This week Pastor Deric begins our series Our Family Portrait with a sermon entitled “Husbands Love Your Wife”
"While your character flaws may have created mild problems for other people, they will create major problems for your spouse and your marriage." - Tim Keller
- Feb 4, 2018Husbands Love Your WifeFeb 4, 2018Husbands Love Your WifeBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Our Family Portrait
This week Pastor Deric begins our series Our Family Portrait with a sermon entitled “Husbands Love Your Wife”
QuestionsEphesians 5:25-31Ice Breaker: What was your favourite subject in school? Why?1. What does Paul mean in verse 28 when he says, “He who loves his wife loves himself”?2. In Ephesians 5 Paul talks about our union with Christ (being members of his body) and the significance this has for marriages. Find another instance in the New Testament that illustrates this.3. Read 1 Peter 3:7. How would mistreating your spouse hinder your prayers?4. Find three other verses from the epistles that show we are to love others with the same love we have for ourselves.5. Ephesians 5:25 highlights the fact that Christ’s love for his bride is a sacrificial love. What is something in your life that you need to sacrifice in order to love your spouse better?6. Considering that the ability to love others is directly tied to our own spiritual health, what do you need to change in your life to better maintain the health of your soul?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"While your character flaws may have created mild problems for other people, they will create major problems for your spouse and your marriage." - Tim Keller
- Jan 28, 2018God’s Difference MakerJan 28, 2018God’s Difference MakerSeries: Guest speaker
This week our guest Dr. Stewart Brown taught us from Psalm 90 with a sermon entitled ”God’s Difference Maker”
Questions:Psalm 90Ice Breaker: What is your favourite TV show and why?1. All sin is serious and has grave consequences. Find 3 references from the New Testament that solemnly warn against sin.2. The effects of sin not only negatively impact our own lives but also impact the people in our lives. Find 3 stories from the Old Testament that illustrate this.3. Psalm 90:4 illustrates God’s eternal nature with a unique comparison – find the same comparison in the New Testament4. The brevity of man’s life is often illustrated with comparisons to “grass” and “shadows” (i.e. Psalm 90:5-6). Find three other examples from the Old Testament. What implications does this have on how we live our lives?5. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul highlights the importance of self-discipline. What is the reward of self-discipline in the Christian life? What might the outcome be if we fail to exercise it?6. What do you need to do more of in your life to become a bigger difference-maker for Christ?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room.” - Christine Todd Whitman
- Jan 21, 2018Joseph Forgives His BrothersJan 21, 2018Joseph Forgives His BrothersBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Forgiven to Forgive
This week Pastor Deric concludes our series Forgiven to Forgive with a sermon entitled “Joseph Forgives His Brothers”
Questions
Genesis 50:15-21
Ice Breaker: What habits do other people have that drive you crazy?1. What did Joseph mean by his remark in Genesis 50:19 when he said, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?”2. Read Genesis 50:20. What is one of the great confidences we have when forgiving others of their sins? Where is this concept restated in the book of Romans?3. This is the second time Joseph reassured his brothers that they were forgiven - find the previous occasion. Why do you think they became fearful of him a second time?4. Read Genesis 50:21. What is the result of true forgiveness?5. Sometimes after forgiving you may have resentment you can’t seem to figure out or let go of. What can you do to handle residual sadness and anger that come up even after forgiving someone?6. What kind of offences do you find most difficult to forgive? Why?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven." - Thomas Fuller
- Jan 14, 2018Confessing The TruthJan 14, 2018Confessing The TruthBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Forgiven to Forgive
This week Pastor Deric begins our new series Forgiven to Forgive with a sermon entitled “Confessing The Truth”
Questions
1 John 1:5-10
Ice Breaker: If you could change places with a Bible character, who would you choose? Why?1. Find 3 examples of confession and forgiveness from the Old Testament that parallel 1 John 1:9.2. Verse 7 says that the blood of Jesus will cleanse us from all sin if we walk in the light. How does this tie in to verse 9?3. What is the only phrase in the Lord’s prayer with a “condition” attached? (see Matthew 6)4. God’s forgiveness of us is directly tied in to how willing we are to forgive others. Find three verses from the New Testament that support this.5. What is the benefit of confession as noted in James 5:16? What other activity is confession paired with to experience this benefit?6. What challenges or obstacles do you face when confessing your sins to others? What is something you can do to overcome them?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future.” - Bernard Meltzer
- Jan 7, 2018The Ten Greatest Words in the BibleJan 7, 2018The Ten Greatest Words in the BibleBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Forgiven to Forgive
This week Pastor Deric begins our new series Forgiven to Forgive with a sermon entitled “The Ten Greatest Words in the Bible”
QuestionsJohn 7:53-8:11Ice Breaker: When you were little, which superhero did you like best? Why?
