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Prove That You Care: Sanctity of Life

larsondd@mac.com — 2010-01-24T13:25:21-06:00

Sermon Notes and References:

Manhattan Declaration
Today Pastor Lenz will invite you to consider the Manhattan Declaration, especially the section on the sanctity of human life. Find this document at www.manhattandeclaration.org.

Hope & Healing After Abortion
Pain from abortion—physical, emotional and spiritual—can continue for years. Conquerors, a program of New Life Family Services, brings God's hope and healing to those who have had an abortion. New support programs start in February. Call 763-323-3435 for a confidential conversation, or visit conquerorspostabortion.org.

Practical Ways to Affirm Life
Annual Baby Shower and Baby Bottle Drive
Pick up a list of needed baby things and bring them to the crib in the Link. These gifts will be divided between New Life Family Services and Vine & Branches to serve single moms and other needy families in our neighborhood.

Take home a baby bottle and till it with coins. Donations provide scholarship assistance for Single Moms Family Camp.

Volunteers needed - Sign up at the table in the Link to pray for single moms, help with childcare, make and/or serve meals for the ARISE group.

Teen Challenge

larsondd@mac.com — 2009-07-12T14:43:16-05:00

Minnesota Teen Challenge presented music, testimonies, and needs during its visit to Hope on Sunday, July 12, 2009.

You can hear their presentation on our podcast or on our Worship pages.

Please consider making a donation.

http://www.mntc.org/

Ministry of Compassion

larsondd@mac.com — 2009-04-26T12:25:49-05:00

During ONE Sunday there was a video presentation about three ministries in addition to the work of ONE itself. Here are links to their web sites:

http://www.one.org

http://www.daystarus.org

http://www.kenyachildrensfund.org

http://www.waterforlife.org

The Courage of Jesus

larsondd@mac.com — 2009-04-05T12:20:00-05:00

Rev. Lenz’s sermon on the courage of Jesus included references to two web sites that demonstrate how the Christian life might be lived courageously.

The Voice of the Martyrs: Persecution.com at http://www.persecution.com/
and

Urban Homeworks at http://www.urbanhomeworks.org/

Financial Peace

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-11-16T21:53:31-06:00

Financial Peace University was presented as a responsible way to make a financial plan for saving, spending, and giving.

http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/

Firstfruits

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-11-09T21:54:00-06:00

God’s Pie
This video was shown during the Firstfuits sermon on November 9, 2008.

Peace at Heart: Enabling You to Serve Others

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-03-30T17:01:02-05:00

Peace at Heart: Enabling You to Serve Others
Dr. He Qi
30 March 2008

Dr. He Qi (pronounced Huh Chee)

Dr. He Qi was a professor at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary and a tutor for master candidate students in the Philosophy Department of Nanjing University. He Qi is currently artist-in-residence at Yale, He hopes to help change the "foreign image" of Christianity in China by using artistic language, and at the same time, to supplement Chinese Art the way Buddhist art did in ancient times. Dr. He Qi was the first among Mainland Chinese to earn Ph.D. in the Religious art after Cultural Revolution. He has exhibited in Kyoto, Hong Kong, Geneva, Hamburg, London, San Francisco. Berkeley, NewHaven, Minneapolis, Washington, Princeton, Detroit, Toronto, as well as in mainland China.

His Story
Father was a famous mathematician
16 years old during the cultural revolution in China
All schools closed and He and his family sent to the country side to work on a farm.
A clever boy...”What can I do to avoid manual labor? Maybe I can paint Chairman Mao’s portrait.”
Influenced by Rafael’s painting of the Madonna on the cover of an old art magazine.
Tragedy of his mother who was falsely branded a counter revolutionary.
She was forced to bow down to Chairman Mao. She died as a result.
Painted Chairman Mao by day and the Madonna and Jesus by night.

A Father’s Day Test [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-06-17T16:59:42-05:00

A Father’s Day Test
17 June 2007
Questions for reflection and discussion.

Has God asked you to sacrifice anything? What has been the result?

What are some of the things God has asked Hope Church to do? What has been the result?

More and more, less people are coming to church to ask questions?” What came to mind for you when you heard this statement?

The Romans Road

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-04-29T16:57:55-05:00

The Romans Road
Pastor David Lenz
29 April 2007

Text: Romans 1:5, 1: 20, 3:23 and 6:23, 3:24 and 6:23, 8:15-16, 10:9-10, 12:5-6, 15:13

Intro:
Imagine a spiritual conversation with a friend
Been praying please open his/her heart
“How can I become a Christian?
Your palms get sweaty because you don’t have a plan.
Many techniques. (4 Laws, Evangel Explosion, Alpha). No single right way. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. HS does it.
Romans Road is a way to share your faith: 1 book with a series of verses
Begins with God, not just a private affair, leads us into community
1: It’s not about me.
Reservations of many popular salvation plans devised for the American hyper individualistic society.
Donkey Shrek: What about me? Pick me? Pick me?
Rick Warren’s best selling book, “The purpose driven life.”
Westminster Catechism: Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man? Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

2: God has already begun a relationship with us thru creation.
Chuck Colson in Born Again: Standing at the rail of the USS Melette – “There was no possible explanation for how this whole magnificent universe could remain in such perfect harmony without some awesome power.
Do we know all of God from nature? - Of course not. Bible gives the only full accounting of God. But before we even crack the Bible we have a sense.

3: Sin separates us from God
Ted Turner: “So I’ve had a few drinks and a few girl friends. What’s the big deal?”
Good and bad jumbled together: prognosis in the end is certain and eternal death.

4: We are rescued by the work of Christ
Cross cultural training exercise……David and Linda couldn’t complete the assignment. We don’t have all the pieces we need to solve the problem.
Jesus died. His life makes us righteous.

5: We are welcomed into God’s family
Elaine in Seinfeld says “NO WAY!” or “GET OUT” when she hears something she can hardly believe.
Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. “NO WAY!” We hardly dare believe this.

