“Fight for the Faith” Jude 1-4 Take-Home Truth: Truth is a call to arms against adversaries who creep into our lives like “sneaky ninjas.” Hiya! Christ-Connection: Jesus Christ has chosen us to fight for the faith. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. What creeps in or slips into …

Clothed in Readiness Ephesians 6:12-15, Romans 5:1                   Take-Home Truth: There’s no greater fulfillment than letting God use your voice to share the gospel of peace with others.   Christ-Connection: Peace with God is only found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.    Hook: (Ic …

The Beauty of Peace-Bringing Feet Eph 6: 11-15   Take Home Truth:  Peace with God increases as we share the gospel. Christ-Connection:    Christ provided peace with God through His death on the cross, and God offers this peace to all who call on His name.   Hook:  Does our culture promote …

“Get Dressed!” Ephesians 6:10-14   Take-Home Truth:  God provides His armor to withstand the onslaught of evil. Christ-Connection: Christ hung on the cross so we could have that armor made available to us. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)  Have you ever participated in a spo …

“Stand” Ephesians 6:10-20 Take-Home Truth: Standing is our strategy when experiencing spiritual warfare. Christ-Connection: Spiritual warfare is a reality we will experience as we follow Christ. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Share personal experiences when it was difficult …

The Joy of Fishing with Jesus  Luke 5:1-11 Take-Home Truth: Jesus Christ is always looking for new disciples Christ-Connection: Jesus calls us to do works that we can’t do, but he can. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   Tell about a time you blindly followed someone. What was the …

The Saving Suffering of the Son Isaiah 53 Take-Home Truth: Jesus suffered judgment, so we do not have to. Christ-Connection: Because of Christ’s perfect life, he died a perfect death as a blameless sacrifice. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   Has anyone ever taken the blame for …

Two Daughters: Desperation, Faith, & Miracles Mark 5:21-42 Take-Home Truth: Desperation does not discriminate. It drives some to faith and some to fear.   Christ-Connection: Christ recognizes our desperation and walks toward it, giving us the opportunity to respond to Him in faith.   Hook: …

“Who’s Your One?” Luke 5:17-26 Take-Home Truth: Make an investment in someone like someone invested in you. Christ-Connection: Jesus is the Gospel and we are the conduit He choses to use to communicate this good news to our one. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Tell of a time …

“Serving the Purpose of God – In Our Generation” Acts 13:36 Take-Home Truth:  God is at work in our world. He wants us to use our lives to serve His purpose. (Acts 13:36) Christ-Connection: Jesus has commanded us to make disciples, mark them through baptism and mold them by teaching all that he comm …

Great Commission Sunday Matthew 28:19-20/Acts 1:8   Take-Home Truth: “It is the whole job of the whole church to preach the whole gospel to the whole world.” Spurgeon Christ-Connection: Jesus’ final command was “go and make disciples”. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   Tell abou …

4 Fundamentals of Living on Mission Act 16:16-32   Take Home Truth:  Believers are called to live on mission every minute for the rest of their lives in all of their encounters. Christ-Connection:  Because of Christ we have been given the ministry of reconciliation – God making his appeal throu …

“Faithful Endurance” Hebrews 12:1-2 Take-Home Truth: It requires faithful endurance to make it home and experience joy. Christ-Connection: The race we run is difficult, and Jesus is the One who finished the race and perfects our faith. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Describe a …

“We Demand a King” 1 Samuel 8 Take-Home Truth:  Jesus is the only good king. He demands and deserves our allegiance and worship. Christ-Connection: Only Christ can take away the Holy wrath of God that we deserve. (Rom 5:9) Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Describe a time when you …

Christ in All of the Scriptures Luke 24:13-35   Take-Home Truth: The Bible is a single, unified, unfolding, thrilling story of God’s grace towards rebel sinners that culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ-Connection: In scripture we see Jesus is everything we fail to …

Christ, The Faith Preserver Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 Take-Home Truth: Our faith will be tested and we might come up short, but we have an Advocate and Protector. Christ-Connection: In the daily battles we face, Christ’s intercession for us is constant and sure.   Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the gro …

Dressed for Armageddon Revelation 16:12-16   Take-Home Truth: The Battle of Armageddon has already begun. Christ-Connection: Christ provides the means of victory for His people. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   What is your most favorite item of clothing? Why? How do you feel w …

