A well-intentioned scribe approaches Jesus and asks, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” (Mark 12:28). Jesus points to our love for God and love for others as being the greatest commandments for us to follow. When the scribe agrees, Jesus tells him that he is, “not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). As followers of Christ, ...…

The opponents of Jesus persist in their efforts to try and trap and discredit Jesus. They first question him in regards to the paying of taxes to Caesar, and then challenge him on the legitimacy of the resurrection of the dead. In both cases, Jesus shows he is more than up to the challenge. We need be mindful that when we bring our questions to ...…

Recognizing the hardness of the religious leaders’ hearts, Jesus tells a parable that points to their coming judgment. Even though they realize the parable to be speaking against them, they refuse to soften and continue to seek his arrest. This passage is a sobering reminder that, even though some will hear the truth, they will remain steadfast ...…

As followers of Christ we must be mindful of our responsibility to be a godly example in our culture. This starts with understanding how to pursue godliness. The passage, 1 Timothy 4: 7-16, identifies seven distinct principles to help us reach this goal.“Where Qualities are Job One”1. Have nothing to do with ungodliness (v. 6) 2. Godliness requ ...…

In Romans 3, Paul made some polarizing assertions that no one has ever been saved by the Law. In Romans 4:1-12, he brings in two pillars of the Jewish faith, Abraham and David to show that both were saved by faith apart from the Law. In the same way, we all have the opportunity to come into a relationship with our maker through faith alone and ...…

God had promised to heal. To restore. He did not destine humankind to be without hope forever. He called one man, Abraham, and made a covenant with him. God would bless Abraham, multiply his offspring so that his offspring would be a blessing to all the nations. Abraham’s family would be the means by which God would bring redemption. 1. Hope in ...…

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus recognizes that all is not well in their spiritual capital. Jesus figuratively curses a fig tree and then begins to cleanse the temple of its iniquity. Rather than receive his correction, the religious authorities challenge Jesus and are unwilling to acknowledge him and his ministry. While sometimes painful, it is ...…

At the beginning of the Passover week, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The people hail him as their Davidic messiah, laying their cloaks and leafy branches on the ground with shouts of “Hosanna!” In a culture that does not see, we acknowledge Christ as our Messiah and affirm that one day all ...…

While the disciples continue to struggle to understand Jesus, Jesus encounters a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus declares his faith in Christ and asks for his sight to be restored. Jesus heals Bartimaeus and, in doing so, continues to point the disciples to his gospel mission. When our friends and families fail to recognize Jesus for ...…

Songs:The Lord Our God #6518055 by J Ingram & K Stanfill2013Call Upon The Lord #7051501 by C Brown and S Furtick2015 © Be Essential Songs Be Thou My Vision #30639 by E H Hull, M E ByrnePublic DomainPsalm 46 (Lord Of Hosts) #7053138 by J L Riddle, J Miller, J Warneking, & S Barnard2015 © Jennie Lee Riddle Music Living Hope #7106807 by B Johnson ...…

God shares His hope-filled message through the birth and life of Jesus. In Jesus, God revealed the fullness of His glory and His rescuing love for us. 1. God has spoken through his Son(vs. 1-2a)2. God in the flesh (vs. 2b-3a)3. Savior of the world (vs. 3b-4)Songs: Angels We Have Heard On High (FK&C) #7007719 by J Chadwick, J Smallbone, L Smallb ...…

1. His presence (vs. 4b-7)2. His purpose (v. 8) a. Concerning sin (v. 9) b. Concerning righteousness (v. 10) c. Concerning judgment (v. 11)3. Our confidence (vs. 12-15)Songs: What Child Is This #30983 by W C DixPublic DomainO Come All Ye Faithful #7095543 by Ben Tan, C. F Oakeley, J F Wade, K Wykes, M Crocker, & M G Chislett2017 Hillsong Music ...…

This weekend, we are going to study one of the most surprising ways that God speaks to us, that is through his people. When considered alongside the majesty of his creation or the clarity of his word, we can be forgiven for thinking we must desperately fall short. That God would ask us to do what clearly he could do better by himself, is at the ...…