1. What does it mean to you to forgive someone?2. Read Matthew 18:21-35. What is the Biblical measure of forgiveness?3. In John 8 verse 6 it says the Pharisees were trying to find a way to bring an accusation against Jesus. In what way was this particular situation intended as a trap?4. Explain why Jesus’ response in verse 7 produced the results it did? How should his words also affect us?5. Find 3 other references in the gospels of the word “condemn”. From the context of these verses chose a synonym that could be substituted instead.6. Spend some time reflecting on your relationships (including the past). Who are some of the people you need to forgive today?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.” - Henry Ward Beecher
- Dec 31, 2017Sola Fide By Faith AloneDec 31, 2017Sola Fide By Faith AloneBy: Deric BartlettSeries: New Years Eve
This week Pastor Deric preaches a New Years Eve sermon entitled “Sola Fide By Faith Alone”
QuestionsIce Breaker: If you could take a vacation right now, where would you go?1. Read Hebrews 11:6. What is the main requirement for pleasing God?2. Considering your answer above, explain how this characteristic determines every other aspect of your Christian walk?3. What’s the difference between genuine faith and counterfeit faith? How can you tell the difference?4. What is the fruit of faith in the Christian life?5. On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate the strength of your faith? What things could you do to strengthen it further?6. What’s a practical area of your life where you need to start exercising more faith?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” - Saint Augustine
- Dec 24, 2017Jesus of NazarethDec 24, 2017Jesus of NazarethBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Christmas Eve
This week Pastor Deric preaches a Christmas Eve sermon entitled “Jesus of Nazareth”
QuestionsMatthew 2:19-23Ice Breaker: Name a Christmas gift you received that you will never forget.1. Research the historical context of Nazareth at the time of Jesus. What would it have been like for him to grow up there?2. Nazareth and its inhabitants were generally despised throughout Israel. Why would this be the chosen hometown of Jesus?3. Read Luke 2:29-35. In what ways do Simeon’s prophecies reflect the life and ministry of Jesus?4. What was the significance of the visit of the Magi? (Matthew 2:1-12)5. Christmastime provides a great opportunity to reach out to family and friends with the gospel. Think of one person who you will share the gospel with over the holidays.6. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father’s face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift.” - John R. Rice
- Dec 17, 2017The Biblical Story of Immanuel (God With Us)Dec 17, 2017The Biblical Story of Immanuel (God With Us)By: Deric BartlettSeries: Hope Arriving
This week Pastor Deric continues our Christmas series Hope Arriving with a sermon entitled “The Biblical Story of Immanuel (God With Us)”
QuestionsMatthew 1:21-23Ice Breaker: Name one person that is not a family member that has had the greatest influence in your life. Why?1. Immanuel means “God with us”. Find 3 other places in the New Testament and 3 places in the Old Testament illustrating God dwelling with his people.2. Read Romans 5:1. How does this verse parallel with Luke 2:14?3. What are the divine attributes that Mary ascribes to God in her song of praise (Luke 1:46-55)? What does this reveal about her relationship with Him?4. What can you do to remember the significance of Christmas in your life each day?5. Jesus was always intentional in fulfilling His purpose in coming into the world. If we live with intentionality toward fulfilling His calling on our lives, how might our lives look differently?6. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?
