Village Church Sermons

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 5:1-5You Need Pastors to Help You Endure1 Peter 5:1-21 Peter 2:25Acts 20:28-29Hebrews 13:7Titus 1:5-6Titus 1:9-11Pastors Are Supposed to Lead the Church into the Future God has Designed1 Peter 5:1-31 Peter 1:4-5Jude 1:12James 3:1Ephesians 4:11-12Discipleship Requires the Leadership of Pastors1 Peter 5:4-51 Timothy 1:18-201 Timothy 6:3-51 Corinthians 9:25-27Application Points: Trust that Pastors are a gift from GodFollow the example that the Pastors give as they leadBeware of “Shepherds feeding themselves”Pray for your Pastors to endure for the reward of Christ

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 4:12-19Trials Are Given by God to Build Your Faith1 Peter 4:12-14Matthew 10:24-25John 15:20John 16:33Matthew 5:11-12James 1:2-4Obedience to God Puts You on the Right Side of History1 Peter 4:15-161 Peter 4:191 Thessalonians 4:3-4Acts 7:54-58Follow Jesus in Preparation for Judgment1 Peter 4:17-18Romans 8:11 Corinthians 11:322 Corinthians 5:10Revelation 20:11-15Application PointsTrials are coming, prepare for battleSuffer for righteous actions, not stupidityIf you bear the title of Christian, wear it proudlyLive each day with eternity in mind

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 4:7-11Prayer Drives Action and Mindset and Vice Versa1 Peter 4:71 John 3:2-3Proverbs 4:23Philippians 4:82 Corinthians 10:5God Has Gifted You to Love Others1 Peter 4:8-10James 5:201 Corinthians 12:4-6Use Everything You Have to Serve God1 Peter 4:11Romans 11:361 Corinthians 10:31Application Points:Prepare for the end through prayerControl your mind with God's powerLove others with the gifts God gives youHave the faith to serve God with everything

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 4:1-6Christ's Suffering Changes What You Live For1 Peter 4:1-2Hebrews 12:1-4Romans 8:3-4Psalm 37:4Ephesians 4:11-14Past Sins No Longer Define You1 Peter 4:3-42 Corinthians 5:17Colossians 2:13-141 Corinthians 15:33-342 Corinthians 6:14-18Matthew 5:10-12John 15:18-21God Will Judge Everything You Do1 Peter 4:5-6Matthew 12:36-37Proverbs 11:9Proverbs 11:12-13James 3:8-10Application Points:Choose God's will when it is difficultDo not entertain the slightest sinful temptationResponsibly control your words for the kingdom

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 3:18-22Christ's Victory Has Been Given to You1 Peter 3:181 Thessalonians 5:9-111 John 5:41 Corinthians 15:54-57Christ has Triumphed Over the Spiritual Realm1 Peter 3:19-20Genesis 6:5Genesis 6:8Genesis 6:13-142 Peter 2:52 Peter 3:9Through Faith, Your Future Is Defined by Christ1 Peter 3:21-22Romans 6:3-5Hebrews 10:22-23Application Points:Live in the victory of ChristRead every verse of the Bible in the proper contextThank God for His patienceForm a vision for a future under Jesus' authority

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 3:13-18 Download the Group Guide A Good Life Is a Fearless Life1 Peter 3:13-14Proverbs 16:7Proverbs 3:7Matthew 5:10Matthew 10:28-31Faithfulness Requires Preparation1 Peter 3:15-16Hebrews 10:231 Corinthians 4:1-2James 1:2-4Jesus Gives Victory in Suffering1 Peter 3:17-18Hebrews 10:10Hebrews 10:35-36Romans 5:3-5Application Points:Live a life worth suffering forRefuse to fear peoplePrepare to defend the validity of your faithTrust that Jesus is sufficient

