Aug 4, 2019
Your Ancestry Sin – Deric Bartlett
By: Deric Bartlett
Series: Restored
This week Pastor Deric continues the series Restored-The Pathway to a Healthy Soul with a sermon titled Your Ancestry Sin focusing on Ephesians 5:31-32.
Questions
Ephesians 5:31-32
ICEBREAKER: Have you ever accomplished something in your life that others (or even you!) thought you would never be able to do? What was it? How were you able to succeed when the odds were against you? How did you feel when it was over?
1. Abraham’s story has about as good a beginning as one could imagine! Blessings and a covenant promise from God Himself! In time, things begin to deteriorate, and sin patterns emerge. Read these short chapters, Genesis 12-17. Can you identify the sin patterns and possible causes for these patterns to gain a strong foothold in this family?
1. Abraham’s story has about as good a beginning as one could imagine! Blessings and a covenant promise from God Himself! In time, things begin to deteriorate, and sin patterns emerge. Read these short chapters, Genesis 12-17. Can you identify the sin patterns and possible causes for these patterns to gain a strong foothold in this family?
2. David is as well known for his personal failures as he is for his successes. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-23. How is it that David is able to change his sin patterns? Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-27. After disobeying God again, how does David react to his sin? How does God respond and what is the result?
3. Jacob’s love for his son Joseph actually ends up hurting Joseph. How far back can you trace this pattern of favouritism in Joseph’s family? (ex. read Genesis 25:19 – 37:36)
4. Joseph is remembered as a success and as a victim. How is Joseph able to rise up and avoid a ‘victim mentality’ even though he was clearly hurt by others? (read Genesis 39-41)
5. Looking back at your family history, what sin patterns can you identify? How have you seen these patterns influence your family? What have you learned from Scripture that you can now apply to your own situation and family life ?
6. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“When kingdom culture clashes with my American culture or my family-of- origin culture, I must choose Kingdom culture.” – Dr. Rob Reimer
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- Aug 4, 2019Your Ancestry Sin – Deric BartlettAug 4, 2019Your Ancestry Sin – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: RestoredThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Restored-The Pathway to a Healthy Soul with a sermon titled Your Ancestry Sin focusing on Ephesians 5:31-32.QuestionsEphesians 5:31-32ICEBREAKER: Have you ever accomplished something in your life that others (or even you!) thought you would never be able to do? What was it? How were you able to succeed when the odds were against you? How did you feel when it was over?
1. Abraham’s story has about as good a beginning as one could imagine! Blessings and a covenant promise from God Himself! In time, things begin to deteriorate, and sin patterns emerge. Read these short chapters, Genesis 12-17. Can you identify the sin patterns and possible causes for these patterns to gain a strong foothold in this family?2. David is as well known for his personal failures as he is for his successes. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-23. How is it that David is able to change his sin patterns? Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-27. After disobeying God again, how does David react to his sin? How does God respond and what is the result?3. Jacob’s love for his son Joseph actually ends up hurting Joseph. How far back can you trace this pattern of favouritism in Joseph’s family? (ex. read Genesis 25:19 – 37:36)4. Joseph is remembered as a success and as a victim. How is Joseph able to rise up and avoid a ‘victim mentality’ even though he was clearly hurt by others? (read Genesis 39-41)5. Looking back at your family history, what sin patterns can you identify? How have you seen these patterns influence your family? What have you learned from Scripture that you can now apply to your own situation and family life ?6. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“When kingdom culture clashes with my American culture or my family-of- origin culture, I must choose Kingdom culture.” – Dr. Rob Reimer - Jul 28, 2019The Trouble with Forgiveness – Max OatesJul 28, 2019The Trouble with Forgiveness – Max OatesBy: Max OatesSeries: RestoredThis week Pastor Max continues the series Restored-The Pathway to a Healthy Soul with a sermon titled The Trouble with Forgiveness focusing on Micah 7:18-20.QuestionsMicah 7:18-20ICEBREAKER: Has anyone ever shown you mercy? What happened, and how did it make you feel?
