Explore every episode of the podcast Fletcher Church

Gospel Community takes Generosity and Purity Seriously . . .

I. Gospel Community is Enhanced by Shared Lives, Generosity and Genuineness! (4:32-37)

II. Gospel Community is Threatened by Impurity and Image without Substance! (1-11)

III. Gospel Generosity is both a Duty and a Delight! (2 Cor 8-9)

Practical Implications

o How are you presently fighting sin in your life? How are you helping others fight theirs?

o What is your current state of gospel generosity?

o Take the One Month Worshipful Giving Challenge:

The Spirit Birthed Church is a Vibrant community that Values:

I. Discipleship in Community: Jesus being Formed in us and Shown Through us! (41-42)

II. Shared Life in Community: Shared Meals, Open Homes and Generosity! (42b, 44-46)

III. Witness through Community: Offer a Taste of Belonging to those Far from God! (43, 46, 47)

Practical Implications

o Using “love Jesus, like Jesus, about others” framework: what areas encouraging in life now? Needing growth?

o What is your next step in shared life and hospitality?

o How can your relational community invite others in?

You Can Know for Certain that Jesus is both Lord & Christ.

I. Because He Sent the Holy Spirit Just Like He Promised! (14-21)

II. Because Jesus’ Resurrection Fulfilled Scripture and was Confirmed by Eyewitnesses! (22-36)

III. Requiring a Response to Humble Surrender to His Kingdom Rule! (37-41)

Practical Implications

o  In what ways are you quenching the Spirit? Developing sensitivity to the Spirit?

o  Do an inventory of your heart: Where is Jesus not Lord?

o  How can you move toward one person to Listen, Engage, & Invite to follow Jesus?

The Coming of the Spirit Gives Birth to the Church . . .

I. Listen to the Message: Supernatural Sign Marks the New Age of Christ! (1-4, 10)

II. It’s For you and All Peoples: The Global Audience for the Gospel! (5-10)

III. A Response is Required: Some are Open and Some Reject! (6-7, 12-13)

Practical Implications

o How can you create opportunities for sharing with others?

o What “differences” may the Spirit be breaking down in your heart?

o How can you prepare for the Supper?

Bear Witness to Jesus . . .

I. Watch out for Distractions! (6-7)

II. We have Power for the Task Jesus left us! (8)

III. We have a Future Hope to Motivate us Today! (9-11)

Practical Implications

o Where are you tempted to get stuck in the here and now kingdom?

o How can we practically cultivate life in the Spirit that leads to witness?

o How does the return of Christ encourage you?

Acts of the Holy Spirit to Bring a Taste of God’s Expanding Kingdom to a Fallen World . . .

I. The King: Resurrected Christ

II. The Message of the Kingdom: Founding Documents

III. Kingdom Citizens: Believing Church

IV. The Kingdom’s Experience:

V. The Kingdom’s Opposition:

Practical Implications

o Have you Repented and Believed the Gospel?

o What is your next step as a citizen?

o How can you begin praying about a church plant?

Relationships are God’s Primary Context for Growth . . .

I. The Necessity of Relationships for Growth and Change! (24)

II. The Goal of Relationships of Growth and Change! (24)

III. Key Qualities of Relationships of Growth and Change! (25)

Practical Implications

o Embrace Relational-Discipleship Values (For the Glory of God:

1. Openness- Know and be Known

2. Prioritize Gathering and Time w/ Other Believers (not optional)

3. Bring Good News not Good Advice that Comforts and Confronts

4. Mutual and Accountable

5. Humility and a Desire for Change

o Who are you considering, who’s considering you?

o What changes are needed in your relationships to get on God’s agenda?

God is Glorious (Great and Worthy) . . .

I. How should I Respond to God’s Greatness and Worth? (1-3)

II. Why is God Great and Worthy? (4, 6)

III. What Competes with God for Glory? (4c-5)

Practical Implications

o Embrace some God-Centered Values:

1. He is Great, we are not = Good!

2. Word Saturated Lives and Church!

3. The Centrality of Jesus and the Gospel

4. Salvation to the Praise of His Glory

5. Content Rich Songs that build a vv. 1-4 life.

o What are your primary competitors?

o What amazes you about Jesus (sit down in a truth that sticks)?

