Bible Study

Why Believe? — How Can We Know God Exists? (Week 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Genesis 1:1 & 26-31; Psalm 19:1-2; 50:1-2; Romans 1:18-21; 2:14-15; Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 42:5; John 1:1-3; Exodus 20:13; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17; 1 Timothy 3:16
 
In this lesson, we will work together to address one of the fundamental questions of life, “Does God exist?” As we begin, we will consider the Christian doctrine of revelation and we will see that our belief in God’s existence is based on the fact that God has made Himself known to us.
 
We will then lay out several historical arguments for God’s existence based on philosophy, logic and Scripture, with the ultimate goal being to equip ourselves with compelling, Scriptural answers to this absolutely critical question.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleHow Can We Know God Exists?
I. The Doctrine of Revelation--- A. General Revelation--- B. Special RevelationII. Historical Arguments for God’s Existence--- A.The Cosmological Argument--- B. The Design Argument--- C. The Beauty Argument--- D. The Moral Argument--- E. The Uniqueness of Humanity ArgumentIII. Common Objections to God’s Existence--- A. The Naturalism Objection--- B. The “Hiddenness of God” Objection
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: Genesis 1:26-27
 
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? — Introduction to Apologetics (Week 1)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Peter 3:8-9 & 14-15; 5:5-9; Jude 1:3; Matthew 22:15-33; Luke 24:13-27; Acts 1:8; 17:1-4 & 16-34; Titus 3:2-9; Romans 1:15-16; Nehemiah 8:8; Ephesians 6:18-20; 1 Peter 3:8-9
 
In an age marked by growing skepticism, people are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves so that we can offer compelling answers to these questions.
One word historically used to describe engagement with difficult questions is apologetics. In this lesson, we will explore the concept of Christian apologetics, examine an example of this engagement from Jesus during His public ministry, and consider practical ways we can apply apologetics in our own lives
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleIntroduction to Apologetics
I. Apologetics DefinedII. Apologetics Exemplified--- A. Jesus the Teacher--- B. The Apostles--- C. The Priority of GospelIII. Apologetics Practiced--- A. Witnessing--- B. The Study of Scripture--- C. Prayer--- D. Humility
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:14-15
 
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!

Gospel Change: A Gospel Centered Church

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 1 Timothy 5:17; Mark 9:33-35; 16:15; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 28:20; 1 Peter 3:8-11; 1 Peter 1:8-9, Matthew 6:5a, Galatians 4:16, Hebrews 5:11-14)
 
As Paul brings the letter to a close, he challenges the believers to be a different kind of people. His words encourage us to prioritize servant leadership over mere talents and gifts. We are called to actively engage in the lives of others through discipling and mentoring, and to embrace a life of obedience to Jesus and His commands. The result is a local church that reflects the power and beauty of the Gospel!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Centered Church"1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Handout/Outline
 
I. Servant leadership is valuedII. Discipleship is practicedA. confront those who are doing wrongB. help those who are strugglingC. Be patient and forgiving toward everyoneIII. The sanctified life is pursuedA. what we should say yes toB. what we should say no toC. what we all need

Gospel Change: A Gospel Hope

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11 (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 4:13-18; 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 & 11-22; Luke 4:16-21; Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:23-25; Ephesians 4:1-3 & 21-32; John 11:32-36; Romans 10:13-14; 12:10-15; 13:10-13; Matthew 5:4; 1 Peter 1:3-9)
 
We have hope because of the Gospel!
 
In this study, we will see how a believer can have hope even in the face of the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of the future! We will be challenged to allow this hope to not only give us peace in our grief, but to motivate us to lives of continued faithfulness!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Hope"1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11
Handout/Outline
 
I. Comfort one anotherA. the Gospel is a message of hopeB. Our hope is reaffirmed in communityII. Edify one anotherA. the Gospel is the message that everyone needs to hearB. our hope should motivate us to action

Gospel Change: A Gospel Lifestyle

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 3:6-12; 4:1-12; 1 Peter 2:9-12; Matthew 5:9; Galatians 6:1-10)
 
Gospel change is life change! When a person believes in Jesus and is saved, they are made new! Part of following Jesus is learning, growing, and changing to be more like Him in the way we live our lives.
 
In this lesson, we will see how Paul challenged the believers in Thessalonica to be obedient to Christ’s commands and to live a life that was distinctly different from the world around them! As we study, we will learn how we can live a life that reflects the power and grace of the Gospel!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Lifestyle"1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Handout/Outline
 
I. A life of sexual purityII. A life of intentional love1. be a peacemaker not a troublemaker2. be a contributor not a taker

Gospel Change: A Gospel Influence

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 (1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2:1-9 & 11-12; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1 & 3-4; Romans 1:15-16; Acts 4:31; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; John 3:26-36; 1 Timothy 1:15)
 
Does what people think about us really matter? Absolutely yes!
 
