ICEBREAKER: What is the last goal you achieved?
1. Was Jesus’ self-revelation to His disciples more than just proving He was alive [John 21:1 & 14]? What else do you observe about Him in this chapter [cf. John 14:8-11; Colossians 1:15; and Hebrews 1:1-4]?
3. What does the sudden filling of the net indicate about Jesus [John 21:6-7]? What did the disciples learn from this experience [cf. Psalm 95:1-6; Acts 4:24; and Acts 14:15]?
“I know the resurrection is a fact,
- May 1, 2022A Campfire Conversation – Brad LehmanMay 1, 2022A Campfire Conversation – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanSeries: One offThis week, Pastor Brad shares a message titled 'A Campfire Conversation' based on John 21:1-13.1. Fortify your __________ in the Lord [John 21:1-14]a) Futility: People are __________ [vs. 1-3]b) Ability: The Lord is __________ [vs. 4-8]c) Humility: The Lord’s gracious __________ [vs. 9-14]2. Find__________ in the Lord [John 21:15-23]a) Love the Lord by __________ Him and __________ others [vs. 15-17]b) Love the Lord by __________ for Him [vs. 18-19]c) Love the Lord by__________ on your calling [vs. 20-23]
ICEBREAKER: What is the last goal you achieved?
1. Was Jesus’ self-revelation to His disciples more than just proving He was alive [John 21:1 & 14]? What else do you observe about Him in this chapter [cf. John 14:8-11; Colossians 1:15; and Hebrews 1:1-4]?2. Do you think Peter and the other six disciples were being disobedient or foolish by going fishing that night [John 21:2-5]? What lesson were they being taught [cf. Matthew 4:19; Matthew 19:27-30; and Luke 5:1-11]?
3. What does the sudden filling of the net indicate about Jesus [John 21:6-7]? What did the disciples learn from this experience [cf. Psalm 95:1-6; Acts 4:24; and Acts 14:15]?4. During the breakfast on the beach [John 21:9-13], in what capacity was Jesus acting? What does this indicate about His identity and character [cf. Exodus 16:1-36; Deuteronomy 8:1-4; and John 6:1-13]?5.Why did Jesus repeat His question to Peter three times in John 21:15-19? What two commands did He give Peter to do to reclaim his usefulness for Christ‘s kingdom [cf. Luke 22:31-32; John 14: 15 & 21; and 1 Peter 5:1-4]?6. Why do you think Peter was interested in John’s future fate in John 21:18-23? What is it about human nature that arouses our curiosity about others to compare with them [cf. Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37-38; and 2 Corinthians 10:12]?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“I know the resurrection is a fact,and Watergate proved it to me.How? Because 12 men testified they hadseen Jesus raised from the dead, then theyproclaimed that truth for 40 years,never once denying it.Everyone was beaten, tortured, stoned,and put in prison. They would nothave endured that if it weren't true.Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerfulmen in the world - and they couldn't keepa lie for three weeks. You're telling me12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years?Absolutely impossible.”Chuck Colson - Jan 23, 2022The Gospel and Culture Pt. 3 – Brad LehmanJan 23, 2022The Gospel and Culture Pt. 3 – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanSeries: The Gospel and CultureThis week, Pastor Brad continues the series 'The Gospel and Culture' with a message titled 'The Gospel and Culture Pt. 3' base on Colossians 2:8-15.
1. Apprehend hostage-takers before they cause harm [Colossians 2:8-15]
a) Beware hostage-takers [2:8]
b) Storm hostage-takers with the truth [2:9-15]2. Acquire a good Security Guard [Colossians 2:6-7]
a) Check credentials [2:6a]
b) Keep close for safety [2:6b-7]
Point: Trust the Security Guard to save you from hostage-takers.ICEBREAKER: What makes you feel old when you think about it?
