2019 September Sermons

• 09/01/19
• 09/08/19
• 09/15/19
• 09/22/19
• 09/29/19

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Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1-31

I. Intro 
Big Idea: We demonstrate Christ’s love by using our gifts in unity.

II. The Difference  
A. God’s Spirit makes a difference. 1 Corinthians 12:1-3
B. God’s Spirit creates a diverse unity. 1 Corinthians 12:4

III. Manifest                                                                                                                                     
A. God gives gifts to benefit others for His glory. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 14:25, 40
B. Our worth is found in honoring Christ’s body. Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

IV. Belong                                                                                                                                          
A. Every believer has a gift. 1 Corinthians 12:15-20
B. Everyone’s gift matters. 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

V. Excellence
A. Consider what moves you. 1 Corinthians 12:27
B. Think about your role. 1 Corinthians 12:28
C. Ask the community. 1 Corinthians 12:29-31
 
 Things to Consider

• What’s something from 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 you found challenging or encouraging? Why do you think God makes the church so diverse in its gifts? 
• What’s the difference between spiritual gifts and human aptitude? In what ways can they overlap? What’s a burden you have for others? 
• Do you see yourself as more of a teacher/leader, a counselor/helper, or an administrator? How have people encouraged you in your gift(s)? 
• Who’s someone you can support or encourage to use his or her gift? 

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Prepare
Mark 1:1-8

I. Intro
Big Idea: Repentance prepares us for Christ's work.

II. Good News
A. Mark shows who Jesus is. Mark 1:1
B. In preparing to meet Jesus, we meet God. Isaiah 40:1-3; Malachi 3:1; Mark 1:2-3

III. Repentance
A. Repentance is a good thing. Mark 1:4
B. We need to repent. Mark 1:5

IV. Clothing
A. John identified as a prophet. 2 Kings 1:8; Mark 1:6
B. John decreased. Mark 1:7; John 3:30

V. Baptized
A. Be baptized. Mark 1:8a
B. Be made new. Mark 1:8b; 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What comes to mind when you hear the word repent?
• What’s something that encouraged or challenged you from Mark 1:1-8?
• Why do you think Mark shows us who Jesus is in his gospel rather than just telling us facts about Him?
• Read Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:1-3. How do these verses help us understand what Jesus’ reign is like?
• What’s a way you’ve experienced God’s goodness through repentance?
• How can God us our sincere repentance to change us as a church?
• What’s something you need to repent of? Pray for one another.

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Follow
Mark 1:9-20

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus calls us to follow in the path of His righteousness.

II. Pleased
A. In fulfilling all righteousness Jesus identified with us. Matthew 3:13-15; Mark 1:9; Hebrews 1:1-2
B. God doesn’t need us. Mark 1:10-11

III. Sent
A. Sometimes the Spirit leads us into hard places. Mark 1:12
B. We can obey. Mark 1:13; 1Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15

IV. Time
A. God’s timing is perfect. Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:14
B. Living under Christ’s rule has consequences. Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:15
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V. Called
A. We can extend the grace we’ve received. Jeremiah 16:16; Matthew 19:10; Mark 1:16-18
B. Being a Christian means following Christ. Mark 1:19-20; Luke 14:2

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s something you’d have a hard time living without?
• What’s something from Mark 1:9-20 you found compelling, encouraging or convicting?
• Read Matthew 3:13-17. Why was it important for Jesus to be baptized?
• How do people sometimes misunderstand the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives?
• How has God helped you to obey Him lately?
• Why do you think the disciples were willing to drop everything immediately to follow Jesus?
• How can you respond to Mark 1:9-20? Pray for one another.

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Conflict
Mark 1:21-45

I. Intro
Big Idea: Deliverance occurs because of Jesus’ authority. John 16:33

II. Authority
A. Jesus’ words are different. Mark 1:21-24; James 2:19
B. Jesus doesn’t need a formula. Mark 1:27-28; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Revelation 12:11

III. Healing
A. Jesus healing was instantaneous. Mark 1:29-31; John 9:1-12
B. Jesus is always in control. Mark 1:32-34; John 3:20

IV. Focus
A. In crisis Jesus sought His Father. Mark 1:35-37
B. The gospel delivers. Matthew 7:21-23; Mark 1:38-39

V. Testimony
A. Jesus is willing to make us clean. Mark 1:40-42
B. Instead of gossip, offer the gospel. Mark 1:43-45

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If you were to describe your life as a weather report – what’s the weather like in your world today?
• What’s something from Mark 1:21-45 you hope we talk about as a group?
• How have you experienced Jesus’ teaching as different from other teaching?
• Read John 2:23-25. Why didn’t Jesus need (or sometimes want) people to testify about Him?
• What’s a Scripture that has shaped your life lately?
• Read Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. What does this teach us about Jesus’ calling to be His witnesses and to make disciples today?
• How can focusing on the gospel help us to be better witnesses individually and as a church?
• What’s a practical why you can respond to what we’ve found in Mark 1:21-45? Pray for one another.

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Forgiveness
Mark 2:1-12

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins.

II. Crowds
A. Jesus had a reputation for changing lives. Mark 2:1

B. Jesus focused on the gospel. Mark 2:2

III. Faith
A. Faith and action go together. Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 2:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:26

B. Forgiveness matters most. Mark 2:5; Luke 15:10; Hebrews 4:13

IV. Authority
A. Jesus proved He is God. Psalm 139:2; Mark 2:8-9

B. Jesus verified our forgiveness. Daniel 7:13-14; Mark 2:10-11

V. Praise
A. Jesus offers a new life through giving us a new heart. Mark 2:12a

B. We’ve never seen anyone like Jesus! Exodus 20:3-4; Mark 2:12b

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What was a high, and a low of your week?
• What’s something from Mark 2:1-12 you found important, meaningful, or confusing?
• Read Isaiah 53:1-5. Some Christians take this passage (and Mark 2:1-12) as proof that those who have faith in Christ will be healed in this world. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?
• How was it possible for Jesus to see the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends? How does their example relate to Christ followers today?
• Read Hebrews 10:14. How has Jesus’ authority to forgive all your sin shaped your life lately?
• What’s a way offering sincere thanks to God can affect our witness to others?
• What’s a specific way you can respond to Mark 2:1-12? Pray for one another?

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