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Pastor Steve Thomas
Romans 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Peter 2:9-12
Gospel and Goal_Sermon Notes
Going Deeper:
- Read 1 Cor. 15:1-4. If you want, circle or underline key verbs and nouns.
- what is one word of phrase that stands out to you? why?
- How does the phrase “according to the Scriptures” function in the passage? How does it inform understanding the gospel and Old Testament?
- What are the ways Paul indicates believers relate to the gospel?
- What is the gospel? how would you summarize it?
- Pauil’s summary includes facts about Jesus and their meaning, but not Jesus’ ethical teaching. Why is this distinction vital to the Christian message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone?
- Both in Corinth and Rome (Romans 1:15) Paul talks about preaching the gospel to Christians. What are some benefits to remindinfg Chrstians of the gospel? (c.f. Gal 1:6-8; 2:11-14)
- Spiritual Excercise: Pray for a chance to encouage a brother or sister in Christ with the hope, assurance, and power of the gospel.
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Pastor Steve Thomas
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-17; Romans 8:29
Image of God Description and Destiny_Sermon Notes
Going Deeper:
- Read Genesis 1:26-28 and Gen. 2:15-17
- Analyze the differences between God’s creating plant life (Gen. 1:11-13), water animals (1:20-23), land animals (1:24-25) and human life (1:26-28).
- What makes “Human” different from all else in God’s creation?
- What do you think it means to “image” God? What needs to happen to rightly reflect God’s glory into His creation?
- Read Gen. 9:6 and James 3:9. How is the image of God used in these verses? Who has the image of God?
- Col. 1:15 says that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God”. How does this help you understand what it is to be in God’s likeness?
- Spiritual Exercise: Rom. 8:29 teaches us that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus, who is the image of God. Read and meditate on Gen. 1:26-28 and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you could better reflect God in your life this week.
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Pastor Steve Thomas
Eyes of Faith_Sermon Notes
Going Deeper:
- Read Mark 10:46-52 two or three times. Then, read Mark chapters 8-10.
- Who are the characters in the account of Bartimaeus?
- How does Bartimaeus’ experience of Jesus help you understand Jesus’ teaching about children (10:13-16) and the Rich Man (10:17-27)?
- How does Bartimaeus’ response to Jesus’ question differ from that of James and John (10:36-37)? What can this teach you?
- How does Jesus’ love shine through in this story? What are the images?
- How does Bartimaeus show faith? Where do you need to exercise faith?
- Spiritual Exercise: Make a point this week to ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to those around you who are crying out for God’s mercy (audibly or silently). If you see someone, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a heart like Jesus. Stop. Ask them what they want Jesus to do for them. Pray with them and encourage them to meet Jesus and walk with Him..
