missio Dei: Falcon

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Living as the people of God: Domestically (Neh. 11:1-36).2: Living as the people of God: Historically (Neh. 12:1-26).3: Living as the people of God: Joyfully (Neh. 12:27-43).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What are some ways the American church has struggled to live as the people of God? How do those struggles diminish the Church’s light to the people who don’t yet know Jesus?What needs to change in your mindset and behavior in order to view your dwelling place as a ministry assignment...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The reason for the covenant (Nehemiah 9:38).2: The people of the covenant (Nehemiah 10:1-29).3: The content of the covenant (Nehemiah 10:30-39).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Where does the American church need to be intentional about cultivating obedience? Where does our church need to be intentional? How about you personally?What tangible reminders do you have in your life that help you follow Jesus? Is there anything you are feeling prompted to add in response to this passage?Who a...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Rejoice and Worship (Phil. 3:1-3)2: Worldly Confidence (Phil. 3:4-6)3: Lose All to Gain More (Phil. 3:7-11)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What are some things that the world says we should have confidence in? What are some things that you are tempted to place your confidence in?In light of those things, why do you need the continual reminder to rejoice in the Lord?What do you need to count as loss for the sake of Christ?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The people gather to confess and pray (Neh. 9:1-5).2: The people remember God’s faithfulness, their sinfulness (Neh. 9:6-31).3: The people trust God to help (Neh. 9:32-37).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Reflect for a moment honestly, what is your default view of who God is? What do you tend to think His character must be like? How does this chapter totally upend that understanding?!Why do we struggle with the idea of corporate repentance? How could corporate repentance be a help to ou...

Sermon Outline:Servants and suffering (18-20).Christ’s Example  (21-23).Christ’s work on our behalf  (23-25).Discussion Questions:How Can the truths in verses 23-25 help us in our daily work? What are some ways we can practically entrust ourselves to Christ and ground ourselves in Him?Pray for anyone at your table who may be experiencing a suffering season at work or in other places God has placed them.   

Sermon Outline:Honorable exiles (1 Peter 2:11-12).Honorable exiles and government (1 Peter 2:13-17).Discussion Questions:What is your flesh passionate about? What does the war feel like? How does God enable you to abstain? When people think of you, what comes to mind? When people think of the American church, what comes to mind? How is Jesus different and better? How can we help people think of Jesus instead of us? What good deeds (Verse 12) would you like our church to be known for...

Sermon Outline:Honorable wives in exile (1 Peter 3:1-6).Honorable husbands in exile (1 Peter 3:7).Discussion Questions:Women, which of the three attributes discussed today is most challenging? Which is most appealing? (1-2: Missional Submission; 3-4: Authentic Beauty; 5-6: Communal Calling); Men, which of the four attributes discussed today is the most needed exhortation? (7a, live in an understanding way; 7b, show honor; 7c, remember we are co-heirs; 7d, prayers can be hindered);What wo...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Inner Renewal2: Light Affliction 3: Looking to the UnseenDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:How is my heart these days?What afflictions am I experiencing in this season?What do I know about the unseen? What do I believe about the unseen?

WelcomeScripture: Luke 24:1-12GreetingSermon: 1 Cor. 15:3-8missio: Kids: Gospel Science ExperimentBenediction: 1 Cor. 15:54b-57

Intro/Welcome: Isa. 53:3-7First Candle: Mark 14:32-52SilenceSecond Candle: Mark 14:53-72SilenceThird Candle: Mark 15:1-15SilenceFourth Candle: Mark 15:16-32SilenceFifth Candle: Mark 15:33-39CommunionChrist Candle/Burial: Mark 15:40-47End: Leave in silence.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:• Has there been a time when God has acted in an unexpected way,different than your agenda? Why are those times difficult for us?• Is it difficult for us to be satisfied with the “downward pull” of thekingdom of God? Why?• Pray for anyone at your table, for circumstances that they are facingcurrently.