"'For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown." - Linus
- Dec 10, 2017Jesus Saves!Dec 10, 2017Jesus Saves!By: Deric BartlettSeries: Hope Arriving
This week Pastor Deric continues our Christmas series Hope Arriving with a sermon entitled “Jesus Saves!”
QuestionsMatthew 1:21Ice Breaker: What would you do with your time if you didn’t have to work?
1. What is Jesus’ name in Hebrew? What is the significance of the meaning of his name?2. What sign did the angel give to the shepherds concerning the newborn baby? What is so surprising about this detail?3. Read Luke 2:19. What does it mean that Mary “treasured” and “pondered” the things said about Jesus? How can we do the same?4. Find the chapter in Isaiah that reveals the purpose of the Messiah’s coming was to save mankind from their sins? After reading this chapter, how does it impact the way you view Jesus laying in a manger?5. What can you do to avoid the worldly aspects of the Christmas season and stay focused on Jesus instead?6. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: “God with us.” We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth!” - John MacArthur
- Dec 3, 2017The Great UnveilingDec 3, 2017The Great UnveilingBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Hope Arriving
This week Pastor Deric begins our Christmas series Hope Arriving with a sermon entitled “The Great Unveiling”
Questions
John 1:1-5, 14-18
Ice Breaker: If you could give someone special in your life ANY gift in the world, what would it be? Why?
1. Israel had long hoped for the arrival of the Messiah and God’s salvation through him - find 3 prophecies from the Old Testament regarding the coming of Jesus.2. Keeping verses 14 & 18 in mind, read Philippians 2:3-8. How should Christ’s example of humility and self-sacrifice change the way we treat one another?3. In verse 18 we see that one of Jesus’ purpose in coming into the world was to reveal God to mankind. Find three other verses from John that illustrate this.4. Read Lk.1:26-38. If you were in Mary’s shoes, how would you respond to the angel’s annunciation of Christ’s birth? What thoughts might be going through your mind?5. How should the magnitude of God’s gift to us in Jesus influence our generosity this holiday season?6. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world." - C.S. Lewis
- Nov 26, 2017The Irony of FaithNov 26, 2017The Irony of FaithBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The Greatest Book
This week Pastor Deric concludes our series The Greatest Book with a sermon entitled “The Irony of Faith”
QuestionsPsalm 119:25-32Ice Breaker: What is one thing you like to do when you have free time?1. What is the significance of the psalmist running in the way of the Lord, as opposed to walking (v.32)?2. In verse 25 and 28 the psalmist looks to the Lord to find strength in his weakness. Find three other scriptures from the Bible that show people finding strength in the Lord.3. There are many paradoxes which characterize the Christian life, such as “many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30). Find three more examples from the New Testament.4. Three times in the New Testament the word of God is compared to milk. Find the three references and explain the significance of milk being used as the comparison.5. Of the following Bible study tools, which one is your favourite: commentary, concordance, lexicon, Bible dictionary, Bible encyclopedia. Why?6. What are some of the practical implications and personal challenges from your answers in question three?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." - Dwight L. Moody
- Nov 19, 2017More Than EnoughNov 19, 2017More Than EnoughBy: Max OatesSeries: The Greatest Book
This week Pastor Max continues our series The Greatest Book with a sermon entitled “More Than Enough”
Questions:Psalm 119:17-24Ice Breaker: If you had to live this week over again, would you change anything? If so, what would that be?1. From this passage, how does one avoid contempt and condemnation in life? Find 3 other passages from Psalms 119 that reiterate this.2. One of the verses from this passage contains a prayer we should all pray before studying the scriptures – which verse is it? Why is this so important?3. What is the significance of the psalmist being a “sojourner” on the earth? Where is this also emphasized in the New Testament?4. What does it mean to you to “meditate on God’s statutes” (v.23)? How do we apply this practically?5. What is one area of your life that you need to apply God’s commands more consistently?6. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"The purpose of the Bible? Salvation. God's highest passion is to get His children home. His book, the Bible, describes His plan of salvation. The purpose of the Bible is to proclaim God's plan and passion to save His children." - Max Lucado
