The people of Israel wanted a king to be like the other nations around them. That broke God's heart. God allowed Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel's king after warning them it was not a good idea. 1 Samuel 8-11

Exodus 3:1-12 The Burning Bush Summary: Today we get to hear God tell us of a moment when He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. Imagine being alone on a mountainside, and God appears to you in a flaming bush! Moses was in the presence of the holy God. God told Moses His plans to save His people from slaverly in Egypt. Today, let's listen and hear of God's holiness, and his compassion on us that eventually led Him to send Jesus. Outline: 1. Our God is holy. How can we stand in His presence? 2. Our God sees, hears, and knows our affliction 3. Our God is our deliverer Verse: Exodus 3:5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Discussion Questions: 1. What do we learn about God's character from Exodus 3? Why do you think Moses needed to remove his sandals in the presence of God? 2. Why is it significant that Moses hid his face in God's presence? What other places in the Scriptures tell us about

Exodus 2:11-25 From the Palace to the Wilderness Summary: Have you ever been really mad at someone? Today we'll see Moses who took the life of an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. Moses had to run for his life, and God used all of it to prepare Moses to save His people. Let's think about it: Outline: 1. Giving up the dream 2. Living in the wilderness 3. Remembering the promise Verse: Hebrews 11:24(ESV) By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter... Discussion Questions: 1. Why did Moses take the life of the Egyptian taskmaster? Was he right in doing so? Why or why not? Are there clues in the text that help us? 2. Read Hebrews 11:24-26. How does the writer of Hebrews describe Moses' break with his Egyptian family and connection? 3. How did God prepare Moses through his time in Midian? 4. When we look at Moses' early life in Exodus 2, how does it foreshadow or contrast Jesus and His own life and work? How can this help us walk in faith this week?

Exodus 2:1-10 A Redeemer is Born Summary: God can do amazing things! Today let's listen in on the drama of Moses being born, and then powerfully rescued from death as a baby. God had a plan to preserve this man so He would save His people from death. Does that sound familiar? Outline: 1. The love of a mother 2. The pity of a princess 3. The victory of God Verse: Exodus 2:10...She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.” Discussion Questions: 1. If you are a parent, how do you react to these verses that describe Moses' birth and the actions of his mother? 2. Even though God is not named in this passage, how is He at work? How might that help you in understanding God's ways today? 3. Read Matthew chapter 2. How does Exodus 2 mirror the events of Jesus' flight to Egypt? Why might this help us in understanding the point of Exodus 2? 3. Read Acts 7:17-23 and Hebrews 11:23. What do we learn about the faith of Moses' parents? Why is that important for us?

God's Blessing in Affliction Exodus 1 Summary: Today we get to start a new study in the book of Exodus! Exodus is an adventure story where God dramatically rescues His people from slavery. Let's pray today that this book would help us grow deeper and closer to the Lord as He shows us that He is a redeeming, saving God. Outline: 1. The great drama of redemption 2. The fiery trials of our faith 3. The unstoppable blessing of God Verse: Exodus 1:12a But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. Discussion Questions: 1. How does the book of Exodus fall into the larger history of God's Word? What might it teach us about God and His Gospel? 2. How would you describe God's work in Exodus 1 for His people? How is he at work through their slavery? Why do you think. the Egyptians wanted to oppress them? 3. Why were the Hebrew midwives commended for lying to Pharaoh? What might this teach us today? 4. How does this chapter point us to Christ?

Call to Worship: 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Confession of Sin: 1 John 1:8-9 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Promise of Forgiveness: Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Tithe: Malachi 3:10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. And thereby put Me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Sermon: Isaiah 61 Title: The Year of the Lord's Favor in a Pandemic

Call to Worship: Hebrews 2:5-9 Confession our Sin: Daniel 9:7-8 Promise of Forgiveness: Psalm 32:1-2 Tithe Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:7 Sermon Text: Psalm 8 Sermon Topic: What is Man? Outline: God and his creation Man among God's creatures Christ the King of creation Discussion Questions: How can we relate Psalm 8 with the message of Genesis 1? Why do you think the psalmist does not mention man's fall into sin? What does the fact that God created man in his image tell about our place among God's creatures? How does Christ fulfill the high expectations the psalmist place upon human beings in Psalm 8?

