God gave Samuel a message of judgment. Find these words from 1 Samuel 2:23-26 and 4:10-11.

Paul teaches us what real Love is and is not. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Chief of Sinners 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Summary: Has someone ever given you something that you knew you did not deserve, like a gift? When that happens, we are usually very humbled and grateful for the gift! The apostle Paul knew that he was a sinful man who deserved nothing from God. He called himself the “chief” (worst) of sinners! But God gives us much amazing grace! Let’s think about it: Outline: 1. An undeserving sinner 2. An overflowing grace 3. A beautiful display Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15 “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Discussion Questions: 1. What is the description Paul gives of himself? Can you relate to it at all? 2. Why does Paul call himself the “chief” (foremost) of sinners? Is he really the worst sinner who ever lived? What might change in your relationship to God and to others if you felt this way about yourself? 3. How does Paul describe the Gospel in this passage? How does he describe the reason for God’s grace in His life? What might that mean for us?

When we believe in Jesus we receive his Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit can be found in Galatians 5:22-23

1 Timothy 2:1-7 NRSV

What Good is the Law? 1 Timothy 1:8-11 Summary: Have you ever felt like there were too many rules in your life? You are not alone! Most of us struggle with this. But God does not give laws in His Word because he wants to steal our joy in life. He wants to keep us safe and actually find joy in Him! So let's think about God's good law for a few minutes together from 1 Timothy 1:8-11. 1. What is the law of God NOT supposed to do? 2. So why is the law GOOD? a. It is a mirror b. It is a muzzle c. It is a map 3. How the law can be used for YOUR good 1 Timothy 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully... Discussion Questions: 1. Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11 again. Which of the descriptions sinful people in vv.9-10 do you associate with? Why? 2. What do you think it means to use the law

Paul and Silas are arrested, spend their time in prison singing hymns and praying, until an earthquake breaks their chains. They explain to the jailer how to be saved.

1 Timothy 1:3-7 Guard the Truth Summary: Why do we make such a big deal about the Bible at our church? It is because God has spoken to us and we want to listen! Let's listen today to hear about how God's Word changes us. Outline: 1. We are called to guard the truth 2. God's truth works true love in us by forming: a. A renewed heart b. An informed conscience c. A sincere faith Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15b ...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Discussion questions: 1. Where are the dangers of false teaching that are a danger to the church today? Are there temptations you experience to wander from the truth of God's Word? 2. How is the church called to guard the truth? What role do you play in this? 3. What does Paul say is the effect of solid doctrine (v. 5)? What does he mean by

Love, Hatred, Tears and Blessing Romans 12:9-21 Summary: What does real faith look like? How can you and I live in a world of trouble and live out our faith, even when we are sinners in need of grace? Let's take a moment to see what the apostle Paul says about this, as we think about how Jesus lived a life of love, and can give us grace to do the same: 1. The Gospel of Jesus produces genuine love 2. The Gospel of Jesus produces proper hatred 3. The Gospel of Jesus moves us to respond like Jesus 4. The Gospel of Jesus produces people who bring blessing Verse: Romans 12:21 (ESV)21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Discussion Questions 1. How did you respond to the tragedy in Poway last week? What were some of the emotions and thoughts you experienced? 2. How should Christians respond to such tragedy? What is our role with our neighbors and friends? How can we live out the love of Christ, especially when the perpetrator was a member of a Christian church? 3. Which of the commands of Paul do you find it hardest to follow? How do Paul's words embody the Gospel and the life of Jesus? How do you need to pray for God's grace this week to be a loving neighbor?

Romans 1:21-23 NIV

King Herod put Peter in jail for telling people about Jesus. God heard the prayers of Peter's friends and sent an angel to free him from jail. Acts 12:1-19

Luke 24:13-35 Title

John 16:16-24 Joy that No one Can Take Away Summary: He is Risen! Today we get to celebrate the great news that Jesus is risen. We live in a world where we often get bad news. But today, let's listen as we hear Jesus speak about the joy that this news can bring us. Because Jesus is risen, there is a joy that can never be taken away from you! Outline: 1. Jesus' death brings sorrow and joy 2. Jesus' resurrection brings a joy that cannot be lost Verse: Matthew 28: 5b-6a Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Discussion Questions: 1. In this passage, Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection. How is Jesus death a cause for sorrow for us, but also a great joy? In what sense did the world rejoice at His death? 2. What is the joy that Jesus holds out because of His resurrection? What does his new life mean for us that should cause joy?

Saul met Jesus as a bright light on the road to Damascus and his life and name were forever changed. Acts 9.

1 Timothy 1:1-2 A True Child in the Faith Summary: What is the church supposed to be like? That is a big and important question. Today we start to study the letter of 1 Timothy. It is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a younger pastor. As we study together, we'll hear some of the answers to the question,

Mary and the disciples found an empty tomb. Why are you looking here? HE IS RISEN!

Romans 5:12-21 NIV

The Wisdom & Power of God 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5 Summary: Sometimes we think that God only uses important people. But Paul shows us its the people that everyone overlooks who God has chosen to use. Outline: God’s foolish message God’s weak and foolish methods God’s wise and powerful Savior Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:31 … so that as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Community Group Questions -What messages does this world send to us to put confidence in ourselves and other people? -What are some ways that we bring worldly wisdom to proclaim the gospel? -How does the foolishness of the cross change how we think about and do evangelism?

Romans 3:9-18 NIV

Psalm 83 A Plea for Justice Summary: Sometimes as we try to live as Christians in the world, it might feel like everyone in the world is against Jesus (and maybe us too). God's people Israel felt that way too, and often prayed for God to help. But sometimes their prayers sound violent, asking for God to kill their enemies! Yet Jesus said to love our enemies. How can we make sense of this? Let's look at Psalm 83 together to find out how to pray for God's help. Praying when you are surrounded Praying out of past victories How to pray as a warlike, loving Christian Verse: Psalm 83:1 O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! Discussion questions: 1. The psalm writer describes Israel's experience as being nearly surrounded by enemies who want to wipe them out. How might that mirror our experience as Christians? 2. This is a psalm of