Stare at Christ, He is sufficient to fulfill His promises & accomplish His purposes...

I.  In the Face of Abandonment, Laborers are still Sent Out! (9-11) II. In the Face of Opposition, Some will Remain Faithful! (12-15)

III. In the Face of Loneliness, Christ’s Presence Sustains the Soul! (16-20)

Practical Application

o   In what ways are you loving this present world? What would your calendar, bank account, anxieties say?

o   What rhythms are you practicing to help you see life w/ an eternal perspective?

o   What is one act of faithfulness to the mission of God that you can take this semester?

Embrace a Holistic Faithful Ministry of the Word!

I. This is a Sacred Trust from God! (1-2)

II. Drift is a Continual Threat and “Christians” will at Times Abandon the Truth! (3-5)

III. Christ is Coming and our Reward will be Eternal! (4-6)

Practical Implications

o How can you embrace a ministry of the word for yourself?

o How can you embrace a ministry of word to others?

o What’s your why?

I.       Can We Choose What We Love? Yes!

a.       We love what we pay attention to.

b.      We love what we spend time with.

c.       We love what we trade other things for.

d.      We love what we invest in.

II.       What Is the World?

a.      Not referring to the Earth.

b.      Not referring to the people in the world.

c.      Referring to a system that is opposed to God.

III.     What Are the Things in the World?

a.       Desires of the Flesh—

b.      Desires of the Eyes—

c.      Pride of Life—

IV.     Why Shouldn’t We Love the World or the Things in It?

a.       Love for the world is incompatible with love for           the Father.

b.      The things of the world are inferior what the Father has for us.

c.       The world and its things are temporary.

Continue Faithfully in the Gospel and Godliness . . .

I. By Integrating the Example of Others who Live w/ Christ-Centered Purpose! (10-13)

II. By Trusting the Bible is Sufficient for Everything you Will Face in this Life! (14-17)

Practical Implications

o What growth do you want to see in your core framework (Believe, Do, Living out purpose)?

o Where are you tempted to ignore, disconnect Sufficiency of Scripture from everyday area of life?

o What area of your life might God want to walk through the sufficiency process (reset view of God, restored way living, maturity, equipped to help others/engage significant relationships)?

God has given us a new identity through his grace and mercy that results in walking obedience to Jesus.

I. Dead in sin: Child of Wrath! (1-3)

II. Alive in Christ: Child of God! (4-9)

III. Live out your Identity! (10)

Practical Implications:

o Tell someone the story of when you came to know Jesus Christ. What were some things that changed? How has he been changing you?

o Do you struggle with believing your identity as a child of God? Why or why not?

o What are some ways your boasting has been in things other than the cross?

Beware of Twisting the Gospel to Accommodate Self . . .

I. Being Content with an External Image while Neglecting an Inner life in Decay! (1-5)

II. Pulling People Toward me vs. Pointing People towards Christ! (6-7)

III. Using Mental and Verbal Gymnastics to Justify Myself! (8-9)

Practical Implications

o Relentlessly Examine your Loves:

o Graciously Examine your Leaders:

o Critically Examine your Listens:

God Is Worthy of Praise Regardless of Circumstances Because . . .

I. Christ’s Salvation Produces an Unshakeable Joy! (17-18)

II. Christ’s Provision Promises an Unshakeable Future! (19)

Practical Applications

o Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone for eternal salvation? If not, will you turn to Jesus to be saved today?

o How joyful are you currently? Is your joy contingent upon your circumstances or is it based in the character and work of Christ?

o Reflect on the goodness of God: What has He done, and what has He promised us in Christ? How is that better than what we can lose/have lost in this life? How do those truths offer us lasting hope?

Desire and Guard your Usefulness to the Lord . . .

I. There are some things to Run After and Run From! (20-22)

II. Discern what’s worth Engaging in and what’s just Distracting! (23)

III. Remember the Redemptive Power of Relationships! (Mal 4)

IV. Be Gentle, yet Committed to Correction (and Being Corrected)! (24-26)

Practical Implications

o What priorities of my life might God want to flip right side up?

o Do you tend to avoid or engage correcting? What might God want to grow in these areas?

o Do you engage people more with hope or reservation?

Keeping the Sabbath Feeds Your Soul . . .

