Falls Church

What is happiness, and where is it to be found? Happy are the repentant, for we own the kingdom of heaven! What makes us repentant people happy? 1. We are not poor (we own the kingdom!), rather we are poor in spirit. 2. We know we have nothing to give for our spiritual debts, nothing to say to our judge, yet we are rich. 3. We know that we need God, or we die, and we have God! Individual or group application: How is our attitude, our 'spirit'? Rich or poor? Prideful or humble? Who is responsible for turning our debts into riches? When do we need Jesus in a such a dire way that we die without Him?

The essentials of a church family are: learning, loving, worshipping, praying, evangelizing. A learning church family. (v.42) A loving church family. (v.42,44,45) A worshipping church family. (v.42,43,46,47) A praying church family. (v.42) A rescuing church family. (v.47) How must we consider the essentials again? In what ways are we committed to a learning lifestyle? Matthew 28:20 Who needs us to show him/her the love of Christ? Luke 12:32-34 What practical step deepens our prayer life? Colossians 4:2

We follow Jesus, because He is able, willing, and ready to heal us of our sins. 1. Able to cure any wound from any sin. (v.23) 2. Willing to receive us as followers, no matter how loathe-some our sin. (v.24) 3. Ready to lead us and teach us. (v.25) Where is God's power evident in the world today? Identify a spiritual sore that you have. What would you say to someone who thinks his/her life is too vile to be forgiven? What do we learn from this text being located just prior to the Sermon on the Mount?

Peter called upon the world to change their minds about Jesus. What about Jesus? He was… 1. Not deserving to be crucified, but to be crowned and honored. (v.37) 2. Not to be rejected, but having the name into which we all must enter, and the gifts we all need: forgiveness and The Spirit. (v.38-39) 3. Not to be considered powerless, but to be known as the Rescuer from a dead community into a living community. (v.40-41) How must we change our minds about Jesus? Why did Jesus come? Mark 10:45 How close are we to Jesus? Eph. 2:13. How must our mind be different than others? Phil.2:14-15

We are called to keep on trading the old for the new: following Jesus! Why? 1. Because it is worth it for a life constantly renewed in purpose. (v.18-19) 2. Because He causes us to be new and follow…immediately! (v.20,22) 3. Because He went to the cross for our former selves, and then blazed a new trail to heaven for our new selves! How do we explain the change? What difference did it for those that followed Jesus? Acts 4:1-20. What have we given up to follow Jesus? 2 Cor. 5:17 Who said, "Behold I am making all things new"? Rev. 21:5

Peter proclaimed the truth about Jesus. 1. Jesus ascended and was exalted. (v.33a) 2. Jesus poured out the Spirit. (v.33b-35) 3. Jesus was declared both Lord and Christ. (v.36) How do we apply this to ourselves? How long must Jesus reign? Luke 2:11 & 1 Cor. 15:25 What was the promise fulfilled; what had to precede it? John 7:39 To whom does Psalm 110:1 refer? Matthew 22:41-46

We learn from the preaching of Jesus! 1. Context (v.12-14) a. persecuted b. deliberate re-locating c. fulfilling prophecy 2. Content (v.15-17) a. powerful b. same as John's (3:2 and 4:17) c. kingdom-centered 3. Application (v.17) a. repent b. see the light c. think kingdom! Friend Group Discussion Questions: 1. When is the last time you identified a sin and purposed to turn from it? 2. In what ways were you sitting in darkness? 3. What does the 'kingdom' content of this message mean for us?

