The Wisdom & Power of God 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5 Summary: Sometimes we think that God only uses important people. But Paul shows us its the people that everyone overlooks who God has chosen to use. Outline: God’s foolish message God’s weak and foolish methods God’s wise and powerful Savior Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:31 … so that as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Community Group Questions -What messages does this world send to us to put confidence in ourselves and other people? -What are some ways that we bring worldly wisdom to proclaim the gospel? -How does the foolishness of the cross change how we think about and do evangelism?

Romans 3:9-18 NIV

Psalm 83 A Plea for Justice Summary: Sometimes as we try to live as Christians in the world, it might feel like everyone in the world is against Jesus (and maybe us too). God's people Israel felt that way too, and often prayed for God to help. But sometimes their prayers sound violent, asking for God to kill their enemies! Yet Jesus said to love our enemies. How can we make sense of this? Let's look at Psalm 83 together to find out how to pray for God's help. Praying when you are surrounded Praying out of past victories How to pray as a warlike, loving Christian Verse: Psalm 83:1 O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! Discussion questions: 1. The psalm writer describes Israel's experience as being nearly surrounded by enemies who want to wipe them out. How might that mirror our experience as Christians? 2. This is a psalm of

Jesus went from praising to punishment in the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

James 2:8-13 NIV

Psalm 82 God in the Judgment Seat Summary: God gives us many good things, but some of them you might be surprised to know. For example, the Bible tells us that God puts rulers over us for our good. We have our president, congress, and our mayor to govern in our land. We have judges and police officers to enforce laws. God gives them specific commands to rule with goodness and justice. Today in Psalm 82, let's listen in as God speaks to rulers who have not obeyed Him in their job, and let's learn how to trust God in the middle of it all. 1. God's warnings to those in power 2. The results of injustice 3. God to the rescue! Verse: Psalm 82:8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! Discussion questions: 1. Think of a time when you hear about unjust judges in our world. What is your normal response? What does the Bible call us to do in such circumstances? (See Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2). 2. How does Psalm 82 inform our own personal response to injustice? How did Jesus perfectly show us what Psalm 82:3-4 should look like?

This is a word search for a New Testament History and Literature class.

Romans 13:8-10 NIV

Psalm 81 Open Your Mouth Wide and I will Fill It Summary: Today as we look at another Psalm of Asaph, I wonder if you've ever thought about your heart when you come to worship? Are you distracted, bored, or wish you were somewhere else? If so, you're not alone - we all struggle at times with this! Psalm 81 begins by calling us to praise God. He wants to show us how God can satisfy us- better than your favorite food! Let's think about it: Outline: 1. A call to praise 2. A call to remember 3. A call to repent 4. A call to feast Verse: Psalm 81:10 (ESV)10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Discussion Questions: 1. Jesus warned against worship that was only external. What are the biggest temptations for you to praise God only

God blocked the Jordan so that the Israelites could cross into the Promised Land.

Jesus tells the story of the lost, prodigal son and the Father's amazing forgiveness. Luke 15:11-32

Psalm 80 Restore Us and Let Your Face Shine Summary: Do you have a garden at your house? How about weeds? Taking care of plants can be fun, but also hard work. Our psalm today uses the image of a vine to refer to God's people, asking for him to care for His people in time of trouble. Let's learn to pray for God's help in all things: Outline: 1. Pray for God's renewing work 2. Pray that God will care for His vine 3. Trust that God will answer! Verse: John 15:5 (ESV) 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit... Discussion Questions: 1. What is the significance of the repeated phrase:

Jesus teaches on good trees bearing good fruit and bad trees bearing bad fruit. Luke 6:43-45

We see these now like they did in The Bible days.

Psalm 79 Let Your Compassion Come Speedily Summary: Have you ever been disciplined by your parents for disobeying in some way? Our moms and dads discipline us NOT because they hate us, but because they love us and want us to grow in grace and holiness! This is the way God disciplines us as His children. Let's think about it in Psalm 79: Outline: 1. Deep losses 2. Jealous love 3. Reason to praise Verse: Psalm 79:8b Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Discussion Questions: 1. How does Psalm 79 describe the suffering of Israel? WHY are they suffering? 2. What is evidence of God's fatherly discipline and jealous love in this Psalm? How have you seen it in your own life? 3. How does this Psalm perhaps reflect the larger struggle we have against the world, the flesh and the devil? How can you pray for God's

Jesus Teaches Us To Love Our Enemies. Luke 6:27-36

Psalm 78:40-72 God’s Love to a Wayward People Summary: Do you like it when your parents read you a great story? I love great books, and great stories too. The amazing thing about the Bible is that the great stories we read are TRUE - not myths or fairy tales. And God wants us to remember His great power in history because it builds our faith! Today let's remember some of those great moments as we finish Psalm 78 together. Outline: Remember God’s powerful redemption Seek blessing from God alone Embrace God’s grace in your waywardness Verse: John 10:11 (ESV)11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Discussion Questions: 1. As you read Psalm 78 again, what was the failure of Israel in the wilderness (see vv. 18-20)? What was their failure in the promised land (vv. 42, 48)? 2. Israel's idolatry was a failure to trust in God alone for salvation and blessing. What are the ways you seek blessing, identity, safety or security apart from God? 3. How does Psalm 78:65-72 show us God's grace even in the face of His people's sin? How should God's sacrifice of His Son for you move you to put idolatry and discontent to death?

Jesus teaches that we need to focus on our heavenly and not earthly rewards. We learn that Jesus blesses His people of Faith. Luke 6:17-26

Sermon text - Psalm 127:1-5 Sermon title - Receive Rest From God Outline I. Embrace Dependent Work II. View Children as God Does III. Receive Rest From God Verse: Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Deuteronomy 11:1-12 NIV