Bible Study

How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any Situation (Part 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Proverbs 3:1-8
 
Making decisions is not always easy, but we have been given some instructions! In this follow up lesson, we will study Proverbs 3 and learn about the need for a solid foundation of biblical wisdom!
 
We will be encouraged to receive God’s truth as a loving Word from a loving Heavenly Father, take the truth with us as we live our lives, and refuse to depend on ourselves! These three rules will help provide us with a framework for making good choices and bringing glory to God!
 
Series description:
Life is full of challenging questions and moments of uncertainty, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. This teaching will equip you with biblical principles and practical tools to discern God’s will, even when the path isn’t clear.Discover how to find God’s direction in every decision and step forward with confidence in His plan for your life. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and find clarity in the midst of life’s toughest choices!
 
How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any SituationPart 2
1. Receive the truth of God2. Take the truth with you3. Depend on the truth
 
Handout

How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any Situation (Part 1)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:9; 24:6 Acts 9:6; Psalms 37:4-5 & 23; 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 1:5; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Matthew 6:33
 
Life is full of challenging questions and moments of uncertainty, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. This teaching will equip you with biblical principles and practical tools to discern God’s will, even when the path isn’t clear.Discover how to find God’s direction in every decision and step forward with confidence in His plan for your life. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and find clarity in the midst of life’s toughest choices!
 
How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any SituationPart 1
1. Ask the right questions.
A. What does the Bible say about this?
B. What is the wise thing to do?
 
2. Talk to the right people.
A. Go to God in prayer.
B. Go to wise counsel for good advice.
C. Go to Godly friends for support.
 
3. Discern the right circumstances.
A. Is there an opportunity God is presenting you?
B. Is there something you want?
C. Are your priorities in order?
 
Handout

Remember To Grow: Remember To Be Faithful (Lesson 4)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 2 Peter 3 (2 Peter 1:1; 3:1-18; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 4:12-16; ; Psalm 119:129-131; John 1:1-3; 3:16-17; 15:17-20; 17:17; Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 45:20-22; Revelation 21:1-7; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Matthew 6:19-21; Acts 11:19-23)
 
In this final lesson of our study in 2 Peter, we will be challenged to remain faithful to Jesus! By learning to take the truth with us as we live our lives, we will get a better understanding of what obedience actually means and what it looks like in the face of opposition. We will also think about how our view of God impacts our faith and obedience, and we will be confronted with a God that is high, holy, and that demands our worship! Ultimately, we will be called to a life of following Jesus—one that reflects His character, rests in His completed work, and is marked by consistent growth, all for the glory of God and the advancement of the Gospel.
 
Remember to Grow: A Study in 2 PeterRemember To Be Faithful (Lesson 4)
2 Peter 3
I. Take The Truth With YouA. who we are in ChristB. God has revealed Himself to usC. there will be opposition
II. Trust That God Is In ControlA. He is the CreatorB. He is the SustainerC. He is the Just Judge
III. Commit To A Life of Following JesusA. do what Jesus said to doB. rest in the work of JesusC. determine to keep growing
 
Notes
 
Series description:
How can we grow spiritually and make progress in our Christian lives?
In this study of the book of 2 Peter, we will learn that spiritual growth and formation does not happen because we get some new revelation from God, or because we discover a hidden secret that unlocks the blessed life. Spiritual growth and formation happens when we remember the truth that has already been revealed to us, and respond to it with faithfulness and obedience. We do not need something new, but instead we need to renew our commitment to the way of Jesus!
We need to remember so that we can grow!

Remember To Grow: Remember the Word of God (Lesson 3)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 2 Peter 2 (2 Peter 1:2 & 19; 2:1-22; 3:3-5)
 
There is an enemy who is actively working to deceive people and lead them away from the truth! We need to be on guard!
In this lesson, we will dive into 2 Peter chapter 2, where we will be challenged to hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word, enabling us to recognize false teachings and errors. We will be reminded of the subtlety of the enemy and the corrupting influence of the world. Ultimately, we will find encouragement in knowing and obeying God’s Word, equipping us to clearly contrast the evil and error in this world with the goodness and truth of God.
We need to remember there are false teachers, and we need to be prepared!
 