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 3:8-12 Download the Group Guide The Christian Life Is Good for You and Others1 Peter 3:81 Peter 3:101 Peter 1:6Colossians 3:12John 13:34-35Reject Untethered Versions of False Virtue1 Peter 3:81 Peter 2:12Hebrews 4:15Ephesians 4:32Deuteronomy 19:11-13Christians Bless When the World Curses1 Peter 3:9-10Romans 12:192 Corinthians 10:5-6Luke 6:27-28Fight for Peace in a World of Chaos1 Peter 3:11-12John 14:27Romans 8:6Romans 12:18Application Points:Live the good life according to God's standardsBless those around you by developing godly virtuesReject the false virtue of untethered empathyDefeat evil by pursuing Gospel good and peace

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 3:1-7 Download the Group Guide Marriage Is Part of God's Original Created Order1 Peter 3:1-21 Peter 2:121 Corinthians 7:13-14Galatians 3:27-28Proverbs 21:19Inner Beauty Is to Be Treasured Above Vanity1 Peter 3:3-61 Timothy 2:9Proverbs 31:10-12Proverbs 31:30God Designed Marriage for Our Joy and His Glory1 Peter 3:7Colossians 3:19Ephesians 5:25Application Points:Pursue your role in marriage through God's designSubmit to God's vision for marriage instead of the world'sGrow in inner beauty above vanityFind joy in building and maintaining marriages for God's glory

Main Scripture - Matthew 28:18-20 Download the Group Guide We Must Live in Light of Jesus' AuthorityMatthew 28:18-20John 8:56-59Acts 1:8Submitting to Jesus Builds a Culture of DiscipleshipMatthew 28:18-201 Corinthians 15:3-4Romans 6:4Romans 6:10-13Discipleship Forms a Vision for the FutureMatthew 28:20Revelation 21:1-4Jeremiah 29:11Application Points:Remind yourself often that you are under Jesus' authorityFocus on building a lifestyle of discipleshipGrow in knowledge, application, and practice of faithBuild a Christian future with your life

The Resurrection Was Always the Plan of GodMatthew 28:1-6Matthew 16:21Matthew 17:22-23Matthew 20:18-19The Resurrection Is the Anchor of Christian HopeMatthew 28:6-10John 11:25John 14:19You Can Either Believe the Truth of God or the Lies of ManMatthew 28:11-15Matthew 27:64Titus 1:2Application Points:Admit that you are a sinner in need of a SaviorBelieve that Jesus paid the penalty for your sin on the crossUnderstand that Jesus rose from the dead, securing hope for all who believeTrust the truth of God and give your life to Jesus

Main Scripture - Matthew 21:1-11Salvation Belongs to GodMatthew 21:1-5Zechariah 14:4Zechariah 9:9Salvation Is Offered Exclusively through Jesus ChristMatthew 21:6-9Isaiah 62:11-12Psalm 118:25-26God Demands You Give Your Life to Jesus ChristMatthew 21:10-11Acts 4:11-12Luke 19:41-44Application Points:Realize that sin is your greatest threatTrust that salvation is a gift from GodRefuse to be anxious about temporary conditionsTell people about the exclusive love of Jesus Christ

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 2:18-25 Download the Group Guide Unjust Treatment Is No Excuse for Sin1 Peter 2:18-20Colossians 3:22Colossians 4:1Ephesians 6:8-91 Corinthians 7:21Matthew 10:23Follow the Example of Christ in Suffering1 Peter 2:21-23Philippians 3:10Hebrews 12:2-3Christ Guarantees Vindication for the Faithful1 Peter 2:24-251 Peter 1:4Isaiah 53:4-71 Peter 5:4Application Points:Serve God faithfully, even in the face of injusticeSubmit to earthly masters for the sake of ChristWalk the hard road knowing there is rewardFollow Christ no matter the cost

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 2:13-17 Download the Group Guide Living in a Political World Requires God's Wisdom1 Peter 2:13-14Romans 13:12 Timothy 2:1-2Engaging the Culture Requires God's Strategy1 Peter 2:14-16Romans 13:2-4Acts 5:28-29Matthew 22:17-22Living for Christ Above All Requires God's Vision1 Peter 2:16-171 Peter 2:12Romans 13:5-7Application Points:Submit to God by respecting human governmentEngage politics for the good of othersBuild a strategy to know when to rebelFear God for the sake of society