6: The simple act of confessing
Nicky Gumbel’s compares this to a marriage ceremony:
Don’t know what the future holds. Joys and heartaches….
Dare to stand-up in public and promise: “I do”, “all the days of my life”
Same thing when we accept Jesus. “I do …. Commitment of faith for all the days of my life.

7: Life in Jesus means life in community
Driving home from a music theory exam listening to the NFL draft:
Initially all about the individual player. Joe Thomas, 6’7”, 311 pounds, Tremendous athlete, quick feet, Strong shoulders, room on his frame to add more size…….
After the selection all about the team and the contribution the selected player will make relative to a specific need on the team.
What is my contribution to my Christian team? How can I complete the team? What need can I fill?

8: Life in Jesus means a life filled with Spirit-given hope.
Story about the mouse: head half in the whole with hind end sticking out hoping the world would go away.
We will not be freed from difficulties. But we can face even the greatest challenges with a confident hope. HS fills us with joy and peace and hope.

Conclusion
Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. Something that cannot be suppressed. It must be expressed!

Speaking the Truth in Love

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-01-27T16:39:20-06:00

Speaking the Truth in Love
Pastor David Lenz
27 January 2008

Text: Ephesians 4:14-16
“But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way …….”

Back to that night……a tense dialogue about truth. John 18:37-38
Communion’s words of institution; “On the night on which he was betrayed…..”
Pilate: “Are you king of the Jews?”
……………….
Jesus: “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate: “What is truth?”

What is truth?
The world has struggled for centuries to answer this question.
“Truth is Stranger Than it Used to Be” by Middleton and Walsh
To declare truth in today’s culture seems; presumptuous, arrogant, and even offensive.

What is truth? Roe v. Wade 1973
None of David’s pastor friends are speaking on this topic.
Please don’t ask what I think. Because I will tell you and someone will be offended.
So Pilates question goes un-answered.

The way forward: Ephesians 4:15
Speak the truth. What does that mean?
Metanarrative or overriding principle around which we organize our lives.
How do we speak a (the) truth about abortion; 1) Turn to the Bible. 2) Commit to study. 3) Commit to pray. 4) Come together for discernment. 4) Acknowledge that the word “abortion” does not appear in the Bible. 5) God speaks about life being a gift, being precious, and valued by God in the womb.
Hope Church’s declaration on abortion from 1983
Know that not everyone comes from the same metanarrative. Not everyone agrees.

Call to Action: Speak the truth in love
Don’t clobber people with the truth or berate people with the truth. Don’t make them so uncomfortable they won’t hear a word you say. Not an information dump…..listen.
“The purpose of a sermon is not to get something said but to get something heard.” Craddock
Romans 8:1 – “There is no condemnation……
I Cor 13: - Love is patient, kind, not rude, not easily angered…..
Not just in word but in deed. Not just declared but demonstrated. (ARISE, Loaves & Fishes, Vines & Branches)

Does it make a difference?
Steve Chapman in 26Jan2008 Star Tribune
25% drop in abortions since peak in 1990. Lowest since 1976
2003 Gallup Poll: 72% of teenagers believe abortion is wrong.
Movie: Juno – A pregnant 16 year old changes her mind after hearing from a teenage protester.
The prevailing view used to be: Abortion may be evil but it is necessary. Increasingly the sentiment is: Abortion may be necessary but it is evil.

Reluctant to be Sent: The Missionary without the Missionary’s Heart

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-09-23T16:36:45-05:00

Reluctant to be Sent: The Missionary without the Missionary’s Heart
Pastor David Lenz
23 September 2007

Text: Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1 – 4:11
Chapter 1: “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.”

We are a sent people. The problem is that we don’t enjoy being sent.
We are reluctant because:
We are afraid. We don’t want to look like fanatics. We are not prepared.
We are apathetic and pre-occupied
We don’t love the people to whom we are sent.

Nineveh: A bit of background:
Located in Iraq near modern day Mosul.
Capital of Assyria. In 772BC wiped away the Northern Kingdom of Israel
City of violence, wickedness, and unceasing evil as described in Nahum 3.
Chapter 2 and 3: “But the Lord provided a large fish…..” I called out to the Lord out of my distress”……“ The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh.”

Jonah Goes
Jonah’s msg: “Forty days more and Nineveh will be overturned.” Jonah 3:4
Not the greatest sermon of all time. The prophet’s heart was not in it.
Nineveh repents. God is stirred by their repentance and spares them.
Jonah is not happy.
Chapter 4: “ But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry....” for I knew you were a gracious God and merciful....... Please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Jonah’s Problem
Problem is not that he doesn’t understand God’s mercy.
Problem is that he does understand God’s mercy.
Real problem is that he doesn’t love the Ninevites and wanted them destroyed.

Our Problem
Hard to love lost people because they do lost things.
Ministry to lost people is messy.
Lost people disappoint us, hurt us, and wound us.

Chariots of Fire:
“You can’t get out what God has not put in.” Sam Mussabini

Call to Action :
Ask God to put in what is missing. A love for the people to whom God has sent you.
Where is Nineveh for you?

Summary: God loves Nineveh and God loves Jonah.

Bless Me Father [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-07-22T16:31:17-05:00

Bless Me Father
Pastor Bruce Hillyer
22 July 2007

Questions for Reflection and Discussion.

What does a blessing looks like or sound like?

How can we be more intentional about delivering a blessing?

Have you received a blessing or given a blessing you are willing to share with the group?

Has anyone rejected your attempt at a blessing?

Counting Conversations, Not Conversions [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-10-21T16:26:48-05:00

Wondering Questions
The goal of wondering questions is to open a dialogue in which you can learn about others and they about you. They aren’t a springboard for a Gospel presentation; they’re a springboard for getting to know someone on a deeper level, building trust, and demonstrating respectfulness and grace.

Life Lessons
I’ve made it my lifelong goal to learn from others; what the greatest lesson you’ve learned thus far in your life’s journey?
Tell me about your greatest success and your greatest failure along the way.
Would you share the greatest piece of wisdom ever passed on to you?

