Daily Worship is a great resource designed to help you in your personal devotions. Each weekday morning, and once on the weekends, a new worship guide is published at 5:00am that includes a Scripture passage of preparation, a passage to read and meditate upon, prayer points, and a song of response related to the day's reading. For those that prefer the printed format, they can be downloaded here.
Prepare: Psalm 27:1-6 Read Ezra 8:1-36 Think From Ezra 6:16-22, we know that there were priests and Levites in Jerusalem. Why do you think Ezra felt it necessary to have more Levites travel to Jerusalem? The trip to Jerusalem would take 4 months (Ezra 7:8-9), giving plenty of time for attacks by bandits or enemies of Israel. If you had been in Ezra's shoes, would yo...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 26:1-12 Read Ezra 7:1-28 Think In Ezra 1, we learned that 42,360 Israelites had returned from Babylon. Why do you think God wanted to add Ezra to that? What made Ezra special? What desire had God planted in Ezra's heart? What shows us that God's hand was upon Ezra? Sending a teacher of the law was important to God, so the law should be important to us...
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Series:Unto Us a Child is Born Passage:Isaiah 9:1-7, John 1:1-14- Mighty God THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Isaiah 60:1-3,Psalm 112:4 Song:Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Verse 3)- We declare Jesus to be the one who brings light to the world. Song:Lift High The Name of Jesus-We exalt Jesus as our King, Lord, and...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 25:11-22 Read Esther 9:1-10:3 Think We've already covered this a few times, but one of the main messages running throughout Esther is that God has different plans than people do, and he orders our lives to carry them out. Not only are they different, they are sometimes even opposite. We see that in 9:1 where it says "the reverse occurred." The Jews in...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 25:1-10 Read Esther 7:1-8:17 Think Do you see another Gospel connection in this section? The fear that comes over Haman in chapter 7 is similar in some ways to the fear that we would have if God had not sent his Son to provide a means of reconciliation for us. But, God has worked through Jesus to offer forgiveness to those of us who will put our trust...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 24:1-10 Read Esther 5:1-6:14 Think In chapter 6, not only do we see God continue to carry out his plan of protection for his people, we also get an example of what Luke talks about in Luke 18:14. Haman is clearly exalting himself while Mordecai seems to do the opposite. During the king's restless night of sleep, he became aware of or was reminded of w...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 23:1-6 Read Isaiah 9:6, Galatians 4:4-7 Think The word Advent means coming. The Advent season is a special time that many Christians observe each year to both celebrate the First Advent of Christ, when the "Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" and to look with hope at the Second Advent, when Christ will return. This Sunday is the first Sunday of Ad...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 22:22-31 Read Esther 4:1-17 Think In Esther 4, the queen is faced with an incredibly difficult decision. A plot has recently been created to destroy all the Jews, a group of which she is a member. Her uncle, Mordecai, tells her that she should go to the king to plead for their lives. But, this also comes with the risk of death because the law of the t...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 22:12-21 Read Esther 3:1-15 Think Chapter 3 introduces us to Haman, a ruler who creates a plan to destroy the Jews, God's people. What connections or similarities do you see between the story of Esther and the Gospel? In the story of Jesus, people seek to kill God's own Son. But, God works for his glory and watches over his people. Pray Praise God ...
