LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Main Text: Galatians 5:16-23 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Preaching Point: Reminding ourselves of God's immense patience toward us should counteract any impulse to be impatient toward God or others. Teaching Points:1. Recount God's PatienceToward Your SinfulnessIn Your SalvationIn Your Sanctification2. Excel in Displaying Patience When MistreatedWhen Frustrated When OffendedWhen Waiting

Main Text: Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV) 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.Preaching Point: Jesus is returning in a vastly different manner than He did the first time, and this reality should compel us to acquaint ourselves with the identity of the coming King of Kings.Teaching Points:Accurately Grasp His Identity vv11-16Understand His Kingly Mission vv11,14-16Get on the Right Side of History vv14-15

Preaching Point: Tombs vividly illustrate the unavoidable fate of our lives and should serve to direct our attention to the solution that Christ's tomb reveals.Teaching Points:Prepare for Your TombTrust in Christ's Substitutionary DeathAlways Keep the Empty Tomb in View

Main Verse: VariousPreaching Point: The cross promises forgiveness through God's sacrificial love in Christ, which should compel us to know the exact nature of God's divine forgiveness.Teaching Points:Justification: Jesus' Death Legally Cleared All Charges Against You.Substitution: Jesus Took Your Place Under God's Judgment.Propitiation: Jesus Removed God's Wrath, Granting His Favor.Redemption: Jesus Paid the Price to Purchase You from Sin's Penalty.Reconciliation: Jesus Transferred You Into Right Relationship with God.

Main Text: Galatians 5:16–23 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Preaching Point: God provides abundant peace to those who deliberately seek Him and follow Him. Teaching Points:Secure Vertical PeaceStrive for Horizontal PeaceStay Focused on Christ for Inner Peace

Main Text: Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.Preaching Point: A sufficient understanding of God's grace should motivate Christians to strive for godly lives as we eagerly await Christ's return.Teaching Points:Behold God's Grace v11Behave by God's Grace v12Boast in God's Future Grace v13Bask in the Abundance of God's Grace v14

Main Text: Matthew 13:47–52 (ESV) 47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”Preaching Point: The urgency of the gospel message requires us to take God's impending judgment seriously, using every page of Scripture to make the case for salvation.Teaching Points:See the Whole Picture vv47-48Share the Whole Gospel vv49-50 Use the Whole Bible vv51-52

Main Text: Galatians 5:16–23 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Preaching Point: Joy should be one of the most defining characteristics of every Christian, manifesting in their thoughts, feelings, and actions.Teaching Points: Christian Joy Comes from Receiving God's GraceJoy is Suppressed by SinJoy is the Key to Dealing with Life

Main Text: Matthew 13:1–9; 18–23 (ESV) 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”...18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”Preaching Point: The prevalence of mixed responses to Jesus should prompt us to carefully examine our own response to the message of the gospel. Textual Points: Hard-heartedness is a Reason People Reject Christ. vv3-4, 19 Trials Are a Reason People Reject Christ. vv5-6, 20-21Worldly Pursuits Are a Reason People Reject Christ. vv7, 22Followers of Christ Yield Lifelong Fruit. vv8, 23

Main Text: James 4:1–10 (ESV) 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.Preaching Point: Knowing that worldly desires wreak havoc on God's people and even oppose God, every Christian must examine their desires and, when necessary, repent and seek God's forgiveness.Teaching Points:Keep Your Desires in Check vv1-4Expect God to Pursue You vv5-6Humbly Respond to God vv7-10

Main Text: Matthew 13:10–17 (ESV) 10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.Preaching Point: Sincerely commit to following Jesus, knowing that His truths are revealed to those who seek Him and hidden from those who reject Him.Teaching Points:Grasp the Purpose of Jesus' Parables vv11-13See the Urgency of Repentance vv14-15Rejoice in Your Privileged Position vv16-17Textual Summary: The disciples ask Jesus why he teaches in parables, and Jesus responds by revealing that they have been given the gift to know the secrets of the Kingdom, but others have not. He tells them that those who possess this wisdom will receive more, while those who do not, even what they do have, will be taken away. As a result, even though they hear and see, they will never understand. This fulfills Isaiah 6:8–13, where God tells Isaiah to preach to Israel, but God will close their ears and shut their eyes so they will not repent and will receive His judgment. Jesus then tells the disciples how fortunate they are to have eyes that see and ears that hear because many throughout history wished to see what the disciples were seeing and hearing but never had the opportunity. Textual Point: Jesus used parables to convey the mysteries of the Kingdom to those who truly desired to follow Him while concealing the truth from those who rejected Him.

