Sermons - Calvary Community Church

1A – How is the sanctuary like the stadium and sports games like the church? Why is that so? B – If man is created for worship and we don't worship God, then who or what do we worship? C – How do sports games draw out, "the right kind of worship to the wrong kind of god?" 2A – In verses 1-2, How is Hannah's praise a good pattern for us? She exults with her, "heart, horn and mouth." What does that...

1 – There is a lot of material on being a good leader: what criteria is there for choosing a good leader? 2 – a) In verses 1-2, the introduction goes to great lengths to show us somebody who is a nobody. Why? Why would this be significant in Israel's history? b) Verse 1 says, Elkanah was an Ephrathite (soneone from Ephathah – Bethleham,) which up until then was nowhere. Who else comes from this to...

1 – In verses 9-10, a) Why was Paul so eager for Timothy to visit? b) Was Paul disappointed in Demas? Does Paul say that Demas abandoned his Christian faith? What is in Thessalonica for Demas? 2 – In verse 11-13, a) Why is it significant that Paul wants Mark to come with Timothy? b) What personal belongings does Paul want? Why? 3 – In verse 16, a) Why would Paul's friends abandon him at his prelim...

"Tweenager" / Luke 2:41-52 Jim Rosenquist Download

Christmas Eve Service Jim Rosenquist Download

"Not Much" / Luke 1:26-38 Jim Rosenquist Download

1 – Why does Paul use the metaphor of his impending death as a drink offering? What does it mean? 2 – How is death, especially that of a Christian, like a ship casting off its mooring lines? 3 – How is the Christian life like, "the good fight?" What's good about it? 4 – Why is it important to finish the race, not "win" it? 5a – The victor's crown for the early Olympic athlete was intrinsically val...

1 – In verse 1, Paul gives a charge to Timothy that sound much like a court of law. Why so solemn? 2 – In verse 2, what specific task is Timothy charged to do? When? What does it involve? What does it mean? How does this charge relate to us? 3 – In verse 3, what does Paul mean by "itching ears?" Why would it be difficult to "endure" sound teaching? In what ways do we see people today "accumulating...

In verse 1, "The Last Days," may refer to either the time right before the return of Christ, or the days inaugurated by Christ's first coming. We are both in the "last days" and awaiting "the last days" to come. In this context, what are, "the last days." In verses 2-4, what "people" is Paul writing about? Who are they? What word does Paul use to describe these people? Is this unkind? Is it true?...

In verses 20-21, how is the church like a great house? What do vessels of gold, silver, wood, and clay represent? How are some for honorable or dishonorable use? How is one responsible for his/her use? How can it change? In verse 22, what traits of youthfulness would hinder a young pastor? What traits does Paul suggest Timothy cultivate? Why? In verses 23, does Paul suggest that we should avoid al...

1 - In verse 14, Some subjects, while important to you, shouldn't divide brothers in Christ; subjects like the age of the Earth, the timing of the rapture, speaking in tongues, Israel in the end times...what else? – Some subjects should be debated in the church. Like what? – Some subjects are so critically important that we get it straight, like the five solas. What else? 2 – In verse 15, what mak...

1 – In verse 8, what about "Jesus Christ risen from the dead" is an essential thing to remember? Why does Paul mention the fact that Jesus descended from David? Why is that significant to gentile believers? 2 – In verses 9-10, why is Paul under arrest, condemned, and waiting execution? Why is he enduring for the sake of the elect? Who are the elect? How did they become elect? What are they elect t...

With this passage the author of Hebrews shows his readers that the New Covenant blessings inaugurated and mediated by Christ Jesus are both shadow-dissolving present realities, and present eternal realities. Keep this theological context in mind as you discuss the questions. 1 - What is the overarching argument, or point, that the author of Hebrews is making in this passage? 2 - Discuss the contex...

1 – The context for this passage is 2 Timothy 1:8-14. What is it about? 2 – What has Timothy learned from Paul? What is he charged to do with what he has learned? 3 – Who are the recipients to whom Timothy is to pass on this information? What qualities should they have? What is their obligation? 4 – Timothy is given three examples to follow: soldier, athlete and farmer. What qualities do each demo...

1 – In verse 8, why might we feel ashamed of our church, of other cultures, and of Christ? 2 – Why might early Christians felt shame by association with Paul? Why might Christians in China or Islamic countries not want to be identified with other Christians? 3 - In what way is shame a form of suffering? 4 – In verse 9, how did we come to salvation? When was our salvation secured? Explain sovereign...

1 – How are Paul's circumstances different as he writes 2 Timothy from when he wrote 1 Timothy? What has changed? How are Timothy's circumstances different? What is happening in the Roman Empire as Paul writes this letter? What new responsibilities does Paul give Timothy? How will Timothy be able to do these things? 2 – In verses 3-5, what does Paul say about Timothy's heritage? How is this helpfu...

1 - In verse 17, Does scripture condemn riches? In verse 6:9, what is the product of desiring to be rich? What charge does Paul give to the rich? Why would wealth be an uncertainty? Why would wealthy people think themselves superior to the poor? In what way? 2 - In verse 18, what two things does Paul tell wealthy people to do? Why would wealthy Christians rather give money than service? If you giv...

1 - Why would Paul calling Timothy a "man of God" be encouraging to him? How does this title relate to Timothy's assignment? What qualifies one to be called a "man of God?" 2 - a - Paul tells Timothy flee, from what? Why? Where else are we told to flee from sin? As opposed to what? Consider the story of Joseph and Potifer's wife, (Gen 39) How is his fleeing an illustration for us? b - What are we...

In verse 3, What is the essence of, "sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ?" What, "different doctrines," about Christ are being presented today? Why do people follow these? In verses 4-5, what characterizes false teachers? How do some make Christianity profitable? Why does it work? In verses 6-8, what, "great gain," does godliness bring?" What is godliness? Why doesn't prosperity produce contentme...

How was slavery in the Roman Empire different from 19th century America? How was it alike? What was good about slavery in Roman times? Why might someone choose to be a slave? What is essentially wrong with slavery? 2. In verse 1, writing to slaves of non-Christian masters, what attitude and behavior does scripture advocate? What are 2 reasons for this? 3. In verse 2, writing to slaves of Christian...

1. What does presbyterian mean? What’s the difference between a ruling and a teaching elder? 2. The context is about showing honor to the unique members of the family in the church. How do we show honor to our elders, both teaching and ruling? 3. In verses 17-18 what is the reason we pay our church staff? What guidelines are given? 4. Why are elders given special protection regarding accusations?...

With this passage the author of Hebrews shows his readers that the old covenant regulations for worship were a symbol showing that there was no way into the most holy place while the old covenant was still in place. To approach God, something had to change. Keep this context in mind as you discuss the questions. 1. What is the overarching argument, or point, that the author of Hebrews is making in...