1. The minor prophet, Micah, lamented the many social ills of his day in Micah 7:1-6. Do you notice any parallels to today? Yet, he shared his hope in God’s restoration in Micah 7:7-17. Are you maintaining your hope in this chaotic world? How?2. Micah 7:18 begins with a question that expects the answer: “No one!” How do we know that God is unlike every other so-called “god”? What sets Him apart, according to this text as well as Numbers 14:18, 1 Kings 14:18, and Isaiah 55:7?3. Micah celebrates the forgiveness of the Lord in Micah 7:18 by writing that our God “pardons iniquity” and “passes over transgression”. What does this indicate about the reality of our offences, and the greatness of God’s grace?4. How do you reconcile the anger of God and the love of God [Micah 7:18]? Consider Exodus 34:6-7, Jeremiah 3:12-14, and Nehemiah 9:16-17 in your response.5. Mercy is the withholding of punishment or judgment that one deserves [Micah 7:19]. How has God shown you mercy? How can you show mercy to others [cf. Matthew 5:7, Matthew 9:9-13, and Matthew 18:23-35]?6. What are appropriate responses to God’s willingness to forgive us our sins [cf. Psalm 103:8-14, Matthew 18:21-22, Mark 11:25, Luke 7:44-47, and Ephesians 4:32]?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Forgiveness is the economy of the heart. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.” (Hannah More) - Jul 21, 2019Confessing Christians – Deric BartlettJul 21, 2019Confessing Christians – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: RestoredThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Restored-The Pathway to a Healthy Soul with a sermon titled Confessing Christians focusing on 1 John 1 :1- 10.QuestionsGalatians 1 John 1: 1 - 10ICEBREAKER: Did you ever run away from home?
1. How important is it to you that the gospel writers, including the apostle John, were actual eye-witnesses of Jesus’ earthly life [1 John 1:1-2]? What difference does this make in your faith [cf. Luke 24:45-48; Acts 10:34-43; 2 Peter 1:16]?2. In today’s world, everyone thinks morality is determined by what they feel is right or wrong for them. How does the Word of God counter this dangerous falsehood with the necessity of repentance [cf. Matthew 3:7-12; Luke 5:31-32; 2 Timothy 2:24- 26]?3. How does the assertion that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” [1 John 1:5] affect your understanding of God’s character and mission? Consider other texts such as John 3:19-21, John 8:12, and John 9:5 in your response.4. In the book, Soul Care, the author writes, “A soul in alignment is a soul without secrets. We cannot walk free if we will not repent from sin and bring it into the light with God and others” [p. 78]. What are the negative consequences of remaining in the dark [1 John 1:6]? What are the positives of walking in God’s light [1 John 1:7]?5. The doomed attempt to appear perfect or faultless is an unhealthy, debilitating burden to bear. According to 1 John 1: 8 and 10, what results from such false appearances? What does this reveal about the power of unchecked, unconfessed sin [cf. Genesis 4:6-7; Isaiah 53:6; James 3:2]?6. What are the liberating effects of humbly and authentically taking full ownership for our part in our sin [1 John 1:9]? Reflect on Psalm 32, Psalm 139:23-24, Acts 13:37-39, and Acts 28:18 for further insights.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Few things accelerate the peace process as much as humbly admitting our own wrongdoing and asking forgiveness.” (Lee Strobel) - Jul 14, 2019Let’s Talk About You – Deric BartlettJul 14, 2019Let’s Talk About You – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: RestoredThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Restored-The Pathway to a Healthy Soul with a sermon titled Let's Talk About You! focusing on Galatians 2:20QuestionsGalatians 2:20ICEBREAKER: Are you known more as a person who follows all the “rules” or someone who paints outside the lines? How has this been a help or a hindrance to you in the past?