Keep Reading Series:Unto Us a Child is Born Passage: Isaiah 9:1-7, Galatians 4:4-7 - Wonderful Counselor THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer: Isaiah 40:9-11, Psalm 95:6-7a Song:O Come All Ye Faithful -We call the faithful of God to come and adore Christ the Lord! Song: Sing To The King- We acknowledge that Jesus is king and lo...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 22:1-11 Read Esther 2:1-23 Think God's sovereign plan continues with Esther being chosen out of a multitude of other young women to be the next queen. It also includes Mordecai discovering a plot to harm the king. God doesn't always work the way we expect. Do you trust in His plan? Pray God is still working out his plans around the world to this da...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 21:1-13 Read Esther 1:1-22 Think The events in the book of Esther actually occur between Ezra chapters 6 and 7 in the timeline of history. Esther starts off with a display of King Ahasuerus' wealth and abundance. It continues with the king trying to display his ultimate control by banishing his queen and starting the search for another. Despite these ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 20:1-9 Read Ezra 6:1-22 Think Chapter 6 records the completion of the building of the temple with the help of the Persian King Darius. Look back and see all the times he mentions God's name in this decree. Towards the end of the chapter the Passover is once again celebrated. Why did the Jews celebrate the Passover? What is its significance? Why was th...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 19:1-14 Read Philippians 4:4-7 Think Last week, Pastor Mike walked us through 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, and there we saw that it is God's grace that increases our thanksgiving, and thanksgiving increases God's glory. We even saw a surprising link between missions and thanksgiving! This Sunday, Pastor Dave will teach Philippians 4:6-7, and connect thanksg...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 18:43-50 Read Ezra 4:1-5:17 Think How would you describe the adversaries of Judah in these two chapters? Why did the adversaries of Judah "frustrate" their purpose? Take note of the Jews response in 5:11-16. Reread verse 12. Much is made of God's love today that often His other emotions are forgot about. Do you think we can anger God today? What are s...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 18:31-42 Read Ezra 3:1-13 Think If you were an exile at this time sent back to rebuild the temple, why would you build the altar first? What were some of the things the Jews did to worship the Lord in verse 1-7? Imagine a stadium full of fans cheering on their respective teams. When a big play happens, the stadium erupts with noise that can be heard f...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 18:25-30 Read Ezra 2:1-70 Think This chapter is the documentation of who went back to Judah and Jerusalem (vs 1). At the end of the documentation Ezra records the heads of households giving each according to their ability for the construction of the temple. Again, the theme of faithfulness is displayed by God. This time he provides funds for the const...
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Series:We Give Thanks Passage:Philippians 4:4-7 - Everything With Thanksgiving THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 150 Praise to The Lord The Almighty- We praise God for all his many blessings. My God Is All I Need (My God Is So Big)- We confess God to be our all-sufficient, all-powerful God who supplies our...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 18:16-24 Read Ezra 1:1-11 Think The book of Ezra was written at the time of the Persian Empire under the command of King Cyrus. Go back and read Jeremiah 25, and 32:26-41. How did the Israelites get to where they are in Ezra? What is the decree that King Cyrus gives? How many times is God mentioned in this decree? What is the response of the Jews? Fin...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 18:7-15 Read Hebrews 13:1-25 Think Begin with the benediction, vv. 20-21. Reflect on its truth. Then also ponder the foundational truth of v. 8. Knowing that these core essentials are absolutely true, make a list of the exhortations we are to obey as Christ followers around 15 of them. Pray Praise God for his great work of grace in you through the...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 18:1-6 Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 Think Next Thursday, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day! It is a wonderful holiday. For Christians it ought to stir up deep gratitude to God for his grace and mercy and his provision for us. Consider what 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 teaches us. What is the connection between the gospel and thanksgiving? What is the c...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 17:8-15 Read Hebrews 12:1-29 Think Who are the witnesses? What do we lay aside? How do we run with endurance? How did Jesus find joy in suffering? How then do we find joy in suffering? Why does God discipline us? (Take a moment to reflect on children raised with no discipline. Wise, sound discipline results in respect.) What is God's goal? What does s...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 17:1-7 Read Hebrews 11:1-40 Think The Great Faith Chapter! What is faith? Faith enables us to understand what grand truth? What 2 truths must we believe in order to draw near to God? What was Abraham looking forward to? What better country and city awaits every believer? What unique perspective does the writer have as he interprets the events of Moses...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 16:7-11 Read Hebrews 10:1-39 Think Christ is the better sacrifice (v. 4; v. 10) once for all! Having completed what he was sent to earth to do, what did Christ do? How precious is v. 14for all time! This verse speaks to our ultimate sanctification through Christ; we will be holy. Notice how the writer attributes Jeremiah 31:33 to the Holy Spirit. On w...
