missio Dei: Falcon

Scripture Reading: 1 Pet. 2:9-12.Sermon Outline:1. Begin by asking the right questions.2. Who is the Church?3. What is the purpose of the Church?4: How can the Church fulfill it’s purpose?Discussion:In your own words, how would you answer the question, “What’s the point of Church?”  How would you self-describe your identity? Answer with your initial and honest assessment! How does that answer impact how you live Monday-Saturday? How does that impact how you view Church?What habits can we engage to help us remember our identity as God’s people?What does it look like practically to live for God’s glory?

Scripture reading : Galatians 5:13-26Outline: Galatians 5: 13a - A WarningGalatians 5: 13b-14 - A TruthGalatians 5: 15 - A Stark Reality Discussion:Where are you at constant opposition with the Spirit and your flesh? What are you doing to see the flesh overcome?What does this text teach you about the character of Christ? How does the fruit of the Spirit reflect that?Encouragement:Find a DC, group of friends, or accountability partner that you can confess sins with. Confess your battles between the Spirit and your flesh. Hear their struggles. Pray openly and honestly together and separately for yourselves and for each other. Ask how you can serve each other in love. Pursue that accountability of confession, prayer, and check up with each other. Glory in the love of our Savior together! 

Scripture Reading: Lk. 18:9-17.Sermon Outline:1. Do you feel like you’re missing something? (Lk. 18:18-23)2. Do you wonder who can be saved? (Lk. 18:24-27)3. Do you believe Jesus is worth it? (Lk. 18:28-30)Discussion:What is most likely to make you anxious or angry? How does this show your own tendency toward self-righteousness?  What has the tendency to “fill your hands”? How might that be preventing Jesus from filling your heart?How do you personally approach the discipline of generosity? How can you grow in this area?

Sermon Outline:1. A heart for children: To hinder, help, or heal (Lk. 18:15-16).2. Why a heart for children matters (Lk. 18:17).Discussion:As you reflect on the three heart postures reflected in this passage (To hinder, help, and heal), when are you most likely to demonstrate each one? How does this passage convict and encourage you?How can our church grow in helping children come to Jesus? How can our church grow in helping un-churched people come to Jesus?

Outline: Luke 18:9: The SetupLuke 18:10-13: Two Very Different MenLuke 18:14: The Declaration Discussion: Have you been justified by Christ? How you truly prayed like the Tax Collector, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner?”In what ways do you find yourself like the Pharisee? The Tax Collector? In what ways are you tempted to lean on your own righteousness?Encouragement:Confess your self righteousness to Christ. Pray that he will remind you of his goodness and mercy. His forgiveness. Confess with your friends or family those places where you are tempted into self righteousness and ask them to hold you accountable! Thank God for the opportunity to come to Him and say, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Outline -Luke 18:1: The MeaningLuke 18:2-5: The ParableLuke 18:6-8: The ExplanationDiscussion: Do you find yourself in a season where you have lost heart? What does your prayer life look like in this season? How does this text encourage you to “pray without ceasing?”Encouragement: Take this text to your DC, closest friends, or loved ones. Confess and talk together about the things that are causing you to lose heart. Pray that the Lord will increase your ability to pray in and through these things. Spend time together prayer for each others cares and concerns, helping each other crawl back to the lap of your father that cares for and hears you. Encourage each other throughout this week to pray constantly and that those prayer will build faith! 

Sermon Outline:1. The Kingdom is here (Lk. 17:20-21).2. The King is coming (Lk. 17:22-37).Discussion:How is Jesus’ teaching in this passage similar to or different from what you typically think of as ‘the end of the world’? How does His teaching give you hope for the future?••What ‘false jesuses’ does our society promote? How is the real Jesus better?

Outline :Luke 17:11-12 : A Journey With A PurposeLuke 17:13-19: 11 Miraculous HealingsQuestions:What has Christ done for you that causes you to be grateful and worship Him?Is there “spiritual leprosy” in your life that is  distracting you from what Christ has done for you? Like what? How does this story teach you Christ’s character towards you in your sickness? •4.Pray that this text will open your eyes and heart to what Christ has done for you! Pray for an increase of faith to believe these things! Pray that Christ would give you strength to worship Him with a grateful heart! 

Outline - Luke 17:1-4: Struggles, Forgiveness, and RepentanceLuke 17:5-6: Increase Our FaithLuke 17:7-10: Unworthy ServantsQuestions : Do you know Christ?What does this text show you about Christ character and how does that encourage you in faith to live these things out?•3.When is the last time you prayed for Christ to increase your faith? Pray this for yourself, your family, your friends and pray this with them! 

Sermon Outline:The role of government and our response.Citizenship and our allegiance.Patriotism and our longing for home.Discussion:What are you grateful to God for about our country?When have you seen Christians in America not handle our citizenship well? Which Scripture passage today speaks to your concerns?In your own words, how does living as a citizen of Jesus’ Kingdom help you be a better citizen of our nation?