When it comes to God's word, most recognize that God is behind the Bible, but many fail to see the beauty in it! In Psalm 19, David says he finds the greatest treasure and joy anyone could possess. 1. More than a book (vs. 7-11)2. A window to my soul (vs. 12-13)3. The prayer of my heart (v. 14)Songs:We Are Waiting #7049336 by A Rogers, D Leonar ...…

Each and every day we leave our homes, we by necessity spend time in the world he created. In doing so, have opportunity for the glory of God to be spoken into our hearts. Yet, it's easy to go from home-to-car, car-to-work, work-to-car, and car-to-home again, without ever taking notice of God’s voice in creation. We know that God’s desire to sp ...…

Contrary to the world, followers of Christ see leadership as an opportunity to serve those entrusted to them. We follow the example of Jesus who, “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). As we look ahead to the advent season, what a tremendous opportunity to serve those around us.1. The road ...…

A young man thinks that his acts of righteousness should secure him eternal life. Jesus reveals the duplicity of the young man’s heart by instructing him to sell all that he has. Regrettably, “he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:22b). We must never allow the accumulation of earthly wealth to supersede our love for Go ...…

The Pharisees seek to test Jesus by asking a question on the subject of divorce. Jesus responds by pointing to God’s plan and desire at creation. When marriages struggle, we must remind them of God’s heart for marriage and encourage couples who are seeking to work through their challenges.1. It’s a trap (vs. 1-4)2. The purpose of marriage (vs. ...…

Too many of us are defined by the opinions of others. God's opinion is the only thing that gives us ultimate worth. His view of our worth and status is demonstrated by the fact that he has made peace with us.1. We have been justified by faith (v. 1a)2. We have peace with God (v. 1b)3. We have access (v. 2a)4. We rejoice in hope (v. 2b)SONGSWho ...…

1 Timothy 3 contains some of the key characteristics and requirements for those who would serve in church leadership. As such, many believers miss the true heart of this passage, in that it identifies some of the qualities and characteristics that are significant and noteworthy in our pursuit of Godliness. 1. The Musts (vs 2) - above reproach, ...…

When we think about being a follower of Jesus Christ, we don’t usually think of this in terms of how we handle our money and possessions. And in the context of the church, we commonly think about money in terms of what God wants from us. We will explore God’s foundational perspective on wealth in the OT and NT and how He ultimately wants our he ...…

Nothing could have prepared Peter, James and John for the radiant and divine Jesus that stood before them, but even then, they fail to grasp who he is in all of his glory. Out of the cloud, the Father speaks and says, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (Mark 9:7). Still today, to deny the Son is to reject the one that sent him. 1. A Pictu ...…

Jesus foretells his death for a second time and again his disciples fail to understand and instead begin to argue about who was the “greatest” among them. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach them about humility, service to others and the gravity of sin. We need pray for the ability to see ourselves and sin clearly. 1. The struggle is real (vs. ...…

When the disciples are unable to help a man’s son who is possessed by a demon, Jesus calls upon the father to have faith and believe. The father acknowledges his spiritual weakness and asks Jesus to give him faith. Rather than chide him for his unbelief, Jesus responds to his cry. 1. The absence of faith (vs. 14-19)2. The object of our faith (v ...…

Nothing could have prepared Peter, James and John for the radiant and divine Jesus that stood before them, but even then, they fail to grasp who he is in all of his glory. Out of the cloud, the Father speaks and says, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (Mark 9:7). Still today, to deny the Son is to reject the one that sent him. 1. The glo ...…

Isaiah is often called the model prophet - not because of his accomplishments, but because of his faithfulness and obedience. Isaiah’s ministry kicks off with precise model of how to live out the implications of Jesus in our lives. Within Isaiah’s calling in Chapter 6 - our typical definition of success will be challenged and we will gain an un ...…