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 2:9-12 Download the Group Guide If You Are a Christian, God Gets to Define Your Purpose1 Peter 2:9-10Isaiah 43:20-21Exodus 19:6Isaiah 43:1If You Are a Christian, You Will Declare War on Your Sin1 Peter 2:11Galatians 5:19-21James 4:1-2Romans 8:12-13If You Are a Christian, You Will Eventually Win1 Peter 2:12Matthew 5:16John 15:20Application PointsRemember your purpose is always defined by GodRemind yourself daily of the GospelDon't wait, declare war on your sin todayLive like you are a chosen citizen of heaven

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 2:1-8 Download the Group Guide Faith Requires a Willingness to Start Over1 Peter 2:1-3Ephesians 4:22-24Psalm 51:101 Corinthians 3:2You Cannot Outgrow God's Potential1 Peter 2:4-5Hebrews 5:12-14John 10:10John 15:16Rejecting Christ Can Only Lead to Stumbling Over Christ1 Peter 2:6-81 Corinthians 1:23-25John 12:48Luke 20:17-18Application Points:Pursue the deep changes God wants for youBuild a God-sized vision and reject limitsInspect the fruit your life is bearingMove with Christ rather than stumbling over Him

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 1:13-25 Download the Group Guide Hope Cultivates Obedience1 Peter 1:13-17Isaiah 40:31Hebrews 11:1-2Jude 1:18God Has a Purpose for Your Redemption1 Peter 1:18-21Titus 2:141 Thessalonians 4:7-8God's Sovereignty Impacts Your Everyday Life1 Peter 1:22-251 Thessalonians 4:92 Timothy 1:8-10Application PointsPut your actions where your hope isLive out your ransom from ChristBreak down the sacred/secular divideDisciple others for the sake of their endurance

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 1:10-12 Download the Group Guide The Gospel Has Always Been God's Plan1 Peter 1:10-11Luke 10:24Romans 1:1-3Amos 3:7Micah 5:2Jeremiah 23:5God's Revelation Is Grace to You1 Peter 1:10-11Hebrews 1:1-21 Corinthians 2:132 Peter 1:18-21Revelation Is Designed to Multiply Faith in Jesus1 Peter 1:122 Timothy 3:14-17John 12:32Application Points:Know God by responding to His RevelationGod has proved His trustworthiness through the GospelTrust God's Word above the wisdom of manMake God known from His own Words

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 1:3-9 Download the Group Guide The Resurrection Is the Revelation of Everything that Matters1 Peter 1:3-4John 3:3-4John 11:25-26Romans 8:11Enduring Faith Looks to Future Glory1 Peter 1:5-7Philippians 3:8-12Ephesians 1:13-14Faith in Jesus Offers Joy Too Big for Words1 Peter 1:8-91 Corinthians 15:19-22Application Points:Anchor your hope to the resurrectionValue eternal reward above worldly gainTrust God's ability to give you enduranceObey God because of what He has promised

Main Scripture - 1 Peter 1:1-2 Download the Group Guide Christian Culture Is Distinct from the World1 Peter 1:1John 15:20John 16:1-2Acts 1:8Election Is God Moving You to a Distinct Culture1 Peter 1:1-2John 15:16Ephesians 1:4-5Romans 8:29Election Sets You Apart for Obedience1 Peter 1:2Hebrews 10:141 Corinthians 6:11Philippians 1:6Application Points:Lean into a life of distinction because of ChristChoose to stand against evil and for ChristTrust God's sovereignty in your lifeLive for the purpose of God above all else