Life Goals/Career
What prompted you to pursue your career?
What do you like most about what you do; how about the least?
Do you see what you’re doing as a lifetime career or a stepping stone to something else?

World Events
How did 9/11 affect your view of God and the world?

Good vs Evil
Have you ever sensed the presence of evil?
Have you ever sensed the presence of God?
Have you had any major turning points in life?

Belief
What do you find the most difficult pill to swallow concerning belief in God?
Why do you think so many other people find it difficult to come to a belief in God?

Marriage or Dating
How did you meet your spouse (or friend)?
What have you learned about yourself through marriage (or dating)?
What do you enjoy the most about marriage (or dating)? The least?

Dreams
What did you see yourself doing career-wise when you were eighteen?
What dreams have you let go of?
What dreams are you still hanging on to?

Major Influences
Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?
Has there been one book or movie that has greatly influenced you?
Besides your parents, who stands out as having had a major influence on you?

Counting Conversations, Not Conversions

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-10-14T16:24:41-05:00

Counting Conversations, Not Conversions
Pastor Kirk Wulff
14 October 2007

Statistics
57% of evangelical Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to tell others.
94% over 18 are unlikely to respond to the Gospel as it is currently being presented.
90% of Americans believe in God but only 30% are in church on Sunday.

Seismic shifts in our civilization

Modernism
Dominated by development of science, math, rational thinking, analysis, industrialization.
Objective truth is a system of propositions laid like bricks and cemented by logic.
Individualism
Evangelism
Confrontational
Proof based
TELL people the good news

Post Modernism
There is more going on that the rational mind can explain? Open to supernatural.
No need for objective truth…..What’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for others.
Hostile toward any belief system that tries to impose its beliefs on others.
Peer driven, communal, feeling driven
Certainty is impossible
Evangelism:
Is it real for you? Is Christianity working for you?
Do you like me? Are you like me?
Are you normal?

Post-Christian
Have decided what Christianity is about and don’t want it
Huge trust issues with God, the church, and Christians reinforced in the news about priests molesting children, pastors preaching against homosexuality and then living a Jeckel and Hyde life style, pastors laundering money
Evangelism: we don’t start at 0 we start at a -5.

Research by Karen and Kathy

Conversation leads to Community, which leads to Conversion.
Modern world trusted experts. Post modern world does not.
The silent questions: Who are these people? Can I trust them? Do they just want my money?
Belong before you believe.

Look for your “Person of Peace”
Someone you connect with, have chemistry with.
Drop spiritual clues …..not a bait and switch thing.

The spiritual art of noticing.
The spiritual art of “small talk”…..we chat our way to change. Speeches are over rated.
The emotional on-ramp to deeper conversations. Are we normal?
The ministry of active listening. You can’t argue a post-modern into the kingdom you listen them in.

Life is Precious: Reflections on Pascal’s Wager [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-01-21T16:23:21-06:00

Life is Precious: Reflections on Pascal’s Wager
21 January 2007

Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on Life is Precious to God.

What are some hot topics in addition to abortion you have been drawn into discussion on?

How can we respond to those topics consistent with the quotations on the wall of David’s office (James 3:1 and I Corinthians 13:1)?

Think of a recent interactions (inside or outside your family) with someone who is very different from you or difficult for you. How should the Biblical perspective that individuals are precious to God effect that interaction?

Life is Precious: Reflections on Pascal’s Wager

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-01-21T16:22:03-06:00

Life is Precious: Reflections on Pascal’s Wager
Pastor David Lenz
21 January 2007

Guiding principals for this sermon based on two quotations on the wall of David’s office
James 3:1
1 Corinthians 13:1

Americans to not have a common mind with respect to abortion.
All polls agree that Americans do not agree on abortion
All Democrats do not agree
All Republicans do not agree
We can expect that this is true of the people here today.
This difficult question has touched most of us.
We need to have a big heart for each other. Deep pain on both sides.

Biblical Perspective = Life is Precious
Inside the womb
Outside the womb

Life is precious because:
God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 1:1
God created male and female – Genesis 1:27
Jesus was involved in creation – John 1:3
God knows us intimately – Matthew 10:30
We are so valuable that Christ died for us – Romans 5:8
Your Redeemer formed you in the womb – Isaiah 44:24
The baby in my womb leaped for joy – Luke 1:43-44
God chose us – Ephesians 1:4
God knew us even before he formed us in the womb – Jeremiah 1:4-5
God created my innermost being and knit us together in our mother’s womb – Psalms 139:13-16

Pascal’s Wager
If there is no God, we have not lost much by believing. But if there is a God and we don’t believe, then we have lost all.

Summary and Call to Action
“Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galations 6:22

No More Discouragement [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-03-18T16:20:38-05:00

No More Discouragement
Pastor Bruce Hillyer
18 March 2007

Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on No More Discouragement

How do you know when your ambition is selfish or God initiated? (Before the disorder and evil sets in.)

What is the antidote to selfish ambition? How can I get back on track?

Question for Quiet Reflection
What do I envy in someone else and what gifts should I be focused on?

No More Discouragement

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-03-18T16:19:21-05:00

No More Discouragement
Pastor Bruce Hillyer
18 March 2007

Text: James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Preparation for the Sermon
Imagine this verse rattling around in your head for a couple of months.
See everyone with selfishness or self ambition
“How selfish am I?”
“Why am I a pastor? Am I selfish in this?”

3 Steps to Tackling a Difficult Text
“Lord of all wisdom, please show me what you want me to learn.”
Read the text.
Ask 3 questions.

Question 1: What is the Problem? (What don’t I get? What bothers me?)
The problem isn’t that I don’t understand. The problem is that I don’t want to agree with it.
This is not written for the unbelieving world. It was written for the church. It was written for me.

Question 2: What is God doing here? (What is the reason God wanted this in the scriptures?)
God understands that envy can keep me from being the person God wants me to be. I am so busy wanting what you have that I can’t enjoy what God has given me. Bruce’s experience with the woman at work who tried to teach him to sing. “Don’t think about the gift I have. Think about the gift you have.” If we envy we won’t enjoy.
Selfish ambition can negatively effect what God wants us to be as a church.
A lesson from the professor and the preacher as they coach basketball. It may work at first but it leads to disorder and disaster.
A lesson from a country church. They weren’t coming together to encourage each other. They were coming together to watch each other.