“A Love That Warns”  Revelation 15:1 – 16:11  Take-Home Truth:  Every natural disaster and symbol of the world’s brokenness is a loving warning from God to repent while there is time.  Christ-Connection: Anyone who believes and repents will be saved from their sin and kept in Christ until the end, b …

“Singing on the Other Side” Revelation 15:1-4 Take Home Truth: Saved people sing to the God who saved them. Christ Connection: Christ’s victory is the only reason we can sing. Hook: (Ice breaker question. Get the group talking!) What is your favorite song or hymn and why? Engage: (Observe the passag …

4 Characteristics of Someone Who Loves Jesus Luke 7: 36-50 Take Home Truth: Our love for God is demonstrated by accepting what Jesus has done for us (freedom from sin) and living our lives ignited by that love. Christ-Connection: In light of the command of God stated in Matt 22: 37-38 to love the Lo …

The Trinity’s Church Colossians 1:24-29   Take-Home Truth: The Trinity’s Church exists to make the mystery of Christ known. Christ-Connection: The mystery is revealed as “Christ in you, the hope of Glory”, which is the energy in which we toil.  Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)  T …

“Of Course He Will”   Take-Home Truth: We are confident Jesus will return because He came the first time. Christ-Connection: Jesus is the source of our hope while waiting. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   1. Talk about something you’ve done or experienced once that yo …

The Justice of the Coming King Revelation 14:17-20   Take-Home Truth: Jesus’ message is, “I’m coming!!” Christ-Connection: He was born to save us from His own wrath. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Describe a past experience, family visit, or event that you were anticipating and …

The Final Harvest of The Son of Man Rev 14: 14-16   Take Home Truth:  While evil is prevalent in the world, God is patiently waiting for people to choose Him (righteousness) over evil.   Christ-Connection:  The Son of Man will reap the harvest (judge)from this earth.    Hook:  Describ …

Rejoice Philippians 4:4-7                                                                                Take-Home Truth: In Christ, we can rejoice through gritted teeth and trembling hands. Christ-Connection: We can take joy in Christ’s work; past present, and future. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. G …

“Enduring Until Rest and Reward” Revelation 14:6 – 13 Take-Home Truth:  God wants us in heaven so He warns us about hell. Christ-Connection: Through Christ we give glory to God, avoid His wrath and receive the blessings of Heaven. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Other than Jesus …

“Marks of a Redeemed Life” Revelation 14:1-5   Take-Home Truth: If you are not following Jesus, you are not a follower of Jesus. Christ-Connection: Belief does not mean a relationship, following does. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   1. Tell the group what traits you …

The Song of The Redeemed Rev 14: 1-5 Take Home Truth:  God’s redeemed people have a reason to sing a new song in heaven. Christ-Connection:  Because He Loves us and is for us, God provided Jesus as the Sacrifice for our redemption.  Jesus gives us the reason to sing!   Hook:  Why does God use r …

Our Great High Priest Hebrews 4:14-16                                                                                Take-Home Truth: Jesus is the Great High Priest. Christ-Connection: We need Jesus’ perfect priesthood, person, and provision. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   Te …

“The Propaganda of a Counterfeit Christ” Revelation 13:11 – 18 Take-Home Truth:  Satan through the beast tries to imitate Christ. But those who have been accepted by the true King do not seek acceptance by a deceived culture. Christ-Connection: Christ alone is worthy of our worship, trust and pursui …

Learning How to Plod Rev. 13:1-10 Take-Home Truth: The ultimate call on our life is to learn to “plod and to persevere” through the challenges of this world.   Christ-Connection: Revelation 13:8 promises that if the Lamb has written our names in the Book of Life, we will make it through the sufferin …

“Saved from the Dragon’s Flood” Revelation 12:13-17   Take-Home Truth: God provides grace and mercy for His children to overcome the deluge of Satan’s lies. Christ-Connection: God moved heaven and earth to defeat our enemy on the cross! Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Ha …

A Case of Spiritual Blindness Luke 16:19-31   Take-Home Truth: “The great chasm is a chilling reminder that there are a million ways you can choose to spend your tiny speck of a life, but only one of two ways to spend the eons of your infinite eternity.” Caleb Crittendon. Christ-Connection: Apart fr …