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ and Jesus begins to teach them that, contrary to their understanding, the Messiah must suffer and die. Similarly, as we follow Christ we must not expect a life of decadence and ease, but following his example, be willing to deny ourselves, take up his cross and follow him. 1. Answer correctly (vs. 27-30)2. Un ...…

The Pharisees demand that Jesus give them a sign from heaven to confirm his identity. However, Jesus has already demonstrated who he is and the one with an open heart should recognize it. When we struggle to believe, we should ask God to soften our hearts and give us faith. 1. The hungry are fed (vs. 1-10)2. The self-righteous get nothing (vs. ...…

When people bring Jesus a deaf man with a speech impediment, he curiously “put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue” (Mark 7:33b). Jesus not only heals the man, but by connecting his word with deed, he seeks to address his disciples’ spiritual blindness and deafness. 1. A friend in need (vs. 31-32)2. People matter to ...…

Jesus first came for the Jewish people, but he envisioned a day when the gospel would be spread to all nations (Mark 13:10). In this starting passage, we see Jesus respond to the faith of a Gentile woman and in doing so, recognize that we too can be saved. 1. A short break (v. 24)2. An outsider asks for help (vs. 25-26)3. Jesus’ response – “Not ...…

Paul‘s “case”against us as followers of Christ.SONGSMighty Warrior #7011449 by C Brown, M Ntele, & J Williams2013 Sony/ATV Tree Publishing and UnknownPraise The King #7032344 by C Voss, D Smith, M Bryce Jr., & M Farren2014 © Farren Love And War Publishing Jesus We Love You #7030068 by H McClure, K Heiligenthal, and P McClure2014 © Bethel Music ...…

As we get ready for our official kickoff, the book of Nehemiah shows us what it looks like to serve together. Let’s pray that God gives us a heart to serve our neighbors. 1. A Heart for the Hurting2. A Passion for Prayer3. A Divine History4. A Current CallingSONGSMighty Warrior #7011449 by C Brown, M Ntele, & J Williams2013 Sony/ATV Tree Publis ...…

God longs to touch our lives so that we can share His touch. We serve an approachable God who loves nothing more than breaking through the isolation and meeting us at our point of greatest need. 1. Is anyone untouchable to Jesus?2. “And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling…you can make me clean” 3. “If you will, you can make me clea ...…

This is a prayer of mine for our Rockrimmon congregation this upcoming ministry year. That we would be “salt and light” to those around us. We do this in all areas of life- with families, co-workers, and at Woodmen. As a church want to be salt and light in different parts of our city – one of the driving factors behind launching our SW Campus. ...…

The road of discipleship can be long and it is not without bumps and valleys. The apostle Paul was well acquainted with hardship, yet they never knocked him off mission. Like Paul, we need to pray more for deep spiritual power in our own lives; power that comes, not from our own doing or effort, but according to the power at work within us. 1. ...…

All too often our prayers can center around ourselves, our loved ones, or those closest to us. The apostle Paul sets a radical example in that he prayed, often, for those he had never even met! We too should work to ensure our prayers are not self-centered but also include lifting up brothers and sisters in Christ, even though we may have no ea ...…

You need not spend much time on the internet to recognize our world can be a cruel and heartless place. If you do, the question can arise, where is God in all of this? As Paul prays for the Ephesians, he prays they would have understanding as to who God is and what he has done for them through Christ. Keeping this at the forefront, our heart gi ...…

People often categorize decisions as either “good” or “bad” ones and, sometimes, it is only in hindsight that they can really tell which one it was. In his prayer for the Philippians, Paul encourages them towards not simply “good” decisions, but “excellent” ones. He prays for confidence, that they would know what is excellent and, so informed, ...…

Shame and guilt are driving factors in too many people’s lives. This powerful section declares that Jesus Christ has offered the ultimate sacrifice that takes away the penalty for sin. If that’s true, there is nothing that we need to do make his sacrifice complete.1. The problem (vs. 1-4)2. The solution (vs. 5-10)3. The perfection (vs. 11-14)4. ...…