1. Consider the context of today’s text: Galatians 2:15-19. Compare with Matthew 5:17-19, Philippians 3:9 and Romans 8:1-8. What do you learn about the Law from these passages? How does the Law relate to the life of a Christian today? What other passages of Scripture would you use to support your ideas?2. Examine Colossians 2:20, 3:3, 2 Timothy 2:11 and Romans 6:3-14 with today’s text. What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ”?3. Read Romans 1:1, James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1 and Jude 1:1. What do these verses suggest to you about the way the disciples viewed their identity?4. Reflect on Galatians 2:20 from the perspective of 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 1 Peter 2:21. How do these passages impact the way you respond to events in your day-to-day life?5. How is the person others perceive you to be different than the person you really are? What other passages of Scripture do you turn to when you experience doubt or confusion about your own identity?6. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Jesus came to announce to us that an identity based on success, popularity and power is a false identity- an illusion! Loudly and clearly he says: ‘You are not what the world makes you; but you are children of God.” ― Henri J.M. Nouwen, Here and Now: Living in the Spirit - Jul 7, 2019Restored – Deric BartlettJul 7, 2019Restored – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: RestoredThis week Pastor Deric begins the series Restored-The Pathway to a Healthy Soul with a sermon titled Restored focusing on Psalm 23.QuestionsPsalm 23ICEBREAKER: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? Why?
1. According to Psalm 23:1-4, along with 1 Samuel 17:34-35, Psalm 28:9, Isaiah 40:11, and John 10:1-16, what are the roles and functions of an effective shepherd?2. Psalm 23 is full of first-person personal pronouns (“me”, “I”), indicating it has an intensely personal message. Insert your personal name whenever one of these personal pronouns appears and read it out loud. How does this make you feel as you reflect on God’s personal interest and care for you?3. Our culture seems bent on living the fast-paced, frenzied, and frazzled lifestyle. Psalm 23:1-3 counters with a message of rest, restoration and refreshment. How are you choosing each day to resist the rush of the world and to rest in your relationship with the Lord? Consider Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-30, and Luke 10:38-42 for further insights.4. Why do our souls require restoring by our Great Shepherd [Psalm 23:3]? Consult Jeremiah 17:9-10, Matthew 15:18-20, Romans 3:23-24, and Galatians 5:16-24 for deeper understanding.5. Life inevitably leads through valleys of deep darkness where danger, despair and doubt lurk [Psalm 23:4]. How does the promise of God’s presence comfort and encourage you from this text, as well as Exodus 33:12-17, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 43:1-3, Psalm 46:1-3, and Psalm 121?6. Psalm 23:1-4 depicts a shepherd with a sheep. In Psalm 23:5-6, the picture shifts to a royal banquet. How does the portrayal that you are an invited and honoured guest of God inspire you to live in close relationship with Him? Examine Psalm 27:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, and Revelation 19:5-9 for deeper appreciation.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Jesus Christ became Incarnate for one purpose, to make a way back to God that man might stand before Him as He was created to do, the friend and lover of God Himself.” (Oswald Chambers) - Jun 30, 2019I Need a Rest – Max OatesJun 30, 2019I Need a Rest – Max OatesBy: Max OatesSeries: One offThis week Pastor Max preached a sermon titled I Need a Rest focusing on Matthew 11:28-30.QuestionsMatthew 11.28-30ICEBREAKER: What is your favourite place in the world? Why?