Luke 2:22-28 Living in Anticipation Summary: Since it is the week of Christmas, let's take some time to think together about why Jesus was born. Long ago (in Luke 2) there was a man named Simeon and a woman named Anna who were waiting in faith and praying for God to send a Savior. They show us what it means to live by faith and worship Jesus this Christmas. Let's think about it: Outline: 1. Waiting for Jesus 2. How to be ready to die 3. A Child appointed for falling and rising Verse: Luke 2:29-30 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation... Discussion Questions: 1. How does Simeon's statement describe who Jesus is and what he came to do for us? (see Luke 2:29-32) How is Anna's life portrayed for us by Luke 2:36-38? 2. Why could Simeon depart and die in peace, and how does it apply to us? 3. How is Jesus appointed for the

Galatians 6:11-18 Boasting in the Cross Summary: Have you ever received a Christmas present that you loved, and were so excited to show it to your friends? When we are so thrilled by something, we want to talk about it and show it to others. As we finish Galatians today, Paul says that he

Galatians 6:6-10 Sowing and Reaping Summary: Have you ever planted a plant, or maybe a whole garden? If we plant carrots, do we ever expect to get tomatoes instead? No! Why? Because we reap what we sow. We sow (plant) carrot seeds, and we reap (harvest) carrots. The Bible tells us that our Christian life is like that. What we plant (spiritually) we will eventually harvest in our lives. The real question is, what are we planting? Is it sin, or is it good seeds, like God's Word? Outline: 1. The principle: we reap what we sow 2. Three examples of sowing and reaping: a. The ministry of the Word b. Our pursuit of holiness c. Doing good to others Verse: Galatians 6:7 (ESV)7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does the Bible often compare our spiritual lives to the principle of sowing and reaping a harvest? Why, in Paul's context of sowing and reaping here, does he say

Galatians 6:1-5 Bear One Another's Burdens Summary: Because Jesus bore the burden of our sin on the cross, we are set free from the guilt of sin. Because we are free, God wants us now to move toward our fellow Christians in love and bear each other's daily burdens. Let's see what that means: Outline: 1. We are called to the ministry of bearing each other's burdens 2. Be on guard against sin in the ministry of burden bearing Verse: Galatians 6:2 (ESV)2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does bearing each other's burdens

Galatians 5:16-26 Walk by the Spirit Summary: We live constantly at war! I don't mean with soldiers and guns, but a spiritual war rages all the time. Our sinful nature (Paul calls it the flesh) wants to control us. But the Holy Spirit lives in us now, so we can

Sermon Text: Galatians 5:7-15 Sermon Title: Freedom to be a Servant Music: *Rejoice the Lord is King *Arise, O Church Arise (Arise, Shine) *Jesus, I Come Call to Worship: 1 Chronicles 16:35-36 Confession of Sin: Romans 7:18-24 Promise of Forgiveness: Romans 7:29-8:4 Tithe Reading: James 1:16-17 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Psalm 146 An Anthem for all Generations Summary: Today we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of our church! God has been faithful to our church for many years, caring for us, allowing us to worship Him, and letting us take part in His mission to share the Gospel with the world. Psalm 146 is perfect for a day like this. It shows us how God is worthy to be praised and has been faithful to all generations. Let's listen in as this Psalm shows us the beauty of God who is worthy of our worship and our lives: 1. Are you breathing? Then worship is your calling 2. Are you grasping for hope? Then put your trust in the Prince of Peace 3. Are you looking for happiness? Then open your eyes and see the beauty of our God Verse: Psalm 146:1–2 (ESV) 1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! 2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Psalm 146 again. Why does the writer say