1. What does it look like for a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to obey the command to “walk in Him” [Colossians 2:6]? How do the 3-word pictures in Colossians 2:7 (“rooted…built up…established…”) help explain the command of 2:6? Also, consult Ephesians 5:15-21; Colossians 1:9-10; and 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7.
2. Two kinds of philosophies are contrasted in Colossians 2:8. What are they, how do they differ, and what difference do they make in how people live [cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20; and Galatians 4:8-11]?
3. What evidence can you provide indicating that, in Jesus, “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” [Colossians 2:9]? Why does this matter [cf. Mark 4:35-41; Luke 5:17-26; and Romans 1:3-4]?
4. How is salvation portrayed in Colossians 2:13? According to this verse, who initiated salvation? What blessings flow to those who believe in Jesus [cf. Psalm 103:8-18; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; and Ephesians 2:4-7]?
5. What did Jesus accomplish for us when He died on the cross according to Colossians 2:14? What difference does it make [cf. Acts 3:18-21; Ephesians 2:11-22; and 1 Peter 2:24-25]?
6. A glimpse into the unseen spiritual realm is given to us in Colossians 2:15. Who are the ones identified in this text, what happened, and what was the result that brings you encouragement today [cf. Genesis 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; and Hebrews 2:14-15]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“The man or woman who does
not know God demands an
infinite satisfaction from
other human beings which they
cannot give, and in the case
of the man, he becomes
tyrannical and cruel.
It springs from this one thing,
the human heart must
have satisfaction, but there is
only one Being who can satisfy
the last abyss of the human heart,
and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Oswald Chambers - Dec 26, 2021A Watchful Eye – Brad LehmanDec 26, 2021A Watchful Eye – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanSeries: Christmas HeroesThis week, Pastor Brad concludes the Advent series 'Christmas Heroes' with a message titled 'A Watchful Eye' from Luke 2:8-20.
1. Receive the love of God.
2. Rest in the peace of God.
3. Rely on the presence of God.
4. Rejoice in the promises of God.
5. Remember the watchful eye of God.ICEBREAKER: Share a favourite Christmas memory and the reason it was so special to you.
1. Why do shepherds play such a predominant role in the Bible [Luke 2:8]? Why is this metaphor so useful in our relationship with the Lord [cf. Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:10-11; and John 10:11-18]?
2. What is God’s glory, and why is it important to understand [Luke 2:9]? Also consult Exodus 33:17-23; Psalm 19:1-6; and Hebrews 1:1-4.
3. The biblical command, “Fear not!” [Luke 2:10] is the most often repeated command in Scripture. Why is that, and how do you obey it [cf. Exodus 14:10-14; Isaiah 41:8-14; and Revelation 1:17-18]?
4. Do you think people need a Saviour [Luke 2:11]? Why? What do you observe about humanity that indicates the need for a Saviour [cf. Isaiah 59:1-2; Luke 1:46-48; and Romans 3:23]?
5. Luke 2:11 is a clear biblical text on the identity and mission of the Lord Jesus. What do you learn about Him in this verse that causes you to pause and worship Him this Advent season [cf. Acts 2:36; Acts 5:29-32; and 2 Timothy 1:8-12]?
6. How does Mary’s example of contemplation inspire you to meditate on the activities of God [Luke 2:19]? Also consider Psalm 119:9-11; Psalm 143:5; and Psalm 145.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ." (David Jeremiah) - Aug 1, 2021Secret Identities:More than Meets the Eye – Brad LehmanAug 1, 2021Secret Identities:More than Meets the Eye – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanThis week, Pastor Brad continues the series "The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood and Sacrifice in a Selfie World" with a message titled 'Secret Identities: More Than Meets the Eye' based on Mark 12:35-44.1. THE CONTENDER [Mark 12:35-37]: Only Jesus qualifies as the Saviour King.
2. THE PRETENDERS [Mark 12:38-40]: Trade the charade parade.
3. THE SURRENDER [Mark 12:41-44]: Complete surrender completes salvation.
Humility reveals your secret identity.
