Ministry: Spiritual Preparation

Gospel

1. The King is Announced: EXALT Him. (Mk 1:1-8)



How to humble yourself:



2. The King is Affirmed: EMBRACE Him. (Mk 1:9-11)



3. The King is Accomplished: JOIN Him. (Mk 1:12-13)

Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 1:1-13

Mark 1:7 shows John the Baptist’s humility. Rate yourself in these categories 1 to 10.

• 1 = “I am so prideful in this area. I haven’t humbled myself at all!”
• 10 = “I am so humble in this area, I have zero pride issues here. I am a regular Moses.” (I don’t imagine many 10s on a humility test, but if it’s true, it’s true!)

1. I am serious about my sin. I regularly deal with it with God and confess it to others. I admit my weaknesses.
    
2. I submit to authority. I know who my authority is, and I joyfully submit ­ at work, at church, in my home.”
    
3. I serve others, putting their needs ahead of my own.
    
4. I seek assistance and forgiveness from others.

Breakout Questions:

Pray for each other in the areas you struggle in humility.

Unashamed Persuasion

What kind of church is this?

Pillar #1 - Proclaiming the authority of God's Word without apology
Pillar #2 - Lifting high the name of Jesus through worship
Pillar #3 - Believing firmly in the power of prayer
Pillar #4 - Sharing the good news of Jesus with boldness

1. God speaks the good news of the gospel through PEOPLE . (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)


1. We are VICTORIOUS witnesses. (2 Cor 2:14-16)


2. We are DEPENDENT witnesses. (2 Cor 2:16)


3. We are SINCERE witnesses. (2 Cor 2:17)


4. We are COMMISSIONED witnesses. (2 Cor 2:17)


5. We are EMPOWERED witnesses. (2 Cor 2:17)


2. God's people are called to speak the good news of the gospel BOLDLY !

The vision for outreach at Harvest Bible Chapel:


1. INVITES


2. SMALL GROUP


3. HBF

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

1. What, in your opinion, is the hardest thing about witnessing? How can you be a better witness?

Breakout Questions:

1. Name someone you need to witness to / invite to church ­ hold each other accountable for follow up!
    
2. Pray for one another.

Unceasing Prayer

What kind of church is this?

Pillar #1 Proclaiming the authority of God's Word without apology

Pillar #2 Lifting high the name of Jesus through worship

Pillar #3 Believing firmly in the power of prayer

1. Prayer MOVES the hand of God.

James 5:16 - The prayer of a righteous person has great POWER as it is working.

Psalm 62:11-12 - Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.


2. Pray BIG things.

James 5:16-18 - The prayer of a righteous person has GREAT power as it is working.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read James 5:16-18

1. Specifically, what was the last prayer you saw directly and unquestionably answered?
    
2. What was the last thing you prayed for that was audacious / shameless / impossible? What was the result?

Breakout Questions:

1. What “big thing” do you need to pray for right now? Are you boldly praying for it?
    
2. Pray for one another.

Unrestrained Praise

What kind of church is this?

Pillar #1 Proclaiming the authority of God's Word without apology

Pillar #2 Lifting high the name of Jesus through worship

John 4:24 - God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

Preaching with AUTHORITY demands...

1. I was created to WORSHIP.
   
   Isaiah 43:21, 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 4:10, John 4:23, Revelation 4-5, Psalms


2. Jesus answers the worship QUESTIONS. (John 4:21-24)


1. Where should I worship? ANYWHERE. (Jn 4:21)


2. Who should I worship? The God of ISRAEL. (Jn 4:22)


3. How should I worship? In SPIRIT and TRUTH. (Jn 4:23-24)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read John 4:21-24

1. What has been your past worship experience / understanding in the church? More spirit or more truth?
    
2. Why is worship such a controversial subject? How would you answer someone who says, “It doesn’t really matter how you worship. You can worship doing anything.”

Breakout Questions:

1. Rate yourself as a worshiper on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 = passionate, 1 = desert dry). Why would you give yourself this number? What can you do to be better prepared to worship with the congregation Sunday?
    
2. Pray for one another.

Unapologetic Preaching

What kind of church is this?

Pillar #1 Proclaiming the authority of God's Word without apology

1. The Church has been entrusted by God with the job of UPHOLDING His truth.


2. The Church has been entrusted by God with the job of PROCLAIMING His truth.

Titus 2:15 - Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Preaching with AUTHORITY demands...

1. ... the CONTENT is from the BIBLE.
   

   What does the Bible say?



2. ... the APPLICATION is APPARENT.
   

   What does the Bible say to do?



3. ... NO ONE is EXEMPT.
   

   What does the Bible say that I need to do?

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Sermon Audio: (no recording)

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Titus 2:15

1. How do you know if a sermon is ”good”? What makes a sermon “bad”? What criteria do you use? What criteria would the Bible give us to discern whether the preacher “proclaimed the Word of the Lord”?
    
2. Why do some churches/preachers get away from clear preaching of God’s Word?

Breakout Questions:

1. How much actual authority do you allow the Bible to have in your life? Is there any area in your life in which you are rejecting a clear command from God?
    
2. Pray for one another.