Matthew 28:16-20NOTES: All authority belongs to Jesus...so we place our confidence in him as we make disciplesso we obey his command to make disciplesand he is with us as we make disciplesDISCUSSION:What are your reservations to getting into gospel conversations with others?How does Jesus' reign and presence with you change how you view your reservations?What step will you take this week to obey Jesus and make disciples? 

Sermon Outline:Looking at the problem from several angles (Lk. 16:14-18).A parable illustrating the problem (Lk. 16:19-31).Discussion:What has your heart? How can you tell?In your own words, why does money reveal where your heart belongs? How does your approach to money reveal where your heart belongs?Practically speaking, how can you give more of your heart to Jesus this week? 

Sermon Outline:A Quick "God at Work" StoryJesus: God's Mystery, Our Treasure (Col. 2:1-5)The Call: Remain Rooted (Col. 2:6-7)Discussion:How's your current walk with Christ? Does your life reflect that He is your treasure or most important? Are there things you are tempted to run to in life before Jesus for stability, assurance, or wisdom?What is one practical step you can and will take in the next few weeks to grow your roots deeper in Christ?How can you invite someone in to help you with that? Or how can you encourage someone else in their walk?

Sermon Outline:1. The story of a shrewd business manager (Lk. 16:1-8).2. What Jesus’ disciples should learn regarding shrewdness (Lk. 16:9-13).3. How is God calling you to grow in this area?Discussion:Evaluate your budget, are you playing by the world’s rules or Jesus’ rules? How can you tell?Which lesson do you most need to lean into? 1. Invest in the eternal not the temporary (V. 9); 2. Wealth is a training ground for faithfulness (Vv. 10-11); 3. We are managers not owners (V. 12); 4. You can have only one master (V. 13);••What changes are you going to make to your finances this week in response to Jesus’ grace?

Outline - Luke 14:25-27: Hate?Luke 14:28-33: Counting the Cost Luke 14:34-35: Salty Discussion:Have you weighed the cost of discipleship to Jesus? Do you know Him?What things in your life are causing you to “lose your saltiness?” How can you (and your church around you) submit these things to Christ?•3.How can you encourage those around you in the willingness to “Lose all things” as Paul says in Philippians? How do you need to be encouraged in this?

Sermon Outline:1: The Prodigal Rebel (Lk. 15:11-20a).2. The Prodigal Worker (Lk. 15:25-30).3. The Prodigal Father (Lk. 15:20b-24).Discussion:Which brother do you most identify with? How does the picture of the Father speak to your heart specifically?••How can our church be a safer place for younger brothers and older brothers alike? 

Sermon Outline:1: The story of a father and his two sons (Lk. 15:11-32).2. The story of sin, pride, and grace.Discussion:Do you know what “far country” you are most tempted to run to? Do those who love you know? How is the feast of the Father more satisfying?Which brother do you most identify with? How does the picture of the Father speak to your heart specifically?••How can our church be a safer place for younger brothers and older brothers alike? 

Sermon Outline:1: The invites are sent (Lk. 14:15-17).2. The guest list fails to come through (Lk. 14:18-20).3. New guests are invited (Lk. 14:21-24). Discussion:In your own words, why does Jesus so often highlight His invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame? What does that reveal about His character and His Gospel?Which of the three excuses (property, vocation, family) are most likely to take priority over Jesus in your own heart? How can we help each other cultivate the correct order of our loves?••Do you believe that the presence of Jesus is a joyful feast? Or are you tempted to see religion as a heavy burden? How does this passage help you see the real Jesus? 

Sermon Outline:1: Pride puts policies over people (Lk. 14:1-6).2. Pride fights for position and status (Lk. 14:7-11).3. Pride uses people for selfish purposes (Lk. 14:12-14). Discussion:Who is the most humble person you know? What about their behavior or character makes them stand out?Read Philippians 2:3-11. What about the humility of Jesus stands out to you? ••Jesus was the most humble man who ever lived. Through faith we are united to Him. How does Union with Christ fuel our humility? 

Sermon Outline:1: Jesus brings healing to the hurting (Lk. 13:10-13).2. Not everyone cares if the hurting are healed (Lk. 13:14-17).3. The Kingdom grows as the hurting are healed (Lk. 13:18-21). Discussion:How have you experienced Jesus’ healing your hurt?Where has the American church most struggled to see and care for hurting people? Where has our church struggled?What small, tangible actions can each of us take to see the Kingdom come a little more this week? 

Outline: Luke 13:31-33: No Fear Luke 13:34: A LamentLuke 13:35: A Prophecy Discussion:Do you know Christ?What are ways that your heart is unwilling to turn to him? How can we see these ways mortified?What are the characteristics of Christ you see in this passage?