Galatians 5:1-6 Free at Last Summary: We talk about freedom a lot in our world, especially in America. But there is a different kind of freedom that Jesus wants you to have. It is a freedom from the burden of trying to save yourself by keeping God’s law. God wants you to be free from that! How? We live by faith in Jesus, and stop trying to earn our place with Him. Think about it: Outline: 1. Stand for true freedom 2. Falling from grace 3. Wait for our eternal hope Verse: Galatians 5:13–14 (ESV): For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Discussion Questions: 1. What does Paul mean when he says “for freedom Christ has set us free?” What type of freedom is he speaking of here? What is the slavery he warns against? 2. Paul tell us that if we try to be acceptable to God by the law (he speaks of obeying the laws of circumcision), then we are “obligated to keep the whole law.” Why is this? What “laws” are often set up in your own mind for how you can be acceptable to God? How might you place such obligations of law on others? 3. What does Paul mean by the phrase “faith working through love” in verse 6? How is this opposed to salvation by works? How does this help us understand the proper place of works in our relationship with God?

Galatians 4:21-31 Two Ways to Live Summary: Today God wants us all to think about two totally different ways to live our lives. One is the way of freedom, and the other is slavery. There are only two options. Either we live in the freedom of forgiveness through faith in Jesus alone, or we choose the slavery of trying to please God by our own works and efforts at righteousness. Which do you choose? Outline: 1. Two wives, and their sons: Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac 2. Two covenants: works and grace 3. Two ways to live: slavery or freedom Verse: Galatians 5:1 (ESV)1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think Paul uses this example of Hagar and Sarah to make his point again about living by works or by faith? Spend some time contrasting the two mothers and their sons. 2. How does that help us see the two different ways to live before God? How are they two totally different

Confessing Our Sin: Isaiah 53:6 Promise of Forgiveness: Isaiah 53:11 Tithe Reading: Proverbs 3:9-10 Sermon Text: John 10:11-18 Sermon Topic: The Good Shepherd

Galatians 4:12-20 A Perplexed Pastor Summary: The greatest thing we hope for you as you grow up at NCPC is that you would grow up to love Jesus and His Gospel. Today as we hear again from Paul, we hear of his desire that “Christ would be formed in us” which is his way of saying that he wants us to grow up to love Jesus and walk with him. But there were enemies of Jesus in the church of Galatia that wanted to undo all this! Let’s think about it: Outline: 1. Follow Gospel leaders as they follow Jesus 2. Beware of Gospel enemies who want your allegiance 3. The goal of our ministry is to have Christ be formed in us Verse: Galatians 5:1 (ESV): For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Discussion Questions: 1. How does Paul beg his hears to “become as I am, for I also have become as your are”? What does this mean? 2. How does this passage reveal the history between Paul and the Galatians? How would you describe it? Why did it change? 3. What are the tactics of the false teachers described here in Galatians 4? 4. How does this passage help us as we think about the relationship between the church and her leaders? Paul’s hope is that “Christ is formed” in us. What does that mean?

Galatians 4:1-7 No Longer a Slave Summary: Today as we read Galatians, Paul is going to tell us about how God sent Jesus to redeem us out of slavery and adopt us as His Sons and daughters. Let's listen to this great news! Outline: 1. Life in slavery 2. The coming of the Son 3. The fulness of our sonship Verse: Galatians 4:4-5 God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law... Discussion Questions: 1. What is the picture Paul gives in this passage of life as a young heir in his father's household? How is it like us being under the law? How is the law like slavery in this way? 2. How does Paul describe the coming of Christ in vv.4-5? 3. How does it help you to know that God's adoption of you is sealed by the Spirit in us? How should the Spirit of adoption shape your own identity? How could it fuel your faith this week?

Galatians 3:26-29 One in Christ Summary: If you look around at our church you will see people from many different places in the world, and different backgrounds. But we share one thing: we are all children of God through faith in Jesus! This breaks down the walls between us so we can love one another no matter what are differences are. Let's think about it: Outline: 1. In Christ we are sons of God 2. In Christ we are united to one another 3. In Christ we are connected to the church throughout history Verse: Galatians 3:28 (ESV)28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Discussion questions: 1. Notice how many times Paul speaks about being