ICEBREAKER: Who is the oldest person you know personally? What interesting stories have they told you?
1. What was the role of the Holy Spirit to ensure the inspiration and authority of Scripture [Mark 12:36]? Also consider Acts 1:16; Acts 28:23-27; and 2 Peter 1:19-21.2. What do you learn about the coming Messiah from Psalm 110 [quoted by Jesus in Mark 12:36]? Also examine Acts 2:34-35; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; and Hebrews 1:8-13.
3. Why is faked spirituality so reprehensible in the sight of God [Mark 12:38-40]? Look up Matthew 6:1, 5-6; Matthew 23:2-12; and Luke 11:42-44 for more insights.
4. How are believers to treat those who are powerless and vulnerable in society [Mark 12:40]? Also study Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 1:16-17; and James 1:27.
5. How should Christians contribute to the work of God to receive His blessing [Mark 12:41]? Gain more clues by turning to 1 Chronicles 29:6-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; and Philippians 4:14-20.
6. What do you find inspirational about the circumstances and actions of the widow as she contributed to the Lord’s work [Mark 12:44]? Explore Acts 11:27-30; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; and James 2:1-7 for further ideas.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being little. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. Modest humility is beauty's crown.” (Saint Augustine)
- Jul 25, 2021Riptide – Brad LehmanJul 25, 2021Riptide – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanThis week, Pastor Brad continues the series "The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood and Sacrifice in a Selfie World" with a message titled 'Riptide' based on Mark 12:28-35.
1. The Questioner [Mark 12:28]: Look for open hearts.
2. The Question [Mark 12:28-31]: Prioritize God’s priorities.
3. The Quest [Mark 12:32-34a]: Be a rogue among the religious.
4. The Conquest [Mark 12:34b]: Fight the riptide by fleeing to Jesus.ICEBREAKER: What, in your opinion, is the most amazing animal?1. According to Mark 12:28, why did the scribe pose his question to Jesus? What was so extraordinary about Jesus [cf. Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 13:54; and Matthew 22:34-35]?
2. Why do you think both Moses in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Jesus in Mark 12:29-30 included the affirmation of God’s oneness [cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:4-6; and 1 Timothy 2:5]?
3. What does it look like in real life to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength [Mark 12:30]? Also consider Joshua 22:5; Psalm 18:1-3; and John 21:15-17 for more insights.
4. What does it look like to love your neighbour as yourself [Mark 12:31]? Also look up Luke 10:29-37; John 15:12-14; and Romans 12:9-21.
5. Why is loving God and loving others more important than the religious rituals God prescribed in the Old Testament [Mark 12:33]? Also examine 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Isaiah 1:10-20; and Micah 6:6-8.
6. Was Jesus condemning or commending the scribe when he told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” [Mark 12:34]? Why? Study Matthew 6:33; Acts 17:24-28; and Ephesians 2:13 for further clues.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“To love you as I should, I must worship God as Creator. When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God and instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.” (C. S. Lewis)
- Jul 18, 2021Checkmate – Brad LehmanJul 18, 2021Checkmate – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanThis week, Pastor Brad continues the series "The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood and Sacrifice in a Selfie World" with a message titled 'Checkmate' based on Mark 12:18-27.
1. The ________ of the Game: Hard hearts are _______ to the truth.
2. The ________ of the Game: Checkmate, because only one ________ can be left standing on the board at the end of the game.
3. The _________ during the Game: Bad ideas produce _______________.
4. The _________________ to end the Game: The __________ transforms everything!Conclusion: Jesus declares “__________” to make me His __________.
ICEBREAKER: What was something you thought would be easy until you tried it?
1. What are the implications of a belief system that denies the resurrection [Mark 12:18]? Can you think of modern examples? Consider also Acts 17:32; Acts 23:6-10; and 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
2. Although it seems strange to us, how would the practice of levirate marriage provide for the vulnerable in that ancient society [Mark 12:19]? Look up Genesis 38:1-14; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; and Ruth 4:5 for more insights.
