The Birth of the Church - Acts 1:4-5,14 and 2:1, 13

Quote: How good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity.

Points:

I. United in Expectation ( vv. 1:4-5)

II. United in Prayer (v. 1:14)

III. United in Location and Purpose (2:1,13)

Application:

1- Why do you think the Church does not spend time discussing Jesus’

Ascension and Pentecost?

2- What did you learn from our discussion on the two baptisms?

3- What do you think of the statement: “Nothing builds unity amongst

believers any more than carrying one another’s burdens to the Lord

in prayer”.

4- What did you learn concerning the “significance” and “importance” of

Pentecost?

5- Have you ever been guilty of trying to explain the “supernatural” by

using “science”?

Ministry Opportunities:

22nd - Corporate Praise/Prayer/Bible Study- 7-9pm

26th – Graduation Sunday ( all high school and post graduate students-

Junior College, Trade School, Undergraduate, Post-Graduate)

"The Heavenly Gift" - Luke 2:1-7

Outline- December 24, 2023

Text: Luke 2:1-7

Title: The Heavenly Gift

Quote: Jesus is many things . . . but He isn’t convenient.

Points:

I. Heavenly Plan Fulfilled ( vv. 1-5)

II. Heavenly Room ( vv. 6-7)

Application:

1. Do you expect the Christian life to be convenient? If not, why are we so

troubled whenever an inconvenience occurs in our lives? Do you see

anything that poses an inconvenience to our lives as a nasty negative.

2. What do you think of the following statement: When we choose God’s

choice, we find the joy of obedience in the midst of being inconvenienced.?

3. What do you think of the following: We cannot celebrate The Birth of

Christ without considering Calvary, The Cross.

4. What steps do you daily take to make room for the Lord?

Ministry Opportunities:

27 th - Praise/Prayer and Bible Study ( James 1:4-5)

"My Praise Song" - Luke 1 :46-56

Text: Luke 1:46-56

Title: My Praise Song

Quote: Christ sends none away empty but those who are full of themselves? D.L. Moody

Points:

I. Personal Praise ( vv. 46-48)

II. Providential Praise ( vv. 49-54)

Sermon Application:

1- What do you think of the following statement: Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.?

2- What do you think about D. L. Moody’s quote- Christ sends none away empty but those who are full of themselves.?  

3- How often do you burst into a song of praise of the Lord? Do you normally only sing praise to the Lord during Praise and Worship? Are you able to burst into a song of praise during bleak circumstances?

4- Have you created your own “Magnificat”?

5- What does it mean to you that the Lord is mindful of you?

6- What did you learn from our discussion on those who are objects of God’s mercy? 

Ministry Opportunities:

20th – Charter- 4pm

20th- Corporate Praise/Prayer and Bible Study-James 1:3-5

24th – Sunday School – 9:30am

"The Immaculate One" - Matthew 1:18-25

Outline-December 10, 2023

Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Title: The Immaculate One

Quote: To create, God only had to speak; To Redeem, He had to Suffer. D. L. Moody

              A great tragedy may mar one’s life, but a task marks our life.

Points:

I. Joseph’s Faithfulness ( vv. 18-21)

II. Joseph’s Obedience ( vv. 22-25)

Application:

1. What did you learn from our discussion concerning the two-stages leading up to a Jewish Marriage?

2. How do you respond when your faithfulness in God is challenged/is shattered?

3. When facing a spiritual dilemma, how does your faith prevail, or does your flesh rule?

4. What did you learn from our discussion on the “Three-Fold” discussion on sin?

5. What did you learn from our discussion on the unconditional, unwavering, unfailing obedience God expects?

Ministry Opportunities:

13th -Corporate Praise/Prayer and Bible Study ( James 1)

16th- Ladies’ Small Group- 10-11:30am

17th- Kidz Zone

17th- Members’ Meeting- Immediately after Morning Service

"JESUS Is The Reason" - Micah 5:2

Outline- December 3, 2023

Text: Micah 5:2

Title: Bethlehem

Quote: Jesus Is The Reason

Points:

I. A Place Called Bethlehem (v. 2a)

II. A Plan Designated for Bethlehem ( v. 2b)

III. A Person Unlike Any Other Person Born In Bethlehem ( v. 2c-d)

Sermon Application:

1. What did we learn about the place called Bethlehem? (i.e events that took

place in Bethlehem)

2. What did we learn about God’s Plan of Salvation? ( i.e. Gen. 3:15, Exodus

12, Isa. 7:14;53:1-6; Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20)

3. What did you learn about the Promises of God?

4. What is the significance of the fact that Lord Jesus Christ is Eternal?

Ministry Opportunities:

6 th - Corporate Praise/Prayer and Bible Study- 7pm-9pm

9 th – Men’s Small Group- 7:30-9am

10 th – Sunday School- 9:30-10:30am

16 th – Ladies’ Small Group- 10-11:30am

17 th - Members’ Meeting- After Morning Service ( 2024 Budget and Calendar,

Pastoral Status and other matters will be discussed)

"Sharing GOD's Blessings" - 1 Samuel 30:16-25

Text: 1 Samuel 30:16-25

Title: Sharing God’s Blessings

Quote: God is willing and able to see us through every battle!

Points:

I. Recovering What Was Lost ( vv. 16-20)

II. Sharing What Was Gained ( vv. 21-25)

Application:

1. How much do you rely on the faithfulness of God? If we rely on God’s

faithfulness, then why are we often discouraged during trials and

tribulations?

2. What did you learn from the Lord’s Recovery Doctrine?

3. What did you learn from our discussion on criticism?

4. Do you think you would have fallen into the category of the wicked and

worthless saint- who didn’t believe in sharing equally?

5. What did you learn from our discussion on sharing? ( i.e. Sharing blessings

w/others will never lead to deprivation; We can never out give God; A

hoarded blessing won’t ever be enjoyed as richly as a shared one; God

meets our needs so that we can pass His blessings on to others, etc.)

6. What did you learn from our discussion on “Magnifying the Lord”?

Ministry Opportunities

21st - Search Committee Mtg. 7:30pm

21st - Pastor’s Orthopedic Appointment-3pm

22nd – Special Thanksgiving Praise and Prayer- 7pm/ Bible Study 8pm

26th -Sunday School-9:30

26th – Voice of the Martyr Video- 10:50

"Godly Pursuit" - 1 Samuel 30:7-15

Outline-November 12, 2023

Text: 1 Samuel 30:7-15

Title: Godly Pursuit

Quote: Positive action is needed if we are to accomplish great things for God.

Points:

I. Receiving and Accepting God’s Will ( vv. 7-9)

II. Receiving and Accepting Divine Direction ( vv. 10-15) 

Application:

1. What did you learn from our discussion on- Ways to discern God’s Will?

2. Review and meditate on the following Scriptures- Prov. 3:6; Psalm 5:8; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 143:10.

3. What do you think of the following quote: “Positive action is needed if we are to accomplish great things for God??

4. What do you think of the statement- When we do the possible; God does the impossible.

Ministry Opportunities:

14th- Advisory Board Meeting- 7pm ( All ministry leaders- zoom link )

15th – Charter-4pm

15th -Corporate Praise and Prayer (7pm)/ Corporate Bible Study (8pm)

16th- Ministerial-11:30-1

18th – Ladies’ Small Group- 10am

"The LORD Is My Strength" - 1 Samuel 30:1-6

Outline- November 5, 2023

Title: The Lord Is My Strength

Text: 1 Samuel 30:1-6

Quote: What life does to us depends on what life finds in us.

Points:

Strength In Self ( Background)

Strength Up in Smoke ( vv. 1-3)

Strength In The Lord ( vv. 4-6) 

Application:

 Have you ever experienced a “Line of Demarcation” moment in your life?

 Have you ever heard someone say about you-What is a Christian doing here?

 What do you think of the statement-“It is when we act foolishly- it is then that God has encouragement for us”?

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when your strength went up in smoke?

How well do you respond/handle criticism?

What do you think of the following statement: “A crisis does not make a person; it shows what a person is made of”?

How do you strengthen yourself in the Lord?