Sermon Outline:1: I will be fine with/without Jesus (12:49-53).2. I have more pressing things to attend to (12:54-56).3. I still have time to decide (12:57-59). 4. I’m not as bad as some people (13:1-5). 5. I can wait to get serious about faith (13:6-9).1: Jesus is __________.Discussion:Which of the 5 lies do you find yourself most tempted to believe? Which aspect of Jesus’ teaching did you find most compelling?Why do we all seem to find repentance so difficult? How does Jesus’ teaching help make it easier?How does this passage encourage you to share the Good News with your neighbor? 

Outline : Luke 12:35-40 - Be Ready               Luke 12:41-48 - Steward WellDiscussion : What have you been entrusted with that you have become lethargic in caring for? How can you change this to honor Christ more in your managing?How can we see the beauty and hope of the Gospel in this text?Do you truly belong to the Household of God?

Sermon Outline:1: A painting of an anxiety-free life (Luke 12:22-32).2: How to cultivate an anxiety-free life (Luke 12:33-34).Discussion:When do you tend to be most anxious? What does your anxiety reveal about your theology? If God is sovereign and loves you, what do you have to worry about? Why is that easier to affirm with your mind than it is to believe with your heart? How can you grow in generosity? How might that impact your anxiety? 

Sermon Outline:1: The problem with wealth (Luke 12:13-15).2: A parable regarding wealth (Luke 12:16-20).3: A principle for godly wealth (Luke 12:21).Discussion:When and where are you most tempted to believe the lie, “you are what you have”?Meditate on the phrase “Rich toward God.” What does that look like in your own life? What practices of generosity can you begin (or grow in) to resist the pull of greed?

Luke 12:1-3: No Room For HypocrisyLuke 12:4-7: Whom to Fear and WhyLuke 12:8-10: A True ConfessionLuke 12:11-12: Spoken For

Outline:1: The sign of Jonah (Luke 11:29-32).2: A Lamp for seeing (Luke 11:33-36)

Sermon Outline:1: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees’ approach to worship (Luke 11:37-44)

Sermon Outline:1: The sign of Jonah (Luke 11:29-32).2: A Lamp for seeing (Luke 11:33-36).

Sermon Outline:1: Doubts and opposition (Luke 11:14-16).2: Jesus engages His opponents (Luke 11:17-20).3: Jesus invites His doubters (Luke 11:21-28).

Sermon Outline:1: Temple courtyards and the purpose of our gathering (Mark 11:15-18).2: The types of people who benefit from the gathering (Isaiah 56:1-8).3: How do we make this more tangible?

Sermon Outline:1: Boldness in prayer (Luke 11:5-8).2: Persistence in prayer (Luke 11:9-10).3: God’s heart and prayer (Luke 11:11-13).Discussion:What rhythms of prayer do you currently have? What would you like to be true about your prayer life in the new year? How will you take steps to make that happen? Spend some time at your table praying together.

Sermon Outline:1: Learning to pray (Luke 11:1).2: A model for prayer: Praise, Petition, Provision, Pardon, Protection (Luke 11:2-4).Discussion:Did you spend time at Jesus’ feet last week? If not, what distracted you? If so, how was prayer an aspect of that time?How will you set aside time for prayer this week? Spend time praying through the 5 aspects of the Lord’s Prayer: Praise, Petition, Provision, Pardon, Protection.

Outline:Two Different Postures - Luke 10:38-40aA Gentle Correction - Luke 10:40b-41“One Thing Is Necessary…” Luke 10:42Discussion:What does it look like for you to sit at the feet of Jesus?

Sermon Outline: John 7:25-31Who is this Jesus? 7:25-31So What:a. The biblical Jesus is still going through cases of mistaken identity.b. God still desires to reach the throng, but now He does it through Christians, thechosen ones (see Acts 1:8).c. God’s invisible Hand is still actively at work in the lives and ministries of believersin Christ.d. God still has His remnant, so you go find them in your network of relationships?Where is Jesus going? 7:32-36So What:a. The way up still and always goes through Jesus (John 14:6; Jn. 10)b. The sober message of Jesus is that no unbeliever is able to go where He is,heaven. But he or she will spend eternity where Jesus is not–Hell:“Seek the LORD while he may be found” (Isa. 55:6).“Behold now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Sermon Outline:1: Recap: Finding joy in obeying Jesus (Luke 10:17-24).2: How to love your neighbor and obey Jesus (Luke 10:25-37).Discussion:How have you experienced joy in obeying Jesus? Share the story to encourage your table.Left to your own instincts, who would you pass by on the other side of the road? What does repentance from that look like?How does Jesus’ call to love your neighbor challenge you? How can you live that out this week?

