some of the prophets. Pick two or three books. Locate and identify the pattern “Repent - Return - Warning - Hope” in a few of the minor prophets of your choosing. (You can skim a few of them and identify chapter headings to get a gist of the message and flow. Joel and Amos are good places to start).
- What do we learn about God from these verses: Joel 2:25-29; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Hosea 2:19-23; Zeph. 3:17; Micah 7:18-20. Do these passages change your conception or misconception of God?
- What is the role of the prophets in the meta-narrative/grand story of the Bible?
- Jul 25, 2021“S1 Episode 8: “A Kingdom Divided” Josh Prather
“S1 Episode 8: “A Kingdom Divided” Josh Pratherv
SERMON QUESTIONS:
- King Solomon became distracted and fell in love with the things God hates. What distractions (even good things) might be winning over our affections? (1 Kings 11:9-13)
- What can we learn about the importance of our personal walk with God along with our influence of others from the example of Jeroboam and David?
- One of Ahab’s biggest criticisms was his acceptance of sin and denial of God. What sins has our culture deemed acceptable? What sins do we overlook/excuse in our own lives? How might we turn from our sin and follow after God?
- God makes it clear that His people were to follow Him alone. While we don’t typically struggle with idol worship like they did in the Old Testament, what are some things we can elevate above God in our lives? What might help draw our hearts back to God?
- Israel was to be the light of God to the nations that surrounded them. How can we, as the church, be the light of Jesus to our communities, neighbors, coworkers, and families?