Keep Reading Series:We Give Thanks Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 - That Thanksgiving Might Increase THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer: 1 Chronicles 16:34-36 Song:Come Thou Found- We ask God to enable us to praise him and confess his saving grace. Song:Nothing But The Blood - We confess the blood of Christ as our only hope o...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 16:1-6 Read Hebrews 9:1-28 Think Yesterday's theme from chapter 8 continues: Christ the better way with his new covenant. After some detail concerning the old covenant Holy Place and Most Holy Place, and the duties of the priest and the high priest, the superiority of Jesus is described: -how is the "tent" of Christ more perfect? -how is his shed bl...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 15:1-5 Read Hebrews 8:1-13 Think "Better" is a key theme for the book of Hebrews, and this chapter reveals how Jesus is superiorbetteras a high priest than the earthly Levitical priesthood. Where is Jesus seated? How is that place better than the Levitical priests? How is Christ's new covenant ministry "more excellent" than the old way, the former cov...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 14:1-7 Read Titus 3:12-15 Think This Sunday, Lord willing, we wrap up the study of Titus. Even so, this final passage, Titus 3:12-15, contains some important instructions. Before we get to those, consider what you have learned in our journey through Titus? List some of the highlights in a notebook or on a piece of paper. What does it mean to be fruitf...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 13:1-6 Read Hebrews 7:1-28 Think Recall that we met the priest Melchizedek in our journey through Genesis: king of righteousness, king of peace! The theme of "better" is common in Hebrews and is introduced here: Jesus is greater than the patriarchs, as his priesthood (after the order of Melchizedek) is greater than the Aaronic one. Jesus "made good" (...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 12:1-8 Read Hebrews 6:1-20 Think Does this passage sound to you like it teaches that a saint can lose their salvation? Some use vv. 4-6 to teach that. But instead it teaches that genuine, saving faith is one that holds fast and does not "fall away." It is possible to "taste" the things of the Spirit but not be truly saved and thus not persevere (cf. H...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 11:1-7 Read Hebrews 5:1-14 Think What was the role of the high priest? What made this priestly role difficult? Who appointed Jesus as the Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek? (Do you remember Melchizedek from our study of Genesis?) Ponder the vivid description here of the prayer life of Jesus. Do your prayers resemble those of Christ? "Be...
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Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 3:12-15 - Grace Be With You All THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer: Psalm 106:1, 145:8-9 Song:His Mercy is More- We declare the abundant mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Song:All I Have is Christ - We confess Christ as our all-sufficient hope. THE WORD SEEN The Ord...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 10:12-18 Read Hebrews 4:1-16 Think In the exodus generation, what shortcoming prevented them from entering the "rest" of the promised land? A "Sabbath rest for the people of God" what is it? Who is the writer warning us about, those who will not enter? How do we strive to enter that rest? What does that striving look like? What is the role of the word...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 10:1-11 Read Hebrews 3:1-19 Think Ponder for a moment that if you are "in Christ" you are a saint, a "holy one" of God! What illustration does the writer use to picture Jesus as worthy of greater glory than Moses? Ponder v. 6 as a vital encouragement for this present difficult time: "hold fast!" Note that according to Hebrews, the Holy Spirit wrote Ps...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 9:15-20 Read Titus 3:8-11 Think On Sunday mornings at Faith, we continue to see, through the Epistle to Titus, the way that God works through his gospel in the life of the church and in the lives of Christians. Consider all the ways further noted in this this passage, that the gospel changes us. Spend some time giving thanks that you are not what you ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 9:7-14 Read Hebrews 2:1-18 Think What was the message declared by angels and what did it expose? (See Romans 3:19-21). Where do we find salvation? Who was made a little lower than the angels yet crowned with glory and honor? Jesus took on flesh and blood; who did He come to help? (vs 16) Who is the offspring of Abraham? Why did Jesus become like us, i...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 9:1-6 Read Hebrews 1:1-14 Think Most scholars agree that the author of Hebrews is unknown and there is no introduction. It is considered a "word of exhortation". How did God speak "long ago" and how has He spoken in "these last days"? What do we learn about Jesus in this chapter? Who is He? What has He done? Where is He now? Why is He superior to the ...
