Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

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Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North episodes

  • Jesus: Salvation.

    Introduction / Review:

    John 5:39 - You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me

    John 8:24 - I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am (he) you will die in your sins

    Wise Up About Wisdom (Colossians 1:15-20)
    1. As God, he is the Creator . (Col 1:15-17)
    2. As God, he is the Authority . (Col 1:18)
    3. As God, he is the Savior . (Col 1:19-20)

      4. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
      Hint:       Highlight blanks above for answers!

      Small Group Discussion

      WHOLE GROUP
      Read Colossians 1:15-20

      1 - How would you describe Jesus to someone who has never heard of Him?

      2 - If someone thinks Jesus is great - but does NOT believe Jesus is God, can that person be saved? Why or why not? (What about Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses?)

      3 - What does this passage teach about creation? Why is creation an important topic when it comes to describing Who Jesus is (ie, why did Paul talk about creation in relation to Jesus)?

      4 - In what areas do people struggle in allowing Jesus to have preeminence in their lives? Why?

      BREAKOUT

      Pray for one another.

      0 min
    4. Solomon: Wisdom.

      Introduction / Review:

      Wise Up About Wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-28):
      1. You have to know you Need it. (1 Kings 3:7)
      2. You have to know Where to get it. (1 Kings 3:9)

        3. James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

        1. You have to Apply it. (1 Kings 3:16-28)

          2. Proverbs 18:17 - The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

          Proverbs 18:13 - If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

          Proverbs 12:13 - An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

          Five Principles for Making Wise Decisions in "Grey Areas": (1 Corinthians 6-8-10)
          1. Is it Permissible ? (1 Cor 6:12)

            2. 1 Cor 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

          2. Is it Beneficial ? (1 Cor 6:12)
          3. Is it free from possible Addiction ? (1 Cor 6:8-10)
          4. Is it free from causing a brother to Stumble ? (1 Cor 8:12-13)

            5. 1 Cor 8:12-13 - Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

          5. Is Glorifying to God? (1 Cor 10:31)

            6. 1 Cor 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

            Prov 8:11 - ...wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

            Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
            Hint:             Highlight blanks above for answers!

            Small Group Discussion

            WHOLE GROUP
            Read 1 Kings 3:7, 9, 16-28 (or just read the whole chapter if you want!)

            1. Define wisdom. How is it different than knowledge? Where does wisdom come from?

            2. Review the 1 Cor 6-8-10 Principle. What are the 5 questions to ask when seeking wisdom for a decision in a "grey area"?

            3. Come up with "grey area" scenarios, and as a group, evaluate the scenario using the 1 Cor 6-8-10 Principle.

            BREAKOUT

            What "grey area" have YOU personally struggled with? How does the 1 Corinthians 6-8-10 principle help you?

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          6. David: Worship.

            Introduction / Review:

            Are You a True Worshipper?

            John 4:23

            Am I a True Worshipper?
            1. Am I all-in with all my Emotions ? (2 Sam 6:12-15)
            2. Does my worship go Vertical and Horizontal? (2 Sam 6:16-19)

              3. Hebrews 13:15-6

              1. Am I focused Solely on God? (2 Sam 6:20-23)

                2. What to Say When You Are Accused of Worshipping Too Hard.

                1. It was for the Lord, not you. (2 Sam 6:21)
                2. I have Personal reasons to worship so hard (2 Sam 6:21)
                3. It is Impossible to worship too hard. (2 Sam 6:22)

                  4. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                  Hint:                   Highlight blanks above for answers!

                  Small Group Discussion

                  WHOLE GROUP
                  Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23

                  1. We are to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23). Where do you think HBC leans - more on the spirit side or the truth side? Where do you lean personally? How can you/HBC move towards being more balanced in spirit and truth?

                  2. Why, do you think, we tend to restrain ourselves emotionally in worship? How can you be “all-in” with your emotions (2 Sam 6:14)?

                  3. How does God regard our good works (see Hebrews 13:15-16)? How does that motivate you to serve people?

                  4. How can you eliminate distractions and focus solely on God in worship (2 Sam 6:21)?

                  BREAKOUT

                  What personal reasons do YOU have to worship the Lord right now! Share - then pray prayers of thanksgiving.

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                4. Saul: Disobedience.