Remember to Grow: A Study in 2 PeterRemember There Are False Teachers (Lesson 3)
2 Peter 2
I. The Description of False Teachers and Their False TeachingA. they are unbelieversB. they are in disagreement with God’s WordC. they have sinful motivesD. they hurt the cause of Christ
II. The Judgement of God On UngodlinessA. the certainty of God’s JudgementB. the corruption of the World
III. The Calling of Every BelieverA. know the truthB. live the truthC. trust God
 
Notes
 
Series description:
How can we grow spiritually and make progress in our Christian lives?
In this study of the book of 2 Peter, we will learn that spiritual growth and formation does not happen because we get some new revelation from God, or because we discover a hidden secret that unlocks the blessed life. Spiritual growth and formation happens when we remember the truth that has already been revealed to us, and respond to it with faithfulness and obedience. We do not need something new, but instead we need to renew our commitment to the way of Jesus!
We need to remember so that we can grow!

Remember To Grow: Remember the Word of God (Lesson 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 2 Peter 1:16-21 (2 Peter 1:3-4 & 16-21; 2:1; 3:3-5a; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Matthew 17; 28:18-20; Mark 9; John 14:6)
 
The Word of God (the Bible) is absolutely necessary for our spiritual growth and formation.
In this lesson, we’ll explore three foundational doctrines of Scripture: inspiration, inerrancy, and sufficiency. We’ll discover that the Bible is the product of God’s working through ordinary people like you and me. We’ll learn that Scripture provides everything we need to know God and live in accordance with His will. We’ll also reaffirm that God’s Word is absolute truth, and we can trust it completely. Ultimately, we’ll see that prioritizing God’s Word is vital to our spiritual development!
 
Remember to Grow: A Study in 2 PeterRemember the Word of God (Lesson 2)
2 Peter 1:16-21
I. God’s Word is Divinely InspiredII. God’s Word is Completely SufficientIII. God’s Word is Totally Inerrant
 
Notes
 
Series description:
How can we grow spiritually and make progress in our Christian lives?
In this study of the book of 2 Peter, we will learn that spiritual growth and formation does not happen because we get some new revelation from God, or because we discover a hidden secret that unlocks the blessed life. Spiritual growth and formation happens when we remember the truth that has already been revealed to us, and respond to it with faithfulness and obedience. We do not need something new, but instead we need to renew our commitment to the way of Jesus!
We need to remember so that we can grow!

Remember To Grow: Remember that God is working (Lesson 1)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 2 Peter 1:1-15 (2 Peter 1:1-15; 3:1-2 & 18; Romans 3:19-27; 5:12-21; Philippians 2:12; 3:7-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 & 14-20; 13:13; Mark 12:28-31; John 13:34-35)
 
In this first lesson, we’ll explore how God is continually at work in our lives. We'll be reminded that salvation is entirely the result of God's love and grace—it is His work alone that saves us! Not only does God save us, but He transforms us from the inside out, making us new rather than just better. We’ll also see that God’s plan for us begins with inner transformation, leading to outward change. Ultimately, spiritual growth is the ongoing work of God, and He is always at work in our lives.
 
Remember to Grow: A Study in 2 PeterRemember That God is Working (Lesson 1)
2 Peter 1:1-15
I. God’s Work For Us—SalvationII. God’s Work In Us—Transformation
A. grace and peace
B. the knowledge of God
C. Jesus our Lord
D. divine power
E. called to glory and virtue
F. great and precious promises
G. divine natureIII. God’s Work Through Us—Formation
 
Notes
 
Series description:
How can we grow spiritually and make progress in our Christian lives?
In this study of the book of 2 Peter, we will learn that spiritual growth and formation does not happen because we get some new revelation from God, or because we discover a hidden secret that unlocks the blessed life. Spiritual growth and formation happens when we remember the truth that has already been revealed to us, and respond to it with faithfulness and obedience. We do not need something new, but instead we need to renew our commitment to the way of Jesus!
We need to remember so that we can grow!