1. As John the Baptist languished in Herod’s prison [Matthew 11:2-3], he wrestled with some doubts regarding Jesus’ identity. How did Jesus address John’s concerns [11:4-6]? How do texts such as Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 35:5, and Isaiah 61:1 relate to Jesus’ response?2. Three times Jesus asked the question, “What did you go out to see?” regarding John the Baptist’s ministry [Matthew 11:7-9]. What was John’s role according to this text and others such as Isaiah 40:1, Malachi 3:1, and Malachi 4:5-6?3. According to Matthew 11:11 as well as Matthew 5:19, Matthew 18:6, and Luke 9:46- 48, how does one become “great” in the kingdom of heaven and avoid being “least”?4. Neither John nor Jesus was able to get everyone to accept them [Matthew 11:16-19]. What was both John and Jesus looking for from the people they addressed [cf. Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:1, and Matthew 11:20]? What does this response look like?5. Why do you think Jesus denounced the cities of Galilee and pronounced a greater degree of punishment on Judgement Day for them than some of the most wicked cities recorded in the Old Testament [Matthew 11:20- 24]? Examine Isaiah 1:1-20 and John 15:18-25 for further insights.6. Jesus promised “rest” for those who come to Him [Matthew 11:28-29]. What does that rest look like and what are the prerequisites for experiencing it according to John 14:1-6, Hebrews 4:1-16, and Revelation 22:17?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” (King David) - Jun 23, 2019Our Place in God’s Commitment – Max OatesJun 23, 2019Our Place in God’s Commitment – Max OatesBy: Max OatesSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Max concludes the series Committed with a sermon titled Our Place in God's Commitment focusing on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22Questions1 Thessalonians 5:12-22ICEBREAKER: Who were your role models when you were younger?
1. Leaders are expected to work hard, to provide oversight on the Lord’s behalf, and to admonish those under their care. What is expected of those being led [1 Thessalonians 5:12-13], and how are they to do this according to this text as well as 1 Corinthians 16:15-18, Philippians 2:25-30 and Hebrews 13:17?2. The measure of a community’s character is in its treatment of the vulnerable. How are we encouraged to serve those who are hurting among us [1 Thessalonians 5:14]? What would this look like within our church family?3. Revenge seems sweet, but ultimately embitters us. How are followers of Jesus to respond when wronged [1Thessalonians 5:15; Matthew 5:38-48; Romans 12:17- 19; 1 Peter 3:9]?4. God’s will for believers’ lives is made clear in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are commanded as habitual practices for every believer. How do we obey these within the context of our brutal, busy and broken world?5. How does one quench the Spirit [1 Thessalonians 5:19]? Consider Isaiah 63:10, Acts 5:3, Acts 7:51 and Ephesians 4:30 in your response.6. One of the functions of the Word of God is to train believers to be discerning [1 Thessalonians 5:20-22]. How does the Word of God accomplish this according to these verses as well as Psalm 19:7-14, Philippians 4:8, and 1 John 4:1-3?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Men compare themselves with men, and readily with the worst, and flatter themselves with that comparative betterness. This is not the way to see spots, to look into the muddy streams of profane men’s lives; but look into the clear fountain of the Word, and there we may both discern and wash them; and consider the infinite holiness of God, and this will humble us to the dust.” (Robert Leighton) - Jun 16, 2019Heavenly Help for the Home – Deric BartlettJun 16, 2019Heavenly Help for the Home – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon titled Heavenly Help for the Home focusing on biblical parenting principles.QuestionsICEBREAKER: Describe something unique (life lesson, favourite saying, life hack, dream, ability, etc.) that you learned from your father.
1. We believe that God’s Word is His revelation of Himself and His ways to us. Therefore, it does not originate in people’s minds but God’s [Deuteronomy 6:1-2]. How does this affect your attitude toward the Word of God and its authority to speak into every aspect of your life, including your family?2. How would you implement the commands of Deuteronomy 6:6-9 in your household? What do you do formally to instruct our family in God’s ways? What informal opportunities do you look for to bring God’s Word into your family’s life?3. In Genesis 18:19, the LORD stated that Abraham’s responsibility was to command his family to keep God’s ways by doing what is right and just. What does that look like according to this text, as well as Jeremiah 22:3, Jeremiah 22:15-17, and Ezekiel 18:5-9?4. Joshua, as leader of Israel, challenged the nation to make a choice regarding whom they would serve [Joshua 24:14-15]. He had determined to lead His family to serve/worship the LORD. What would his family do, and not do, according to this text?5. Proverbs 4 is written by a parent to a child. From this chapter, what insights do you gain that pertain to child-raising? What should children be encouraged to pursue, and what should they flee?6. According to Hebrews 12:5-11, how should discipline be viewed, even within the dynamics of a family? What does discipline indicate [vs. 6-7]? What is the purpose/goal of discipline [vs. 10-11]?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“I was raised in the greatest of homes...just a really great dad, and I miss him so much...he was a good man, a real simple man...Very faithful, always loved my mom, always provided for the kids, and just a lot of fun.” (Max Lucado, Christian Author) - Jun 9, 2019Committed to Stir You Up – Deric BartlettJun 9, 2019Committed to Stir You Up – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon titled Committed to Stir You Up focusing on 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 - 11Questions1 Thessalonians 5:1-11ICEBREAKER: What was your worst childhood injury?