First Things First: Making Christ #1, Part 3 Monument CampusThe Apostle Paul laid out an airtight case for believers embracing the importance of making Christ first in their lives (chapter 1), and has warned them about how the threats of worldly philosophies sidetrack believers, he moves on to explain several major steps in the process of how t ...…

Worry is not just a Christian thing, it is something that touches everyone’s life. No matter where we are in our journey with God, we all worry. We will discover that what Jesus says about worry is very helpful and practical for our everyday life.SONGSWho You Say I Am #7102401 by Be Fielding and R Morgan2017 Hillsong Music Publishing O Praise T ...…

1. Life or death (vs. 12-13)2. Adopted (vs. 14-15)3. Heirs of Suffering and Glory (vs. 16-17)SONGSO Praise The Name (Anástasis) #7037787 by B Hastings, D Ussher, and M Sampson2015 © Hillsong Music Publishing Call Upon The Lord #7051501 by C Brown and S Furtick2015 © Be Essential Songs Worthy Of Your Name #7052927 by B Younker and S Curran© sixs ...…

Reliance on God through tremendous sufferingSONGSOvercome #7067561 by C Brown, M Brock, and S Furtick© Music by Elevation Worship Publishing Your Love Awakens Me #7054720 by C Quilala and P Wickham© Capitol CMG Genesis Who You Say I Am #7102401 by B Fielding and R Morgan2017 Hillsong Music Publishing I Will Exalt #5861765 by A Falk2010 Bethel M ...…

Look up (v. 1)Love well (v. 2)Check yourself (vs. 3-5)Join in (vs. 6-10)SONGSOvercome #7067561 by C Brown, M Brock, and S Furtick© Music by Elevation Worship PublishingWho You Say I Am #7102401 by B Fielding and R Morgan2017 Hillsong Music PublishingIn Christ Alone #3350395 by K Getty and S Townend2001 Thankyou MusicI Will Exalt #5861765 by A F ...…

First Things First: Making Christ #1 Part 2 In Chapter 2, Paul now moves to identify four basic philosophies of the world that work against the believer’s goal and attempts to make Christ first in life. They are:1. Rationalism (chapter 2:4) – out talk God2. Humanism (2:8) – out think God3. Legalism (2:13-17) – add to God4. Mysticism (2:18-19) – ...…

First Things First: Making Christ #1 - Part 1 The foundational steps for making Christ first. Here Paul lays out key theological arguments for the need of making Christ first. Understanding the theological basis for the preeminence of Christ is the starting point of making Christ first in our lives.SONGSOnly King Forever #7011438 by M Brock, C ...…

At first glance the book of Nehemiah seems like a low-grade sequel to the book of Ezra. However, on closer inspection we discover that the book of Nehemiah is full of practical help to guide those of us seeking to boldly live out God’s call in our lives. 1. Answer the Call (Neh 1)2. The First Step is the Hardest (Neh 2)3. Work with Excellence ( ...…

Jeremiah 17:5-81. Starkly Contrasting Realities (v5-8)a. No Middle Groundb. As the roots go, so goes the treec. Healthy roots produce viable fruitSONGSOnly King Forever #7011438 by M Brock, C Brown, S Furtick, and W Joye2013 Sony/ATV Tree PublishingPraise The King #7032344 by C Voss, D Smith, M Bryce Jr., and M Farren2014 © Farren Love And War ...…

How do we engage with family relationships where there is unresolved conflict? Do we handle family like all other relationships? What is our responsibility? Learn from King David1. Amnon is obsessed with Tamar (v. 1)2. Amnon rapes Tamar (v. 14)3. Absalom’s hosts a feast (v. 23)4. Absalom flees (v. 37)5. Absalom requests to see David (14: 31)6. ...…

Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees when they notice that his disciples do not follow the tradition of the elders by failing to ceremonially wash their hands. Jesus teaches that our defiled hearts are at the center of our problem and not that which is external to us. 1. Their challenge (vs. 1-5)2. His response (vs. 6-13)3. The reason (vs. 14-2 ...…