Falls Presbyterian Church (OPC)

Christ's Church is like a building that needs a lot of contractors to work on it.-1. Paul was a skilled master builder. -v.10--2. Christ is our foundation. -v.11--3. Christ's workers build on the Christ-foundation. -v.12-15--Why do we get to participate---What is the reason that Paul could build-- 2 Tim. 1-9-Who asks contractors to come and build-- Mt. 16-18, Gal. 1-15-Who gives rewards to whom for what-- Rev. 11-18

Zechariah chapter 1-18 -- 8-23

Christ warned us about immaturity in God's co-workers.-1. The Spiritually immature - milk-fed - fleshly - have jealousy-strife. -v.1-3--2. Over-loyalty to certain persons is a sign of immaturity. -v.4-5--3. The mature know their place, and support all glory going to God. -v.6-9--Why are some people good co-workers and others not---Who lives on milk, and what does that mean-- Hebrews 5-11-14-If we chase celebrity Christians, what does it show-- 1 Peter 2-1-5-What must you do to be the greatest in the kingdom-- Luke 22-26

Christ has given us His Spirit so that we know and understand His thoughts, His wisdom and His mind--1. Our access to the thoughts of God. -v.11-12--2. Our ability to know spiritual wisdom. -v.13-15--3. Our incredible gift - the mind of Christ- -v.16--Who are spiritual persons, and who are not---Why are God's thoughts different than ours-- Isaiah 55-8-Who sent the Holy Spirit-- John 15-26, Acts 2-33-How do we gain from the mind of Christ-- Phil. 2-5

intro, and chapter 1.

As Christ completes us into true maturity in which we lack nothing, He grants us the essential gift of wisdom.-1. Not the wisdom of human ingenuity, which is not wisdom at all. -v.6--2. Rather, we receive the true wisdom of God, that was formerly secret. -v.7-8--3. The Spirit reveals this wisdom to us. -v.9-10--What is true wisdom, and what is it not---What is the Christian's goal-- Colossians 1-28-What will happen to our bodies someday-- Philippians 3-21-Who gives life and blessing-- Can we just grab some-- John 6-63

Our faith is in the power of God, through Christ crucified.-1. Paul's proclaiming. -v.1-2--2. Paul's presence. -v.3-4--3. Paul's purpose. -v.5-6--How should we think about preaching---What was Paul's content for his speaking-- Galatians 6-14-Why would Paul be fearful and trembling-- Ephesians 6-5-Upon what is our faith built-- Matthew 7-24-27

overview, intro, chapters 1 and 2.

See your calling- understand the deep lesson and remember it.-1. See that we were nobodies, with nothing to offer God. -v.26--2. See that inexplicably, we were the ones called by God. -v.27-28--3. See no room for boasting- all glory to God alone. -v.29-31--Why us - do we think that we bring something to the table---Does your background make you desirable to God-- Eph. 2-1-10-Why were we called by God-- 1 Thessalonians 1-4-From where does your righteousness come-- Philippians 3-9

When people who are called by Christ hear the preaching of Christ crucified, we hear God's power and wisdom.-1. Silly-- Those not called by Christ consider preaching silly. -v.18--2. Wise-- Other 'wisdom' paths do not lead to God. -v.19-22--3. Called-- Those called by Christ are drawn to know God. -v.23-25--Why does preaching have such a polarizing effect---How does the same object get such mixed reactions-- James 3-15-Who follows God with their hearts, who does not-- Mt.15-8-9-Where does the power reside-- Rom. 1-4 John 10-27

Zephaniah, chapters 2 and 3.

Jesus identifies himself as the door for the sheep that leads to life, in contrast with the false shepherds who lead to destruction.-1. The Door and the Robbers -vs. 7-8--2. The Nourished and the Deprived -vs. 9-10-

Christ calls us to preserve church harmony, by the power of His cross.-1. No divisions. -v.10--2. No quarrels. -v.11-13a--3. No disagreements, especially about the basics. -v.13b-17--To what way of relating are we called by Christ---How should Christians get along-- Philippians 4-2-What causes and cures quarrels among believers-- James 4-1-6-What ought we to be eager to maintain-- Why-- Eph. 4-1-3

intro and chapter 1 of Zephaniah

We are all blessed to be called by Christ, and we praise God for each other's rich and various gifts.-1. Praise God for the gifts given to the church. -v.4-5--2. Praise God that the church does not lack any gift. -v.6-7--3. Praise God for future blessings, all the way to the end. -v.8-9--As a result of Christ's calling, what good things belong to us---How much do we see Christ's gifts in others-- Eph. 4-8, James 1-17-What is our error when we think something is missing-- Luke 22-35-How forward-looking are you on a daily basis-- Proverbs 23-18

Because Christ has sanctified us through His death and resurrection, He invites us to walk close to Him.-1. Called to be God's people within a sinful city. -v.1-2a--2. Called to be saints-holy - invited to walk close to God. -v.2b--3. Co-called as God's people, with Christians everywhere. -v.2c-3--What is your first and main calling in life---Despite others around you, what should you be-- Lev. 11-45-Whose idea is it for you to be near God-- James 4-8-With how many Christians are we united-- Hebrews 13-3

The first Christmas caused great joy for the shepherds.-1. Great fear. -v.8-9- -2. Great joy. -v.10- -3. Great Savior. -v.11-

The gift of Jesus is that our Savior is humble.-1. The King of Kings came under the decrees of a lesser king. -v.1-3--2. The Son of David allowed His royalty to be ignored. -v.4-5--3. The Christ-child allowed His body to be placed in a trough. -v.6-7--What does the birth of Jesus mean for us---Who sets the example for our attitude-- Philippians 2-3-4-Name the opposite of humility. Galatians 5-26-With what should we clothe ourselves-- 1 Peter 5-5-6

Jesus' shepherding allegory sets the stage for identifying himself as the true shepherd of his sheep.-1. The False Shepherd in the Allegory -vs. 1 - 5--2. The True Shepherd in the Allegory -vs. 2-4--3. The Ignorance of the Allegory -vs. 6-