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

Jesus went from praising to punishment in the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

James 2:8-13 NIV

Psalm 82 God in the Judgment Seat Summary: God gives us many good things, but some of them you might be surprised to know. For example, the Bible tells us that God puts rulers over us for our good. We have our president, congress, and our mayor to govern in our land. We have judges and police officers to enforce laws. God gives them specific commands to rule with goodness and justice. Today in Psalm 82, let's listen in as God speaks to rulers who have not obeyed Him in their job, and let's learn how to trust God in the middle of it all. 1. God's warnings to those in power 2. The results of injustice 3. God to the rescue! Verse: Psalm 82:8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! Discussion questions: 1. Think of a time when you hear about unjust judges in our world. What is your normal response? What does the Bible call us to do in such circumstances? (See Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2). 2. How does Psalm 82 inform our own personal response to injustice? How did Jesus perfectly show us what Psalm 82:3-4 should look like?

This is a word search for a New Testament History and Literature class.

Romans 13:8-10 NIV

Psalm 81 Open Your Mouth Wide and I will Fill It Summary: Today as we look at another Psalm of Asaph, I wonder if you've ever thought about your heart when you come to worship? Are you distracted, bored, or wish you were somewhere else? If so, you're not alone - we all struggle at times with this! Psalm 81 begins by calling us to praise God. He wants to show us how God can satisfy us- better than your favorite food! Let's think about it: Outline: 1. A call to praise 2. A call to remember 3. A call to repent 4. A call to feast Verse: Psalm 81:10 (ESV)10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Discussion Questions: 1. Jesus warned against worship that was only external. What are the biggest temptations for you to praise God only

God blocked the Jordan so that the Israelites could cross into the Promised Land.

Jesus tells the story of the lost, prodigal son and the Father's amazing forgiveness. Luke 15:11-32

Psalm 80 Restore Us and Let Your Face Shine Summary: Do you have a garden at your house? How about weeds? Taking care of plants can be fun, but also hard work. Our psalm today uses the image of a vine to refer to God's people, asking for him to care for His people in time of trouble. Let's learn to pray for God's help in all things: Outline: 1. Pray for God's renewing work 2. Pray that God will care for His vine 3. Trust that God will answer! Verse: John 15:5 (ESV) 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit... Discussion Questions: 1. What is the significance of the repeated phrase:

Jesus teaches on good trees bearing good fruit and bad trees bearing bad fruit. Luke 6:43-45

We see these now like they did in The Bible days.

Psalm 79 Let Your Compassion Come Speedily Summary: Have you ever been disciplined by your parents for disobeying in some way? Our moms and dads discipline us NOT because they hate us, but because they love us and want us to grow in grace and holiness! This is the way God disciplines us as His children. Let's think about it in Psalm 79: Outline: 1. Deep losses 2. Jealous love 3. Reason to praise Verse: Psalm 79:8b Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Discussion Questions: 1. How does Psalm 79 describe the suffering of Israel? WHY are they suffering? 2. What is evidence of God's fatherly discipline and jealous love in this Psalm? How have you seen it in your own life? 3. How does this Psalm perhaps reflect the larger struggle we have against the world, the flesh and the devil? How can you pray for God's