King Saul became worried and impatient and decided to take matters into his own hands rather than being obedient to the instructions God had given to him through Samuel. 1 Samuel 13:1-14

1 Timothy 3:1-7 God's Leaders: The Elder Summary: God has given many gifts to the church, and one of them are her leaders. Being an elder or pastor in the church is not easy, and not everyone is called to do it. But it is also a role of joy to serve God's people. Let's listen today to learn what God thinks of elders: Outline: What is an elder in the church of Jesus? 1. He is a man who is called 2. He is a man of character 3. He is a man of conviction 4. He is a man who is capable Verse: 1 Timothy 3:1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Discussion questions: 1. Why do you think Paul gives such a detailed set of criteria for those who serve as elders in the church? What is at stake? 2. What should this set of qualifications do in YOU, even if you are not called to be an elder? 3. With such a high set of qualifications, how should this shape our search for elders at NCPC? Will you commit to pray for this process at our church?

They lived it and these are the places it happened.

His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

1 Timothy 2:11-15 Men and Women in God's Church, Part 2 Summary: God a GOOD plan for His church! Today we'll listen again to Paul talk about God's plan for the church from 1 Timothy 2. Today we'll ask questions like this: What are women called to do in God's church? Who should preach? Who should be pastors? Let's listen and let God teach us today. Outline: 1. The discipleship role of women in God's church 2. The creation order that guides our ministry Verse: 1 Timothy 6:12a Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called... Discussion questions: 1. Why do you think the question of women's role in the church is such a divisive one? How has the church often misunderstood or misapplied the Bible's teaching about women's roles? 2. How does Paul and the New Testament actually elevate the status of women compared to the culture? How does the calling to learn with submissiveness apply to all people, not just men? 3. Why does Paul refer to the creation order to explain the unique roles of men and women? How can we as a church be even more faithful to the Bible's teaching on men's and women's roles?

A few good men.

Seek and ye shall find.

1 Timothy 2:8-10 Men and Women in God's Church, Part 1 Summary: God has a plan for you! Did you know that? God cares about every part of your life - how we pray, how we get along with others, even how we dress! The Gospel shapes how we live and love in God's church together! Let's think about it: Outline: 1. The power of unified prayer 2. The power of loving modesty Verse: 1 Tim 2:8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling... Discussion Questions: 1. Read 1 Timothy 2:8-10. Why do you think Paul charges the men to

Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, trusting in God to be their provider. Boaz marries Ruth and God continues His good plan for them all and their future.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV

The Israelites wanted a king like other nations. God had Samuel anoint Saul as Israel's first king. 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Samuel hears a voice at night. God was calling Samuel to serve Him. 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Hannah prays for a son and God answers her. 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Colossians 1:15-23 NRSV

Sermon Text: Philemon (all verses) Topic: An Unlikely Exchange Discussion Questions: 1) What changed for Onesimus that Paul now called him “his heart” and “useful”? How does this affect how we see fellow Christians? 2) Why does Paul plead instead of command Philemon to receive Onesimus? How does Paul encourage Philemon to receive Onesimus? How does this change how we approach people to act in love? 3) Why would Paul be willing to take on Onesimus’ debts to Philemon? How does this inform the way we see those who are indebted to us? Outline: From a slave to a brother From useless to useful From debt to freedom

Acts 2:22-36

God blessed Samson with great strength to use to help God's people. Judges 15-16

1 Timothy 2:1-7 Ministry for All Peoples Summary: There are so many people in the world who need Jesus! Did you know that God wants to use us, His people to help reach them? Today let's listen to hear how He uses us to pray for the nations and go to tell them the Gospel: Outline: 1. Prayer for all peoples 2. The Gospel is for all peoples 3. We are sent to all peoples Verse: 1 Timothy 1:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus... Discussion Questions: 1. How and why are we to pray as Paul describes in this passage? What are some of the possible results of such prayers? How can you be praying? 2. Why does Paul say that God desires

Hebrews 2:14-18 NRSV