A Model Church 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10                                                                                Take-Home Truth: Identity in Christ empowers believers to become model members who make up model churches. Christ-Connection: Believers become model members by the work of the Spirit …

“War in Heaven” Revelation 12:7 – 12 Take-Home Truth:  Satan’s accusations have no power over the believer. Christ-Connection: Christ defeated Satan and the power of our sin. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Is there an example from your past where you failed at something that pr …

“The Woman and the Dragon”  Revelation 12:1-6   Take-Home Truth: Satan’s attack is great against us, but God’s care will sustain us.  Christ-Connection: In the face of Satan’s rage, Christ is our greatest provision to persevere in the wilderness. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talki …

The Ark of the Covenant Revelation 11:19                                                                                Take-Home Truth: Sinful man cannot approach a holy God without a blood sacrifice. Christ-Connection: We can approach Jesus, the true Ark of the Covenant, because of his sacrifice o …

He Shall Reign Forever and Ever Rev. 11:13-19                                                                                Take-Home Truth: God’s kingdom is the only kingdom that will last. Christ-Connection: Jesus will judge his enemies and reward his servants. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get th …

Vulnerable & Invincible Revelation 11   Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   Share about a time in your life when you found calm and peace in the middle of a difficult situation.                                                                               Take-Home Truth: …

“A Soft Heart and a Hard Head” Revelation 10 Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Share a time when you experienced an intense thunderstorm. Describe what you heard, saw, and how you felt. Take-Home Truth: Jesus, while comforting and helpful, challenges His followers to speak hard …

The Beauty and Necessity of Repentance Revelation 9:20-21 (See question 2 for additional scriptures to discuss)                                                                              Take-Home Truth: True repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of direction because you have a cha …

“Shepherd Leadership – Tending the Flock of God”  1 Peter 5:1-5 Take-Home Truth:  We should all live a life worthy of imitation Christ-Connection: Jesus Christ is the ultimate elder, the ultimate shepherd, and the ultimate overseer Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)  Discuss a time …

The Sixth Trumpet and the Decline of Reason Rev. 9:13-21                                                                                Take-Home Truth: God’s truths will always be victorious over the demonically inspired deceptions of this age. Christ-Connection: Jesus is the means by which believe …

“Listen to the Trumpet of Jesus” Revelation 8:6 – 9:12   Take-Home Truth: The one who does not heed the warnings of God will suffer the judgment of God. Christ-Connection: Only Jesus can save you from the judgement of God. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Warning labels a …

Prayer Smells Good to God Revelation 8:1-5   Take-Home Truth: God has ordained prayer from saints who are silenced by the wonder of God to occur before He will move.  Christ-Connection: The Church should pray fervently for the return of Christ. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Gi …

“Is it Sinful to Love America”   Take-Home Truth: God has and is blessing America in spite of our flaws. Christ-Connection: The gospel of Christ is the revelation of God’s blessing on America. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Share an experience/story/event that reveals the great …

“Encouragement for New Believers” 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10   Take-Home Truth: Living out our faith through our work, labors of love, and our prayers can open up avenues to share the gospel to a hurting world. Christ-Connection: The truth of Jesus Christ and our position “In Him” enables us to lov …

The Breakfast that Changed Everything John 21:1-19                                                                                Take-Home Truth: The God of all creation deeply cares to restore you back to Him.  Christ-Connection: Christ mercifully calls his people back to fellowship and rest for t …

Do You Belong to the True Israel? Revelation 7:1-8   Take-Home Truth: Revelation teaches the purified Church (the True Israel) to never stop sharing the Gospel and to continue through the tribulations of this world until Christ returns. Christ-Connection: Christ is the True Vine, the fulfillment of …

Seeds, Soils, and Souls Matthew 13:1-23   Take-Home Truth: Our hearts have a tendency to be hard, shallow, and divided, but humble hearts receive God’s word and bear much fruit. Christ-Connection: Christ reveals the truth to those who are willing to listen.  Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the grou …

The Sealing of the Servants of God Revelation Chapter 7   Take-Home Truth: We have been sealed for battle and God will bring us home. Christ-Connection: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.” Hook: (Ice-breaker questio …

My Life-Shaping Influences    Take-Home Truth:  God uses people and events to shape our lives. Christ-Connection:  Jesus is the perfect example of how to live consistently despite the challenges and confusion in this world.  What have been the primary influences/ events that have shaped your li …