Main Scripture - Ephesians 5:21-6:1 Download the Group Guide Family is a Gift from GodEphesians 5:21-27Proverbs 31:10-12Psalm 127:3-51 Corinthians 7:2-5, 25-311 Timothy 3:2, 4Your Family is Your Nearest NeighborEphesians 5:28-31Deuteronomy 6:1-151 Timothy 5:8Proverbs 13:22Family is Not for the Sake of FamilyEphesians 5:32-6:1Genesis 2:181 Corinthians 7:32-38Matthew 22:23-33Luke 14:25-33ApplicationIf you're single, get married; if you're married, have kids; and if you have kids, go baptize them…upon profession of faithDo not neglect, but do disciple, your family firstGive everything to God

Main Scripture - Matthew 5:13-16 Download the Group Guide Engage the Culture with Objective RealityMatthew 5:13-16Ephesians 4:17-20Engage the Culture with the Gospel of ChristMatthew 5:15-16James 4:4Ephesians 5:112 Corinthians 2:14Engage the Culture by Building a Better OneGenesis 1:281 Peter 1:18-19Ephesians 6:4John 17:16-17Engage the Culture with the Hope They NeedMatthew 5:161 John 1:9Colossians 1:27Application Points:Define objective reality for a world in denialCommit yourself to live for the GospelBuild a lifestyle that unbelievers actually needOffer hope to a hostile culture

Main Scripture - Ephesians 3:7-11 Download the Group Guide If You Live Jesus' Mission, You Will Build His ChurchEphesians 3:7-11Ephesians 1:19-23The Church Is Jesus' Vision for DiscipleshipMatthew 16:18Ephesians 4:11-131 Corinthians 12:14-15, 27Without the Church, You Will Not EndureEphesians 2:19-22Romans 12:3-5Hebrews 10:23-27We Build the Church by Doing Things that Build the ChurchEphesians 3:10Ephesians 4:15-16Application Points:Align your vision for the church with God's visionBuild the church by making disciplesFind joy in your need for the churchTake one more step in building the church

Main Scripture - Matthew 9:36-38 Download the Group Guide You Don't Define the Mission of JesusMatthew 9:36-38John 4:35-38The Mission Is Multiplying Your Faith in OthersMatthew 9:37-38Matthew 28:19-20Mark 1:17John 17:18-20Discipleship Must Be MeasuredColossians 1:28-29John 15:8Ephesians 4:13-141 Corinthians 13:11The Harvest Is PlentifulMatthew 9:37John 20:21Application Points:Submit to Jesus' definition of missionCommit to entering environments of discipleshipMeasure the marks of discipleshipReap the harvest God has prepared

Main Scripture - John 1:17 Download the Group Guide Redemption Is the Work of Jesus for SinnersJohn 1:17Romans 3:21-26We Need God's Grace to Be RedeemedJohn 1:17Romans 5:18-21Galatians 3:11-13Grace Necessitates Bold Commitment to TruthJohn 1:172 John 1:91 Timothy 4:16Hebrews 13:8-9The Gospel Is Proclaimed through Word and DeedPhilippians 1:272 Corinthians 5:19-21Application Points:Redemption is the work of Jesus to save sinnersThe Law reveals your need for God's Covenant of GraceRedemption is anchored to the truth of the GospelLive to make redemption known through your life

Main Scripture - Ephesians 2:8-10The Search for Significance Must Land on ChristEphesians 2:8-10Ephesians 2:19John 1:121 Peter 2:9Change the Square Feet Around Your Own FeetEphesians 2:10Galatians 2:20Colossians 3:102 Corinthians 5:17Good News Is Designed to be ToldRomans 10:13-15Acts 20:24Being a Christian Requires You to Learn, Live, and LeadMark 8:34-351 John 2:5-62 Timothy 2:1-2Application Points:Find your identity in ChristChoose to changeCommit to telling people about JesusMultiply your discipleship for others

