Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

Acts 27 Peril on the Sea Summary: Have you ever been on a boat? They can be a lot of fun! But if you've ever been on a boat in a storm, it can be really scary! Today let's listen as Paul continues to follow God's call. As a prisoner he sails on a boat that gets caught in a huge storm! Let's listen in and see how God preserves Paul and keeps his promises: Outline: Warning Promise Encouragement Love Verse: Acts 27:25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. Discussion Questions: 1. How would you compare this account to the account of Jonah when he flees to Tarshish? To Jesus calming the storm? What are the similarities and differences? Why is this helpful to compare these accounts? 2. How does Paul's confidence in God's will help you, even though you and I don't get specific words about the future? 3. If it was God's plan for Paul to preach in Rome, why might He have allowed this storm? What might that tell us about our own sufferings?

Job 42:1-6 NIV

Acts 25-26 Defense Before Kings Summary: A few weeks ago we talked about what it would be like to get in trouble for something you know you didn’t do. That is what’s happening to Paul in Acts 25-26. Let’s listen to his trust in God’s plan as he makes a defense before the King: 1. A certain verdict 2. A servant and witness 3. Almost persuaded Verse: Acts 26:16 (ESV): But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness... Discussion Questions: 1. How would you describe Paul’s defense? What do you see in it that helps us understand our calling as a servant and witness for Jesus in the world? 2. Why does Paul appeal to Caesar? How is God at work by his providence behind everything in this narrative? How might God be calling you to trust Him as you think about your own future?

Luke 18:31-34 NIV

Title: Vocation, Lizards, and Gospel Opportunity Scripture: Philemon (all of it) Main Point: God sends you, in your daily callings, into Gospel Opportunities. NT Opportunity Your Opportunities Application Questions 1. Where does your daily life intersect with people outside of Christ? 2. What opportunities do you have to represent Christ? 3. How will you live out the meaning of the Gospel in your daily calling? Verse: and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

True Religion Mathew 21:28-46

Esther 4:9-5:3

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 13

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 13 NRSV

Feel the Freedom of Identity in Christ 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Welcome our guest preacher, Matt Bohling. He will be sharing with us God’s Word as found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 1 through 5. Let’s listen closely and see if you can complete the outline below as he speaks: 1. See creaturely judgement as a problem 2. Don't fall for self-justification 3. Feel the freedom of identity in Christ Memory Verse For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. -2 Corinthians 10:18

Acts 24 A Cheerful Defense Summary: Have you ever gotten into trouble when you knew you did nothing wrong? How did that feel? Paul the Apostle had that happen many times, when his fellow Jews lied to get him in deep trouble. Jesus suffered in this way too. Let’s think about it more: Outline: 1. A false charge 2. A cheerful defense 3. A powerful witness Verse: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Questions: 1. Have you ever been wrongly accused of something? How did it feel? Did you defend yourself? How? 2. How does Paul’s life reflect Jesus’ path again in this account? 3. How might the gospel have strengthened Paul to make his defense cheerfully on this day? How could the gospel of grace enable you to face false accusations?

1 John 2:1-17

Acts 23:12-35 Divine Protection Summary: Sometimes it is hard to see how God is at work in our lives, and we wonder if he is involved or not. Today in Acts we are going to talk about the word

Acts 22:30-23:11 On Trial for the Resurrection Summary: It is hard to imagine what it would be like to stand on trial before a bunch of religious leaders who would all like to kill you, but that was what Paul did in our sermon text in Acts. Can you imagine? Paul used to be one of their fellow leaders, and now they all want to get rid of him! What gives him hope? Let's listen today, and we will find that Jesus stands by Him through it all. Outline: 1. A reason to rest 2. A reason to suffer 3. A reason for courage Verse: Acts 23:6b ...It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial. Discussion Questions: 1. Why did Paul feel he had lived in

Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 Sermon Title: Praying to Know the Love of Christ Kids Outline: 1) We need the power of the Spirit to know Jesus’ love 2) We need power because Christ’s love is greater than we can know 3) Knowing Christ's love fills us with God's presence

Acts 21:37-22:39 A Ready Defense Summary: If you had the chance to tell people what you believe, what would you say? Today we hear Paul speak to a large, angry crowd. What does he say? He tells them about JESUS! Let's listen to what he says. Outline: A strong connection A transformed life A divine calling A wise approach Verse: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Discussion Questions: 1. If you were called upon to make a summary of what you believe or share the essence of the Gospel, what would you say? What would be vital? 2. How does Paul's speech reveal his transformed life and his new calling? 3. How did Paul make a connection to calm the crowd at first and gain a hearing? What are some of the ways you can forge a connection with people when talking about Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NIV

Acts 21:17-37 Prophesies Fulfilled Summary: There may be times when you get to tell people about Jesus. It is a great thing to do, and it is awesome to see God work through it! But it is not always easy. Let's think about a time when Paul suffered for Jesus: Outline: 1. Gospel witness flows from a love for God and a love for people 2. The Gospel's enemies seek to suppress the truth 3. Gospel suffering follows in Jesus' footsteps Verse: 2 Timothy 2:3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Discussion Questions: 1. Have you ever suffered for your Gospel witness before? What form did that take? 2. Why do you think Paul agreed to take the four men in this passage to the temple to complete their vow? What was the purpose? Is there any significance in this for our own witness? 3. How did Paul's sufferings in this passage mirror some of Jesus' own experience? How might Luke be trying to encourage us by drawing those parallels? 4. How can this encourage you this week in your walk?

1 Kings 3:16-28 NIV