1. The phrase “the day of the Lord” refers to a future time period when the Lord will intervene in human history to complete His plan of redemption and judgment [1 Thessalonians 5:2]. Examine such passages as Joel 2:30-32, Amos 5:18-20, Zephaniah 2:1-3, Malachi 4:1, and 2 Peter 3:10 to find more details.2. The world hopes for a brighter future, whereas the Bible speaks of a frightful future for unbelievers [2 Thessalonians 5:3]. Does this prospect propel you forward to reach out to unbelievers [cf. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:11-14]?3. From 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5, as well as Matthew 5:13-16, John 8:12, Romans 1:18- 23, and Ephesians 5:3-14, what are the contrasts between living in the light and living in the dark?4. Does the term “sleep” in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 mean the same as “asleep” in 4:13- 15? How would you explain the different meanings based on their respective contexts?5. We are commanded twice to “be sober” [1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8]. What does that look like based on these verses as well as 2 Timothy 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7, and 1 Peter 5:8?6. How do you reconcile God’s love and His wrath [1 Thessalonians 5:9]? Include John 3:36, Romans 5:8-9, Romans 12:19, and Ephesians 2:3 in your thoughts.7. From 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, how do we specifically encourage and edify one another [1 Thessalonians 5:11]?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:2-3). - Jun 2, 2019Committed to Encouragement – Deric BartlettJun 2, 2019Committed to Encouragement – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon titled Committed to Encouragement focusing on 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18Questions1 Thessalonians 4:13-18ICEBREAKER: If you could visit heaven right now and talk with one of the people of the Bible (other than Jesus), who would you talk to?
1. Three times in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, the term “sleep” appears. Why do you think this term is used and what is implied by it? Consider other passages such as Matthew 27:52, John 11:11, and 1 Corinthians 15:20 to gain further insights.2. From your experience, how do people who have no hope grieve, why do they grieve in this manner, and how does this contrast with your hope as a believer [1 Thessalonians 4:13]?3. The return of Christ is as much an indispensable part of the gospel message as His death and resurrection [1 Thessalonians 4:14-16]. How does this future hope influence your current living according to this text as well as Titus 2:11-14, James 5:7-11, and 1 John 3:1-3?4. What is the order of events that will occur at Christ’s return [1 Thessalonians 4:15-17]? Why are all these details important for believers to know [cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57]?5. Trick question: Is it better to still be alive at Christ’s coming, or to have died prior to His coming? How does this influence your view of death and your eternal hope? Refer to Isaiah 61, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, and Revelation 21:1-4 for greater clarity.6. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to hold tightly to the hope of always being with the Lord [1 Thessalonians 4:17-18]. How could you use these verses, alongside of John 14:1-3, Luke 23:43, 1 Corinthians 15:58, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, to encourage those who are discouraged, anxious, or lacking hope?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Let us be alert to the season in which we are living. It is the season of the Blessed Hope, calling for us to cut our ties with the world and build ourselves on this One who will soon appear. He is our hope—a Blessed Hope enabling us to rise above our times and fix our gaze upon Him.” (A.W. Tozer) - May 26, 2019Committed to grow – Deric BartlettMay 26, 2019Committed to grow – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon titled Committed to Grow focusing on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12Questions1 Thessalonians 4:1-12ICEBREAKER: Apart from the Bible, what is your favourite book, and what makes it so special to you?
