Woodland Christian Church Sermons | Biblical Teaching

Jessica Connell's message for the 2017 Ladies' Conference (Fall)

Molly Malinowski's message for the 2017 Ladies' Conference (Fall)

This series is taken from a blog post Pastor Scott wrote: Am I saved? Seven tests to know!

None of us always feel like praying, reading the Bible, going to church, or being in fellowship, but we should have a regular desire for these spiritual activities. Assuming people have put their faith in Christ, they should look forward to worshiping the Lord who saved them. There’s only one group of people who don’t hunger and thirst for truth for these spiritual activities and that’s the unregenerate.

Test 6: Do I Hunger and Thirst Spiritually? – Part I

Lesson 1: (Part I) _________________ have a spiritual hunger, (Part II) but ______________________ do not (Luke 6:21a, 25a; 1 John 2:15; John 3:19).

Lesson 2: Have your appetites ______________? (2 Pet 2:20-22).

Lesson 3: Jesus __________ to ______________ your spiritual hunger (Luke 9:17a; Phil 4:19; John 6:27, 35, 66-68; Heb 9:14, 10:22; Psa 73:25-26).

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: Proverbs 29:1, 11

Day 1: Read Luke 6:20-21, 24-25 & discuss: What do you hunger for? What good desires do you have that are tempted to fulfill in sinful ways? When it comes to spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, or Scripture memorization, what types of things do you most often not want to do?

Day 2: Read 1 John 2:15-17 & John 3:19 and discuss: Regarding the “things of this world” which ones are most likely to tempt you? How do you, specifically, combat these temptations? How has your ‘appetite’ for sinful things changed over the course of your time as a Christian? What specific things have you done to starve these appetites?

Day 3: Read Luke 9:10-17 & John 6:27, 35, 66-68 and discuss: What specific benefits have you experienced from having a clear conscience? How would you explain “conscience” to a child? What is the purpose of our conscience?

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Pastor Doug and Steve Moeller

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Dan & Malyna Donald, Jimmy & Becca Donald, Craig & Deborah Downs, Ricardo & Tanya Duarte, John & Stacey Durrah

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Clark County Fire & Rescue; State:State Rep. Richard Debolt; Nation: Senator Patty Murray

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38):

Those we directly support: Rick Terrazas (Rock of Ages)

An Unreached People Group: Arab (Muslim, Oman)

Matthew 7:21-23—Kept Out of Heaven

Lesson 1: Even ______________________ __________ won’t get you into heaven (Matt 7:21-22; Rom 10:1-3; 1 John 2:9; Eph 2:8-9).

Lesson 2: The question is: “Does the Lord ________ ______?” (Matt 7:23a cf. Gal 4:9).

Lesson 3: Lack of ____________________ keeps you out of heaven (Matt 7:23b; 2 Tim 2:19).

Lesson 4: ______________ ________________ to see whether you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5; 1 Pet 1:6-9).

First Five Tests:

Have I experienced godly sorrow that produces repentance?

Has my repentance produced fruit?

Has my faith persevered through trials?

Is my life characterized by obedience?

Do I practice sinning?

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: Acts 4:11-12

Day 1: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & discuss: What reveals the ‘sincerity’ of those standing before Christ in verses 21 & 22? Why do you think (ie what is implied in Scripture) people will urgently try to convince Jesus that they are true Christians? What does this reveal about them - that is - what are they counting on as the reason they think they are saved?

Day 2: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & discuss: Are works important? Why? Why not? What other Scripture can you bring to bear on this question? What is salvation based on - works or something else? Whose works do matter in regards to our salvation?

Day 3: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & discuss: What can keep you out of heaven? Why is repentance hard? What does a lack of repentance reveal about a person? In which one of five tests of salvation mentioned at the end of the sermon do you most desire to grow?

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Pastor Scott and Tim Zumstein

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Kathy Cunningham, Paul & Maddie Cunningham, Robert & Katy Cunningham, Patrick & Shannon Damiano, Jim & Vicki Donald

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Woodland Police ; State:State Rep. Ed Orcutt; Nation: Vice President Mike Pence

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: India Evangelical Mission (IEM)

An Unreached People Group: Kababish (Muslim, Sudan)

Matthew 7:13-14—The Narrow Way

Lesson 1: “________” people are going to hell, and “______” people are going to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Lesson 2: There’s Christianity and ____________________ ________ (Matthew 7:13-14).

Lesson 3: There’s always only been a _______________ (2 Peter 2:5; Rom 9:27, 11:5).

Lesson 4: The narrow way is “________,” and the wide way is  “________” (Matthew 7:13-14, 10:38, 16:24-25, 19:16-23).

Lesson 5: The few who find the narrow way should ____________ be ________________ (Matthew 7:14).

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: John 3:16-17

Day 1: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & discuss: What important word (just four letters) does Jesus use in these verses that indicates the number of people who are actually saved are not in the majority? What practical effects should this have in your own life?

Day 2: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & discuss: Do a little research on the major tenets of the (false) religions of the world. What do they believe is the way to ‘salvation,’ ‘paradise,’ ‘enlightenment,’ or ‘nirvana’? What is the major difference between Christianity and false religions when it comes to the doctrine of salvation? What does the Bible teach?

Day 3: Read Matthew 7:21-23 & 19:16-23 and discuss: What is “easy” about the way that leads to death? What is “hard” about the way that leads to life? What is repentance? Is it a one-time thing or does it happen many times in your life? Both? Explain your answer.

