Dec12015 by RPCBNo Comments

The Name Jesus

Matthew, Sermon Preparation

December 7, 2015 – Morning Worship

Monday – Matthew 1:18-25; 9:1-8; Romans 3:9-20, 23; Psalm 14:1-3

“You shall call His name Jesus—for He will save His people from their sins.”

Tuesday – Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1, 2

In these passages describing the birth of Christ and the surrounding events, notice the work of the angels. How important are they to the coming of Christ? What do they do? What is their work? What is their message?

Wednesday – Matthew 1:18-25; Psalm 103; Luke 19:1-10

If, during the Christmas season, we focused more on the name of “Jesus” and what it means (i.e. “Jehovah is salvation”) how might that change the celebration of and under- standing of Christ’s birth—the reason for the season?

Thursday – Matthew 1:22-23; 3:1-2; Isaiah 7:10-25; John 1:14; Romans 11:22; Hebrews 10:31; 12:28-29

“They shall call His name Immanuel” which means God with us. Is this a good thing? Why?

Friday –  Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 53; I Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16

Jesus is always with us—in joy and in sorrow and in temptation. How should that wonderful truth encourage you in your daily life?

Saturday – Matthew 1:22-23; Deuteronomy 9:1-3; Joshua 1:1-9; Isaiah 41:10; Ephesians 6:10-20; James 4:7

Jesus is also with us in our spiritual warfare against Satan. How should that give us confidence and courage to face our adversaries—the world, the flesh and the Devil—specifically in our daily lives?

Nov172015 by RPCBNo Comments

Persistent and Practical Care

I Thessalonians, Sermon Preparation

November 22, 2015 – Morning Worship

Monday – I Thessalonians 2:17-3:5; Acts 17:1-10;; Romans 1:8-15; I Corinthians 9

How would you characterize Paul’s concern for the churches under his care? What is the application for you?

Tuesday – I Thessalonians 2:7-12, 17-19; John 11:1-44; 13:1 Romans 9:1-3; Deuteronomy 7:6-8

Notice the deep affection that God has for His people; the love Jesus has for His disciples and the deep feeling that Paul has for the Thessalonian believers. How should that affect our daily lives?

Wednesday – I Thessalonians 2:17-3:5; Deuteronomy 4; James 2:14-26; I John 3:18

See that intense feelings and even encouraging words are important but not enough. They must be accompanied by “actually doing” – “making every effort” to live out our faith in Christ. What is the personal application for you?

Thursday – I Thessalonians 2:18; Acts 17:10;; Numbers 16; Matthew 12:22-32

Notice that the Apostle Paul was not alone in facing opposition and experiencing persecution. What are the lessons for us as Christians? For the church?

Friday – I Thessalonians 2:19-20; Acts 9:15; II Corinthians 1:12-14; Ephesians 3:7-13; Philippians 4:1

What does Paul mean in I Thessalonians 2:19-20 that the Thessalonian Christians were his hope or joy or crown of boasting before Jesus at His coming? Is there any application for your daily life?

Saturday – I Thessalonians 3:1-2; Acts 17:18-31; 19:17-20; Ezra 10:1- 19

Notice the personal sacrifice it was for Paul to send Timothy to Thessalonica. What personal sacrifices have you had to make as a Christian?

Nov22015 by RPCBNo Comments

Mocking the Crucified Christ

Mark, Sermon Preparation

November 8, 2015 – Morning Worship

Monday – Mark 15:16-32

See the theme of mocking that runs through this passage. Who are the mockers and why are they mocking Jesus?

Tuesday – Psalm 69

How does this Psalm echo in our passage of Jesus’ scorn and reproach? What reason do we find in the Psalm that Jesus had to endure this (v. 9)? How does that apply to you?

Wednesday – Psalm 22

In what ways do you see this Psalm of King David being fulfilled in a new way in Jesus Christ’s crucifixion? How does this Psalm help you understand what is going on in Mark? Why did Jesus have to suffer shame and suffering and crucifixion? How ought this be a great sadness and comfort to you?

Thursday – I Peter 2

How did Peter apply the reality of Christ’s suffering to the lives of Christians after the resurrection? How does this apply to you?

Friday – Matthew 27:27-44; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27

Notice the similarities and differences in the accounts of the other eyewitnesses to Jesus’ crucifixion? What is unique about Mark’s emphases and what is the significance for you?

Saturday – Genesis 2:25; 3:7-8; Ezra 9; Isaiah 61:7

How is shame related to sin? When do you feel shame, what do you feel ashamed about? How does Jesus enduring the mocking shame he does in Mark 15 deal with our shame?