Peter testified of the Living Christ, using the testimony of David. 1. The words of David. (v.25-28) 2. The tomb of David. (v.29) 3. The faith of David. (v.30-31) What should we say to others about Christ? What do we believe/hearts, say/mouths? Rom. 10:9-10 With whom did David fellowship? 1 John 1:3-4 How do we know that Jesus lives? John 17:4-5

Jesus did not doubt His status as The Son of God, so we should not doubt our adoption as children of God! 1. We do not let our weak condition confuse us about our status. (v.1-5) 2. We do not hunger for spectacular proofs - we have God's Word! (v.6-7) 3. We do not desire 'success' more than the privilege of serving. (v.8-11) Family Application Questions: 1. What is the proper role for emotions for a child of God? Heb. 4:15 2. Why would someone hunger for dramatic proofs? 1 John 5:13 3. How could chasing 'success' break the 1st comm.? Phil. 2:1-11

We should respond as if the gospel is really true, because the historical evidence shows that it is. How is the gospel incontrovertible? 1. The miracles – show that Jesus was attested by God. (v.22) 2. The cross – shows that Jesus was delivered over by God. (v.23) 3. The empty tomb – shows that Jesus was raised up by God (v.24) What is the right response to this truth? What is the reason for Jesus' miracles? John 20:30-31 Why was Jesus handed over for us? Rom. 8:32 Col.2:15 In what way did God vindicate Jesus? Rom. 1:4

We start improving our baptism by realizing that the baptism of Jesus has enormous significance, and so does our baptism! 1. The baptism of Jesus meant that from the start, Jesus was on our side. (v.13-14) 2. When Jesus insisted on submitting to John's baptism, Jesus transformed baptism on His way to the cross. (v.15) 3. The gifts that Jesus received in His baptism, He gave to us! (v.16-17) a. The Holy Spirit. b. Adoption as sons of God. c. The favor of a well-pleased God. Why do we tend to underestimate baptism? What was prophesied to be given to Jesus? Is. 42:1 Was it? John 3:34. Who gave us the Spirit? Acts 2:33 Who gave us baptism? Mt. 28:19 Why was another called the firstborn son of God? Exodus 4:22-23

The Spirit is God's greatest gift, and He is given in order to restore and refresh us. 1. Know about the grand gift, and celebrate. (v.1-4) 2. Evaluate the mixed reactions, and keep them in mind. (v.5-13) 3. Understand Peter's explanation, and call on God. (v.14-21) How does this apply to us? What do we know about the power of the Spirit? Ezekiel 37:9-14 Who may call on the name of the Lord? Romans 10:9-13 Who says not to harden our hearts? Hebrews 3:7-12

Psalm 134, the final Song of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) is about the perpetual worship of God. 1. The departing worshippers called for the perpetual worship of The LORD, by calling on the priests who were staying there in the house of The LORD to represent the people by always continuing to bless God, even by night. (v.1-2) 2. The priests express The LORD's commitment to keep on blessing the worshippers. (v.3) 3. In Christ in the new covenant, we keep declaring His excellencies, and He keeps providing us with life forevermore. (Ps. 133:3b) How can there be blessings all around, continually? How often was a priest to be ready to serve God? Hebrews 10:11 What is being done 'round the clock' in heaven? Revelation 4:8 Who praised God at night in a prison? Acts 16:25

The Spirit of God, working with the Word of God, makes known the will of God to the people of God. 1. How does the Spirit guide us? 2. What should we use to guide us in our decisions? 3. Is the leading of the Spirit specific? What are the decisions we must make now? How do we know when God is guiding us? Genesis 24:27 In what ways does God communicate His will to us? Col. 1:9,10 What are the tools God gave us? 2 Timothy 3:16,17

We value harmony as one of the most beneficial gifts from God through Christ, and possessing it is cause for our celebration. 1. Harmony is good and pleasant. (v.1) 2. Harmony is like: a) being so saturated with the precious oil of gladness that we are dripping with it and the fragrance spreads everywhere and b) being so drenched with heavy morning dew from the mountains, that everything and everyone is refreshed and invigorated. (v.2) 3. Why is harmony so wonderful, and how do we get it? (v.3) What is it about unity that makes it so special and pleasant? On what occasions do various brothers/sisters gather? 2 Sam. 5:1-10 Who received the Spirit? John 3:34; 17:20-23 and 1 John 4:20 How can we get harmony? John 10:16, Eph. 1:3; 4:3, Acts 2:42