In this lesson, we will see how Paul understood that to have a lasting influence on others, we need to be people of character and integrity! We cannot be people who say one thing, and do something else! We need to teach the way of Jesus and live the way of Jesus!
 As we live the way of Jesus, we will have an influence that makes a difference—a Gospel influence!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Influence"1 Thessalonians 2:10-13
Handout/Outline
 
I. Gospel influence is rooted in characterA. holyB. justC. unblameable
II. Gospel influence is focused on discipling and mentoringA. teachB. encourageC. exemplify

Gospel Change: A Gospel Approach

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 (1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2:1-9 & 11-12; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1 & 3-4; Romans 1:15-16; Acts 4:31; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; John 3:26-36; 1 Timothy 1:15)
 
If we are going to be effective witnesses for Jesus, then we need to take our approach to Gospel ministry seriously!In this lesson, we will see how Paul followed the example of Jesus' public ministry, was bold in his Gospel witness, and showed us what it looks like to truly care for people!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Approach"1 Thessalonians 2:1-9
Handout/Outline
 
I. BoldnessA. What boldness is?1. boldness is a willingness to share the truth of the Gospel2. boldness is of the Holy SpiritB. What boldness is not?1. boldness is not deceitfulness2. boldness is not pridefulness
II. GentlenessA. What gentleness is not?1. gentleness is not deceitfulness2. gentleness is not permissivenessB. What gentleness is?1. gentleness is to place value on people2. gentleness is to genuinely care for others

Gospel Change: A Gospel Testimony

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Acts 1:8; 17:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 5:24; Romans 1:15-16; 10:9-14; Hebrews 10:38; 11:6; Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:35; 16:33; 1 Peter 1:3-9 & 22; 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
 
What does Gospel change look like? In this lesson, we will hear a testimony of God’s grace at work in people's lives! We will learn that the Gospel changes the way we live, and we will see what a life of following Jesus looks like practically.Finally, we will see how God can use the faithful witness of obedient believers to bring others to faith in Christ. God can use your story to reach others with the Gospel so that they can experience change—Gospel Change!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Testimony"1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Handout/Outline
 
I. A testimony of salvationII. A testimony of life changeA. a work of faithB. a labor of loveC. a patient hopeIII. A testimony of a faithful witnessA. God blesses obedienceB. God can use us and our stories

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about the Trinity?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Jude 20-21 (Jude 20-21; Exodus 20:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 45:5-6; Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 3:16; Genesis 1:1-2 & 26; Colossians 1:14-17; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:18-20; 1 Peter 1:2; John 1:1-3 & 14; 10:32-33; 20:28-31; Acts 5:3-4) 
 
What does it mean that God is a Trinity? In this lesson, we want to look to Scripture to see how God is triune in nature, and what exactly that means for us today.
As we study, not only will we come to see this doctrine clearly supported in Scripture, but we will see how this mystery and majesty gives us a more complete view of God, and elevates our worship of Him!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...the Trinity?
Handout/Outline
 
I. There is one GodII. God exists in three personsIII. Each person is fully GodA. The Father is GodB. The Son is GodC. The Spirit is God

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about demonic activity?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Ephesians 6:11-12 (Ephesians 4:22-27; 6:11-12 & 18; Deuteronomy 32:16-17; 1 Samuel 23:14-16 & 23; Matthew 4:24; 8:16-17; 9:32-34; 12:22-28; 17:14-18; 28:18-20; Acts 5:16; 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 10:20; James 2:19; 4:1-10; 1 John 3:7-11; 4:1-3; Luke 9:1; 10:1 & 17-21; 22:31-32; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Mark 5:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
 
Are there unseens forces of evil at work in the world? What are they doing, and how can we recognize their activity?
 
In this lesson, we will look to Scripture for answers to these and other important questions related to demonic activity! Ultimately we will see that we do not need to live in fear of the evil in this world! We can live with faith, hope, and courage in this world because of what Jesus has done for us!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...demonic activity?
Handout/Outline
 
I. Recognizing demonic activityA. Demonic activity in the Bible--- 1. in the Old Testament--- 2. in the New TestamentB. manifestations of demonic activity
--- 1. physical sickness and distress
--- 2. paganism & idolatry
--- 3. blatantly false doctrinal statements
--- 4. a lifestyle of sin & selfishness
--- 5. spiritual attacksC. demonic possession
II. Responding to demonic activityA. the GospelB. discernmentC. payerD. engage

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about God's will for our lives?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Romans 12:1-2 (Romans 11:33-36; 12:1-2; Isaiah 46:9-10; Psalm 119:105; 139:16; Matthew 6:25-34; 10:29-30; Acts 4:27-28; 1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 13:20-21; Deuteronomy 29:29; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 5:16-18; Ephesians 2:1-10; 5:15-17; Luke 9:23; 1 Peter 4:1-2)
 
What does the Bible say about God’s will for our lives?
“How can I know I am in the perfect will of God?” This is a question that many believers have struggled with over the course of their journey following Jesus.
 
To understand God’s will, and what it means for us, we need to look to Scripture. When we do, we find that God’s plan for our lives is not a hidden code to be deciphered, but rather a life of faith and obedience to be lived out every day of our lives!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...God's will for our lives?
Handout/Outline
 
I. God’s will definedA. God’s decreed willB. God’s desired willC. God’s specific will
II. God’s will realizedA. Surrender your life to GodB. Seek the Kingdom of GodC. Do the will of God--- 1. Holiness & sanctification--- 2. Rejoice, pray & give thanks--- 3. Steward our time--- 4. The salvation of sinners

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about divorce & remarriage?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Matthew 19:1-12 (Genesis 2:18 & 21-24; Matthew 19:1-12; Ephesians 1:6-8; 5:22-33; I Corinthians 1:1-17; 6:11; 7:15)
 
In this lesson, we will be reminded of God’s ultimate plan for marriage and see how divorce is a deviation from that plan. By acknowledging divorce as a product of the sinfulness and brokenness of the world, we will ultimately see how the grace of God can take the brokenness in our lives, and do what we could never think possible!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...divorce & remarriage?
Handout/Outline
 
I. MarriageA. the origin of marriageB. the definition of marriageC. the plan for marriage--- 1. a permanent Union--- 2. a picture of Christ & the ChurchII. Divorce & RemarriageA. the origin of divorceB. the definition of divorceC. the permissible reasons for divorce & remarriage--- 1. sexual immorality--- 2. abandonment by an unbelieving spouse--- 3. physical abuseIII. Divorce & the Grace of God