                  Introduction / Review:

                  4 Big Problems with Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:1-23)

                  1. It is always Unacceptable . (1 Sam 15:1-9)
                  2. It Grieves God and His people. (1 Sam 15:10-11)

                    3. Ephesians 4:30 - do not grieve the Holy Spirit

                    John 14:15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

                    1. It is a Gateway to more sin. (1 Sam 15:12-21)

                      2. The Disobedience Gateway Leads Me To:

                      1. Exalt myself (1 Sam 15:12)
                      2. Deceive myself (1 Sam 15:13,19)
                      3. Shift Blame away from myself (1 Sam 15:15,21,24)
                      4. Justify myself (1 Sam 15:15, 21)
                      5. It is the same as Idolatry to God. (1 Sam 15:22-23)

                        6. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                        Hint:                         Highlight blanks above for answers!

                        Small Group Discussion

                        WHOLE GROUP
                        Read 1 Samuel 15:1-23

                        1. What place does obedience have in the life of a Christian, since a Christian is not saved by obedience (or "stays saved" by obedience)? How would you respond to someone who says, "Christians aren't called to obey, we are saved by grace!"?

                        2. Why is disobedience like divination (1 Sam 15:23)? Like idolatry? Does this change the way you view your own sin?

                        3. Why do you think disobedience grieves God? See Ephesians 4:30.

                        4. Share a time you did something wrong and blamed someone else? Why is that such a "natural" inclination?

                        BREAKOUT

                        Do you have any area of disobedience in your life right now? How does Saul's story motivate you to change? How will you go after turning your disobedience into obedience? 
                        Pray for one another. 

                        0 min
                      6. Joshua: Courage.

                        Introduction / Review:

                        What do you Fear?

                        • Future
                        • Failure
                        • Foe

                          • There's No Fear!

                          1. There's no fear when God's Presence is With me. (Josh 1:1-6)
                          2. There's no fear when God's Word is In me. (Josh 1:7-9)

                            3. How do I get God's Word in Me?

                            • Memorize it!
                            • Meditate on it!
                            • Move on it!
                            • There's no fear when God's People are Behind me. (Josh 1:10-18)

                              • Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                              Hint:                               Highlight blanks above for answers!

                              Small Group Discussion

                              WHOLE GROUP
                              Read Joshua 1:1-18

                              1. Define fear, be specific. Why are we all so susceptible to fear?

                              2. How does meditating on the Word drive out fear (Joshua 1:18, see also Psalm 1:2-3)

                              3. What do you fear in this current chapter of your life? How are you seeking the Lord to be delivered from it? (Psalm 34:4)

                              BREAKOUT

                              How are you currently working on memorizing and meditating on God's Word? How have you been convicted to move on what God is teaching you?

                              0 min
                            • Moses: Dependence.

                              Introduction / Review:

                              Depending on the Lord Means... (Exodus 4:1-17)

                              1. Depending on the Lord means letting go of your Past. (Ex 4:1-9)
                              2. Depending on the Lord means letting go of your Excuses . (Ex 4:1-12)
                              3. Depending on the Lord means letting go of your Will . (Ex 4:13-17)

                                4. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                                Hint:                                 Highlight blanks above for answers!

                                Small Group Discussion

                                WHOLE GROUP
                                Read Exodus 4:1-17

                                1. Tell of a time you KNEW God wanted you to do something - and you didn’t want to do it.

                                2. Have you ever felt a physical problem kept you from being what you (or God!) wanted you to be?

                                3. Do you believe that if God calls you to something, and you won’t do it, He will just move on to someone else? How did that scenario work out for Moses?

                                BREAKOUT

                                Pray for one another to learn greater dependence on the Lord!

                                0 min
                              4. Joseph: Trust.

                                Introduction:

                                Ephesians 1:11 – who works all things according to the counsel of His will

                                Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

                                Three other factors:

                                1. Sin
                                2. Time
                                3. Purpose

                                  4. God doesn't cause the evil, but He brings something good from it.

                                  When I Choose to Trust that God is in Control... (Genesis 50:15-21)

                                  1. I don't need to be in Control. (Gen 50:19)
                                  2. I can see the Good He has done. (Gen 50:20)
                                  3. I am free to just Love people. (Gen 50:21)

                                    4. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                                    Hint:                                     Highlight blanks above for answers!

                                    Small Group Discussion

                                    WHOLE GROUP
                                    Read Genesis 50:15-21

                                    1. Do you believe God is sovereign over all that happens, or just some of what happens? Do you believe man's free will can interfere with God's plan? Be honest. How do your beliefs line up with Joseph's in this passage?