Question 3: What’s in it for me? (How should this affect my life?)
Spent 2 months thinking about ways I am selfish.
Am I encouraging you or am I jealous of you?
I want to be like verses 17 and 18. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

Call to Action: Encourage each other to enjoy the gifts God has given each of us.

The Transfiguration

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-02-18T16:16:51-06:00

The Transfiguration
Pastor Judy Richie
18 February 2007

Text: Matthew 17:1-13

Opening
50% of Americans claim that they have had a spiritual experience that has transformed or altered their lives.

The Transfiguration
What are the rightful places of those kinds of experiences in our lives?
Why was this preserved in the Scriptures in 3 out of the 4 of the gospels?
Isn’t it interesting how it was right after Peter’s confession of Jesus being the “Christ” (Mt. 16:13). And then Jesus predicts his death. Peter must have been quite confused. Then came the transfiguration
Peter tried to hold onto the moment by suggesting they build three houses for Jesus, Moses and Elisha.
We are not meant to hold on to the moment.We are not meant to hold on to our last great spiritual experience or our last great moment at a retreat.
But we are meant to keep moving forward by seeking and following God
What did they see? They saw the glory of God. They got a glimpse.

How did they respond?
They tried to hold on to the experience.
They were terrified.
They couldn’t tell anyone.

Jesus did not:
use this as a recruiting device.
use this just to give the disciples a cool spiritual experience
do this just so they could understand God’s glory.

Key Phrase: “This is my Son. The Chosen. Listen to Him.”
God speaks to them out of the cloud – “This is my son who I love. Listen to Him”.
Listening implies obedience. If you are not obeying then you are not listening.
What are the purposes of spiritual experiences in our lives?
We are warned not to get caught up in the experience but rather “listen to Jesus.”

St. Francis of Assis’ Mountain Top Experience
St. Francis of Assisi was repulsed by lepers but one day the Lord spoke to him to go back to a leper that he just passed and embrace him. He obeyed and that experience profoundly changed him to the point where his ministry to lepers is still visible today. St. Francis describes this as his “mountain top experience.”

Summary and Call to Action
Matthew 17:5 “ This is my Son. Listen to Him.”

A Father’s Day Test

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-06-17T16:14:28-05:00

A Father’s Day Test
Pastor Bruce Hillyer
17 June 2007

Text: Hebrews 11: 17
“By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son.”

Question 1: How much do you love and trust Jesus?
Abraham loved God so much he was willing to sacrifice his son. Abraham knew it was better to obey God than follow his own way.
Why did Bruce agree to speak on this difficult topic?
Art work picturing Abraham with a knife ready to sacrifice Isaac.
Isaac allowed himself to be bound. Isaac’s eyes focused on heaven and not on Abraham. “Where’s the lamb?” Isaac trusted both his father and God that a sacrifice would be provided.
A father raises a son not to look at him but to look at God.
Story of Pablo from Peru. Pablo’s father trusted and took his son to God. Instead of the Shining Path Pablo ended up at Luther Seminary and the real shining path.
The more you are obedient, the more you see God’s love, and then the more you trust…..more you are obedient, more you see God’s love and the more you trust…….

Question 2: Why did God put this story in the Bible?
Because God want us to:
Be obedient
Trust him
Love him
God asked Abraham to leave his home, his family and his country.
What is God asking you?
What is God asking Hope Church?
“More and more, less people are coming to church to ask questions about faith.”
Bruce’s last 4 years working at the hospital questions every day on every shift.
Bruce’s last 11 years only 7 or 8 people have come to his office to ask questions about faith.
More and more we need to be obedient and people will ask us questions about faith. We have to go out there because people aren’t going to come in here.

Question 3: What about you? What does the story have to do with you?
How much does Jesus love me?.
Story from camp……”I know what your problem is, you need more faith. I know this because I need more faith.”

Conclusion:

Obey

More
Trust

See God’s
Love

Can We [Talk] Listen? [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-01-13T16:13:00-06:00

Can We [Talk] Listen?
13 January 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.

Do you have a “creepy” evangelism experience you can share?

What were you thinking during or after the sermon? How was the sermon helpful?

What does a prompting/nudge from God sound like or feel like to you?

What sphere of influence is the most difficult for you? And why?

Can We [Talk] Listen?

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-01-13T16:10:54-06:00

Can We ]Talk] Listen?
Pastor David Lenz
13 January 2008

Text: Acts 8:26-39
“Get up and go towards the south”…….So he got up and went……”Go over to the chariot and stay near it.”…….So Philip ran up to it……”Do you understand what you are reading?”….. < white space> ……..Then the eunuch asked Philip, “About whom does the prophet say this?”

A Creepy Experience
A strange man asks, “Are you saved.”
Should have been a moment of joy meeting another believer but instead it was creepy.
The man didn’t offer a name, didn’t ask my name. Heard the answer and moved on.
Too often we:
Talk before we listen
Talk before building a relationship
Talk without really caring about them
“To answer before listening is folly and shame.” Prov 18:13

Philip and the Ethiopian – The Art of Spiritual Conversation
The Prompting - “Go on a road trip.”
Very specific. “Go south to the road – the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
So much ministry depends on paying attention to God’s promptings.
The prompting often seems un-spiritual.
The Action - “He started out.”
“Life’s great moments evolve from simple acts of cooperation with God’s mysterious promptings.” Bill Hybels
God is talking all the time. We need to listen and respond. Simple acts of cooperation.
Another Prompting - “Go to the chariot and stay near to it.”
The ministry of proximity.
A Natural Question - based on the circumstances. “Do you understand what you are reading?”
White space – Philip is silent and gives the Ethiopian time.
The Ethiopian invites Philip’s opinion.
The Ethiopian believes and is baptized.

Important Theological Truth
No human ever leads another human to Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to Jesus.
It is not all on Philip. It is not all on us.