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament issue a call to repent and believe! 1. John the Baptist preached repentance. (v.1-6) 2. He preached fruit in keeping with repentance. (v.7-10) 3. The message has two sides: Spirit and fire. (v.11-12) Home Application Questions: Why is it good news when we hear a call to repentance? 2 Peter 3:9 How is it evident to others when we repent? Heb. 12:17 What happens to one who never repents? Mt. 3:12, 1 Cor. 1:18-21

Only because the anger of God was turned toward Christ for us, can His anger be turned away from our sins. 1. The Light shined. (v.1-7) 2. The call to turn from darkness to Light. (v.8-13) 3. The damage of wickedness. (v.14-21) How do we understand the predictions of Christmas? What is the source of light? Matthew 4:14 What is offered to those in darkness? John 8:12. John 12:46 How would you describe God? Hebrews 12:29

Our Father in Heaven fulfills what He promised in protecting His children through the coming of His Son. For what things can we trust God? 1. For salvation through the coming of His Son. (v.13-14) 2. For fulfilment of God's good intentions in the coming of His Son, despite the bad intentions of men. (v.15-18) 3. For ongoing protection for all His children through the coming of His Son. (v.19-23) Discuss these questions: Why should Joseph be encouraged by 'until I tell you' v.13? Look for 'fulfilled' in v.15,17,23. Can we trust God's promise? God protected baby Jesus. (1:20, 2:13,19,22). Can we trust Him?

At Christmas, God warned us with the picture of a false king and gifted us with The True King. How do we find the true King? 1. Recognize the gift of Jesus reigning over us. (v.1-3) 2. Receive God's invitation to worship Jesus. (v.4-6) 3. We find Jesus when we respond with joy, worship, and gifts. (v.7-12)

Because of whose son this baby is, we must worship and obey Him! 1. The Son of David. (v.18-20) 2. The Son of Abraham. (v.21-23) 3. The Son of God. (v.24-25) Application Questions: Do we, like Joseph (v.24), do what we are commanded? The first coming of Jesus was pre-promised. The second? Who is Jesus' biological Father? Mt 1:23,3:17 So what? 1 Tim 1:15.

1. Midnight: the darkness of our world without Jesus 2. Sunrise: the dawn of the day of our salvation in Christ 3. Daylight: the light of life in the new world of our Lord.

The family tree of Jesus leads up to the birth of the long-expected Christ, and the eternal Trinity. 1. Obey the Son, for He is the King. (v.1,6) 2. Trust the Father, for His promises were fulfilled. (v.1) 3. Receive the Spirit, for He anointed the Son, and keeps adding to the family tree. (v.16) What does a genealogy have to do with Christmas? Who is it who has all authority? Matthew 28:18 For whom did Jesus come? Matthew 9:13 Who has mercy? Matthew 12:7

Philemon shows the Power of the Gospel to... 1. Transform the Human Heart. (v.8-11) 2. Transform Relationships & Community. (v.12-17) 3. Bless the Guilty with Grace. (v.17-22) 4. Restore Hope and a Future. (v.20-22)

Luke's Gospel begins with great hope in the birth narratives. But that hope is threatened by the events surrounding the cross, as exemplified by these 2 disciples who have lost hope. This message is about how Jesus transforms them, from wandering to witness, from sorrow to joy, and from despair to renewed hope and service. Jesus shows them how the entire Old Testament points to Him, and how everything happened just as it had to according to God's plan. 1. Jesus pursue his wandering disciples 2. Jesus opens their eyes with Scripture 3. Jesus rekindles their hearts with living hope