Ministry Opportunities:

5th- Lord’s Supper

7th- Search Committee- 7:30

8th- Corporate Prayer (7:00)/ Corporate Bible Study (8:00)

11th- Men’s Small Group-7:30am

14th- Advisory Board Meeting- 7:00pm

"Unbroken Saints" - 1 Samuel 28:15-25

Outline-October 29, 2023

Title: Unbroken Saints

Text: 1 Samuel 28:15-25

Quote: Just because there are people who will obey you does not mean you are right with God.

Points:

I. Last Conversation ( vv. 15-19)

II. Last Meal ( vv. 20-25)

Application:

1- Do you find yourself at times playing the role of the victim?

2- When was the last time someone asked you to go against God? Did you give in to their request?

3- Have you ever experienced the stiffening of the soul? ( William Blaikie’s quote)

4- What do you think of the statement- “Just because there are people who will obey you does not mean you are right with God”.

5- Do you have better communication with unsaved people than you do with saved people?

Ministry Opportunities:

Meet our New Chicagoland Superintendent- Steve McCausland- Today

1st- Corporate Praise/Prayer and Bible Study – 7-8pm and 8-9pm

4th- Couples’ Small Group-10:30-12

5th- Lord’s Supper

"U-Turn Saints" - 1 Samuel 28:8-14

Outline- October 22, 2023

Text: 1 Samuel 28:8-14

Title: U-Turn Saints

Quote: A scared world needs a fearless church. A. W. Tozer

Points:

I. Disguising (vv. 8-11)

II. Deceiving ( vv. 12-14)

Application:

1. During your spiritual journey with the Lord, have you ever experienced

traveling on the wrong road, making a wrong turn? What caused you to

make a U-Turn?

2. What are factors leading you to be defiant of authority? To be defiant of

God?

3. Have you ever used the Lord to get what you wanted?

4. Have you ever found yourself talking to someone dead? Have you ever

desired to hear from a dead person?

Ministry Opportunities:

25th – Prayer and Bible Study ( Church of Laodicea)

28th - PSTF-9:30-12/12:30

4th – Couples’ Small Group- 10:30-noon

"Discouraged Saints" - 1 Samuel 27:1,4-7

Outline-October 7, 2023

Text: 1 Samuel 27:1, 4-7

Title: Discouraged Saints

Quote: Discouragement distorts our perspective and leads us to compromise

Points:

I. Making Ungodly Decisions ( vv. 1,4)

II. Deal Making ( vv. 5-7)

Application:

1. How often do you sing the Blues? Does your Blues singing indicate you

discouragement with life? With the Lord?

2. Do you find yourself talking to yourself? Do you find yourself listening to

yourself?

3. What did you learn from our discussion concern the “Three Sources for

Spiritual Doubt”?

4. What did you learn from our discussion on the “Two Keys”?

5. What did you learn from our discussion on the “Spiritual Weapons Against

Discouragement”?

6. Have you experience a “Spiritual Slump”? If yes, how did you get out of

your spiritual slump?

Ministry Opportunities:

8 th - Sunday School-9:30

9 th -10 th – GLD Conference- Deerfield, IL- Pastor will be attending

11 th - Corporate Praise and Bible Study-Church of Philadelphia and Application

14 th - Men’s Small Group-7:30am

28 th – PSTF Workshop- 9:30- register by 10/25

"Tomfoolery Saints" - 1 Samuel 26:13-21

Outline- October 1, 2023

Text: 1 Samuel 26:13-21

Title: Tomfoolery Saints

Quote: If we are to avoid being the fool, we must instead seek to be wise.

Points: 

I. What’s Up With You (vv.13-20)

II. What A Fool I Am (v.21)

Application:

1. What do you believe your epitaph will be?

2. Have you ever been challenged by someone saying to you-“Are you not a man” or “Are you not a woman”?

3. How do you feel when you fail to accomplish your God-given assignment?

4. Do you hunger like David to be in the presence of the Lord? Do gather in the Lord’s House?

5. When was your latest “Aha Moment”? concerning your sinfulness?

6. What did you learn about playing the fool? ( i.e. foolish ways of living, foolish beliefs, ways Saul played the fool)

Ministry Opportunities:

3rd- Corporate Praise and Bible Study

5th – PASS Fundraising Banquet

7th- Couples’ Small Group- 10:30am

8th – Sunday School Class-9:30

28th – Workshop-Sharing My Faith With My Children/Grandchildren-9:30-12

Deja Vu - 1 Samuel 26:2-12

Points:

I. Another Wilderness Encounter ( vv. 2-5)

II. Another Defenseless Encounter ( vv. 6-7)

III. Another Character Encounter ( vv. 8-12)

Application:

1. Have you ever experienced Déjà vu ?

2. What’s your normal first thought when facing a problem:

A. Run

B. Hide

C. Boldly face

3. What steps do you take to keep doing the right thing?

4. Are you a situational ethic saint?

5. What do you think of statement: Integrity is a choice?

Ministry Opportunities:

27 th - Corporate Prayer and Bible Study- Church of Philadelphia- 7pm and 8pm

October Launce

1 st – Lord’s Supper

" Deliver Us From Evil" - 1 Samuel 25:29-44

Text: 1 Samuel 25:39-44

Title: Deliver Us From Evil

Quote: You may have won a battle yesterday, but that doesn’t count when

today’s conflict comes.

Points:

I. Evil All Around ( v.39a)

II. Evil of Matrimony (vv. 39b-42)

Application:

1- What did you learn from today’s message about evil? Types of evil?

2- What did you learn from the Three Lessons about conflicts?

3- What do you think of the statement: “Yesterday’s victories may become

today’s temptation-the sin we shunned yesterday, we may embrace

today”?

4- What did you learn from our discussion on the “Worldly Perspective on

Marriage”?

5- What did you learn from our four closing lessons?

Ministry Opportunities:

Today- Ministry Sign up/Kidz Zone

20th -Corporate Praise and Bible Study-7pm-Church of Philadelphia

Ministry Sign-Up-9/17-9/25

PASS-Fundraising Banquet- Sign up by 9/23- Banquet on October 5th-doors open at 5:45- Dinner served at 6:30-Odyssey Country Club

"Losing Ones Mind" - 1 Samuel 25:13-19

78 views Streamed live on Aug 27, 2023

Outline- August 27, 2023

Text: 1 Samuel 25:13-19

Title: Losing One’s Mind

Quote: Anger blows out the lamp of the mind

Points:

I. Spiritual Insanity (vv. 13-17)

II. Spiritual Interference (vv. 18-19)

Application:

1. Do you wrestle with anger? Has anger become a habit?

2. What did you learn from our discussion on the benefits of spiritual habits?

3. What do you think of the following statement: “Anger takes control of the mind and turns sane saints into raving lunatics”?

4. Are you approachable? What makes you approachable?

5. What did you learn about Abigail from this week’s message?

Ministry Opportunities:

Bro. Royce Coleman’s funeral- September 1st

Lord’s Supper- September 3rd

"Let The Children Alone" - Matthew 19:13-14, Mark 10:13-14; Luke 18:15-17

Outline- August 6, 2023

Text: Matthew 19:13-14, Mark 10:13-14; Luke 18:15-17

Title: Let The Children Alone

Quote:

Points:

I. Rebuke of the Disciples ( vv. 13-14)

II. Rebuke of the Schools

Application:

1. As a child, what did you focus on when you return for the first day of another school year? As a parent, did your focus change?

2. Do you think the Church place a high priority on our children/youth/young people ministries?

3. What do you think of Warren Wiersbe’s quote-“We tell children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves after the children”?

4. What did you think about the quotes of Booker T. Washington, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.?

5. What did you learn from our discussion on how to help our students?

6. What did you learn about how we are to pray?

Ministry Opportunities

August 13th- Morning Message- Elder Joseph

August 20th – Morning Message-Bro. Gilbert

“ Beauty of Politeness-Ugliness of Impoliteness" - 1 Samuel 25:2-12

Outline- July 30, 2023

Text: 1 Samuel 25:2-12

Title: “ Beauty of Politeness-Ugliness of Impoliteness

Quote: Being financially wealthy doesn’t make you better than others. In many cases they are actually spiritually poorer than others.