SERMON OUTLINE:How are missionaries sent? (Luke 10:1-16)1. We go ______________2. We go ______________3. We go ______________4. We go ______________5. We go ______________6. We go ______________7. We go ______________8. We go ______________9. We go ______________10. We go ______________What do missionaries receive? (Luke 10:17-24)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What is the Gospel? Or, what is the message the 72 were sent with?2. Do you have any practical tips for how to best share the Gospel?3. When was the last time you shared Jesus with someone? How did it feel?4. Spend time praying for more laborers in the field.

SERMON OUTLINE:1: The disciples fail to cast out a demon (Lk. 9:37-43a).2: The disciples fail to understand God’s plan (Lk. 9:43b-45).3: The disciples fail to put others first (Lk. 9:46-48). 4: The disciples fail to build unity (Lk. 9:349-50).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Where are you most likely to sense your own inadequacy? How has Jesus shown Himself sufficient?2. Which of the disciplines mentioned today would you most like to grow in: Dependent prayer, Scripture meditation, Humble service, Kingdom unity?3. What does it look like to rely on the Spirit within you to grow in these things?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. How is the kingdom Jesus offers a far greater commitment than anything the world has to offer? 2. Which of the three people in this passage who can’t commit to following Jesus do you most resonate with? 3. Where is Jesus calling you to prioritize his kingdom in a specific part of your life? 

SERMON OUTLINE:Jesus’ glory revealed (Lk. 9:28-31).The disciples’ response (Lk. 9:32-33).The Father’s affirmation and command (Lk. 9:34-36).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Are you in a season where you are enthralled by the fact that Jesus is God, or does it seem to have lost its significance in your heart? How does this passage speak to that?2. What other “tents” have you set up in your heart for gods besides Jesus? How does this passage help you worship Jesus alone?3. How is the fact that Jesus is God Good News for your neighbor?

SERMON OUTLINE:Discerning the true identity of Jesus (Lk. 9:18-22)Following in the footsteps of Jesus (Lk. 9:23-27)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Who do you say Jesus is? What key moments in your life have led you to that position?2. Where do you most see your own tenancy towards self-preservation? Where do you struggle to be selfless?3. What tangible ways can we all deny ourselves and take up our crosses this week?

SERMON OUTLINE:First Mission Luke 9:1-6Perplexed Luke 9:7-9Provision in a Desolate Place Luke 9:10-17DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. How are you seeking Christ today? 2. How can we be tempted to seek Him only for what He can do versus who He is?3. Is there a time when you have experienced miraculous provision from God? How?4. This text should encourage us because we know that Christ will not only provide for our needs and mission, but that He Himself is our provision as well. How does this truth affect your evangelistic mission to those around you?

SERMON OUTLINE:Jesus’ power over disasters (Lk. 8:22-25)Jesus’ power over demons (Lk. 8:26-39)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What storms are you experiencing currently? Where is Jesus in the storm?2. How have you experienced Jesus’ power in your story?3. What are you afraid of? How does awe of Jesus replace that?

SERMON OUTLINE:1. A Parable & Explanation2. Hearing Rightly3. AdoptionDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Do you know Jesus?2. What does this text teach you about the sovereignty of God and your response?3. How does this text stir your affections for Christ? How does it stir your affections for others to hear the Word?

SERMON OUTLINE:1. A Brief Recap2. Habakkuk 3:1-4 A Plea and Remembrance3. Habakkuk 3:5-15 Looking Back4. Habakkuk 3:16-19 Trusting ForwardDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Do you struggle with the Lord’s plan vs how you would do things? How so?2. During these times of struggle and doubt do you find it easier or harder to look back and remember His faithfulness?3. Is there a specific example of something the Lord has done for you that us helping you through a current difficulty?

SERMON OUTLINE:1. What we typically chase after (Jeremiah 9:23).2. What we must chase after (Jeremiah 9:24).DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Do you know Jesus?2. What types of wisdom, might, or riches are you most often tempted to boast in?3. How will you daily understand and know Jesus more?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Have you thought that expressing lament is something that is normal and helpful for a Christian? Why or why not?  2. Are there ways you have remembered or memorialized God's past faithfulness to you? What is an example of a time when you, at first, didn't recognize God's faithfulness to you in a situation but can see it now? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:How does remembering your status apart from Christ help you appreciate your belonging as a citizen in God’s kingdom? What are some ways you can deepen your participation in the rooted, committed family of God? Where is God calling you to participate in his mission to build up the church and extend his presence to more people and places? Michael Goldstein is an Acts 29 church planter from Denver, CO. Please check out their Instagram and Facebook pages for updates and to learn more about Fellow Citizens Church.

NOTES:Confession 1-2Confession/Assurance/Hope 3-4Chorus of expectant waiting 5-6Exhortation 7-8DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What does your confessional prayer life look like?2. How does Christ’s answer to those confessions urge you to tell others what you’ve experienced?