Why Believe? — Answers to Tough Questions. (Week 9)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) & Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Isaiah 45:5-12 & 20-22; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:27 & 44; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 3:14-16; 1 Timothy 3:14-17; Acts 9:7; 22:9; Genesis 1:21, 24-25 & 27; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 15:25-26; 21:8; Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 17:9; Job 40:15-18; 41:1; Isaiah 27:1; Revelation 20:11-15
 
In this lesson, Pastor Matt Hodge and Pastor Chris Andrews will take some time to answer some questions that have been submitted throughout the summer. Included are questions like, “What is the ontological argument for God’s existence?” and “Are there dinosaurs in the Bible?”
We want to challenge ourselves to think deeply, and ask difficult questions!
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible“Answers to Tough Questions.”1. What is the ontological argument for God's existence?2. Why do we not recognize the Apocrypha, or the 'Gnostic gospels' as inspired Scripture?3. How do we address passages in the New Testament that appear to contradict each other, such as the story of Paul’s conversion?4. How can we address the issue of transgenderism from Scripture?5. Are there dinosaurs in the Bible? How do we account for the existence of dinosaurs in relation to the biblical account of creation?6. What does it mean when it says in Revelation 20:14 “….death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Are death and hell two different places?
 
Notes
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

Why Believe? — Has Science Disproved Christianity? (Week 8)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Psalm 19:1-3; 139:13-16; 150:6; Romans 1:18-20; Colossians 1:16-17; Genesis 1:1, 11-13 & 20-27; 2:7; John 1:1-3; Isaiah 42:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Ephesians 2:1-10
 
Has science disproved Christian beliefs, and do we have to choose between being a person of faith and person of reason and science?
In this lesson, we will explore the relationship between Christianity and science, providing a Scriptural perspective. By revisiting the doctrine of revelation, we will discover how scientific inquiry can reveal evidence of God's existence and power in nature. We will also address the major areas of tension between science and Christianity, demonstrating how our faith not only withstands the challenges posed by modern science but also offers the most compelling answers to some of life's most important questions.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible“Has Science Disproved Christianity?”I. The Relationship Between Christianity and ScienceII. The Tension Between Christianity and ScienceA. The Origin of the Universe and Life on EarthB. Miracles
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: John 5:19-21
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

Why Believe? — Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination? (Week 6)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Deuteronomy 7:1-2; 10:17; 15:12-18; 19:11-13; Joshua 6:21; 1 Samuel 15:3; Psalm 97:10; Matthew 5:9 & 43-48; Luke 4:18; 6:27-36; Romans 2:11; 12:19-21; Exodus 21:1-11; Leviticus 25:39-46; Acts 10:34; 17:26; Galatians 3:28; 1 John 4:7-8; Genesis 1:26-27; James 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-6; Proverbs 31:10; Ephesians 5:25-28; 6:9; I Peter 1:17; 3:7; Colossians 3:25
 
Have you ever heard someone say that the Bible teaches something hateful and bigoted? How do we respond to these types of attacks?
In this lesson, we will address some of the most common accusations of hate and discrimination that are directed toward the Bible and Christianity. We will see that these criticisms are often rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what the Bible says. Ultimately, we will be challenged to take seriously our responsibility to demonstrate the love of God through our words and actions!
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleDoes the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?
I. Does the Bible Promote Hatred and ViolenceII. Does the Bible Promote Slavery or Racial InjusticeIII. Does the Bible Promote Discrimination Against Women?
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-39
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

Why Believe? — Can We Trust the Bible? (Week 5)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6-7; 22:16-18; Isaiah 40:8; 53:3-5; Matthew 5:18; 28:19-20; 24:35; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Micah 5:2; Daniel 9:25-26; Zechariah 11:12-13; Romans 1:16-17; John 1:1-12; 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Joshua 24:15
 