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The work of God (Nehemiah 7:1-5).2: The people of God (Nehemiah 7:6-73).3: The Word of God (Nehemiah 8:1-8, 13-18).4: The Lamb of God (Nehemiah 8:9-12).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What are your Scripture intake habits?Have you ever shown the awe and reverence for the Bible that this passage shows (weeping over sin, standing in awe, etc.)? If not, why might that be? How can we cultivate greater reverence for God’s Word?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The temptation of distraction (Nehemiah 6:1-4).2: The temptation of fear (Nehemiah 6:5-9).3: The temptation of sin (Nehemiah 6:10-14).4: The temptation of discouragement (Nehemiah 6:15-19).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS PART 1:Where has God called you to work for His glory? What are your ministries? Where do you see brokenness that God is leading you to bring healing?DISCUSSION QUESTIONS PART 2:What distractions keep you from doing the work God has called you to?What means o...

Sermon Outline:A picture of God’s people thriving (1 Peter 3:8-12).What God’s people should expect as they thrive (1 Peter 3:13-17).The reason God’s people will always thrive (1 Peter 3:18-22).Discussion Questions: How would you describe “the good life?” What first comes to mind with that phrase? How might your mental picture be different from Peter’s? When have you grown through pain? How does that build trust for God’s will in your life amidst suffering?What types of things are C...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The outcry of injustice (Nehemiah 5:1-5).2: A godly response to injustice (Nehemiah 5:6-13).3: A godly heart for justice (Nehemiah 5:14-19).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What outcries of injustice exist in our society? What outcries might you struggle to hear because of your background or biases?Where has injustice within the church led to damaging our public witness?What tangible things is the Spirit calling you to do to work for justice in our world?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: A life spent serving others.2: A life spent rejoicing with others.3: A life spent dying for Christ. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Why is it difficult to serve sacrificially and joyfully?What holds you back from serving others?Where do you feel Jesus calling you to serve more?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Amidst opposition—We pray (Nehemiah 4:1-9).2: Amidst discouragement—We remember (Nehemiah 4:10-14).3: Amidst difficulty—We trust (Nehemiah 4:15-23).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What feels heavy in your life right now? How might that heaviness be understood as opposition against God’s mission for your life?Are you more tempted to rely on self and forget to pray or are you tempted to quit and forget to work? How does Nehemiah’s example of praying and working encourage you specifically...

Discussion QuestionsWhat has your experience with the fatherless and the orphan been?Have you had a specific role in the life of a fatherless or orphaned child?  If so, what has that been?How does it affect your view of God the Father to know that He cares so much for the “least of these”?*This sermon was preached by Jay Dangers of New Hope Uganda.

Sermon Outline:A confusing theme in 1 Peter…Evil is real, God is good, and that’s not a contradiction.It turns out, we aren’t the first ones to suffer…Could something bigger be going on behind our suffering?Discussion Questions:When in your life did you grow the most as a follower of Christ? How did God grow you?Have you ever felt that the existence of evil is a barrier to trusting Jesus? How do the verses we read today about Jesus suffering help deal with that barrier?What is hard in your li...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The priority of God’s work.2: The people of God’s work.3: The principle of God’s work.4: The posture of God’s work.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What section of the wall in our church has God called you to rebuild (where are you called to serve)? What section of the wall in society has God call you to rebuild (where are you showing God’s glory outside of church)?Which aspect of this passage stood out to you the most regarding your own service? What was encouraging, what was convictin...

SERMON OUTLINE:A godly leader…___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Nehemiah inquires as to the health of God’s people (Neh. 1:1-4). 2: Nehemiah prays for God’s people (Neh. 1:5-11a). 3: Nehemiah is positioned to help God’s people (Neh. 1:11b).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:When are you most aware of the fact that you are living in exile? How does this passage draw you closer to God?Which aspects of Nehemiah’s prayer (Vv. 5-11) did you resonate with the most? Why? What burdens (like Nehemiah’s concern for Jerusalem) has God put on your ...

OUTLINE:Opening Greeting and PrayerSermonPanel Discussion

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The How (Phil. 2:14).2: The Why (Phil. 2:15).3: The Strength (Phil. 2:16a).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What do you grumble and complain about the most?How does that grumbling affect your care for others? What are the things you tend to hold fast to? How in this new year can you hold fast to the Word of Life? 

A cold weather sermon looking at our mission in the Psalms.