I. Establish a Rhythm of Rest: God Is Our Provider!

II. Forsake Selfish, Distracting Desires; God Alone Gives True Satisfaction!

III. Value the Sabbath; God Defines Our Worth and Identity!

Practical Applications

o In what ways have you profaned the Sabbath? What might repentance look like?

o What is your Sabbath plan? What do you need to do to prepare for the Sabbath?

o What is taking your focus off delighting in Christ? How can you guard your Sabbath to refrain from these things?

Desire and Guard your Usefulness to the Lord . . .

I. There are some things to Run After and Run From! (20-22)

II. Discern what’s worth Engaging in and what’s just Distracting! (23)

III. Correct in Ways that Allow a Person to Grow and Change vs. Quarrel and Dig in! (24-26)

Practical Implications

o What hinders your maximum usefulness to the Lord?

o What would it look like for you to pursue righteousness, faith …?

o Where are you on the kindness and correction scale? What qualities or conversations do you need cultivate?

Keep the Gospel Central in All Things . . .

I. God Delights in Diligent Service and in Faithfulness to the Scriptures! (14-15)

II. What we Believe Always Shows up in How we Live! (16-19)

Practical Implications

o What stirs your soul about Jesus (Remember Jesus List)?

o What lesser things distract you from the most important things in life and relationships?

o What concrete things do you need to “put off”? “Put on”?

Keys to Endurance in Disciple making . . .

I. Remember the Gospel! (8)

II. Suffering Can be Framed by Purpose and Eternity! (9-10)

Implications

o Use healthy rhythms to actively remember Jesus!

o Identify your Obstacles.

o Test yourself for Present Growth:

Prioritize Making Disciples of Faithful People . . .

I. Disciple-making Requires God’s Strength and Work! (1)

II. Disciple-making Focuses on the Good News of Jesus and Identifying Faithful People! (2)

III. Disciple-making is Costly and Rewarding! (3-7)

Practical Implications

o Check your life for present grace and growth?

o Where has the Cost Caused Retreat?

o What’s the Obstacle?

Prioritize Making Disciples of Faithful People . . .

I. Disciple-making Requires God’s Strength and Work! (1)

II. Disciple-making Focuses on the Good News of Jesus and Identifying Faithful People! (2)

III. Disciple-making is Costly and Rewarding. (People work is painful work)! (3-7)

Practical Implications

o Check Yourself:

o Check Your Investments:

o Count the Cost:

Boldly Display and Declare the Glory of Jesus even when it’s Costly . . .

I. We have been Given Truth to Live, Share and Protect by the Power of God! (13-14)

II. People are Risky, but God Graciously Gives us Some Relationships to Refresh us! (15-18)

Practical Implications

o How would you describe your consistency and quality of time in the word/prayer?

o What are some tangible ways you could refresh/encourage another believer this week?

o Who are some of the people God uses/has used to encourage you?

Boldly Display and Declare the Glory of Jesus even when it’s Costly.

I. Be Courageous; God has Given you Gifts and a New Nature! (6-7)

II. Don’t Settle for Comfortable; the Gospel is too Glorious! (8-10)

III. Set an Example; we Know God and His Power! (11-12)

Practical Implications

o How do/can you stoke fire of your soul so it blazes for Jesus?

o Where are you tempted to be ashamed, silent or pulling back?

o Who and where are you on mission?

Encouragements to Cultivate the Fire of your Soul to Boldly Live out your Calling . . .

I. Form Deep Bonds of Spiritual Friendship/Family! (1-4)

II. Remember Your Spiritual Progress and Your Legacy of Faith! (5)

III. God Gifted You and Gave you a New Spirit! (6-7)

Practical Implications

o Pursue Spiritual Friendships that are mutually encouraging.

o Look for tangible evidences of God’s work in your life and others.

o Live God’s Purpose, Calling and Gifting w/ passion in everyday stuff of life.

As Christ's Body, we are purposefully joined together by the Holy Spirit according to God's good design.

I. The Holy Spirit Unites All Members into the Local Church from Diverse Backgrounds! (12-13)

II. God Has Designed a Specific Role for Each Member to Perform within the Local Church! (14-20)

III. God Has Ordained That Each Member's Role Is Indispensable for the Health of the Local Church! (21-26)

Practical Application Questions

• Have you trusted Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection for eternal salvation? If not, what is preventing you from the answering the call?
• Have you obeyed the call of God to be part of a local church? How faithful are you to that call?
• To which of the Seven Commitments are you most faithful? Which area requires the most improvement? What would be the first practical step to becoming more faithful in that area?