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Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 3:8-11 -Avoid Foolish Controversies THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 113:1-9 Song:Who is Like The Lord (Psalm 113)- We believe in God who is incomparable. Song:He is Our God - We believe in God who is sovereign and merciful. Fellowship Song:How Great is Our G...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 8:1-9 Read Philemon 1:1-25 Think Who were Philemon and Onesimus? What was their relationship? What does Paul mean when he refers to Onesimus as his child? What was Paul's purpose in writing this letterwhat was Paul asking Philemon to do? Why does he ask it "for love's sake"? The play on wordsuseless, now usefulis a fruit of the gospel transforming a m...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 7:8-17 Read Titus 3:1-15 Think Paul continues to contrast Christian maturity with sinful immaturity. On a piece of paper or in a notebook list the items in the two contrasting descriptions: Maturity in Christ: Immaturity/Sin: Now write out verses 4-7 in your own hand: Pray Pray through the lists. Then praise God for your salvation.Ask God to work p...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 7:1-7 Read Titus 1:1-2:15 Think What a glorious calling Paul has! What are the qualifications of elders? (The terms elder/overseer are likely interchangeable.) On the other hand, who are a danger to the church? What evidence shows that a profession of faith is false? Why is sound doctrine so important? What does maturity look like in older men and wom...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 6:1-10 Read Titus 3:1-8 Think As a church, we continue to press into Paul's instructions to Titus, and we are seeing that these are very clear and practical instructions about the Christian life and rooted in the gospel! What are the commands of verses 1-8? List the ones you want and in which you need to grow. What are some practical ways to grow in "...
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Our aim is to provide a safe Christian environment for our children and youth so that they may learn more about God, come to know Christ as Savior, and grow in their faith. All adults go through a background check prior to serving with children and youth. Follow the link below to let us know you're interested in serving. CHILDREN YOUTH MINISTRIES INTEREST FORMâ–º...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 5:1-12 Read 2 Timothy 3:1-4:22 Think Think seriously about vv. 1-5 as a detailed description of TODAY. Is there any item in this list that is not true today? Consider the fact that evil people can "creep into households" digitally as well as literally, and lead people to destruction. Who were Jannes and Jambres? Now consider all that Paul endured for ...
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Faith Baptist Fellowship's Hospitality Ministry exists to help us love God and love one another by fostering a welcoming atmosphere of family and fellowship as we gather for corporate worship on the Lord's Day. If you love greeting our regular attendees and our guests with a warm smile then we'd love to have you as part of this ministry. Follow the link below to let us kno...
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Faith Baptist Fellowship's Tech A/V Ministry exists to maximize participation in our corporate worship gatherings through technology.Each Sunday at Faith takes a dedicated team of volunteers to make sure our worship runs smoothly and is free from distractions. There are a variety of opportunities to serve each week. If you're interested in serving, follow the link below t...
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The Prayer Response Ministry follows up with prayer requests submitted through the prayer chain. Whenever someone submits a prayer requests, the followup coordinator (Scott Stroman) will reach out to members of the team for volunteers to call and pray with those who submitted the request. Fill out the information below and Scott will contact you about being part of the pra...
Keep Reading The Worship Music Ministry at Faith seeks to lead our congregation each Sunday in corporate singing. We use a variety of instruments and employ various musical styles with theologically rich songs both old and new. If you're interested in being part of this ministry, follow link below to let us know. WORSHIP MINISTRY INTEREST FORMâ–º ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 4:1-8 Read 2 Timothy 1:1-2:26 Think Paul's affection for Timothy is expressed in earnest prayer for him. 8-12 has one of Paul's famously long run-on sentences. So much precious truth! "Guard the gospel" (v. 14) might well sum up both of these letters to Timothy. Who could you "refresh" today? "What you have heard entrust to others" is there someone y...
Keep Reading Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 3:1-7 - Ready for Every Good Work THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer: Psalm 47:1-2, 46:1-3 Song: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God-We magnify God, whose "kingdom is forever!" Song: Behold Our God-We adore God, who reigns overall. Scripture:Ephesians 2:1-10 Song:This is Ou...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 3:1-8 Read 1 Timothy 5:1-6:21 Think We are to exercise care in our handling of relationships both in the church and in our families. We have a clear responsibility to help care for our family members (v. 8); notice the warning! How are widows to be cared for? Though our culture is quite different todaywith pensions, Social Security, and so forthhow wo...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 2:1-12 Read 1 Timothy 3:1-4:16 Think Most Bible scholars believe Paul uses the terms overseer, elder, and pastor interchangeably, differentiating that office of teaching and authority from the office of deacon. Reflect on the list of qualifications for overseers. Compare that list to the qualifications for deaconsministering servants. Why do you think...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 1:1-6 Read 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15 Think Why did Paul consider it crucial that Timothy stay on at Ephesus as pastor there? Verse 5what a beautiful summary of gospel life! False teachers "wander away" from this, much to their detriment. Whom does the law confront? What does Paul's life now display? Why must we, like Timothy, "wage the good warfare"? What is...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:173-176 Read Titus 2:11-15 Think As we come to the end of chapter 2 of Titus, Paul gives a sweeping command to Titus. Nothing in chapter 2 is meant just for Titus. Rather, Titus is to "teach these things". He is to teach Christians on Crete how to live in accord with sound doctrine, how to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, and how the grace of...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:169-172 Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-17 Think After encouraging them to stand firm, Paul requests the prayers of the Thessalonians. What two specific petitions does Paul ask for in verses 1-2? Who is the one who provides the protection (v.3)? In verse 6 Paul commands another type of "Social Distancing", who are the Thessalonians to avoid? Why would yo...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:165-168 Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2:17 Think In his second letter, Paul takes special note of the Church's growing in faith and love even in face of persecution and affliction. What does Paul state this perseverance is evidence of in v. 5? Whose job is it to repay the evil doers who afflict us and when will that happen (v.6-7b)? Paul goes on to war...