Preaching Point: Staying connected to Jesus is the only way to experience the meaningful, fruitful, and joy-filled year you hope for in 2025.Main Text: John 15:1–11 (ESV) 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.Teaching Points:Expect God to Get His Hands Dirty vv1-3Anticipate Your Full Participation in the Work vv4-6Reap the Benefits of Faithful Cooperation with God vv7-11

Preaching Point: God's promise of a “Conquering Seed”, initiated in Eden and echoed throughout Israel's history, assures us that His plan for salvation is unfailing and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.Main Texts: Genesis 3:1–19, Genesis 4:25, Genesis 6:9–10, Genesis 9:20–29, Genesis 12:1–3, Genesis 17:1–21, Genesis 21:12, Genesis 28:10–14, Genesis 49:8–10Teaching Points:God's Justice Demands Judgment, But His Mercy Provides Hope.God's Judgment is Also the Means of His Salvation.God Doesn't Need Help Fulfilling His Promises.God's Promises Are Not Impacted by Human Limitations.God is Looking for Faithfulness to His Promises.God's Promises Are Still True in Captivity.

Preaching Point: Your relationship with Christ is defined by how you respond to His identity, which should be evident through your obedience to the Father's will.Main Text: Matthew 12:46–50 (ESV) 46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”Teaching Points:Redefine How Someone Rightly Relates to Jesus vv46-48Does Jesus call you family? V49Identify if You Posses the Family Trait v50 We also look at chapter three of our Small Group Book, Keeping the Church Small: Small Group Strategies for Growing Churches.

This episode examines the first two chapters of Keeping the Church Small: Small Group Strategies for Growing Churches. We also review important announcements as we look ahead to this holiday season!

Preaching Point: Salvation is given exclusively through the revelation of Jesus Christ to those who are open to truth and burdened by what this world has to offer.Main Text: Matthew 11:25–30 (ESV) 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”Teaching Points:Acknowledge God's Rejection of Human Wisdom vv25-26Affirm God's Elective Choice in Salvation v27Find Rest in the Work of Christ vv28-30

Preaching Point: Announcing God's coming judgment to our generation is an unpopular but necessary task with eternal implications.Main Text: Matthew 11:20–24 (ESV) 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”Teaching Point:Articulate the Purpose of Jesus' Miracles vv20-21,23Make Repentance a Requirement vv20-21Expect Varying Degrees of Judgment vv22-24

Preaching Point: Anyone proclaiming Jesus as the Christ should anticipate rejection from those who do not want to accept him and doubt from those who do not understand him.Main Text: Matthew 11:1-19 (ESV) 1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”Teaching Points:Adjust Your Expectations vv1-6Prepare for Increased Hostility vv7-14Expect Unfair Criticism vv16-19

Preaching Point: Any accurate explanation of the good news must include God the Son taking on flesh and living in perfect obedience to the Father, including death on the cross in place of sinful humanity to be resurrected by the Father and exalted above all things.Main Text: Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Teaching Points:Confess Jesus is Fully God vv5-6Contemplate the Implication of Jesus' Humanity v7Comprehend the Substitutionary Death of Christ v8Consider Christ's Exalted Status vv9-11

Preaching Point: Our only hope of salvation rests on God's promise to regenerate those who place their faith in the work of Jesus on the cross.Main Text: John 3:1–15 (ESV) 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.Teaching Points: See Your Need for Regeneration vv1-3Grasp the Supernatural Work of Regeneration vv4-8Look to the Cross for Eternal Life vv9-15

Preaching Point : Your commitment to biblical generosity is a powerful and necessary tool for multiplying thanksgiving to God and confirming to others your supreme confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ!Main Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 (ESV) 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!Textual Points:Give with Confidence vv6-10Give to Increase Thanksgiving to God vv11-12Give in Response to your Faith in Jesus Christ vv13-15

Preaching Point: Every believer must promote water baptism as the necessary and symbolic means by which someone publicly professes their faith in Christ and finds inclusion into God's visible church. Main Text: Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Teaching Points:1. Take Baptism Seriously2. Embrace the Symbolic Significance of Baptism3. Grasp the Corporate Nature of Baptism

Preaching Point: The Lord's Supper should shape our worship and serve as an instrumental means of corporately proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.Main Text: Luke 22:14–20 (ESV) 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.Teaching Points:See How the Passover Points to Christ's Redemption vv16-20Be intentional With How You Handle the Lord's Supper vv19-20

No matter the circumstances, persistently pray for God to glorify Himself knowing He answers the prayers of His faithful childrenActs 4:23–31 (ESV)23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Preaching Point: We must see our lives, ministries, and future rewards inextricably linked to Christ and our service to one another, in His name. Main Text: Matthew 10:40–42 (ESV) 40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”Teaching Points:Comprehend Your Union with Christ v40Grasp the Interconnectedness of Our Service v41See the Significance of Personal Generosity v42

Preaching Point: Getting serious about evangelism requires a steadfast commitment to prayer. Main Text: Acts 1:12–14 (ESV) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.Teaching Points:Pray for Evangelistic Progress v14Pray with Evangelistic Christians v13Pray When You Don't Feel Like it v12

Preaching Point: We must be thoroughly convinced that God is pleased with those who boldly stand for the gospel while trusting in His providential care.Main Text: Matthew 10:26–33 (ESV) 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.Teaching Points:Confront People with Gospel Truth vv26-27Rely on God's Providential Care vv28-31Realize God Cares About Your Faithfulness vv32-33