                                    2. God uses evil done to us - ultimately for good. How can a victim of abuse or rape honestly believe God can and will use that for good?

                                    3. Name a time that you saw God use the actions of an evil person to ultimately bring something good.

                                    BREAKOUT

                                    Tell of the hardest time you've ever had to forgive someone. How did you do it? Pray for one another that you each can have a heart of forgiveness and trust in God's sovereign will.

                                    0 min
                                  4. Abraham: Faith.

                                    Introduction:

                                    Faith is: Believing the Word of God, no matter how I feel, because God promises a good result.

                                    3 Reasons Faith is Difficult. (Genesis 22:1-28)
                                    1. Faith doesn't make (human) Sense. (Gen 22:1-2)
                                    2. Faith means Doing hard things. (Gen 22:3-8)
                                    3. Faith requires Total commitment. (Gen 22:9-12)

                                      4. Faith is always Rewarded.

                                      Hebrews 11:17-19 - By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who hadrecieved the promise was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." He considered that God was able from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did recieve him back.

                                      Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                                      Hint:                                       Highlight blanks above for answers!

                                      Small Group Discussion

                                      WHOLE GROUP
                                      Read Genesis 22:1-18

                                      1. Define “faith”. What are some wrong ideas about what faith is?

                                      2. Why did God test Abraham (Gen 22:1)? Does God still test people today? Do you believe God has ever tested you?

                                      3. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done because of your faith?

                                      BREAKOUT
                                      Is there any area YOU have struggled to be “100% all in”? Be honest, encouraging, and judgment-free! Pray for one another to over-come that struggle area of faith.

                                      0 min
                                    4. Life after Salvation: Where's the Effort?

                                      Introduction:

                                      Three Parts to Salvation (2 Peter 1:3-10)

                                      • Justification: Past
                                      • Sanctification: Present
                                      • Glorification: Future

                                        • Results When Every Effort is Made:

                                        1. Making every effort results in Spiritual Maturity. (2 Pet 1:8)

                                          2. Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

                                        2. Making every effort keeps us from Habitual Sin. (2 Pet 1:9)
                                        3. Making every effort produces Confidence in our salvation. (2 Pet 1:10)

                                          4. Ryan Stroupe - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Small Groups Ministry Leader

                                          Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                                          Hint:                                           Highlight blanks above for answers!

                                          Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
                                          Read 2 Peter 1:3-10

                                          1. Why should we want to do more than just "punch our ticket to Heaven"? What would you say to someone that doesn't want to do more than the bare minimum to get to Heaven?

                                          2. Why do we as Christians ignore Sanctification and focus on Justification and Glorification?

                                          3. As Small Groups what are some practical ways we can assist a fellow Christian or Small Group Member get past a habitual sin? 

                                          4. What are ways we can teach our children to start making every effort at a young age, i.e. teenagers?

                                          5. How much effort do you put into your relationship with God compared to other areas of your life? Would you say God is outside your house, in your "Good Room", or is running your entire house?

                                          Breakout Questions:
                                          Pray for one another.

                                          0 min
                                        4. Taking the Test

                                          Intro: Mark 12:30-31 | 1 John 3:10-24

                                          1. Study Failure: Heart of Cain (1 John 3:10-15)
                                          2. Study Success: The Heart of Christ (1 John 3:16-18)

                                              3. 3 Aspects to Loving Like Christ

                                            1. The Love of Christ is Willing (1 John 3:16)
                                            2. The Love of Christ is Fueled by Compassion (1 John 3:17)
                                            3. The Love of Christ is Driven to Action (1 John 3:18)
                                            4. Take the Test: Is My Heart like Cain or Christ (1 JOhn 3:19-24)
                                            5. Pass the Test: Gain a Heart of Confidence (1 John 3:23-24)

                                              6. Galatians 5:14 - For sthe whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

                                              Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
                                              Hint:                                               Highlight blanks above for answers!

                                              Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
                                              Read 1 John 3:10-24

                                              1. How can we guard ourselves against falling into the spiral of jealousy*/resentment/hatred?
                                                 
                                              2. What challenges do we face in loving others the way that Christ does?
                                                 
                                              3. How can we build the habit of testing our hearts in order to avoid bitterness?
                                                 
                                              4. Beyond assurance of our own faith, what benefits can we gain from complete confidence in our relationship with God?

                                              Breakout:
                                              Pray for each other

                                              0 min

                                            About Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

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                                            Weekly sermon notes and audio recording from Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North.