1. Our culture believes people may live as they please without restraints. On the other hand, God’s Word commands that believers must live to please God [1 Thessalonians 4:1-2]. How would you contrast these opposing perspectives using this text alongside of Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:17-32, and Colossians 3:1-17?2. Some believers find God’s will elusive. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3a, what is God’s will for your life? Consider other texts such as Romans 6:19, Romans 6:22, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 6:6, and 1 Peter 1:13-16 for further insights.3. Our sexually permissive culture mirrors that of the first century A.D. By way of contrast, God’s Word clearly commands how believers must conduct themselves sexually – what they ought to do and ought not to do. What are those commands in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, and what are God’s reasons for giving them?4. Why should believers refrain from illicit sexual behaviour [1 Thessalonians 4:6-8]? What are the solemn consequences outlined in this text, as well as in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 and Hebrews 13:4?5. God has given believers His revelation and His Spirit [1 Thessalonians 4:7-8]. How do these resources empower Christians to live sexually pure while surrounded by a corrupt culture? Meditate on other texts such as Psalm 119:9-11, Galatians 5:16, 1 Peter 2:11-12, and 1 John 2:1-6 for greater understanding.6. What are some characteristics of the sanctified life listed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11, and what are the goals of this virtuous way of life [1 Thessalonians 4:12]?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Jesus) - May 19, 2019Committed to fix your heart – Deric BartlettMay 19, 2019Committed to fix your heart – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon titled Committed to Fix your hearts focusing on 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13Questions1 Thessalonians 3:9-13ICEBREAKER: What were some of your childhood hobbies?
1. There appears to be a correlation between “giving thanks” and “joy”. Four times in 1 Thessalonians, Paul gave thanks for others [1:2; 2:13; 3:9; 5:18], and experienced joy another four times [1:6; 2:19, 2:20; 3:9]. From these verses, what is the correlation, and how has thanksgiving produced joy in your life and ministry?2. What are some factors that could contribute to a lack in one’s faith [3:10]? Examine texts such as Matthew 6:30, Matthew 14:31, Mark 4:40, Luke 22:32 and Romans 14:1 for insights.3. What principles of prayer do you learn from Paul’s example in 1 Thessalonians 3:10-11?4. What are the effects of abounding love for one another [1Thessalonians 3:12]? To answer, consider such texts as John 13:34-35, Romans 13:8, Ephesians 4:2, 1 Peter 4:8, 1 John 4:7, and 1 John 4:12.5. God is at work to strengthen/establish our hearts [1 Thessalonians 3:13]. How does He accomplish this [3:12], and what are the results [3:13]?6. How does the assurance that you will be blameless and holy in God’s sight get you through the trials of today and give you hope for the future [1 Thessalonians 3:13]?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart - so will you be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” (Andrew Murray) - May 12, 2019Parenting Your Adult Children – Deric BartlettMay 12, 2019Parenting Your Adult Children – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: One offOn the Mother's day of 2019, Pastor Deric preached a sermon entitled Parenting Your Adult Children focused on Proverbs 23:22.QuestionsProverbs 23:22ICEBREAKER: What is your favourite or most memorable “Mom” moment?
1. Genesis 2:24 gives the reason a man leaves his parents to marry his wife. From this text, what are the implications for the parents who are left? If you have experienced this departure, either as a child or as a parent, what was it like?
2. 3 John 4 is referring to spiritual children, but the principle can apply to the parenting process as well. What evidence are you looking for to discern whether your children are “walking in the truth”?
3. The fifth commandment mandates the honouring of parents [Exodus 20:12]. Does this require that all children, including adult ones, should be expected to obey their parents at all times and in every way? Is it possible to honour parents without fully obeying them?
4. What principles of parenting children do you glean from God’s comments to Abraham in Genesis 18:19?
5. Proverbs 3:1-10 provides an excellent example of a godly parent passing on wise counsel to children of an unspecified age. Some of the counsel appears particularly relevant to older offspring as well [3:9]. Which of these proverbs would be fitting for your family members, and how would they apply?