The Wrath of the Lamb Revelation 6:12-17   Take-Home Truth:  The Lamb forgives and the Lamb Judges.  Christ-Connection: The only way to be saved from the wrath of the Lamb is to place your trust in the blood of the Lamb. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Describe a time when you t …

Dying To Speak For Christ Rev 6: 9-11    Take-Home Truth:  God’s justice will prevail even if the world’s events appear random and hopeless. Christ-Connection: Christ is planning His return and our future deliverance from suffering and pain. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)  Opti …

The Lamb Opens the Seals Revelation 6:1-8   Take-Home Truth: Jesus unleashes the wrath of God on the world.  Christ-Connection: The judgment of Christ is sent as a means of grace to point sinners to repentance. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)  Have you ever experienced a close c …

“Eternal Magnet” John 12:32-33   Take-Home Truth: Jesus’ death raises His influence and brings hope to the world! Christ-Connection: Jesus is the only One who has the ability and authority to change lives for eternity. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Describe some things …

The Cure for Spiritual Amnesia Deuteronomy 4:1 – 9   Take-Home Truth: The Holy Spirit helps us remember as we actively dig into His Word to remember God’s statutes, His deeds and His global purpose. Christ-Connection: Christ’s light shines through us as we keep the pattern of His sound teaching …

To Marvel At An Awesome God Revelation 5:1-14   Take-Home Truth: Our sin requires the sacrifice of a perfect human to bring salvation to the world which inspires us to worship.  Christ-Connection: Christ is the perfect human sacrificial lamb. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)  Sha …

“A Throne, a Scroll, and A Lamb” Revelation 5:1-10   Take-Home Truth: God is holy and we are sinful. Christ’s sacrifice bridges this gap and inspires us to worship. Christ-Connection: Anyone can find peace with God (salvation) through the power of the slain Lamb! Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Ge …

The King on His Throne Revelation 4: 1-11   Take-Home Truth: The King sits on the throne where he rules the universe.  Christ-Connection: Jesus invites us to see the end of the story he has written. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) Have you ever met someone of importance? How did …

The Church that Sickened God Revelation 3:14-20   Take-Home Truth: We need to humble ourselves, repent from our pride, and  remember that Jesus is the source of all blessings in our life, so that we can be a comfort and refreshment to a hurting world around us.  Christ-Connection: Come to the table– …

Living as an Ambassador Directed and Defined by the King 2 Corinthians 5:17-21   Take-Home Truth: If we are a child of God, we are qualified to be an Ambassador for Christ. Christ-Connection: We are reconciled to God through Christ. Because of this we are not defined by our past; we are defined …

“The One Who Opens Doors” Revelation 3:7-13   Take-Home Truth: You are mine, and I’m coming back for you! Christ-Connection: Jesus will keep us from denying His name when we suffer. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) 1. Share a time when you had a door open that you saw as an …

The Church that Forgot to Remember Revelation 3:1-6   Take-Home Truth: Authentic Christianty will challenge the culture with the truth of Christ.  Christ-Connection: Christ gives the strength to act with urgency in spite of opposition. Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   Tell abou …

Waiting for the Morning Star Revelation 2:18-29   Take-Home Truth: The church must cling to the truth of Scripture and the hope of Christ in the midst of distractions and false teachers. Christ-Connection: Jesus, who has done all the heavy lifting for us, is the hope for believers.  Hook: (Ice-break …

Hidden Manna, a White Stone, and a New Name Revelation 2:12-17   Take-Home Truth: Perseverance without compromise leads to eternal rewards greater than anything we can comprehend in this world. Christ-Connection: Jesus persevered by being faithful through suffering and death so that we could perseve …

“Thankful for the Eleventh Hour” Revelation 2:8-11   Take-Home Truth: The Bible teaches that suffering is controlled by God who will one day reward us with infinite joy.  Christ-Connection: Satan tests us, but God determines to keep us.  Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   De …

To Love Like We Did at First  Revelation 2:1-7 Take-Home Truth: The journey is hard but the reward is everlasting joy. Christ-Connection: Christ’s love is too great to leave us where we are.  Hook: (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!) What was your first love? Describe the emotion, the pas …