Debbie’s Story
Not part of our nature to care what someone else thinks or worried about how to respond.
Natural questions:
“Tell me about your tattoos.”
“What do you believe?”

Call to Action: A simple prayer
“Holy Spirit, I am available as you need me today. Help me to listen. Help me to respond.”

Summary Quiz – What were the final three summary points of the sermon?

He is Alive! Now What?: Feed My Sheep [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-04-13T16:09:28-05:00

He is Alive! Now What? : Feed My Sheep
13 April 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.

What do you think could have been going on in Peter’s mind when Jesus asked him the same simple question 3 times?

What happened to Peter after this encounter? In your view, how did this encounter have an impact on the rest of Peter’s life?

How do we keep the “gladness?” How do we keep the joy?

What brings you passion? And why?

The God Who Sends [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-09-09T16:08:11-05:00

The God Who Sends
9 September 2007
Questions for reflection and discussion.

What ministry have you been sent to? Why? Re-trace how you got involved?

To what are you being sent? – now and future

Who has God sent to you and altered your course in life?

EXTRA CREDIT
When have you felt like the lost lady in the adult daycare?

Who rescued you?

The God Who Sends

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-09-09T16:06:22-05:00

The God Who Sends
Pastor David Lenz
9 September 2007

Text: John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

SENT: The one word theme of the fall series
What does it mean that we are sent?
What does it mean that we are a missional church?
Where are we being sent?

The God who loves. The God who gives. The God who sends.

The God who loves: God does not give up on us.
Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Genesis 3:9 “Where are you?”

The God who sends:
Moses- to the children of Israel in Egypt
Isaiah and Jeremiah - to the tribe of Judah
Amos – to Israel during their prosperity
Ezekial – the exiles in Babylon
Haggai – to the Jews rebuilding the temple
Jesus – not to condemn the world but to save the world.

Missio Dei: The Mission of God and the Missional Church
“Theologians speak of mission using the Latin phrase missio dei. They refer at times to
the mission of God, or in another sense, the God of mission. You may have heard the saying,
“Mission is not a program of the church.” Rather, mission is fundamental to our identity as the
church. The church does not have a mission per se. Instead, the God of mission, the God Who is
love (1 John 4:16) and Who is on a mission of love, has a/the church with which to accomplish
God’s mission. As Christians, each of us is called to be a missionary in our respective cultural
contexts. In a very real sense, mission is who we are. It is who we were created, designed, and who we are called to be and become more and more…..God is a sending/missionary God.”
Stephen Hayner – Columbia Theological
The stained glass windows
They shut us in
Sanctuary
Retreat and Refuge
But the action is not in here…..it is out there.

The Hope staff takes it to the streets
Story of the missing adult day care student
Great picture of the Missional Church taking it to the streets looking for the lost.

Call to Action : Every one is sent to their sphere of influence.

The Sent One: The Mission of Jesus

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-10-07T16:04:12-05:00

The Sent One: The Mission of Jesus
Pastor David Lenz
7 October 2007

Text: Luke 4: 14-30
“Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone……..and the scroll of the profit Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. Has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of th sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down.”

First Sermons
Jesus first sermon:
Immediately follows 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil.
Jesus returned with the power of the Spirit.
Jesus was already famous. Great expectations.
The Sermon: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because has anointed me to bring good news to the poor...release to the captives….recovery of sight to the blind…..”
David’s first sermon:
David’s friend Mike’s first sermon:

What do the critics say of evangelicals?
Evangelicals make their faith too private.
Too privatistic and too individualistic.
“Me and my God! Me and my God! Me and my God! And miss the social implications.
Only questions that matter:
Am I saved?
Will I get to heaven?

“Please don’t hear what I am not saying.”
Not saying a personal relationship with Jesus is not important.
David stated that he is an evangelical.
Shut down the old tapes and open your ears.

The Depth of the Good News:
Preach Good News to the poor.
Proclaim freedom to the prisoner.
Recovery of sight to the blind.
Gospel of “release from sin” is not contradictory to “good news to the poor.”

How does the Gospel best get a hearing?
By words or by actions?
Not only proclaimed but enacted.

Statement from a co-worker to a parishioner:
“I am looking for a church where they don’t just think about themselves.”
Call to Action : Are the concerns of Jesus our concerns?

The Sent Ones: The Mission of the Disciples [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-11-04T16:02:41-06:00

The Sent Ones: The Mission of the Disciples
4 November 2007
Questions for reflection and discussion.

How did Jesus spend time with his disciples? How does Jesus spend time with us? How can we allow Jesus to pour himself into us?

Jesus sent out the 12 to preach and to have authority over demons. What does that mean to us in today’s culture?

“I will go. I will take the ring. But I do not know the way.” Fodo

What’s your ring?

The Sent Ones: The Mission of the Disciples

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-11-04T15:59:21-06:00

The Sent Ones: The Mission of the Disciples
Pastor David Lenz
4 November 2007

Text: Mark 3: 13-19

“He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons.”

The Sent Series
The God Who Sends
Reluctant to be Sent: The Missionary without the Missionary’s Heart
The Sent One: The Mission of Jesus

Ordinary people
2 sets of brothers
Rocky and the Son’s of Thunder
After the first four names none are mentioned again in Mark.
Not like the cabinet of JFK…..regarded as the best and the brightest.

What does it mean to be 1 of the 12? What is discipleship?
Being with Jesus
Being sent by Jesus

Being with Jesus
Jesus initiates the relationship. He appoints the 12.
Meals, conversation, fishing.
“Spent a day fishing with John Quincy. Day wasted.” Quote from John Adams journal.,
Allow Jesus to pour himself into us. Solid devotional time is good but……….

Being Sent by Jesus
Two purposes vs. 14-15
Preach
Authority to drive out demons

Before I go I need to:
Finish the book on…….
Attend a seminar on……
Down load this sermon and listen to it 3 or 4 times…….
Go to this prayer meeting……..
Their training was not complete but Jesus sends them anyway.