Preaching Point: We must thoroughly grasp the bad news concerning our position before God if we hope to comprehend the significance of the good news of the gospel.Main Text: Ephesians 2:1–3 (ESV) 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.Teaching Points:Accept Your Helpless State v1Realize the Depth of Your Wickedness v2Confront the Inevitable Consequences v3

Preaching Point: Approach the opposition to your evangelism with wisdom and confidence, knowing God's plan will not be thwarted.Main Text: Matthew 10:16–25 (ESV)16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Preaching Point: Embrace the mission of Christ by compassionately and urgently calling people to a right response to the gospel while warning them of the judgment to come.Main Text: Matthew 10:5–15 (ESV) 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.Teaching Points:Stay Laser-Focused on Christ's Mission vv5-8aEnlist Cooperative Co-laborers vv8b-13aKeep Future Judgment in View vv13b-15

Preaching Point: Jesus' compassionate appeal to his disciples should motivate you to pray fervently for more evangelistic laborers while being an answer to that prayer yourself.Main Text: Matthew 9:35–10:5a (ESV) 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5a These twelve Jesus sent out…Teaching Points:Increase Your Compassion for Lost Souls vv35-36Pray for More Evangelistic Workers vv37-38 Expect God to use You to Answer Evangelistic Prayers vv10:1-5a

Title: Jesus is Greater: Polarizing ResponsesPreaching Point: Every Christian must be prepared to address the polarizing responses associated with Jesus Christ.Main Text: Matthew 9:32–34 (ESV) 32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”Teaching Points:1 Biblically Engage with People's Positive Responses to Jesus vv32-33a. Good moral teacher b. Miracle working sage c. The God who save2 Respectfully Address People's Negative Responses About Jesus v34a. Did not exist b. Is not Godc. He's not my bossApplication Questions:1 Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon.2 Read Acts 17:16–34. How does Paul's grasp of God's Word help him interact with the various beliefs of the Athenians, who were open to spiritual conversation, but seriously lacking biblical truth about Jesus?What specific examples can you pick out from this text that show Paul's grasp of the Bible and his understanding of other religious views that help him reason with people using their language in hopes they will respond to the gospel?Why should that motivate you to study the Bible and other worldviews in order to help others respond to the gospel? 3 Read Colossians 4:2–6 and 2 Timothy 2:24–26. How can you practically prepare yourself to engage with the polarizing responses people have about Jesus?4 Read 1 Peter 3:15. What are some of the dangers you face in your family, your church, and society if you are unprepared to respond to questions or opposition toward Christ? 5 What other negative and positive responses have you heard about Jesus that were not mentioned in the sermon that needed further biblical clarity? How did you respond to them? 6 How has another Christian's willingness and ability to effectively answer your questions about God helped you come to faith or grow in your relationship with God?

Preaching Point: Clearly perceiving our desperate plight, we must trust in Jesus Christ as the central figure of our salvation while anticipating his return to rule on the throne of David forever. Main Text: Matthew 9:27–31 (ESV) 27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.Teaching Points:Fixate on the Authority of Jesus v27Exercise Complete Trust in Jesus' Power to Save v28Get Zealous About Your Salvation vv29-30

Micah 7:18–20 (ESV) 18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

God's holiness means he is righteous, and his righteousness demands that he is just!

Holding fast to the biblical gospel requires a clear understanding of what the gospel is and a steadfast confidence in its ability to save you and sustain you.

Preaching Point: Make it your mission to showcase supreme confidence in the authority of Christ, even in the most challenging seasons of life.Main Text: Matthew 9:18–26 (ESV) 18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.

Preaching Point: The arrival of Christ requires you to assess the value of every spiritual practice in light of how it relates to the person and work of Christ.Main Text: Matthew 9:14–17 (ESV) 14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Jesus' authority over the symptoms of sin should serve as a powerful confirmation of his divine mission to remove your sin and cause you to respond in penitent faith.

Jesus' dominion over demonic forces ought to give you extreme confidence in his identity and mission to save you from sin.

Jesus calls you to exercise faith in his supreme authority, even in the most fearful circumstances.

A genuine relationship with Jesus includes a readiness to forsake worldly comforts and even close family relationships to follow Him.

Jesus's miraculous healings should serve as a poignant reminder of God's promise to permanently deliver us through Christ's substitutionary death on the cross.

Our lives should serve as shining examples of unlikely people whose faith in Christ's authority proved sufficient to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Humbly responding to the authority of Jesus is necessary for anyone who desires to obtain the mercy of God.

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Beginning your year with a renewed commitment to focus on eternal priorities is crucial for a fruitful and fulfilling 2024.

Grasping Jesus' divine identity and agency in creation is essential to understanding the magnitude of His incarnational mission to save His creation.

LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Prioritize the hard labor of discipleship so that you can faithfully entrust others to carry on the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations and to the generations to come.

Our call to reach the world for Christ is accomplished by imploring the nations to turn from idols and worship the living God, who will judge the earth in justice and righteousness through Christ.