“THE HEADSHIP PRINCIPLE”
Real Faith in Real Life, part 12
A sermon outline based on 1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Hillcrest CRC, September 15, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Paul praises them. (1 Corinthians 1:4-7, 11:2)

2. Paul establishes the headship principle. (1 Corinthians 11:3,8-10,
    Ephesians 1:21-22, 5:21-33, Colossians 1:18, 2:10, 1 Timothy 2:12-14)

3. What does this have to do with angels?
    (1 Corinthians 11:10, Genesis 6:1-2, Isaiah 6:2)

4. Some interpret the word “head” differently. (1 Corinthians 11:3, Galatians 3:28)

5. Who should cover their heads in worship? (1 Corinthians 11:4-7)

6. Men and women need each other. (1 Corinthians 11:11-12, Genesis 1:27-28, 
    2:20-  24)

Next steps...

• Discuss with family members and/or friends what Paul says in this passage. How do you and others react to it?
• Read and reflect on Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Thank God for creating us male and female, and for the similarities and differences between the two genders.
• Ponder: Why are gender differences and roles so controversial for some in 

“THE PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 11
A sermon outline based on Acts 6:8-8:3
Hillcrest CRC, September 15, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Devoted followers of Christ are persecuted.
     (Acts 6:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:12)

2. Persecution is unfair, brutal and evil. (Acts 6:11, 54-58, 8:1-3)

3. God works even in the midst of persecution. (Acts 7:2, 55-56, 59-60)

4. The great commission is already being fulfilled. (Acts 1:8, 8:1,4)

Next steps...

• Ponder the following question: Is there enough evidence for you to be accused and convicted of being a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ?
• Pray for our brothers and sisters in the faith whose lives are threatened because of their faith in Jesus.
• Ask God to help you fulfil the great commission by making a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ. 

“CHOOSING GODLY LEADERS”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 10
A sermon outline based on Acts 6:1-7
Hillcrest CRC, September 8, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. The Grecian Jewish widows were going hungry. (Acts 6:1) 

2. The apostles called everyone together to resolve the problem. (Acts 6:2-3)

3. Prayer and teaching were their priorities. (Acts 6:2,4)

4. What were the qualifications needed to serve? (Acts 6:3)

• They had to be full of the Spirit. 
• They had to be full of wisdom.

 5. Who did they select?  

 6. How were they commissioned.  (Acts 6:6, Numbers 8:10, 27:18, Mark 1:41) 

 7. What was the result of their decision?

• The Word of God spread. (Acts 6:7) 
• The church grew rapidly. (Acts 6:7)
• Many priests were converted. (Acts 6:7) 

 Next steps...

• Read and reflect on the qualifications for Elders and Deacons listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Are all of these qualities still important today?
• How do we grow in wisdom?  And how do we come to be filled with the Spirit? Ask the Lord to help you grow in both of these qualities.
• If prayer was such an important value for Jesus’ apostles, perhaps it should be more important for us.  Ask God to forgive you for relying on your own strength too often, and humble yourself and invite Him to live and work through you.

“HOW TO AVOID THE DEVIL’S TRAPS”
Real Faith in Real Life, part 11
A sermon outline based on 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 
Hillcrest CRC, September 8, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1.  Everyone is tempted. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

2. Temptation lures us away from God. (1 Corinthians 10:6-10)

3. Satan deceives us. (John 8:44, 1 Corinthians 10:13)

4. God won’t let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

5. Six ways out of temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

• Live a joy-filled life. (Nehemiah 8:10)
• Seek support and accountability. (James 5:16, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
• Fill your mind with Scripture. (Psalm 119:11, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8)
• Pray. (Matthew 6:13, Philippians 4:13)
• Use common sense. (1` Corinthians 10:23, Proverbs 6:27)
• Put on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)   

Next steps...

• Share your most common temptation with a trusted friend or family member.  The devil will be less successful when you have at least one other person to support and pray for you.
• Read and reflect on Mark 12:28-34. Find your joy and satisfaction in the Lord so that you won’t be tempted by lesser things. 
• Look up Bible verses that address your temptation and memorize them so that you can recite them to yourself (and to the devil) when necessary.

“WE ARE ALL MISSIONARIES"
Learning to Be More Missional, part 5
A sermon outline based on Matthew 28:16-20
Hillcrest CRC, September 1, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Jesus Christ is Lord!
    (Matthew 8:27, 28:18, Ephesians 1:20-22, Philippians 2:10-11)

2. We are called to make disciples.
    (Isaiah 49:6, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8)

3. Discipleship requires relationships.
    (Mark 1:16-20, Acts 1:15-26, 4:13)

4. We are all missionaries. (Mark 16:15-16, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21)

5. We are called to go. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 5:42)

6. Those who are saved should be baptized.
    (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, 8:36-38

7. Teaching and obedience are key. (Matthew 7:16, 28:20, James 1:22)

8. Jesus is with us! (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)

Next steps...

• We are either influencing people or we are being influenced by the culture.  Ask the Lord to help you be an influence for Jesus in someone’s life rather than being influenced by the culture.
• Where do you go regularly? And how might you be an effective witness/influence for Jesus there? 
• Who have you been praying will come to faith in Jesus?  How can you take the next step and begin to express kindness and care for them?

“FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR RABBI”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 9
A sermon outline based on Acts 5:12-42
Hillcrest CRC, August 25, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. The apostles did what Jesus did.
    (Matthew 4:23-24, John 14:12, Acts 5:12,16, 19:12)

2. The high priest and the Sadducees were jealous.
    (Mark 15:10, Acts 5:17)

3. The  apostles were arrested. (Acts 5:18-26)

4. The apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin again. (Acts 5:27-29)

5. The apostles were flogged and almost killed. (Acts 5:40, 7:51)

6. They rejoiced to suffer for the sake of Jesus.
    (Acts 5:41, Matthew 5:11-12, Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 4:12-13)

7. They persevered in spite of threats and suffering. (Acts 5:42)

Next steps...

• Ponder and discuss what it means for us as modern disciples of Jesus to follow in His steps and do the things that He did, like heal, cast out evil spirits, and bring the good news of the kingdom of God to people.
• Read and reflect on 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”  What does it mean to “participate in the sufferings of Christ?”  And why would we rejoice in it?
• Ask the Lord to help you follow in the footsteps of Jesus and become more like Him in how you think, speak and act. 

“PAUL'S PASSION: WINNING PEOPLE FOR CHRIST”
Real Faith in Real Life, part 10
A sermon outline based on 1 Corinthians 9
Hillcrest CRC, August 25, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. God called Paul to be an apostle and a missionary.
    (Acts 9:15, 26:14-18, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18)

2. Those called to ministry should be paid by God’s people.
    (1 Corinthians 9:4-18)

3. We need to understand the people we’re trying to reach.
    (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

4. Being effective witnesses requires discipline. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

5. We run to win the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:23-25, 15:58)

Next steps...

• Begin each day thanking God that He’s given you the good news about Jesus and invite Him to give you an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with someone that day.
• When you’re driving, or you’re at work/school or in a store – remind yourself that you’ve been sent there by God and that you represent Jesus Christ.
• Read and reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. How does knowing that you’re an ambassador for Christ change the way you think, speak or act?

“THE BEST & WORST OF THE CHURCH: ITS MEMBERS”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 8
A sermon outline based on Acts 4:32-5:11
Hillcrest CRC, August 18, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. The early Christians voluntarily shared what they had. (Acts 4:32-35)

2. Barnabas was a role model for the believers. (Acts 4:36-37)

3. There are Christian role models today too.

4. Ananias & Sapphira were guilty of deceit and hypocrisy. (Acts 5:1-11)

5. Inner transformation and authenticity are key. (Romans 12:1-3)

Next steps...

• Be a Barnabas.  Share something what you have with someone who needs it, even if it inconveniences you.  And thank the Lord for the opportunity to help someone.
• Read and reflect on Colossians 3:1-17. What vice do you need to rid yourself of, and what virtue can you grow in?
• Be open and honest about your life and your struggles.  Resist the urge to make yourself look better than you really are. People will appreciate your authenticity.

“FINDING LOST SHEEP”
“Amazing Stories,” part 4
A sermon outline based on Luke 15:1-32
Hillcrest CRC, August 18, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. They lost the sheep. (Luke 15:4, Jeremiah 23:1-3, Ezekiel 34)

2. A good shepherd searches for lost sheep. (Luke 15:1-2,4,8, 20, Genesis 33:4)

3. Lost sheep do nothing to be found. (Luke 15:4-5,8,17-20, Exodus 10:16, Romans 5:6-8)

4. It costs the shepherd to save lost sheep. (Luke 15:4-5,8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:6-8

5. There is great celebration when the lost is found. (Luke 15:6-7, 9-10, 22-32)

Next steps...

• Invite the Lord to convict you for any ways that you reflect that attitude of the Pharisees and teachers of the law who looked down on lost people and discouraged Jesus from spending time with them.
• Thank Jesus for paying the price to seek, find and save you from your sin!
• Ask God to help you focus your prayers and efforts on reaching one lost sheep.  Then pray daily for that person/family and actively seek out ways to communicate the love of God to them.

“ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY GOD”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 7
A sermon outline based on Acts 4:1-31
Hillcrest CRC, August 11, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Who were these people and why did they oppose Peter and John? (Acts 4:1-7).

2. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached Christ. (Acts 4:8-12)

3. God can do extraordinary things with ordinary people. (Acts 4:13-22)

4. They didn’t give up. (Acts 4:18-30)

5. They prayed. (Acts 4:24-30)

6. They prayed with great boldness! (Acts 4:23-30)

7. God answered their prayers. (Acts 4:31)

Next steps...

• Think of a person or situation in your life where God might be calling you to persevere in prayer rather than give up.  Then keep on praying!
• Pray Scripture by turning each verse into your own prayer. Pray the following Psalms: 16, 25, 34, 46, 51, 63, 86, 90, 111,139, 145.  Or pray Paul’s prayers in Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, and Colossians 1:9-13.
• Be more kingdom oriented when you pray.  Pray that God’s name would be exalted, that His will would be done and that His kingdom would come and that He would be glorified in every situation.