Main Scripture - Isaiah 9:6-7Hope Is Found in God Keeping His PromisesIsaiah 9:6Isaiah7:14Isaiah 22:22Matthew 16:19Revelation 3:72 Corinthians 1:20Hope Is Found in God Walking with You Every DayIsaiah 9:6Matthew 7:28Matthew 28:20John 14:26-27Hope Is Found in God Delivering Us from SinIsaiah 9:7Ephesians 2:141 Corinthians 15:25Application Points:Jesus fulfills God's promisesAnchor your hope to the authority of JesusApply God's promises to your personal experienceLive hopeful because God will deliver on every promise

Main Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12Worship Reveals the Condition of Your HeartMatthew 2:1-8Matthew 2:16-17True Worship Always Carries a CostMatthew 2:12Luke 14:28-33Worship the Eternal King This ChristmasMatthew 2:9-11Isaiah 60:1-6Hebrews 12:28-29Application Points:Ask Yourself: What or Who do I worship?Receive the consequences of worship with joyRejoice that Jesus is the King for all people Worship Jesus as the Eternal King

Main Scripture - John 1:1-5 Download the Group Guide Jesus Was Born with a Purpose of RedemptionJohn 1:1-5John 3:16-17Luke 19:10The Gospel Is the Foundation of ChristmasJohn 1:14Matthew 1:21The Glory of Christmas Reveals God's Purpose for YouJohn 1:4-5Titus 2:141 Corinthians 6:20Application Points:Understand the purpose of life through ChristDefine the love of God by ChristExplain the meaning of Christmas in the whole life of ChristLive for the purpose of Christ

Main Scripture - Luke 2:10-14 Download the Group Guide Joylessness Reveals Misplaced TrustLuke 1:26-33Luke 1:46Luke 2:10Psalm 42:11Christmas Joy Is About an Event, Not a FeelingLuke 2:10-14Nehemiah 8:10Fighting for Joy Is a Powerful Witness for JesusLuke 2:11-14John 15:11Application Points:Anchor your joy to the truth of Jesus rather than “feeling”Learn to celebrate with joyFight the urge to be a GrinchUse joy as evangelismDeclare with joy that King Jesus was born

Main Scripture - Psalm 100Thankfulness Reminds Us We Are Not GodPsalm 100Psalm 9:1-2, 19-20James 1:17Thankfulness Is Uniquely ChristianColossians 3:15-17Ephesians 5:15-21Thankfulness Is a Gift from GodPhilippians 4:6–71 Thessalonians 5:18Hebrews 11:6Psalm 92:1-4Application:When you are thankful, remember your CreatorTurn thankfulness into an opportunity to worship GodTake time to be thankful for the GospelAppreciate thankfulness itself as a gift from GodGive thanks in all circumstances

Apple Podcast Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 31IntroductionNumbers 11:14-151 Kings 19:41 Thessalonians 4:13Hebrews 4:14-16Judges 9:52-542 Samuel 17:231 Kings 16:18-19Matthew 27:3-5Exodus 20:13Other People Face Consequences for Your Sin1 Samuel 31:1-2Self-Will Ends in Self-Destruction1 Samuel 31:3-7Romans 12:10Proverbs 9:8Ephesians 4:29Difficulties Are Opportunities to Show Up1 Samuel 31:8-13Romans 2:24Philippians 2:3-11ApplicationSet your sons and daughters up for successInvest in God and others before yourselfLeave a legacy of faith, not failure

Main Scripture - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Download the Group Guide Building a Legacy Requires Generosity2 Corinthians 9:6-82 Corinthians 9:152 Corinthians 4:18Proverbs 11:25Building a Legacy Prioritizes the Next GenerationDeuteronomy 6:6-7Psalm 78:4Proverbs 13:223 John 1:4Building a Legacy Is an Investment in Eternity1 Timothy 6:17-19Matthew 6:19-21Application Points:Give GenerouslyLegacy Fund60% - Next Generation Building20% - Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (IMB)10% - Local Outreach5% - Village Students5% - Reformed Baptist Institute