Jesus’ Resurrection makes us Dead to Sin and Alive to God...

I. So Practically, Make a New Calculation and Put yourself at the Disposal of God! (Rom 6:11-14)

II. So Honestly, Evaluate the Condition of your Soul and the Direction of your Eternity! (Matt 7:15-27)

Practical Implications

o What truths most stir your affections for Jesus?

o How healthy is your soul? Why?

o Where do you stand with Jesus?

Identify with the Rejected yet Honored Christ . . .

I. In Him, we are a Priesthood that Lives to Please Jesus! (4-8)

II. In Him, we are a New People Group that Exists to Proclaim Jesus’ Worth! (9-10)

III. In Him, we are Exiles who Desire God’s Glory even from our Enemies! (11-12)

Practical Implications

o What are some ways the world’s lens becomes yours? God’s?

o What are some ways you operate from worlds identity? God’s?

o Where are my fleshly desires sapping my soul’s life?

Jesus Secures us, So Faithfully Endure Hardships . . .(1:9-10; 4:5, 17-18)

I. Jesus Over All! (1:1, 9-10, 13; 2:8; 3:12, 15; 4:1, 8)

II. The Gospel Word is Central! (1:5, 8, 10, 12-13, 2:2, 8-10, 15, 25, 3:14-16; 4:2-3)

III. Suffering is Normal, God’s Resources are Sufficient for Perseverance! (1:6-8, 12, 15-16; 2:1, 3-5, 9-10; 3:1, 8-9, 10-13; 4:6-7, 10, 14-17, 18)

IV. Godliness and Godly Responses to Ungodliness! (1:13; 2:2, 14-19, 22-26; 3:1-9, 14-16; 4:2-5, 13)

Practical Implications

o How can you practically and consistently “Remember Jesus”?

o What are some good gospel reasons not to check out but endure?

o What are some problematic patterns of response you see in yourself?

God is God, So . . .

I. Guard the Precious Treasure of the Gospel and Your Influence on Others! (20a)

II. Avoid Irrelevant Distractions and Contrary Teachings! (20b)

III. Because Beliefs have Consequences in this Life and Eternity! (21)

Practical Implications

o What can you do to be faithful with the gospel that has been entrusted to you?

o How much does doctrine matter? Why?

o Do you tend to swerve more to conservative or liberal religious error?

We can be Faithful and Fruitful until the End By . . .

I. Committing to Personally Pursue Ongoing Progressive Sanctification! (11-12)

II. Being Held Accountable by People who Care and are Invested in you! (13-14a)

III. Treasuring Worship of God and Eagerly Awaiting the Return of Christ! (14b-16)

Practical Implications

o What desires and behaviors do you need to put off? Put on?

o Who in your circle encourages and challenges you spiritually?

o What truths lead your heart to worship?

What we Truly Believe Shows up in how we Live . . .

I. We live out Desires that are either Godly or Damaging to Us and Others! (3-5)

II. We live out Desires that Lead to Contentment or to Destructive Cravings for More! (6-10)

III. We live out Desires that Lead to Generosity of Life or Materialistic Orientation! (17-19)

Practical Implications

o How much does your faith shape your view of money?

o Where does money have an inordinate hold of your life?

o Describe a person with contentment and “generosity of life”.

What we Truly Believe Shows up in how we Live . . .

I. We live out Desires that are either Godly or Damaging to Us and Others! (3-5)

II. We live out Desires that Lead to Contentment or to Destructive Cravings for More! (14-15)

Practical Implications

o What areas of unbelief show up in life?

o What unhealthy desires pop up most in your life?

o What about your thoughts/words/actions show Jesus well? Show a different truth?

Multiply God’s Image in All of Life . . .

