Prayer, Evangelism and Worship

SEEDS OF HOPE Trusting God For Growth Mark 4:1-20 When God's Word takes root, God produces a harvest beyond what we could manufacture ourselves.   I. SOWING — God's Word Is Given (vv. 1–3, 14) “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.” The Word must be faithfully sown .  The farmer is responsible for sowing, but the farmer doesn't create the seed. God provides the Word. Key Thought: Our responsibility is to sow; God's Word is the seed. II. SOIL — God's Word Is Received (vv. 4–9, 15–2) “Some fell along the path (v.4)…some fell on rocky places (v. 5)…others seed fell among thorns (v.7) …still other seed fell on good soil (v.8).” The Word must be received .  In this case, the seed falls on four different kinds of ground.   Hard soil — rejects it Shallow soil — receives it temporarily Thorny soil — receives it but allows other things to choke it Good soil — hears, receives, and bears fruit Key Thought:  The problem is never the seed (word of God) ; ...

SENIOR SUGGESTED PROGRAM Welcome and Singing: Today, we will be looking at a story of a man who steadfastly followed the Lord in his early years.  Now in his 80's he asked God to bless him back in return - a heritage that will last forever.   His name is Caleb. Let's sing some songs.   Testimony and Catch Up Stories and Prayer Requests - you can go around the table to get updates and also solicit prayer requests.   Opening Prayer  Bible Lesson.  See Key Verse below. Bible Crossword Puzzle Exercise Crafts and Activities Prayer for Food Group Picture Taking ================ Key Verse: Joshua 14: 6-14 Background: Caleb is one of the 12 spies sent by Moses to scout the promised land.  While 10 discouraged the conquest, Caleb and Joshua decalred " We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (Numbers 13:30). God's children would not agree, they even went to stoning this unpopular opinion. But Caleb stood fast a...

Joshua 24:15 is a well-known verse. It says, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."  This verse is more than a decorative plaque in Christian homes. It is a declaration of spiritual leadership from a father and patriarch who had spent his entire life walking with God. Joshua 24:15 is the testimony of an old man looking back on God's faithfulness and calling God's people to make a decisive commitment.  Let's do a quick exegesis before I give you some applications. I. The Context: A Dying Leader's Final Charge Book of Joshua ends with three farewell speeches by Joshua (Joshua 23-24). He is approximately 110 years old (Josh. 24:29). The conquest of Canaan is essentially complete, and the tribes have settled in their inhe...

This lesson plan is designed for a one-hour small group session based on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, focusing on the importance of healthy church gatherings.  A sermon preached on 05-17-2026.   Small Group Lesson: When Gathering Brings Harm Than Good Total Time: 60 Minutes Lesson Emphasis:   “Church gatherings bring good when Christ is central, people are loved, worship is reverent, and the gospel shapes how believers treat one another.” I. Introduction: The Identity of the Gathering (10 Minutes) The church is defined by its gatherings for worship, instruction, and celebration. Throughout history—from the early church in Acts to the Reformers—the Sunday "Lord's Day" gathering has been a non-negotiable priority for spiritual health and church order. However, the Apostle Paul warns that it is possible for a church meeting to do "more harm than good" if it does not reflect the gospel. II. Point 1: Harmful Gatherings Reveal Divided Relationships (15 Minutes) Core...

Small Group Notes and Questions Read:  1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Rehearse the three points and it summary. Solicit any questions the group may have regarding last week's sermon or any questions that have arisen.   Rehearse and answer questions below.   Based on the three main points of the sermon notes regarding 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 , here are application questions designed to help individuals and groups reflect on God’s design for order, honor, and dependence : 1. God Established Order for His Glory (vv. 1–3) The sources state that "headship is not about superiority but about responsibility and structure" . How does viewing authority as a "responsibility to serve" rather than a "right to control" change your perspective on the leaders in your life (at home, work, or church)? Since the "head of Christ is God," yet Christ is not inferior to the Father, how does this divine example help you find dignity and value in roles that require submiss...

Disciplined Christian Freedom Holding Back for the Sake of Others 1 Cor. 10:23-33 Paul’s principle in First Epistle to the Corinthians 10:23–33 reaches far beyond food. The issue is not merely “meat offered to idols,” but how believers exercise freedom in every sphere of influence. Here are additional categories that fall under Disciplined Liberty where believers can hold back for the glory of God and for the sake of others: Alcohol in Social Settings. A believer has freedom to drink, but chooses restraint or abstinence when discipling a younger Christian with a past of addiction, or when hosting unbelieving neighbors where clarity of witness matters. Entertainment & Media Choices. Not everything is sinful, but some content dulls spiritual appetite or confuses newer believers. A discipler curates choices publicly and privately to build, not blur, convictions. Social Media Engagement. Posting opinions may be “lawful,” but does it edify? Does it inflame consciences, fracture u...