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Longing for home (Psalm 90:1-2).2: Remembering we are dust (Psalm 90:3-6).3: The origin of our problem (Psalm 90:7-11).4: Finding our way home (Psalm 90:12-17).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In what ways do you feel “homeless?” What longings do you have? How are those desires only satisfied in Jesus?Which of the 6 prayers in v. 12-17 stand out to you the most? Why? How will you pray each of those this coming week?Do you have thoughts on why it is important for us to pray for God to “e...

Table Discussion 1: What is your prayer life currently like? How will you become more prayerful in 2024?What does it look like to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit in your everyday life?How can you tell, personally, if you are living out the fruit of the Spirit?In what ways do you need to be more dependent on the Lord through prayer? Table Discussion 2:What does it mean for you to live a “holy” life (walking in a manner worthy of Christ)?How can you step into that life more fully this ne...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: God is working (Luke 2:1-7).2: Angels are proclaiming (Luke 2:8-14).3: Shepherds are responding (Luke 2:15-20).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Which of the following reflection questions stirs your heart the most: 1. Have you been more interested in Caesar’s Rome than Jesus’ manger? 2. Have you encountered God’s glory? 3. Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior, the Christ, the Lord? 4. Will you give your life to his glory?How does the story of Christmas impact how you approach this up...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The birth of John leads to a celebration (Luke 1:57-66).2: Zechariah sings a song of celebration (Luke 1:67-79).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:As you reflect on celebrating God’s mercy, what does that look like for you? Answer both how has God been merciful to you, and how can you celebrate that?If God’s mercy is His loyal, faithful, gracious love as He acts on behalf of His people, what does it look like to extend mercy to others?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Mary celebrates Gabriel’s message with a road trip (Luke 1:39-40).2: Elizabeth celebrates Jesus with a poem (Luke 1:41-45).3: Mary celebrates what God has done and who He is (Luke 1:46-56). DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:How can your soul magnify the Lord? What would it actually look like for you to have a posture like Mary? Answer with practical examples!What tangible things do you do that help you focus on Jesus? Think of disciplines, rhythms, or habits. How can you fight...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Gabriel announces John’s birth, Zechariah responds (Luke 1:5-25).2: Gabriel announces Jesus’ birth, Mary responds (Luke 1:26-38).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Do you ever feel that God owes you? When are you most tempted to doubt His Word? How does Zechariah’s example warn or encourage you?What about Mary’s response is most interesting to you? How are you impacted by her example?How can we cultivate humility in our hearts (similar to Mary)? How can we avoid having a callous heart (as...

SERMON OUTLINE:Call to Continued Obedience.The Things We Do.The Heart We Have.The One Who Gives.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What are the things that keep you from being obedient in Christ, and how can you step into further obedience?How can you submit to the work of God in you to sustain the works He has for you?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Ezra is confronted with the problem (Ezra 9:1-2).2: Ezra laments and leads in prayer and confession (Ezra 9:3-15). 3: The people respond and a tragic plan is set in motion (Ezra 10:1-44).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:It is extremely rare to experience lament over sin and repentance as intense as Ezra’s. Why is that? What does that say about Ezra’s view of sin compared with ours? How can we cultivate a heart like Ezra’s (answer practically/realistically)? Why is genuine rep...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Ezra is positioned as God’s Reformer (Ezra 7:1-10).2: Behind the actions of the king is the hand of God (Ezra 7:11-28). 3: Rebuilding God’s people is always a group project (Ezra 8:1-36).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Why is Ezra’s order of first study of the Bible, then personal action, and lastly teaching others important? What happens if we mix up that order? How are you doing with those 3 steps?Where have you seen God’s good hand on you (Red Sea Moments)? How do those moments prod...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The work we are called to will bring opposition (Ezra 5:1-4).2: Our work should continue because God is sovereign (Ezra 5:5-17). 3: God’s sovereignty means we will sometimes see surprising results (Ezra 6:1-12).4: Those surprising results should fuel our joy (Ezra 6:13-22). DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Has there ever been a time you felt you were working for God but didn’t see the results (the glory/fire) you hoped for? What did that feel like? How did you respond? How does thi...