Main Scripture - Matthew 22:37-40 Download the Group Guide If You Want to Love, You Have to Get PoliticalMatthew 22:37-40God Gives the Church a Political AgendaMatthew 5:13-161 Timothy 2:1-4Political Power Can Be Used for God's GloryRomans 13:1-41 Peter 2:13-15Be Courageous for the Sake of OthersJoshua 1:91 Corinthians 16:13Application Points:Love God and others by being politicalBuild your vision for Gospel impact through politicsSeek to influence the culture around you for biblical moralsWield political power for God's gloryBe courageous because politics matter

Main Scripture - Colossians 2:11-13 Download the Group Guide Baptism Is a Mark of the New Covenant in ChristColossians 2:11-12Matthew 3:13-17Galatians 3:8-9Deuteronomy 30:6Baptism Initiates a Life of DiscipleshipColossians 2:12-13Matthew 28:18-20Acts 2:37-38Baptism Is an Outward Expression of an Inward RealityColossians 2:11-12Romans 6:3-4Galatians 3:27-29Application Points:Understand the distinction of the New Covenant in ChristSubmit to God's authority through faith in ChristPursue the life change that begins with obedience in baptismFind discipleship and unity in the church of Jesus Christ

Apple Podcast Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 29 & 30 Download the Group Guide Sin Will Put You Between a Rock and a Hard Place1 Samuel 29:1-3John 15:19God's Grace Is Greater than Sin1 Samuel 29:4-5Psalm 118:14, 18Romans 5:152 Corinthians 6:14Your Sin Hurts Other People1 Samuel 30:1-6aNumbers 32:231 Corinthians 5:6Proverbs 10:17Repentance Is Proven by Life Change1 Samuel 30:6-9Matthew 3:81 John 3:6Application Points:Stop thinking sin will improve your situationStart submitting to the grace of God in ChristQuit seeking the approval of an unbelieving worldSet an example that benefits othersBear fruit in keeping with repentance

Apple Podcast Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 27 & 28 Download the Group Guide When Fear Drives You, Your Choices Will Be Faithless1 Samuel 27:1-21 Samuel 26:24Proverbs 14:12Psalm 27:1Jeremiah 33:3The Silence of God Is No Excuse for Sin1 Samuel 28:5-8Matthew 7:7John 5:39-40John 10:27Never Underestimate How Far Sin Will Take You1 Samuel 28:9-12; 15-19James 1:14-15Galatians 6:7-8Application Points:Turn to prayer for wisdomTrust God over your feelingsSubmit to God according to His standardsDon't do witchcraftBelieve the law of reaping and sowing

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 26 Download the Group Guide Remember What God Did to Grasp What He Will Do1 Samuel 26:6-8Psalm 77:11-12Psalm 119:105John 14:26Repentance Is a Great Teacher If You Pay Attention1 Samuel 26:9-121 Samuel 26:18-202 Corinthians 7:10God Is Doing More than You Can See1 Samuel 26:21-252 Corinthians 5:7Isaiah 45:15John 13:7Application Points:Remember the works of God so you can imagine what He will doKnow the difference between godly grief and worldly griefRepent of sin before it warps your mindTrust God even when you can't understand what He is doing

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 25 Download the Group Guide You Are Going to Die, and the Story Continues1 Samuel 25:1James 4:13-15Isaiah 40:6-8Never Forget Your Own Need for God1 Samuel 25:2-131 John 2:15-17Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-19Romans 12:19Walking by Faith Often Requires God's Redirection1 Samuel 25:23-26, 32-381 Corinthians 10:12-13James 1:5Application Points:Consider death in the way you choose to liveFlee the temptation of spiritual prideTrust God with vengeancePay attention to how God is trying to redirect youBeg God for wisdom in your decisions