Lord of the Rings
“I will go. I will take the ring. But I do not know the way.”
Frodo

We can do it because Jesus is pouring himself into us to:
Proclaim the good news
Do mighty deeds.

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-03-04T15:53:55-06:00

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord
Pastor David Lenz
4 March 2007

Text: 2 Thes. 3:16

Review from last week: With Gentleness and Respect
I Peter 3:16
When anyone asks……
Be ready to answer…….
With gentleness and respect……
Assignment for next week: What’s your answer for the hope within you?

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord: 2 Thes 3:16
The Lord of Peace gives to us the peace of God.
How do you end a letter or an email?

David’s Story:
David said, “I love my family. I can provide material comforts. I can impart a value system. I can be an example of Christian character, and I can pray for my family.”
David’s prayer: “God save my boys from biting dogs and speeding cars.”
David’s realization: “As I get older I am more in touch with my limits. The things I can’t control.”
Write a Rainbow by Ann Wiens
“I love my family but I can’t write them a rainbow. I can’t give them peace.”

Trouble Finds Us: John 14:27, Johne 16:33
From a snowplow and $.20 increase in gas prices to the depletion of the ozone layer and wars.
Jesus doesn’t take us out of trouble but rather leads us through trouble.

Three Benefits.
Peace with God:
The feeling any sinner should feel facing the holiness of God is 1 million times greater than what Alice in Wonderland felt facing the mighty Oz.
But we have peace with God because of Jesus – Romans 5:1-2

Peace in the face of death
The day after the resurrection Jesus said: “Peace be with you.” Jn 20:19, 21
One week later Jesus said: “Peace be with you.” Jn 20:26
Death rids away any sense of peace. But we can have peace because we know it is not the end.

Peace even if we know the world is coming to an end.

The Passing of the Peace
It is not just filling time.
It is not just a ritual.
But it is announcing that Jesus is the Lord of Peace and he give Peace to us all

Key Phrase: “May the Lord of Peace give you peace.”

One Vine, Many Branches [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-02-04T15:52:54-06:00

One Vine, Many Branches
Pastor David Lenz
4 February 2007

Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on One Vine, Many Branches.

The phrase “Remain in me” was used 8 times in 8 verses. How can we “Remain in Jesus?”
Individually?
As a church body?
Any personal examples you would like to share?

Give example of how Jesus prunes us that we may bear more fruit?
Individually?
As a church body?
Any personal examples you would like to share?

As we merge with Oliver, David listed examples of what bearing fruit might look like. What were some of the evidences he listed? What others can you add?

One Vine, Many Branches

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-02-04T15:50:35-06:00

One Vine, Many Branches
Pastor David Lenz
4 February 2007

Text: John 15:1-8

Opening story: The Ivy Covered Church in Iowa.
David’s church in Des Moines was covered in ivy. The ivy was destroying the mortar between the bricks. But the church got it’s community identity from the ivy covered structured. Like good Presbyterians the committee delayed the difficult decision on whether to cut down the ivy. In the mean-time a hearing impaired member of the committee showed up the next morning with a chain saw and severed all the trunks of the ivy branches near to the ground around the entire church. The disconnected branches withered and died just as the text in John 15 stated.

Vine/Branches/Fruit: A Fully Integrated System
Jesus is the vine.
We are the branches.
The objective and focus is on the fruit.
What does it mean to bear much fruit? What does that look like? Three indicators:

Quality of our Conduct. How do we live? – Luke 3:9-14
If you have 2 coats give one of them to someone who needs a coat.
If you have extra food, give some to someone who is hungry.
If you are a tax collector, be honest.
If you are a soldier don’t extort money.
Be satisfied with your wages.

Quality of our Character – Galatians 5: 19-24
Works of the flesh
Fruit of the Spirit

Quality of our Love- John 13-34-35, John 15:12-17
Our love for others indicates fruit.
Our love for others shows that we are His disciples.

Cutting and Pruning
Branches not bearing fruit are cut off.
Branches bearing fruit are pruned.
We are pruned for a purpose: to bear more fruit.

Key Phrase: “Remain in Me”
Used 8 times in 8 verses.
Summary and Call to Action
John 15:8 –“ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my Disciples.”

The Measure of Love: He Laid Down His Life [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-04-01T15:49:28-05:00

The Measure of Love: He Laid Down His Life
Pastor David Lenz
1 April 2007

Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on the measure of love

Describe an example you have witnessed of someone “laying down their life for another?”

Are you presently being put in a position that involves choice, intention and sacrifice that is hard for you? Would you be willing to describe it to the group?

Are you sensing a potential future call to sacrifice for another?

The Measure of Love: He Laid Down His Life [complete]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-04-01T15:47:29-05:00

The Measure of Love: He Laid Down His Life
Pastor David Lenz
1 April 2007

Text: I John 3:16
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

Part 1: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
Of the 49 3:16’s, this is the most appropriate for Palm Sunday.
The measure of Jesus’ love for us: he laid down life for us

The Road to Jerusalem
The gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke unfold Jesus’ slow but certain journey to Jerusalem.
Not once, not twice – but three times, Jesus announces what happen in Jerusalem: he will suffer and die
The disciples never quite grasp this but as readers, we know what’s coming.
The tension keeps rising as Jesus “sets his face” for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51)
Palm Sunday means “Jerusalem at last!” And now events set in motion will cost Jesus his life.

A Bit of a Surprise.
Palm Sunday is always a bit of surprise – we know that Jesus goes Jerusalem to die.
Yet we see him met by cheering crowds, people throwing cloaks down before him, and others cutting down palm branches. Just as in days of old → Jehu crowned King of Israel and people threw cloaks down before him
A shout rises up – “Hosanna!” (Lord, save us) and the cheering crowd continues with the words from Psalm 118: “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
A visual parable, for those who have eyes to see:
The King of Glory riding on a donkey! Not a white stallion, but simple donkey. “Humble majesty:”
Lord who washes feet his disciples
Servant-Leader who comes to serve (rather than be served)
King Glory who comes to lay down his life
Important to see Palm Sunday as not just “happening to Jesus” (a tragedy unfolding against his will). But a choice Jesus makes; intentional, active, not passive.