3. How is it possible to be familiar with the Scriptures and yet not know them [Mark 12:24]? What is the difference? What is the remedy [cf. Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; and 2 Timothy 3:14-17]?
4. The Sadducees were religious leaders, but Jesus said they did not know the power of God [Mark 12:24]. What are some possible reasons that would prevent someone from knowing God’s power [cf. Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; and Matthew 19:26]?
5. What do you find remarkable about Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:25? How does it make you feel [cf. Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39-40; and Colossians 3:18-19]?
6. How does Jesus’ explanation found in Mark 12:26-27 give you hope for the future [cf. John 11:21-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 2 Timothy 1:10]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; he came into this world to make dead people live.” (Lee Strobel) - Feb 14, 2021The Master’s Math Lesson – Brad LehmanFeb 14, 2021The Master’s Math Lesson – Brad LehmanBy: Brad Lehman
This week, Pastor Brad continues the series "The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood and Sacrifice in a Selfie World" with a message titled 'The Master's Math Lesson: The Feeding of the 5000' based on Mark 6:30-44.
- Prioritize _______ to recharge your reserves [Mark 6:30-32].
- Pray for a ____________ heart for others [Mark 6:33-36].
- ______________ your human resources [Mark 6:37-38].
- Let your Master do the ______________ [Mark 6:39-44].
- Meager resources grow _______________ when entrusted to Jesus.
ICEBREAKER: How into self-improvement are you? In what areas?- Why is rest so essential for followers of Jesus [Mark 6:31]? How are you incorporating rest into your regular routine [cf. Genesis 2:1-3; Mark 1:35; and Luke 5:16]?
- What does compassion look like in practical terms, and how does a follower of Jesus develop it [Mark 6:34]? Examine Luke 7:11-15; Luke 15:20-24; and Colossians 3:12-15 for more ideas.
- Why do sheep require a shepherd [Mark 6:34]? Why does Jesus uniquely qualify to be our Shepherd [cf. Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:1-16; and John 10:1-18]?
- Why do you think God sometimes gives seemingly impossible assignments to His people [Mark 6:37]? What do these assignments require of us? What do they require of God [cf. Exodus 3:7-22; Numbers 11:10-23; and Matthew 19:23-26]?
- Children played significant roles in Jesus’ earthly ministry [Mark 6:38; cf. John 6:9]. Why do you think this was so [cf. Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 10:13-16; and Luke 9:46-48]?
- What did the beheading of John the Baptist [Mark 6:24-29] forebode for Jesus? Why is following Jesus costly? Do you believe Jesus is worth suffering for? Why or why not? [cf. Luke 9:23-26; John 12:25-26; and Revelation 12:11]?
- What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.” (Henri J.M. Nouwen)
- Oct 25, 2020Rule Breaker – Brad LehmanOct 25, 2020Rule Breaker – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanThis week, Pastor Brad continues the series "The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood and Sacrifice in a Selfie World" with a message titled 'Rule Breaker' based on Mark 2:18-28.
- Feast with Jesus [Mark 2:18-22
- Be free in Jesus [Mark 2:23-28]
- Jesus is the Rule Breaker because He is the Rule Maker.
ICEBREAKER: How did you get that scar of yours?
1.What is the purpose of fasting, and how can it be practiced in a spiritually beneficial way [Mark 2:18]? Consider also 2 Chronicles 20:1-4; Ezra 8:21-23; Matthew 6:16-18; and Acts 13:1-3.
2.Why is the imagery of a bridegroom so significant in the Scriptures [Mark 2:19-20]? How does it inspire hope for your future? Examine also Isaiah 54:5-6; Isaiah 62:4-5; Matthew 22:1-10; and Revelation 19:6-9.
3.Why was the bridegroom going to be taken away from His followers [Mark 2:20]? Where was He headed [cf. Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; and 1 Peter 3:18]?