Keep Reading Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 2:15 - Declare These Things THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 97:12 Isaiah 6:3 Song:Holy, Holy, Holy-(We fix our hearts and mind on the holy and transcendent God.) Song:Grace Greater Than Our Sin-(We marvel at the nearness of God to save us.) Confession Scri...
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Before Risen Hope Baptist Church launches as a stand-alone church in 2024, we want to take a moment to pause, look back at all that God has done these past 5 years, celebrate his faithfulness and goodness, and give God all the glory. There have been many historic milestones that have led up to this point that I'd like to take a moment to quickly review. Maybe some of you ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:161-164 Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 Think What might the imagery "like a thief in the night" suggest about the day of the Lord? Ponder the phrase "peace and security" in verse 3. How much do you desire that in your life, and at what cost? Is it worth having delusional peace and security if sudden destruction comes next? Paul puts forth a powerful ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:157-160 Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4:18 Think Why did Paul send Timothy to the Thessalonians, and what does that tell you about how Paul viewed his work? Paul is comforted to hear good news about the Thessalonians' faith. Are you similarly encouraged to hear good news from Faith's missionaries? What does Paul urge the Thessalonians to do in chapter ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:153-156 Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:20 Think Paul is confident and thankful that the Thessalonians are chosen by God for eternal life. What does Paul mention to support his confidence? What does it look like to be an imitator of the Lord? In chapter 2 Paul describes his ministry to the Thessalonians. Consider some of the aspects he mentions in vers...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:149-152 Read Titus 2:11-14 Think For the last three weeks, we have considered the call for Christians to "adorn the doctrine of God our savior". This week, we move into the next passage of Titus: Titus 2:11-14. List below the things the appearing of the grace of God teaches us, according to this passage: How is the Lord working in your life throug...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:145-148 Read Malachi 2:17-4:6 Think We continue to write brief descriptions of the 6 disputations that make up much of this book: Disputation 4. (Handel's Messiah!) Disputation 5. (Robbing God by refusing to give.) Disputation 6. (Wait for the Lord and fear him.) The book (and the OT) close with a final word of both exhortation and hope (4:4-6)...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:141-144 Read Malachi 1:1-2:16 Think Malachi means "my messenger." The book is a wake-up call (ESV SB) to renewed fidelity to God, in the form of 6 disputations. Today we will read the first 3 of them. Write a brief description of each, with a thoughtful response to each. Pray What of our own fidelity (faithfulness!) toward God? How is your walk...