SERMON OUTLINE:1. The Unity of God.2-5. Our Call to Unity and Humility.6-8. Christ's Strength in Unity and Humility.9-11. Christ’s Exaltation.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:How do you need to repent of a lack of unity and humility?In what ways have you seen and in what ways do you want to see Christ exalted more in your life?

SERMON OUTLINE:The Question: If God calls someone to something, shouldn't that thing go smoothly? 1. The Presence of Trouble is not the Absence of God.2. God is doing a Work In Us as well as Through Us. 3. Things that don't go away when God calls us to something. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Is there a time in your life where God has called you to a new ministry, family decision, job, etc... and you faced hardship in following Him? Which one of these ...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Worship is always the first step (Ezra 3:1-5).2: Worship is sometimes work (Ezra 3:6-9). 3: Worship always needs the right foundation (Ezra 3:10-13). DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Which part of the definition of worship we used today (The regular, corporate gathering where we run towards God remembering our salvation) are you most in need of hearing? Why? Why does worship sometimes feel like work to you? How does Jesus meet you in those places?If fear drove Israel to ...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Your story matters (Ezra 2:1).2: Your name matters (Ezra 2:2a). 3: Your household matters (Ezra 2:2b-20). 4: Your place matters (Ezra 2:21-35). 5: Your role matters (Ezra 2:36-58). 6: Your purity matters (Ezra 2:59-63). 7: Your belonging matters (Ezra 2:64-67). 8: Your sacrifice matters (Ezra 2:68-70).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What does our world say it takes to have a life that matters? How does Ezra 2 contradict that?Which of these 8 reasons discussed t...

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The historical context of Ezra-Nehemiah.2: God stirs the heart of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4). 3: God stirs the hearts of His people (Ezra 1:5-11).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:When your loves become dis-ordered, what is it that typically takes the place of God as your primary love?If God really is sovereign and faithful, as Ezra says He is, how does that impact your day to day living?In light of these themes, what do you hope the Spirit stirs in your heart as we study Ezra-Nehemiah over...

SERMON OUTLINE:Philippians 1:12-18a (Living for the Gospel Advanced).Philippians 1:18b-26 (Living for Christ in Life or Death).Philippians 1:27-30 (Living Worthy of Christ Through Suffering).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What in your life makes you say, "Now this is living?" How has God's word changed your thinking?What does it look like to suffer for Christ? And why do we try and avoid suffering?How have you seen God work in and through you in the midst of suffering?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: How our Discipleship Collectives help us grow (Col. 1:28). 2: A model for how to wisely disciple others (1 Thes. 5:14).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Do you have any examples from your life when God used a “spiritual director” to admonish/encourage/help you? How did you grow because of that? How has your past experience with Discipleship Collectives modeled this kind of intentional maturing in Christ?  What are some barriers that prevent DCs from helping one another mature?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The challenge of forgiveness (Mt. 18:21-22).2: A parable about forgiveness (Mt. 18:23-34).3: The implications of forgiveness (Mt. 18:35). DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In your own words, why is forgiveness so difficult? Can you think of a time you experienced true forgiveness from another person? What did that feel like? What is Jesus calling you to do with this topic of forgiveness? What feels scary or difficult about it? Encourage one another at your table.

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The presence of other believers (Rom. 1:11a).2: The of giving of oneself to other believers (Rom. 1:11b).3: The mutually encouraging role of fellow believers (Rom. 1:12). DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Think of a time where you felt isolated from the encouraging relationships described here. What was the hardest part? Describe some times God has used His people to encourage you. What made the encouragement effective? How has God gifted you to bring encouragement to others?Wh...

SERMON OUTLINE:● The tongue is the fruit of our words (James 3:1-8)○ Words are influential (v.1)○ Words are powerful (v. 3-4)○ Words are destructive (v.5-6)Words are untamable (v.7-8)● The heart is the root of our words. (James 3:9-12)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:If your words reveal the condition of your heart, what are some areas in your life where the Lord is leading you to repent of? Anger in parenting? Gossip around friends? Bitterness toward a co-worker?Knowing how impactful words are, what are...

SERMON OUTLINE:Bible Passages on Peacemaking:3 Difficulties in Peacemaking:DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What does being Irenic mean to you?  How have you been able to practice this at home/work/school?   Have you noticed yourself score-keeping with others or operating out of past wounds or pain?  What does the Gospel say to that? Is there a scenario this week where you need to make peace?  Pray for anyone at your table who is headed into that kind of situation.  