Why sing the songs of ascent, why even go up to Jerusalem? Because it was God's desired dwelling place, and from there, God's King will come! 1. David vowed to establish a dwelling place for God. (v.1-10) 2. God vowed to keep David's sons on the throne. (v.11-12) 3. God chose Zion as His home; blessed it abundantly. (v.13-17) What does this Psalm have to do with Christians today? What was the ark (v.8)…the horn (v.17)? 2 Sam. 6:1-4, Luke 1:69 Did God 'go to His resting place'v.8? Num.10:33-36, Heb. 8:1-6 Who chose God's 'home'? Deut. 12:5, Josh. 21:43-45

While we wait, we must constantly join together in prayer, because it is the way Jesus reigns over us. 1. We wait and pray for what God promised. (v.12) 2, We wait and pray in unity with other Christians. (v.13) 3. We wait and pray constantly, until we prevail. (v.14) How can we learn to wait and pray? How can we maintain unity? Acts 2:42,46; 6:4,7 Eph.4:3 What must we do while we wait and work? Col. 4:2 When will we prevail? Acts 12:5,11-17

The way to calm ourselves is to renounce our own pride and to keep on lowering ourselves until we have re-discovered how to intentionally become fully contented and quietly at rest with our LORD, trusting in Him to provide for us, even in the context of a very long wait. 1. Whenever we elevate ourselves to a God-like position with a prideful heart attitude and we look down at others, we end up stirring up our own souls. (v.1) 2. Whenever we take a humble heart attitude and look up to God, we end up calming our own souls with true peace. (v.2) 3. Lesson: less playing God, more trusting God. (v.3) What is the surprising root cause if we are very upset? Who is lowly? Dt. 29:29, Mt 11:29;18:1-4, Phil. 2:3,7-8. How can we be quieted? Lk 14:11, Rom. 12:3, 1 Pet. 5:5-11. What does it look like to trust God? Jn. 4:34, Jms. 4:6.

1. Welcome your covenant Lord 2. Behold the Lamb of God 3. Rejoice in the Giver of the Spirit

In the ascension of Jesus, we learn about our King. 1. His timing. (v.6-7) 2. His witnesses. (v.8) 3. His plans. (v.9-11) What is it like to have Jesus as our king? When does the Lord do things? Rom 5:6 and 2 Peter 3:9 Where must we bear witness? Matthew 10:18 What does God have in store for us? Jeremiah 29:11-13

Because of the mercy of The LORD, we pray, marvel, wait, and hope. 1. From rock bottom, we cry to The LORD for mercy. (v.1-2) 2. God lifts us up by forgiving us in Christ; so, we marvel! (v.3-4) 3. We, the church, wait for The LORD's return. (v.5-6) 4. We, the church, hope in The LORD's love. (v.7-8) How are we redeemed from our iniquities? Who takes away the sin of the world? John 1:29 Heb. 9:7-10 Why do we call His name Jesus? Mt. 1:21; 9:6; 26:28, 1 Jn 1:8-10 How did He redeem us? Heb. 10:17, Titus 2:14

Because The LORD is righteous, the church maintains great hope by expecting a) persecution, and b) preservation. 1. Preserved through great hostility. (v.1-4) 2. Preserved to the great disappointment of haters. (v.5) 3. Preserved through all ages. (v.6-8) When people hate us, who are they ultimately hating? Why is hostility to Christ/church inseparable? Ps. 2:1-3, John 15:18 Was the violence in Jesus' parable brief or long? Mt.21:33-41 How did Paul describe being afflicted? 2 Cor. 1:10 and 4:8-9

The starting point and ongoing focus of The Church is Jesus' work and teaching, which He continues to do now through His Spirit. 1. Jesus teaches us. (v.1-2) 2. Jesus reigns over us. (v.3) 3. Jesus gives us gifts. (v.4-5) What is the most basic thing about us? What should convince us of Jesus' teachings? 1 Cor.15:5-7 How are we able to accept truth? John 14:16 From whom did the Spirit come upon us? Acts 2:33