Keep Reading Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 2:11-14 - All-Sufficient Grace THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 95:1-3 Song:This is Amazing Grace -(We thank Christ Jesus for his grace.) Song: Grace Greater Than Our Sin-(We marvel and the greatness of God's grace.) Scripture:Romans 5:6-11 Song: Jesus Thank ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:137-140 Read Zechariah 10:1-14;21 Think What is the problem with Judah's "shepherds"that is, their leaders? What were Favor and Union? Who wielded them? How was this special shepherd treated? Who replaces that good shepherd? Can you outline the final three chapters of Zechariah? 12:1-9 12:10-13:1 13:2-9 14:1-15 14:16-21 Pray Perhaps the gre...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:133-136 Read Zechariah 6:9-9:17 Think The symbolic crowning of Joshua (not the Joshua previously known for the Promised Land) looks ahead to another prophetic fulfillment. What is his special title? (See Jeremiah 33:15) Who is the ultimate fulfillment of this "crowning"? What was the problem with the people's religious rituals (ch. 7)? What prophe...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:129-132 Read Zechariah 1:1-6:8 Think Linked to Haggai, Zechariah "shows that the references to the coming Messiah are not to be understood in a political, historical sense, but rather in the eschatological, future sense. The messianic promises are still intact and look toward the future." (Sailhamer) Identify the eight night visions with a summary...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:121-128 Read Titus 2:1-10 Think Last week was round 2 with this passage, focusing in on older men and women. This week, Pastor Mike plans to focus on Titus 2:4-10, focusing on young men, women, and bondservants. These instructions are practical ways that Christians "adorn the doctrine of God." Using this passage, consider your "adornment". Is it i...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:117-120 Read Haggai 1:1-2:23 Think ESV SB: "After the exile, the Lord is renewing his promises to his people and calls on them to finish rebuilding the temple so that he might be with them and fulfill his promises to bless the whole world through them (2:9), particularly through the Messiah from the house of David (2:23)." Take particular note of ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:117-120 Read Zephaniah 3:1-20 Think While judgment is yet declared for the rebellious and defiled (3:1), a ray of hope springs forth also that a great change will come (v. 9ff.). God will change the heart of the nations and give them new speech; there is hope for the humble and lowly of heart (v. 12) who seek refuge in the name of the Lord. God's p...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:113-116 Read Zephaniah 1:1 - 2:15 Think Zephaniah is prophesying during the reign of Josiah about God's judgment: the coming Day of the Lord. 1:12 is a strong warning against complacency. The language is vivid and expressive; 1:17-18 make clear that sin is the problem, rebellion against God. Yet it is still possible to repent and seek the Lord (2:1...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:109-112 Read Habakkuk 1:1 - 3:19 Think Warren Wiersbe: 'Habakkuk saw the impending Babylonian invasion, and he wondered that God would use a wicked nation to punish his chosen people. His book describes three stages in Habakkuk's experienceperplexity: faith wavers (ch. 1); perspective: faith watches (ch. 2); and perseverance: faith worships (ch. 3...
Keep Reading Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 2:1-10 - Adoring the Doctrine of God, Part 3 THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer: Psalm 40:1-3, Psalm 95:1 Song:And Can it Be - (We confess our amazement at the Love of God in Christ Jesus.) Song:It Was Finished Upon That Cross - (We rejoicing in Jesus' victory on the...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:105-108 Read Nahum 1:1-3:19 Think Warren Wiersbe: 'Nahum means "comfort," and his message was certainly a comfort to the Jews who feared and hated the cruel Assyrians' threats to their security. The book focuses on the holy character of God who cannot allow sin to go unpunished. In chapter 1, Nahum declares Ninevah's fall; in chapter 2, he describ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:97-104 Read Titus 2:1-10 Think We are taking a 3-week look at this passage. Last week, Pastor Mike emphasized the way the "doctrine of God" looks on us when we wear it (like clothing). This week, we will consider specifically what this means for older men and women. What does it look like for an old man to "wear the doctrine of God"? Old women? Ho...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:93-96 Read Micah 6:1-7:20 Think In the midst of God's frustration with his rebellious people, he declares quite plainly and simply what he desires from them (6:8). Memorize this classic and powerful verse: do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God! Instead, Israel's worship is self-centered and misplaced. What sins are they guilty of? What a...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:89-92 Read Micah 4:1-5:15 Think Can you identify the five pronouncements of salvation here? 4:1-5 salvation for the nations at Zion through the Lord our God. 4:6-7 salvation for the regathered remnant, including the needy. 4:8-13 salvation for the remnant by the power and plan of God. 5:1-5a salvation through a coming ruler from Bethlehem! Amen. ...