The reliability of God’s Word is something that has been questioned from the very beginning when the devil tempted Eve in the Garden.
In this lesson, we will reaffirm our belief in the doctrine of divine inspiration. We will see how God miraculously preserved His Word throughout the centuries, and how its reliability is demonstrated through fulfilled prophecy, archaeological evidence, and the testimony of lives changed!
Can we trust the Bible? Yes we can!!
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleCan We Trust the Bible?
I. The Bible’s Divine Inspiration and Preservation
II. Historical and Archaeological Evidence
III. The Bible’s Prophetic Accuracy
IV. The Bible’s Transformational Impact
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: Psalm 12:6-7
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

Why Believe? — How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell? (Week 4)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 18:30; 34:8; 135:3; 1 John 1:5; 4:8, 10 & 16; 2 Timothy 4:8; Deuteronomy 32:4; Colossians 3:25; Revelation 5:9; 14:11; 20:1, 10 & 13-14; 21:8; Matthew 22:13; 24:51; 25:41; Luke 16:19-29; 19:10; James 3:6; Romans 1:20; 3:23; 5:9 & 12; 6:23; 10:9-10 & 13; 14:11; John 1:4-7; 3:16-18; 9:4-5; 14:6; Mark 9:43; 16:15; Genesis 2:9 & 16; 3:1, 6 & 23-24; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 2:1-3
 
If God is so loving, why would He send anyone to Hell?
In this lesson, we will learn from Scripture that Hell is a real place and that those who do not know God will go there. We will explore how this represents a just judgment for our sins, but also how God’s love provides a path for forgiveness and eternal life with Him. Ultimately, God desires everyone to spend eternity with Him and does not want anyone to face the judgment of Hell.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleHow Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?
I. Why Was Hell Created--- A. Hell was created by God for Satan and the Fallen Angels--- B. Hell was created to deal with sin and suffering
II. What is Hell?--- A. Hell is a place of eternal punishment--- B. Hell is a place of pain--- C. Hell is place of eternal death--- D. Hell is a place of separation--- E. Hell is a place of falling--- F. Hell is a place of conscience--- G. Hell is a place of darkness--- H. Hell is eternal
 
III. Why Would a Loving God Send People to Hell?
--- A. Does God "send" people to Hell?
--- B. How could a "loving" God send people to Hell?
 
IV. What About People That Have Never Heard the Gospel?
--- A. God uses creation to open their eyes to God
--- B. God has saved us and given us the job of telling them about Jesus
--- C. People must call upon Jesus to be saved
--- D. Every nation is represented in Heaven
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 3:9
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

Why Believe? — Why Would a Good God Allow Suffering and Evil in the World? (Week 3)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Peter 3:15​; 5:7; Psalm ​18:2; 34:8​; 135:3​; 145:9​; Genesis 1:4​ & 26​; 2:9 & 16-17; 3:1, 6 & 17-19; 1 John 4:8​, 16 & 19​; Romans 5:12; 8:28; 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; John 3:16; 14:15 & 23; 15:10; 16:33; Joshua 24:15​; Matthew 10:1; 22:33-40; Acts 8:1-4; 9:31; 12:24; 14:27; 17:6; Philippians 1:20​; 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:3; Revelation 21:4-5; Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 4:16
 
Have you ever found yourself asking, "God, why would you allow that to happen?"
In this lesson, we will explore how the sin and suffering in our world comes from the Fall of Man. We will also be reminded of God's enduring love and sovereignty as we navigate life's challenges. Lastly, we will discuss practical ways to support those dealing with the question of suffering.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleWhy Would a Good God Allow Suffering and Evil in the World?
I. If God is All Powerful, Good, and Loving, Why Did He Allow Sin?--- A. Why sin? Because of free will.--- B. Why ​free will? Because of love.--- C Why love? Because God is love.II. Why Does God Allow the Suffering to Continue, Even When I ​Pray for Help?--- A. God uses temporary suffering to do eternal work​.--- B. God uses suffering to change others​.--- C. God uses suffering to change ​us​.--- D. God’s ultimate plan for healing is heaven​.
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!