Points:

I. An Impolite and Polite Union ( vv. 2-3)

II. David’s Polite Request ( vv. 4-8)

III. Nabal’s Impolite Response ( vv. 9-12) 

Application:

1. Have you ever felt inferior of a person wo was very rich? Did you ever think they were more blessed than you?

2. What do you think of the statement: “Being financially wealthy doesn’t make you better than others. In many cases they are actually spiritually poorer than others”.

3. Are you a polite saint or are you more like Nabal?

4. Do you suffer from an “I” and “My” problem?

Ministry Opportunities:

2nd- Corporate Praise and Prayer- 7pm/ Corporate Bible Study – 8pm

6th – Back To School Sunday

7th- 22- Pastor’s Vacation

9th and 16th- No Corporate Prayer of Bible Study

13th- Elder Joseph- Morning Message

20th – Bro. Gilbert Russell- Morning Message

"It's A Big Deal" - 1 Samuel 24:1-7

Outline-July 16, 2023

Title: It’s A Big Deal

Text: 1 Samuel 24:1-7

Quote: A sensitive conscience is a great treasure and a valuable guide.

Points:

I. The Cave ( vv. 1-3a)

II. The Big Deal (vv. 3b-7)

Application:

1. When a person doesn’t like you is it because you are a believer? Is it

because you have done something to them?

2. When you become aware that an enemy is vulnerable-do you take

advantage of their vulnerability? Why or Why not?

3. What do you think of the following statement: A sensitive conscience is a

great treasure and a valuable guide. Don’t lose it!

4. Do you have a problem with respecting authority?

5. Are you a vengeful/retaliatory person?

Ministry Opportunities:

19th - Charter

19th - 21st - VBS- 7:00-8:30

23rd - Church Picnic

30th – Sunday School- 9:30am

"Lead Me, Guide Me" - 1 Samuel 23:1-5, 10-12

Outline-July 2, 2022

Text: 1 Samuel 23:1-5, 10-12

Title: Lead Me, Guide Me

Quote: Before victory comes obedience

Points:

I. Obedience Is Seeking God’s Direction ( vv. 1-2)

II. Obedience In Leading God’s People (vv. 3-5)

III. Obedience Is Accepting Betrayal (vv. 10-12)

Application:

1. What did you learn from our two-part steps relating to obedience?

2. What did you learn from our discussion on inquiring of the Lord?

3. What did you learn from our discussion on reasons for following chosen leaders?

4. What do you think of the following statement: Do not expect everybody you help to appreciate what you have done?

Ministry Opportunities:

2nd- Lord’s Supper

5th – Corporate Praise and Prayer (7pm) and Corporate Bible Study (8pm)

16th – Members’ Meeting-After Morning Service

           VBS Meeting and Decoration ( After Members’ Meeting)

19th-21st- VBS- 7-8:30 (Email Pastor Denny for more information)

23rd – Church Picnic- After Morning Service

30th – Sunday School-9:30

"MAD Cavemen" -Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-5

Outline-June 18, 2023

Title: “MAD Cavemen”

Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-5

Quote: Being a person after God’s own heart doesn’t mean never experiencing the darkness of the cave.

Points:

Entering Your Cave ( vv. 1-2)

Exiting Your Cave ( vv. 3-5) 

Application:

What type of bird are you? What type of bird is your husband/your father?

Are you a MAD-Man? Are you a MAD-Woman?

Have you entered your cave seeking to be alone? Seeking to be safe?

Do you fear time alone with God and being shut off from the rest of the world? Why? If not, what steps do you take to be alone with God?

What lessons did you learn the last time you entered a cave?

What did you learn from our discussion on the three lessons concerning leadership?

What do you think of the following statement: “It’s not the storms you weather that define you; it is the way that you weather the storms!”?

What did you learn from the seven lessons taught from Psalm 57 and 142?

Ministry Opportunities:

21st- Charter-4pm

21st- Corporate Praise and Prayer(7pm) and Corporate Bible Study (8pm)

24th- Men’s Prayer Breakfast (9am)

25th -Sunday School-(9:30am-Application from today’s message)

25th -Kidz Zone

1st - Couples Small Group 10:30a