Keep Reading Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage:Titus 2:1-10 - Adoring the Doctrine of God, Part 2 THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 34:1-3 Song:Lift High The Name of Jesus Song:Jesus, There's No One Like You Corporate Confession:Colossians 1:15-20 Song:Turn Your Eyes Fellowship THE WORD PRAYED Pastoral Pray...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:85-88 Read Micah 1:1-3:12 Think "Like Amos, Micah was particularly forceful in his denunciation of the social morality of Judah. His prophecies contain a heavy emphasis on attacking the mere externality of the people's worship." (Sailhamer) Woe to that people against whom God himself is a witness (1:2) and Judge (1:3-4). As we have previously seen...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:81-84 Read Jonah 1:1-4:11 Think Today we read the entire book of Jonah. What was Jonah's assignment from God? Why was it foolish to flee? Why is it foolish for us to flee from doing what God commands? Why was Jonah thrown into the sea? How did the seamen respond to this? Reflect for some moments on Jonah's prayer. What effect did the turning of Ni...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:77-80 Read Obadiah 1:1-21 Think "Edom" represents "the nations who were the professed enemies of God's people Israel" and "portrays God's judgment on these nations." (quotes all Sailhamer) In vv. 1-16, Edom is all too happy for the destruction brought against Jerusalem and Judah. God warns them against their gloating, rejoicing, and boasting over ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:73-76 Read Titus 2:1-10 Think Last week, Pastor Mike highlighted some of the character traits and behaviors associated with those who repudiate sound doctrine. In Titus 2:1-10 (the text of this week's sermon) Paul goes to the other side of that count. In this passage he provides specific life-style instructions for every demographic in the church ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:69-72 Read: Amos 7:1-9:15 Think: 1. (7:1-3) 2. (4-6) 3. (7-9) [note: what is a plumb line?] Beginning with v. 10, the prophetic ministry of Amos is explained. 4. (8:1-3) In the rest of chapter 8 follows the now familiar and unfortunate pattern: the people love injustice, God promises judgement, a famine of truth. 5. (9) A vivid vision of judgeme...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:65-68 Read: Amos 5:1-6:14 Think: Three woes are introduced, as destruction for a defiant and sinful people is prophesied. Memorable: the phrase "seek the Lord and live." Take that to heart! Ponder, perhaps even memorize, the powerful statement of God's creative glory and judgement (Amos 5:8-9). Woe #1: God calls out the sin of injustice and call...
Keep Reading Series:Ready for Every Good Work Passage: Titus 2:1-10 - Adoring the Doctrine of God, Part 1 THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 9:11, 1-2 Song:Doxology Song:How Great (Psalm 145) Scripture:2 Peter 1:3-11 Song:How Firm a Foundation Song:There is One Gospel Fellowship Song:Christ The Sure And Steady Anchor (N...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:61-64 Read: Amos 3:1-4:13 Think: "This series of sayings draws out the implications of the previous oracles against the nations. If God would punish the nations for their wickedness, how much more would he punish Israel and Judah, who ought to have known better, given their special status before God." (Sailhamer) In ch. 4, their future captivity...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:57-60 Read: Amos 1:1-2:16 Think: The sheepherder from Tekoa was called by God to prophesy "fearful words of impending doom" concerning King Jeroboam and the soon to be exiled people of God (Sailhamer). "Within the book itself, Amos stressed the moral ruin of God's people and their mistaken assumption that since they were the elect, nothing bad c...
Keep ReadingPrepare Psalm 119:53-56 Read: Joel 2:1-3:21 Think: The day of the Lord in Joel "would soon come as an invasion that overtook the land by surprise" (Sailhamer). It is God sending an invading force to bring judgement upon his people. As v. 11 says, who can endure it? Yet, repentance is possible! Rend your hearts and turn to God. Note the character of God as describe...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:49-52 Rememberyour word to your servant,in which you have made mehope.This ismy comfort in my affliction,that your promisegives me life.The insolent utterly deride me,but I do notturn away from your law.When I think of your rules from of old,I take comfort, OLord. Read Titus 1:10-16 Think Last week Pastor Mike focused on Titus 1:9, and the call fo...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:46-48 I will also speak of your testimoniesbefore kingsand shall not be put to shame,for Ifind my delight in your commandments,which I love.I willlift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,and I willmeditate on your statutes. Read: Joel 1:1-20 Think: Elders are to teach the truth of this book to their children, indicating that this ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:41-45 Let yoursteadfast love come to me, OLord,your salvationaccording to your promise;thenshall I have an answer for himwho taunts me,for I trust in your word.And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,for myhope is in your rules.I will keep your law continually,forever and ever,and I shall walkin a wide place,for I havesought your precept...