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 24 Download the Group Guide Patience Is a Fruit of Faith to Cultivate1 Samuel 24:1-7Proverbs 16:32James 5:7-8Psalm 58:6-10The Proclamation of God's Word Is Powerful1 Samuel 24:8-15Proverbs 18:21James 1:26Romans 10:17The Courage of the Faithful Dumbfounds the Wicked1 Samuel 24:16-22Ezekiel 3:18-19Hebrews 12:17Application Points:Cultivate a life of patienceDevelop the strength to practice restraintNever underestimate the power of wordsShoulder the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 23 Download the Group Guide You Have to Trust God Even When It Is Difficult to See His Plan1 Samuel 23:1-5Psalm 46:10Proverbs 3:5-6The Righteous Always Have an Advantage Over the Wicked1 Samuel 23:6-141 Peter 3:12John 9:31Psalm 34:17God Always Brings Encouragement If You Will Hear It1 Samuel 23:15-18Jeremiah 29:111 Thessalonians 5:11, 14God Will Even Make His Enemies Fulfill His Promises1 Samuel 23:19-29Acts 2:23Romans 9:17Romans 9:22-23Application Points:Listen to God rather than the worldLook for encouragement in the wildernessRefuse to be stubborn when you are discouragedWalk the path of providence with faith

Main Scripture - Philippians 1:18-26 Download the Group Guide The Church Exists at the Convergence of Doctrine and MissionPhilippians 1:16-18Romans 10:1-4Ephesians 4:14Hebrews 5:12-14We Must Have Courage to Engage the Culture with the TruthPhilippians 1:19-21Ephesians 2:4-6Ephesians 2:12-14Luke 24:47Romans 10:13-14Build the Church to Be a Refuge of Truth in a Culture of LiesPhilippians 1:22-26Matthew 16:18Ephesians 2:19-22Application Points:Learn correct doctrine, so you live the correct missionAvoid separating knowledge and actionExpect to need courage for what is aheadEngage the culture around you with the truthBuild the church with truth and power

Main Scripture - 2 Corinthians 5:14-21The Church Is Built on a Right Understanding of God's Love2 Corinthians 5:14-15John 13:34Ephesians 5:21 John 4:10Life Is Found by Joining the Mission of Jesus2 Corinthians 5:16-17John 17:23-24Philippians 1:8-11Romans 10:15We Must Commit to Forming a Culture of Life Change2 Corinthians 5:18-21Galatians 2:20Application Points:Define love according to ScriptureReject false notions of loveJoin Jesus' mission by growing in your faithBecome an ambassador for ChristCommit to building a culture of life change in the church

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 21-22Matthew 12:1-2, 6-8Good Decision-Making Requires Spiritual Discipline1 Samuel 21:1-15Colossians 3:9-10Ephesians 4:25Revelation 21:8People Will Follow a Faithful Leader1 Samuel 22:1-5Matthew 11:28Exodus 20:121 Timothy 5:8Sin Blinds You to Wisdom1 Samuel 22:6-8Proverbs 29:11-121 Samuel 22:9-151 Samuel 15:18-191 Samuel 22:16-231 Samuel 3:11-14Acts 4:27-28Application Points:Prepare for difficult decisions by making good choices nowTurn to God's Word whenever you doubt anythingRecognize your only escape from sin is repentance

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 20Watch Out for Deception from Sinners1 Samuel 20:1-7Numbers 32:23Psalm 52:1-3Ephesians 5:6Christian Love Is About Covenant Faithfulness1 Samuel 20:8-17Psalm 136:1-3Galatians 6:101 John 4:20-21The Wrath of the Wicked Has No Peace1 Samuel 20:27-34Romans 3:13-18Psalm 141:9-10The Only Real Peace Is Within a Covenant with God1 Samuel 20:35-42Romans 5:1Isaiah 26:3Application Points:Beware the consequences of sin's deceptionFollow the example of God's steadfast love through your commitmentsWatch out for the wrath of the ungodlyDefine your life by the perfect love and peace of God

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 19God Will Use Sin as a Judgment on A Person's Life1 Samuel 19:1-101 Samuel 16:14Genesis 50:20Matthew 12:43-45Proverbs 16:4Good People Employ Strategy to Stop Evil1 Samuel 19:11-17Exodus 1:15-21Joshua 2:3-5James 2:25When the Going Gets Tough, Your Only Option Is to Trust God1 Samuel 19:18-24Isaiah 41:10Psalm 50:15Application Points:Repent of sin to prevent being deceived by sinReplace evil with holinessStrategize on how to apply your faith to defeat evilThink through how to apply ethics in every situationTrust God always, but especially when the going gets tough