- Nov 12, 2017Keeping FaithNov 12, 2017Keeping FaithBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The Greatest Book
This week Pastor Deric continues our series The Greatest Book with a sermon entitled “Keeping Faith”
QuestionsPsalm 119:9-16Ice Breaker: What is one thing you are looking forward to?1. Read Hebrews 11:6. What is your definition of faith, and why is faith so important to God?2. What can we do to help grow our faith?3. In Psalm 119:9 the psalmist tells us how to keep our lives pure before God – how is this accomplished?4. Twice Paul gives Timothy a similar charge as above – find the two scripture references.5. Psalm 119:11 notes the importance of storing up the word of God in our hearts. Choose one verse from the New Testament about the importance of applying the word of God in our lives to memorize this week and share it with the group the next time you meet.6. In Acts 17 the Bereans were commended for their diligence in studying the scriptures daily. Choose a bible reading plan to begin implementing and share what you’ve chosen with the group.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?
"A readiness to believe every promise implicitly, to obey every command unhesitatingly, to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God, is the only true spirit of Bible study." - Andrew Murray
- Nov 5, 2017The Blessing of the BibleNov 5, 2017The Blessing of the BibleBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The Greatest Book
This week Pastor Deric begins our series The Greatest Book with a sermon entitled “The Blessing of the Bible”
QuestionsPsalm 119:1-8Ice Breaker: What has been one recent high point and low point in your life over the past year?1. There are many places in the New Testament that talk about Jesus and his ministry as the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures – find three examples.2. For each of the three examples above find the original scripture in the Old Testament.3. One of the predominate themes of Psalm 119 is building a secure foundation for your life based on the commands of God. Find one example from Jesus’ teaching and one from the epistles which reiterate this.4. 2 Timothy 3:16 lists some of the beneficial uses of scripture. Identify each one and give a practical, day to day example for each. (Bonus: Find an example from scripture as well!)5. What challenges, barriers or inhibitions do you face when studying scriptures? What can you do to overcome them?6. Choose one verse from Psalm 119 to memorize this week and share it with the group the next time you meet.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“The Bible is the inevitable outcome of God’s continuous speech. It is the infallible declaration of His mind.” – A. W. Tozer
- Oct 29, 2017Ambassadors for Jesus ChristOct 29, 2017Ambassadors for Jesus ChristBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Jesus is LORD OF ALL
This week Pastor Deric concludes our fall series Jesus is LORD OF ALL with a sermon entitled “Ambassadors for Jesus Christ”
Questions:2 Corinthians 5:9-21Icebreaker: If you could go back and visit any time period, what time would you travel to and why?1. Read Acts 10:22-23, 13:4, 14:26 and 18:23. What pattern do you see through these verses? How does this tie in with Matthew 28:18-20?2. From where does a believer receive the strength and power needed to expand and establish the Kingdom of God?3. When you become a Christian your life is no longer your own, but you now belong to God. Find 3 verses in the NT that exemplify this.4. Meditate on the verses you discovered from question three - what implications do they have on how you live your life?5. Read 2 Cor. 5:16-17. What does Paul mean when he says “from now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh”?6. Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but all are called to witness to Christ as they are able. What are some ways that you can do this in your day to day life?7. Do you feel like you’re currently living on mission for Jesus? If not, what things do you need to change to make that happen?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you." – Anonymous