Working Through Doubt When Obedience Brings Pain Exodus 5:1-6:12   Take-Home Truth: God’s deliverance is coming, but it normally takes longer to arrive than we think. Christ-Connection: When our obedience results in trial and loss, we must never forget that Christ will never forget us. For ever …

The Logo Sermon  1 Corinthians 10:31    Take-Home Truth: Worshipping God, Obeying Jesus, and Witnessing to the world should be the preoccupation of the Christ follower.  Christ-Connection: Because Jesus completed the work God gave Him to do (John 17:4), He is worthy to be praised and followed.  …

The Angels and Aziz Colossians 1:15-2:2   Take-Home Truth: The gospel is for all people, and no one is out of reach.  Christ-Connection: God’s mystery of redemption whispered through the ages was fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Hook:  (Ice-breaker question. Get the group talking!)   When was the las …

An Old Dragon and a New King Matthew 2:1-23; Rev. 12:4; Micah 5:6; Daniel 5:11   Take-Home Truth: Kings die, Jesus lives, the dragon is thrown into the lake of fire, and Jesus sits on the throne!  Christ-Connection: Christ is the ultimate provision in the chaos of this world. Hook:  (Ice-breaker que …

Born of Virgin Matthew 1:18-23   Take-Home Truth: The virgin birth of Jesus uniquely qualifies him to solve the problem of sin. Christ-Connection: Jesus is the only solution to the world’s sin problem. Reflect: (Go deeper in the Word and in our world)   Why is Jesus’ birth in the flesh ess …

God’s Kingdom is More Than Legos Matthew 1:1-17   Take-Home Truth: The genealogy of Jesus Christ shows the unstoppable power and unrelenting kindness of God in human history.  Christ-Connection: Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah from the family line of Abraham and David.  Reflect:(Go deeper i …

A Theology of Rest How the soul finds rest in Christ   Matthew 11:28-30   Take-Home Truth: With the advent of Christ came the advent of rest.  Christ-Connection: Behind your need for rest lies your need for Christ.    Reflect:(Go deeper in the Word and in our world)   As a group, read Matt …

Hope Unveiled Revelation 1:9-21 Take-Home Truth: Jesus is the King of the universe who works in the chaos as he walks with his church. Christ-Connection: Jesus is God, Jesus is life and Jesus rules death. Reflect:(Go deeper in the Word and in our world)   1. As a group, read Revelation 1:9-21. …

The Love of a Suffering & Reigning King Revelation 1:4-6 Take-Home Truth: Our ultimate hope in a dark world is Jesus Christ, the Faithful One. Christ-Connection: Jesus is a leader who never failed, a martyr who conquered death, and a king who truly reigns. Reflect:(Go deeper in the Word and in o …

Pray Like Moses Exodus 33:12-14   Take-Home Truth: Prayer reveals and changes the heart of a believer. Reflect: (Go deeper in the Word and in our world) Last week you resolved to respond in a specific way? How did that go? Read Exodus 33:12-14 together as a group. What is one key take away from …

The Boldest Prayer Ever Made Exodus 14:21-29; 19:4-6, 16-18; 24; 32:1 Take-Home Truth: Behold the glory of God! Reflect: (Go deeper in the Word and in our world) Last week you resolved to respond in a specific way? How did that go? What parallels did you notice between the story of Israel, the Ameri …

Great Storms, Great Promises Acts 27   Take-Home Truth: In life’s storms God strips away all hopes so that I hope only in his promise. Reflect: (Go deeper in the Word and in our world) Last week you resolved to respond in a specific way? How did that go? Where do our friends at work and school tend …

The Spirit Changes Everything Ephesians 5:15-20 Take-Home Truth: The power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed in our lives when we speak about Christ, sing unto Christ, and celebrate the person of Christ with other believers. Christ-Connection: Christ, in his kindness, has sought you out and given you …

THE NEED FOR A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE Ephesians 5:15-18 Take-Home Truth: Living a Spirit-filled life is essential for faithfulness and service to Jesus Christ. Reflect: (Go deeper in the Word and in our world) Last week you resolved to respond in a specific way? How did that go? Do you believe that the …

Shine Ephesians 5:11-14 Take-Home Truth: Christ-followers expose darkness in our own lives and in our community by speaking the gospel and inviting repentance. Christ-Connection: The light of Christ exposes darkness in the world and in the church. Reflect: (Go deeper in the Word and in our world) We …