6. Part of parenting adult children is to encourage them to conduct themselves in a godly, responsible manner within the broader family of God. What good counsel comes from Paul in 1 Timothy 5:1-16 that applies to all ages?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” [George Mueller] - May 5, 2019Standing Strong in Your Trials – Deric BartlettMay 5, 2019Standing Strong in Your Trials – Deric BartlettBy: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon entitled Standing Strong in Your Trials focusing on 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8Questions1 Thessalonians 3:1-8ICEBREAKER: Before you die, what is one thing you’d like to do just for the fun/thrill of it?
1. How did Paul express his deep and heartfelt concern for this local church family in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:1? Are there some in your circle of ministrywho you would consider your “glory and crown”?2. Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonian church out of his concern for their spiritual vitality. If you knew someone was “moved” or shaken by afflictions [1Thessalonians 3:1], how would you try to “establish and exhort” them about their faith [3:2]?3. Why do you think God destines or appoints His precious children for affliction [1 Thessalonians 3:3-4]? Use passages such as Acts 11:19, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 12:12 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 to contribute to your understanding.4. Satan is mentioned as a true menace in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 and 3:5. How can a follower of Christ avoid falling prey to his temptations based on suchtexts as Zechariah 3:1-2, Matthew 4:1-11, John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 11:14, James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:8-9?5. Paul experienced both the highs and the lows of ministry. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3, he was anxious for the church’s faith. However, in 3:6, he wasecstatic when he heard Timothy’s good news report. How are you fostering this kind of affection and attachment to those you minister?6. How does the faith of others encourage or comfort you as you endure life’s distresses and afflictions [1 Thessalonians 3:7]?7. How do believers “stand firm in the Lord” [1 Thessalonians 3:8], based on passages like 1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 5:1, Philippians 1:27, and 2Thessalonians 2:15?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” [George Mueller] - Apr 28, 2019Committed to Dokimos Part 2Apr 28, 2019Committed to Dokimos Part 2By: Deric BartlettSeries: COMMITTEDThis week Pastor Deric continues the series Committed with a sermon entitled Committed to Dokimos- Part 2 focusing on 1 Thessalonians 2:9-20Questions1 Thessalonians 2:9-20ICEBREAKER: What was one of your favourite trips, and what made it so memorable?
1. The Apostle Paul strategically used his so-called “secular job” as a tentmaker [cf. Acts 18:3] to further the gospel message [1 Thessalonians 2:9]. Howcan you do the same in your work situation [cf. 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12]?
2. What do the terms “labour”, “toil”, and “worked” imply about the reality of Christian ministry [1 Thessalonians 2:9]? What helps you persevere throughlife’s hardships and challenges?
3. Paul and his associates weren’t claiming perfection in 1 Thessalonians 2:10. In what sense were they “holy”, “righteous”, and “blameless”? What wouldthe Thessalonians “witness” in Paul, Silas and Timothy’s conduct that would qualify as evidence?
4. What do you learn about balanced ministry from the two metaphors Paul used of a “nursing mother taking care of her own children” [1 Thessalonians2:7], and of a “father with his children” [1 Thessalonians 2:11]? Why are both essential?
5. Why are “exhorting”, “encouraging”, and “charging” necessary in discipleship [1 Thessalonians 2:12]? How do these practices help us “walk in a mannerworthy of God” [cf. Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10]?
6. How does the assurance of God’s call to His kingdom and glory inspire and motivate you despite the hardships of life and ministry [Daniel 7:13- 14; \Micah 4:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21:1-4]?
7. How does the knowledge of Christ’s sufferings and those of other believers strengthen you to endure when you’re faced with open hostility to your beliefs [1 Thessalonians 2:14-16]?8.People matter to God, so people should matter to us [1 Thessalonians 2:17-20]. Who has influenced you to follow Christ, and why was he/she effective? How canyou do the same by influencing others to follow Christ?9. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“To pursue joy is to lose it. The only way to get it is to follow steadily the path of duty, without thinking of joy, and then, like sheep, it comes most surely unsought, and we “being in the way,” the angel of God, bright-haired joy, is sure to meet us.” [Alexander MacLaren]