4.There was a deliberate contrast between “new” and “old” in Jesus’ two word pictures of patching a garment and pouring wine into wineskins [Mark 2:21-22]. What do you think was Jesus’ point, and what difference does it make [cf. Galatians 4:1-7; Colossians 2:16-23; and Hebrews 10:1-4]?
5.In Mark 2:25-26, Jesus referred to the story of David eating bread that was set aside for only the priests [1 Samuel 21:1-6]. How does this story demonstrate the intended blessing of the Sabbath [Mark 2:27]? Look at Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 58:6-14; and Matthew 12:9-13 for more insights.
6.What was Jesus claiming when He referred to Himself as “lord even of the Sabbath” [Mark 2:28]? What difference does this make in the life of every disciple [cf. John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17; and Hebrews 1:1-4]?
7.What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“When Jesus came to earth, demons recognized him, the sick flocked to him, and sinners doused his feet and head with perfume. Meanwhile he offended pious Jews with their strict preconceptions of what God should be like. Their rejection makes me wonder, could religious types be doing just the reverse now? Could we be perpetuating an image of Jesus that fits our pious expectations but does not match the person portrayed so vividly in the Gospels?” (Philip Yancey)
- Mar 8, 2020Cornering A Con – Brad LehmanMar 8, 2020Cornering A Con – Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanSeries: One offThis week, Pastor Brad shares a message called 'Cornering A con', based on the book of Philemon.1. The witnesses of a con: Find faithful accomplices [Philemon 1:1-3].2. The victim of a con: Respond to victimization by refreshing others [Philemon 1:4-7].3. The cornering of a con: Let God corner the useless to convert them to useful [Philemon 1:8-16].4. Climbing into a con’s corner: Identify with the guilty [Philemon 1:17-22].5. Greetings from more accomplices: Praise God for His grace [Philemon 1:23-25]. Let Jesus climb into your corner.Questions:ICEBREAKER: What do you wish someone taught you a long time ago?1. What prayer principles do you pick up from Paul’s prayer in Philemon 1:4-7? Compare with other Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; Ephesians 1:15-19; and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5.2. How does a believer refresh “the hearts of the saints” [Philemon 1:7, 20]? What would that look like? Consult also Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 16:15-18; and 2 Corinthians 7:13-16 for further insights.3. Paul wrote that he had become the “father” of Onesimus during his imprisonment [Philemon 1:10]. What does this show about their spiritual relationship? What impact does the analogy of a “father” have for those who serve in Christ’s church [cf. Acts 20:25-35; 1 Corinthians 4:14-21; and 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12]?4. Have you ever felt or been called “useless” [Philemon 1:11]? Who or what prompted this reaction? How does the good news of Christ restore one to “usefulness” [cf. Luke 19:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; and 2 Timothy 2:20-21]?5. The world focuses on status symbols, titles, power, fame and wealth. In contrast, Christ’s gospel elevates all who trust Him to His beloved family members [Philemon 1:15-17]. How does this changed perspective influence how you treat each member of your church family [cf. Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-24; and 1 Timothy 6:1-2]?6. How does Paul’s language in Philemon 1:17-19 echo that of the gospel? How does Paul’s advocacy on Onesimus’ behalf imitate Christ for us? How can we do this for others? Consider Luke 15:1-7; Acts 9:26-30; and Romans 15:7 for more ideas.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Wherever Jesus has been proclaimed, we see lives change for the good, nations change for the better, thieves become honest, alcoholics become sober, hateful individuals become channels of love, unjust persons embrace justice.” (Josh McDowell)
- Apr 19, 2019The Monster Lurking Below_Brad LehmanApr 19, 2019The Monster Lurking Below_Brad LehmanBy: Brad LehmanSeries: One offOn Good Friday of 2019, Pas. Brad Lehman preached a Sermon titled The Monster Lurking Below focusing on Hebrews 2: 14-18.