Keep ReadingSeries:Ready for Every Good WorkPassage:Titus 1:10-16 - Sound in Faith THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Psalm 29:1-2 Song:In Christ Alone (Verse 1) Song:The Solid Rock Worship Aid:Heidelberg Catechism QA #1 Song:Christ Our Hope in Life And Death Scripture Reading:1 Peter 1:3-9 Song:Living Hope Fellowship Song:C...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:37-40 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;andgive me life in your ways.Confirm to your servant your promise,that you may be feared.Turn away thereproach that I dread,for your rules are good.Behold, Ilong for your precepts;in your righteousness give me life! Read: Hosea 9:1-12:14 Think: The painful poetry of Hosea continues, with God's ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:33-36 Teach me, OLord, the way of your statutes;and I will keep itto the end.Give me understanding, that I may keep your lawand observe it with my whole heart.Lead me in the path of your commandments,for Idelight in it.Incline my heart to your testimonies,and not toselfish gain! Read: Hosea 7:1-8:14 Think: The report of Israel's sin and "adultery"...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:29-32 Put false ways far from meand graciouslyteach me your law!I have chosen the way of faithfulness;Iset your rules before me.I cling to your testimonies, OLord;let me not be put to shame!I will run in the way of your commandmentswhen youenlarge my heart! Read: Hosea 4:1-6:11 Think: "This section is a catalog of Israel's sins, interspersed with ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:25-28 My soul clings to the dust;give me lifeaccording to your word!WhenI told of my ways, you answered me;teach me your statutes!Make me understand the way of your precepts,and I willmeditate on your wondrous works.My soul melts away for sorrow;strengthen me according to your word! Read Titus 1:5-9 Think Last week Pastor Mike began this study of ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:21-24 You rebukethe insolent,accursed ones,whowander from your commandments.Take away from mescorn and contempt,for I have kept your testimonies.Even thoughprinces sit plotting against me,your servant willmeditate on your statutes.Your testimonies are mydelight;they are mycounselors. Read: Hosea 1:1-3:5 Think: This unique minor prophet (not unimpo...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:17-20 Deal bountifully with your servant,that I may live and keep your word.Open my eyes, that I may beholdwondrous things out of your law.I ama sojourner on the earth;hide not your commandments from me!My soul is consumed withlongingfor your rulesat all times. Read: Colossians 4:10-18 Think: It is easy for us to skim over verses like these at the...
Keep ReadingSeries:Ready for Every Good WorkPassage:Titus 1:5-9 - Appoint Elders in Every Town, Part 2 THE WORD READ, SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer:Ephesians 1:3-10 Song:Come Praise And Glorify Song:Let The Nations Be Glad Scripture Reading:Psalm 119:129-136 Song:Your Words Are Wonderful (Psalm 119) Fellowship Song:Shepherd THE WOR...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:15-16 I willmeditate on your preceptsand fix my eyes on yourways.I willdelight in your statutes;I will not forget your word. Read: Colossians 4:1-9 Think: If God has given you a position with authority, how does verse 1 tell you to carry out that authority? Why do you think Paul encourages "watchfulness" with prayer, and thanksgiving? Thinking of ...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:12-14 Blessed are you, OLord;teach me your statutes!With my lips Ideclareall the rulesof your mouth.In the way of your testimonies Idelightas much as in allriches. Read: Colossians 3:16-25 Think: Read verse 16 again. What does it mean to have the word of Christ dwell in you? What can you do to have his word dwell in you richly? (These readings and...
Keep ReadingPrepare: Psalm 119:9-11 How cana young man keep his way pure?By guarding it according to your word.With my whole heart I seek you;let me notwander from your commandments!I havestored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you. Read: Colossians 3:1-15 Think: This passage emphasizes the believer's union with Jesus in His death, resurrection, and exaltat...
Keep ReadingSeries:Ready for Every Good WorkPassage:Titus 1:5-9 - Appoint Elders in Every Town, Part 1 THE WORD SUNG AND PRAYED LISTEN TO THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Call To Worship Prayer: Hebrews 4:14-16 Song: Who is Like The Lord (Psalm 113) Song: God is For Us Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 Song: Shepherd (NEW!) FELLOWSHIP THE WORD PRAYED Pastoral Prayer Prayer Focus: Greg ...
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