I. As a PREACHER: Speaking Truth to Bring Dead Things to Life!

II. As a FARMER: Cultivating Resources for Generational Flourishing!

III. As a FRIEND: Fully Knowing & Truly Loving God’s Good Creation!

IV. As an ARTIST: Enjoying the Work God Has Given Us to Accomplish!

Practical Application Questions

o Which part of reflecting God is the hardest for you (Preacher, Farmer, Friend, Artist)? Why?

o What kind of words are you speaking? How could you grow in speaking Good News rather than good advice?

o What kind of friend are you being? Do you have relationships where you are fully known?

o How can you step back & enjoy God’s work of progress in your life? Celebrate?

The Lord’s Supper is a Family Feast . . .

I. It is a Feast that is ALL About Jesus and His Gospel Work! (23-26)

II. It is a Feast for the Family of God to Unite in Love for Each Other and Christ! (17-22, 27-34)

Practical Implications

o In what ways do you struggle with the idea of being completely forgiven, purified?

o What 3 things most amaze you about the work of Jesus?

o What positive qualities would you use to describe relationships at church? Any broken or strained relationships?

Marriage Pictures a Relationship with Jesus . . .

I. Creation: Marriage Exists to Fill the Earth with Displays of God! (Gen 1:26-29)

II. Fall: Sin Mars the Image by Introducing Unfaithfulness! (Hosea 1-3 Selected)

III. Redemption: The Picture is Restored as Marriage shows off Christ and the Church! (Eph 5:22-33)

IV. New Creation: The Picture becomes Reality as we are Together with Jesus Forever! (Rev 19:6-9)

Practical Implications

o What areas of my relationships/marriage image God well? Poorly?

o What area of growth in your relationship/marriage does God want to focus on first?

o From Marriage Conference: Apply few of ways to love husband. Ask handful questions to wife.

We Pursue People in order to Proclaim Christ . . .

I. We Pursue People with God’s Power: The Holy Spirit! (6-8a)

II. We Pursue People with God’s Message in Word and Deed: Jesus! (8b)

III. We Pursue All People in All Places: Here to the Ends of the Earth! (8c)

Practical Implications

o How can you practically cultivate missional lens in everyday life?

o What are some common ways we dilute the message of Jesus? What is the gospel message?

o How have you applied 365/52/12 for 1-2?

The Gospel Gifts us Partners in Discipleship and Mission ...

I. We have Partners that Equip us for Ministry so we All Continue to Progress! (11-13)

II. We have Partners to Protect us and Speak the Gospel into every Corner of our Lives! (14-15)

III. We have Partners to Join our Gifts with in order to Expand and Mature our Family of Faith! (16)

Practical Implications

o What areas might God want to fill out in your life? Our church?

o What barriers do you have to partnering w/ others for growth, accountability and mission?

o 365, 52, 12, for 1: Who are you pursuing? How can groups partner with you?

Abiding in Jesus is the Key to Discipleship and Mission. . .

I. Intimacy and Dependence are Essential for Living out Everyday Mission! (1-5)

II. Engaging the Disciplines is Part of God Glorifying Impact on Ourselves and Others! (6-8)

III. Loving Obedience Maximizes Joy, it doesn’t Hinder it! (9-11)

Practical Implications

o What is the temperature of your relationship w/ the Lord right now?

o How are you engaging the spiritual disciplines?

o How can you and your groups cultivate a heart for God’s mission and the lost, practically?

Christmas is Good News . . .

I. That is About a Person! (1-12)

II. Which Evokes a Response! (13-20)

Practical Implications

o Practice meditating on 2:10-11- record what you find and talk it over with someone.

o Who can you share some of these truths with this Christmas?

o What would viewing life through the lens of worship change for you?

God’s Christmas Plan flows through/to Broken People . . .

I. The Era of Abraham: a saga of the Honorable, Scoundrels and Sinners. (1-6)

II. The Era of David: Hope fades as Kings fail, but pockets of Faithfulness remain. (7-11)

III. The Era after Exile: the Same Ole Same Ole until Jesus is Born. (12-17)

Practical Implications

o Where do you see cynicism, disillusionment creep into your heart?

o What are some of your biggest failures? How have you let them define you or God?

o How do worldly circumstances tempt you to fear or frustration? How does Christmas encourage you to hope?

Christmas Collides with our Experience of the Fall . . .