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 18True Friendship Is Built on Faithfulness to God1 Samuel 18:1-5Proverbs 18:24Ecclesiastes 4:12John 15:13Biblical Faithfulness Causes Necessary Division1 Samuel 18:6-14Luke 12:51-53Jude 1:17-20Godly Success Brings Accolades and Scorn1 Samuel 18:15-161 Samuel 18:20-29Matthew 5:112 Timothy 3:121 Peter 4:4Romans 8:31Application Points:Build friendships anchored to the GospelSacrifice to build the faith of othersEngage division with unbelieversEndure scorn and stand strong in the favor of God

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 17There Is No Room for Cowardice in Trusting God1 Samuel 17:4-111 Samuel 17:24-27Deuteronomy 31:6Revelation 21:8Proverbs 29:25Courage Is Built through a Process of Discipleship1 Samuel 17:28-37Psalm 56:3-41 Corinthians 16:13Proverbs 28:1Trust God Enough to Get in the Fight1 Samuel 17:41-51Psalm 138:3Philippians 1:20Joshua 10:25Application Points:Embrace the call to a courageous faithNever accept the slander of naysayersPrepare for battle in discipleshipForm a strategy to be courageousGet in the fight and trust Jesus

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 16Past Failure is No Excuse for Present Disobedience1 Samuel 16:1-5Philippians 4:12Philippians 4:19Matthew 6:31-33Genesis 22:7-8Ezekiel 36:22-27, 32God Knows About Everything Inside of You1 Samuel 16:6-13John 2:23-25Psalm 51:1-61 John 3:19-22Spiritual Service is Always Significant1 Samuel 16:14-23Luke 12:48Luke 16:10-13Exodus 31:1-6Romans 12:3-8Ecclesiastes 9:10Application Points:Always obey God without fear or hesitationPursue personal integrity in everythingMake yourself available and able to be used by God

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 14When You Are Obeying God, Move Until He Stops You1 Samuel 14:1-7Acts 1:8Matthew 28:19Faith Is an Invitation to a Dangerous Life1 Samuel 14:6-13Hebrews 11:33-34Hebrews 11:36-38Matthew 10:16Faith Aligns Your Mind with God's Commitments1 Samuel 14:24-30Application Points:Do things to show your faith in JesusMove forward until God says “stop”Engage the hostile culture with the truth of GodBreak commitments that don't make much of JesusStop wasting your life

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 13 & 15God Has Not Been Ambiguous in His Commands1 Samuel 13:1-11a1 Samuel 15:31 Samuel 15:7-91 Samuel 10:8God's Revelation Is Always Superior to Your Ideas1 Samuel 13:11b-131 Samuel 15:10-231 Corinthians 1:25James 3:16-17Proverbs 3:5-6God Always Deals Justly with Sin, In His Timing1 Samuel 13:141 Samuel 15:24-33Proverbs 13:13Habakkuk 2:3Isaiah 30:18Application Points:Obey God's clear commandsTrust God's wisdom in daily decisionsReject skepticism of God's wisdomSubmit to God's timing when it does not fit your own

Main Scripture - 1 Samuel 12If You Do Not Fear and Obey God, There Will Be Consequences1 Samuel 12:13-15Proverbs 1:7Matthew 10:28Ecclesiastes 12:13Don't Let Past Sin Dictate Your Future1 Samuel 12:19-221 John 1:9Isaiah 55:7Romans 8:3-5When Others Disobey God, Stay Faithful1 Samuel 12:23-25Psalm 1:1-2Proverbs 13:201 Corinthians 5:112 Corinthians 6:14Application Points:Make the Fear of God the foundation of your lifeStop believing that one sin means you have to keep sinningSet your mind on the life of the SpiritSurround yourself with people pursuing godly success