SERMON OUTLINE:1: Friendship: Why we need it.2: Friendship: What it isn’t.3: Friendship: What it is. 4: Friendship: Who it is ultimately about.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What, in your experience, makes friendship difficult?What have been some key characteristics of godly friendships you have experienced?How do you need to mature in order to become a better friend? How does Jesus demonstrate that maturity to you already?

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The invitation of Christian Fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).2: The need for endurance within Christian Fellowship (Ephesians 4:1-16).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In light of all the Scripture we read this morning, how would you summarize the promise of fellowship/community? How would you describe the pain of fellowship/community?Where do you sense God calling you to endure in love? How is God convicting you of areas you need to mature?What do you need from your church community?

SERMON OUTLINE: 1: Love: Why it’s important and appealing. 2: Love: Why it’s difficult and elusive. 3: Love: Where it can be found and shared. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: • What are some signs that you are around a person (or in a place) where you are loved? • What specific ways will focusing on Jesus help you become more loving this upcoming week? • What specific areas does our church need to grow in to become more loving? 

SERMON OUTLINE: 1: Creating the space for all people to... 2: Encounter the person of Jesus through the transforming study of His Word. 3: Experience the love of Jesus through the love of His people. 4: Engage the work of Jesus through missional discipleship. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: • Where were you 10 years ago? What are some key markers in your life of God’s faithfulness over the last 10 years? • How did you first get connected to missio? What made you stay?...

SERMON OUTLINE: 1: God's Covenant with us (Hebrews 10:19-22) 2: Benefits of Gathering Together (Hebrews 10:22-25) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: • What are some of the cultural pressures that push us away from Gathering on Sunday Mornings? How does gathering together help reorient us to God's work and purpose for our life? • What is a blessing or benefit you've had in your life from regularly gathering with your brothers and sisters at Missio Dei? • Pray for anyone at your tab...

SERMON OUTLINE: 1: A posture of humility, understanding the power of God (1 Peter 5:6-7). 2: A posture of holiness, understanding the plan of the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9). 3: A posture of hopefulness, understanding how the story ends (1 Peter 5:10-11). 4: The story continues... (1 Peter 5:12-14) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What themes or verses in 1 Peter stand out the most to you? How has God used this book to mature your faith? Which posture in today’s passage do you mo...

SERMON OUTLINE: • 1: Why is leadership in the church important? (1 Peter 5:1) • 2: What are the main functions of leadership in the church? (1 Peter 5:2a) • 3: What should motivate leaders in the church? (1 Peter 5:2b-4) • 4: How should the whole church respond to this? (1 Peter 5:5) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: • Who has been a godly leader in your life? What made them inBluential to you personally? What traits of theirs do you most want to imitate? • Where have you se...

Sermon Outline:Rejoice amidst your pain (1 Peter 4:12-13).Be faithful in your pain (1 Peter 4:14-16).Keep an eternal perspective on your pain (1 Peter 4:17-19Discussion Questions:Why are we so caught off guard when we suffer? How will this passage prepare you for future trials?How has God matured you through difficult situations? Share some examples to encourage those at your table. When do you most struggle to genuinely trust God? How does this passage (and 2 Cor. 4:17-18) help

Discussion Questions:What are some actions we take to avoid suffering in our life?  Which of those are legitmate?  Which of those may go too far into taking us out of what God wants for us? How does having an eternal perspective help us with disappointment and unmet desires?How can living in community with other believers help us step into difficult things?

Discussion Questions*This sermon was preached by Jay Dangers of New Hope Uganda.

Sermon Outline:Rejoice amidst your pain (1 Peter 4:12-13).Be faithful in your pain (1 Peter 4:14-16).Keep an eternal perspective on your pain (1 Peter 4:17-19).Discussion Questions:Why are we so caught off guard when we suffer? How will this passage prepare you for future trials?How has God matured you through difficult situations? Share some examples to encourage those at your table. When do you most struggle to genuinely trust God? How does this passage (and 2 Cor. 4:17-18) help?This i...