An Intentional Choice.
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd…And I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:18 “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord”
What Palm Sunday means –Jesus riding into Jerusalem to a certain death. It was his choice for us. His intention.
Jesus shows us what love is – we might say, “what love does:”
His intention.
Pouring Himself out for us.
Costly
Sacrificial

Part 2: “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
Does that grab your attention?

A Father/Son Banquet
Recently at a Father-Son banquet David’s son’s college a speaker brought along his nine year old son. A charming boy with one of those laughs that rises above others. The father would tell a joke and we would laugh. And then hearing his son laughing we would laugh again. He was so proud his dad! Suddenly the room got very serious when the speaker said; “You know, I would give my life for my son –looked at young men in room “Your father would do same. You could feel it in room - fathers feeling the weight this – but also the truth. “Yes, we would do this”
Perhaps many of us do this: lay down our lives for our children, or perhaps for others in our family. This is certainly a measure of love.
This is what Jesus shown us: What love is (what love does).
chooses for others; intentional
active, not passive
pours itself out
costly; sacrificial

A Few Weeks ago in New York City
Team from Hope were at Ground Zero where World Trade Centers stood until 9-11, 2001. Strange think so many died here. A sense of horror gone now; due to the bustling construction site. A new tower will rise – Freedom Tower (1,776 ft.) and there will be a permanent memorial – “Reflecting Absence” where the original towers stood. For now, there stands a small temporary memorial with a few photos and timeline what happened on 9-11. David found himself deeply moved by a particular photo, and its brief caption.
A photo Port Authority Police Officer Christopher Amoroso shown actively engaged in rescue efforts during early stages of disaster. The time stamp on the photo is 9:28 a.m. - He is shown helping woman to safety despite burns on face, Chris re-entered the Towers four times but never returned from his last attempt when building collapsed on him. He was 29 years old with wife Jaime, and a daughter Sophia Rose who was 19 months old on 9/11/2001.
In a letter to Sophia when she was 10 weeks old Christopher wrote:
“Sometimes it makes me cry, as I am overwhelmed by the joy I’ve been given by you and your mother. I want you to know that I consider myself the luckiest man to ever walk the face of this earth. If anything were to happen to me, I could honestly say I’ve known true love and happiness in my life. I’ve known that because of your mother and now you.”
Certainly a measure of love. Christopher Amoroso had so much to live for yet laid down his life like Jesus and showed us what love is (what love does).
chooses for others; intentional
active, not passive
pours itself out
costly; sacrificial

Does this set the bar too high?
As John writes these words in 1 John 3:16, imagine him saying – “this sets bar high; maybe too high”
John hastens add the words v. 17 “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother (or sister) in need and yet refuses help?”
There are many kinds costly love:
“laying down our life” might be quite literal. Making the ultimate sacrifice, as Jesus did, as Christopher Amoroso did.
Or “laying down our life” = caring for the poor.
Develop a big heart for poor.
In name Jesus, provide urgent relief.
In name Jesus, seek justice for them
This too, is a measure of love
love the poor – just as Jesus shown us what love is (what love does).
chooses for others; intentional
active, not passive
pours itself out
costly; sacrificial

Key Phrase: “What love is - what love does.”

Call to Action: Encourage each other to enjoy the gifts God has given each of us.

Palm Sunday – a day to see love Jesus in action. A day to ask ourselves – do I love as Jesus loves?
Where and for whom and how am I to lay down my life?
If you are not sure….. spend time with God and direction will come. Above all, look to Jesus – for this how we know what love is, (what love does.)

The Measure of Love: He Laid Down His Life [short]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-04-01T15:45:53-05:00

Reluctant to be Sent: The Missionary without the Missionary’s Heart [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-09-23T22:09:41-05:00

Reluctant to be Sent: The Missionary without the Missionary’s Heart
23 September 2007

Questions for reflection and discussion.

1. Who have you been sent to? Or, where are you being sent?

2. What makes us reluctant to go?

3. From a corporate perspective…..Where is Hope Church’s Nineveh?

EXTRA CREDIT

4. Have you had a “stinky fish” experience that put you back on track?

The Transfiguration [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-02-18T22:08:41-06:00

The Transfiguration
Pastor Judy Richie
18 February 2007

Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on The Transfiguration.

1) Have you had a spiritual experience that changed your life that you would be willing to share?

2) Have you had a time where you knew God was speaking to you, or to be consistent with this week’s message, a time when you were “listening to God.” Either through an impression, reading the Scriptures or some other way that had a life altering effect?

3) What are the purposes of spiritual experiences in our lives?

The Sent One: The Mission of Jesus [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-10-07T22:07:41-05:00

The Sent One: The Mission of Jesus
7 October 2007

Questions for reflection and discussion.

1. Have you done ministry to the poor, the captives, the blind or the oppressed? Explain? How did it affect you?

2. Shut down the tapes and open your ears. What is the “good news?” No Christian clichés or exact Biblical quotes allowed.

Bless Me Father

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-07-22T22:06:12-05:00

Bless Me Father
Pastor Bruce Hillyer
22 July 2007

Text: Hebrews 11: 20-21
By faith Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Josephs sons.
Faith is being sure of things hoped for and certain of what we cannot see.
Faith is not:
o What I have is all that will ever be.
o Things will only get worse.
Faith is something beyond us. A hope for the future.

Our duty is to pass along the blessing we have received.
Jacob was not the most religious / spiritual person in the Bible. But he had faith and wanted to pass it along to his grandsons.
Joke about the rabbi and the atheist.
Our duty is to pass a blessing to our sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters, neighbors, nieces and nephews, and the children of Hope Church.