I. Darkness pervades the World, but Christmas brings Light! (1-2)

II. Life is Heavy, but Christmas brings Joyful Freedom! (3-5)

III. The World Entangles us in every way, but Christmas brings a New King and Kingdom! (6-7)

Practical Implications

o What are some ways you’ve experienced darkness of the fall?

o How does Christmas reorient you in face of sin/suffering?

o What about vv6-7 most encourage you? Why?

No Place Left from Romans 15:23 is the idea of seeing God’s glory spread to every people and place in a particular area, then moving on to another area where the gospel has not gone yet.

Honor Worthy Leaders . . .

I. Affirm Faithfulness in Leadership and an Ongoing Commitment to the Word! (17-18)

II. Be very Careful in Harming the Reputation or Making Accusations against Leaders. (19-21)

III. Be Slow and Deliberate in Raising Up New Leaders, we are Accountable for who we Commission! (22-25)

Practical Implications

o What qualities equal “leading well” to you? What about following well?

o What are some ways slander slips out in you conversations? How can you honor leaders?

o What are you cultivating in yourself and your service where you are?

Give Thanks for the Family Called the Church . . .

I. It is Proper to Give Joyful Thanks for the Work of God and the Relational Bonds in the Church! (3-7)

II. Growing Gratitude Motivates Growing Love and Sanctification to God’s Glory! (8-11)

Practical Implications:

o What is your thankful list of God’s work in past 5-10 years?

o Who are some of the special people God has put in your life and what makes them special?

o What areas of growth is God pushing on for you lately?

The Gospel Leads us to Tangibly Honor the Elderly . . .

I. Demonstrate your Faith by Honoring and Caring for your Aging Family Members! (3-8)

II. Delight to Repay the Kindness and Care of Godly Seniors! (9-10)

III. Help Each Other Walk through Loss and Heartbreak, so as to Avoid Pain’s Pitfalls! (11-16)

Practical Implications

o What area of deacon oversight could/should you try?

o How can you honor the seniors in your life/church? How can we as a church do this better?

o Where are you tempted to idleness and/or gossip? What boundaries might be helpful to fight this?

Follow God’s Path to Influence . . .

I. Cultivate Consistent Gospel Character and Trust God’s Word to do God’s Work! (11-13) (Oct. 29 Sermon)

II. Be Responsible to Use your Spiritual Gifts for the Good of God’s Family! (14-15)

III. Aim for Salvation, Restoration and Growth in you and those around you! (16)

IV. Honor the Age and Gender Relationships in your Engagement or Correction of Others! (5:1-2)

Practical Implications

o What are your spiritual gifts and what are you doing with them?

o How might thinking beyond yourself, to the people you influence, change some of the things you deem wise/unwise?

o What are some key principles you should use to interact w/ the different ages and genders?

The Gospel Transforms us to Pursue Godliness . . .

I. False Teaching has Evil Impact from an Evil Source and is delivered by Evil People! (1-5)

II. Sound Doctrine leads from Identity to the Hard Work of Progressive Sanctification! (6-10)

Practical Implications

o Should we take minor false teachings majorly serious? Why/Why not?

o How can we expose ourselves to gospel truth more? Place it in other believers lives more?

o Where can you see flesh efforts taking over grace efforts in growth process? How can we tell?

Leaders with Integrity are Essential for Church Health . . .

I. Deacons Oversee the Serving Ministries & Physical Needs of the Church! (Acts 6:1-7)

II. All Work Is Spiritual, Requiring Leaders to Walk with God in Integrity! (8-12)

III. Serve Well; Influence and Assurance Are the Reward ! (13)

Application Questions

o What Motivates Your Service? Recognition or Your Serving the Savior?

o What Areas of Character Do You Need to Cultivate? Next Step to Grow Here?

o What Areas of Serving Are You Gifted for/Passionate About? What Steps toward Service Can You Take?

Leaders with Integrity are Essential for Church Health . . .

I. Elders Oversee the Shepherding of People and the Purity of Doctrine! (1 Pet 5:1-4; Ac 28:17-31; Ti 1:5-9; Heb 13:7-9)

II. Desire to be Someone God can Elevate to Elder (or Deacon)! (1)

III. Value Character more than Competence in Qualifying for Leadership! (2-7)

Practical Implications

o How can/should you pray for and support leaders?

o What keeps you from faithfulness in serving the Lord somewhere?

o What qualities do you need to cultivate? Which ones first?