Part 1: By faith, when he was dying
What is it I am supposed to pass along?
Not just skillslithographer, telegraph operator.
Wisdom comes with age.
o I have eaten more salt than you have eaten rice. Lao saying.
Story of Bruces in-laws, in-laws funeral.
o The grandfathers reading of Psalms 23.
o Not just For pastors only.
Last great lesson we teach our kids is how we die.
The greatest fear everyone has is of dying. With Jesus, this fear is taken away. No other fears amount to anything by comparison. Teen Challenge Testimony

Part 2: Grandsons receiving
Imagine what it means to hear from your parents or grandparents about a dream for you, or a hope for the future.
What if you have never received a blessing? God is still reaching out to you with a blessing.
o Listen to the benediction.
o Listen to words of hope spoken from the pulpit. They are for you.
o Communion.

What if you have tried to reach out but the blessing will not be received?
Keep on trying.
The blessing may not be received.
Story of the Oliver visitors prayer request and song and advice from the 92 year old parishioner.
Take those who dont receive to God in prayer.

My prayer: By faith, I believe in things hoped for.

Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-02-24T22:02:53-06:00

Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things
Pastor David Lenz
24 February 2008

Text: Mt. 14:13-21 Jesus (and the Disciples) Feed the 5,000
We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me, he said.
Do the work of an evangelist: I Timothy 4:5 - review
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3: Attempt Ordinary Things

The Cure for EFD (Evangelism Frustration Disorder)
Bring what you have Be authentic. Do whats achievable.
o Jim Henderson said, Do whats doable, because that is all we are going to do anyway.
Jesus will build with what you have
o Stacey King said, I will never forget that tonight Michael and I scored 71 points.

You are doing the work of an evangelist if:
Intentional
Right attitude: Col 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

5 Examples
Sharon
o Mother of young children who walks around the lake regularly
o Prays for the other mothers and children.Praying behind their backs.
Jim Henderson
o At the grocery store
o Very quick checkout clerk with a button that said, We want to adopt.
o Jims response, I have some friends who adopted, I will be praying for you.
Chris
o Video store clerk
o A man asks, What kind of zippo do you have?
o Chris response: I dont have one but I would love to see yours.
o Man tells Chris his philosophy on life complete with skeletons and his life story.
o Chris response: WOW thats interesting!
o Chris additional response, I think God has more in mind for us than that.
o Mans response, Is it OK if my son comes to your church?
Video:
o Taking out the trash
Paul
o At the gas station with an ash cross on his forehead.
o Attendant: Are you a Christian Man?
o Paul tells her about Alpha
o Paul and Nancy stopped by later with an Alpha brochure
o Attendants response: Can I bring my boyfriend?

Call to Action
Attempt ordinary things
WOW..Thats interesting.

Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things [reflections]

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-02-24T22:01:18-06:00

Do the Work of an Evangelist: Attempt Ordinary Things
24 February 2008

Questions for reflection and discussion.

1. The last three sermons have described new skills/attitudes needed to do the work of an evangelist. Articulate as many of these skills as you can remember.

2. How has your thinking changed from listening to the last 3 sermons? Describe an example of what’s happened as a result.

3. As you listened to today’s sermon…….any new thoughts or ideas?

He is Alive! Now What?: Feed My Sheep

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-04-13T21:58:03-05:00

He is Alive! Now What?: Feed My Sheep
Bruce Hillyer
13 April 2008

Text: John 21:15-19
"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? Yes, Lord, he said, you know that I love you. Jesus said, Feed my sheep." * 3
Bruce and the Alpha talk; Who is Jesus?
His wife told him, Dont forget to tell them that Jesus is the person who loves you.
Guest on the course said, That was about the corniest thing I have ever heard.but I couldnt get it out of my head.

Three questions:
1. What is the problem?
2. What is God doing here?
3. Whats in it for me?

What is the problem?
Why does Jesus ask Peter three times if he loves him?
o Usually to make a point.
o Jesus allows Peter to compensate for his three denials.
What does it mean, Feed my sheep?
o Forget the typical answer.Take care of the people of God.
o Pretend you are hearing this for the first time.
o Jesus is asking Peter to take over his ministry.

What is God doing here?
God is resurrecting and restoring Peter after his three failures. Jesus is trusting Peter with his church. Jesus is offering Peter His ministry.
Peters qualification: Do you love me?
o Not a seminary degree.
o Not a powerful intellect.
o But a love for Jesus.
God is a powerful God who can change lives.

Whats in it for me?
Make it real. Realigion must include love.
Passion.
Joy. Better to leave the church than to serve without joy. Charles Spurgeon

Summary and call to action:
What do you get your father for fathers day?
What God wants for fathers day is for us to take care of others?

Speaking the Truth in Love [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-01-27T21:56:55-06:00

Speak the truth in love
27 January 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.

1. Have you ever spoken the truth to someone and it went badly. Why do you think it went badly?

2. Have you ever spoken the truth to someone and it went well. Why do you think it went well?

3. Are we always called to speak the truth when we have an opportunity?

4. Jesus said in John 18: “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” How can you tell when someone is ready to listen?

5. What other topics do we need to be speaking the truth about? Why?

Peace at Heart: Enabling You to Serve Others

larsondd@mac.com — 2008-03-30T21:55:45-05:00

Peace at Heart: Enabling You to Serve Others
30 March 2008
Questions for reflection and discussion.

1. The painting of the Madonna and child had a profound impact on Dr. Qi. What has touched you at an unexpected moment?

2. Dr Qi’s mentor told him to “follow his art” and gave him some old art magazines. Has an encounter with someone shaped your life? If so describe.

3. Out of tragedy comes beautiful things. Can you share an example?

Extra Credit

4. What other ways are there to communicate God’s truth beside the obvious verbal and written communication? In addition to art?

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord [questions]

larsondd@mac.com — 2007-03-04T21:52:04-06:00

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord
Pastor David Lenz
4 March 2007

Ministry Time Questions

1) What is stealing your peace?

2) David’s realization; “As I get older I am more in touch with my limits. The things I can’t control.” What limits have you recently been in touch with?

Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord

1) What does the “Peace of the Lord” feel like? Or look like?

2) How can I get the “Peace of the Lord” when prayer doesn’t seem to work?

3) Have you had peace and lost it? What causes us to lose the peace?