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Gary Sprague and Jesse Studt

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Laura Clark, Landon & Roshell Cooper, Brian & Melissa Couch, Kami Couch, Andrew & Dorothy Criss

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Woodland City Council; State:State Rep. Richard Debolt; Nation: President Donald Trump

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: Sarah Kane

An Unreached People Group: Ge (Ethnic Religions, China)

Luke 9:16 & John 2:6-11—His Body and Blood

Lesson 1: The bread prefigured the ____________ ________ of Christ (John 6:51-55; 1 Cor 11:24).

Lesson 2: (Part I) The __________ ____________ gathered to celebrate communion (Part II) in __________ ____ Christ’s resurrection on the first day (Luke 9:16 cf. Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:23-24,  Matt 26:26, Mark 14:22; John 6:4; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2; Exo 31:13, 17; Rev 1:10; Exo 24:8 cf. Luke 22:20).

Lesson 3: ________ the ______________ in the true and greater way by resting in Christ (Col 2:16-17; Heb 4:9-10; Matt 25:28-30).

Lesson 4: ________________ are called __________, because they point to spiritual truths (John 6:26, 2:11)

Lesson 5: The wine prefigured the __________________ __________ of Christ (John 2:6-11; Matt 23:25; Heb 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Rev 7:14).

Lesson 6: ________________ each element separately.

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: 1 Peter 4:16

Day 1: Read Luke 9:10-17 and John 2:6-11 & discuss: In what specific ways does the “Feeding of the 5000” picture communion? What are some specific ways you can apply this to your life?

Day 2: Read Luke 9:10-17 and John 2:6-11 & discuss: Why did the early Church meet on the first day of the week? For those who claim we (as Christians) should keep the Sabbath still, what is their reasoning? What particular bible passages would you use to persuade them to change their view?

Day 3: Read Luke 9:10-17 and John 2:6-11 & discuss: What was the original purpose of the water at the wedding feast? Where did this purpose come from? Why was the water turned into wine, specifically? Why is blood a cleansing agent, biblically?

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Jim Donald and Randy Hanson

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Keith & Sandy Bjorkman, Gary & Carrie Card, Steve & Jennifer Cash, Lauren Cash, Melanie Cash

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Woodland Mayor Will Finn; State:State Rep. Jim Walsh; Nation: Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: Andy & Karina Smith (Uganda)

An Unreached People Group: Sargara (Hinduism, India)

Luke 9:16 & Zechariah 4:1-6—The Lord Wants to Work Through Us

Lesson 1: (Part I) The Lord ______ ____________ to work through us (Part II) even if __________ ________ (Luke 9:13; Rom 10:14; Matt 13:12; Luke 19:24).

Lesson 2: The Apostles failed the test because they that ignored Jesus:

(Part I) Had ________________ them (John 6:6; Mark 6:37; Isa 6:8).

(Part II) Was ________ ________ (Luke 9:13; Matt 28:20; Heb 13:5).

Lesson 3: When the Lord works through us we’re __________________, not ________________ (Luke 9:16; Zech 4:1-6; 2 Pet 1:3).

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: Psalm 91:14-16

Day 1: Read Luke 9:10-17 & discuss: Consider one or two examples of how God has ministered to you through someone else; be specific in sharing these examples with your family or friends. Next, consider the last time God used you to minister to someone else. Do you remember a recent time? What happened? What was the result?

Day 2: Read Luke 9:10-17 & discuss: When God is asking you to do something, what specific excuses are you most likely to use, in order to get out of it? Share these with someone committed to pray for you.

Day 3: Read Luke 9:10-17 & Zech. 4:1-6 and discuss: What is the connection between these two passages? How does one of them illustrate what is happening in the other? Consider one or two specific applications for your own life and pray for God’s help to respond in obedience to His Word.

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Pastor Doug and Steve Johnson

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Glen & Laverne Armstrong, Stephen & Karen Arnett, Sterling & Crystal Baune, Chuck & Melissa Bauska, Karla Blottenberger

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Cowlitz Co. Board of Commissioners ; State:State Rep. Brandon P. Vick ; Nation: Senator Maria Cantwell

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: James & Christina Post (Wycliffe)

An Unreached People Group: Tuareg (Muslim, Niger)

Luke 9:14-15 & Ezekiel 34:1-6, 11-16—The Good Shepherd

Lesson 1: ______ ____________ the Good Shepherd (Eze 34:11-16; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25, 5:4; John 10:11; Psa 80:1).

Lesson 2: The Good Shepherd:

Part I: __________ the sheep (Eze 34:11-12a; Luke 15:4-5, 19:10; Matt 10:5-6, 15:24).

Part II: __________ the sheep (Eze 34:12b; Matt 27:45).

Part III: __________ the sheep (Eze 34:13-16 cf. Luke 9:13-16; Psa 23:1 cf. Mark 5:39 & John 6:10).

Part IV: ________ ________ ______ ________ for the sheep (John 10:11-13; 1 Sam 17:34-37).

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: Psalm 91:11-13

Day 1: Read Ezekiel 34:1-6 & discuss: Can you think of evil shepherds (false teachers/prophets) in our day? What are some of their lies and/or false teachings? How do they influence the culture today like the false teachers did in Ezekiel's day? How can you make sure the teachers you follow/listen to are good shepherds?

Day 2: Read Ezekiel 34:11-16 & discuss: Have each family member provide at least one example of how they see Christ as the Good Shepherd. How does He practically play that role in your life and the life of others? What are some ways you might be resisting Him as your Shepherd?  

Day 3: Read Ezekiel 34:11-16 & Luke 9:14-15 & discuss: How has God fed you, sought you out, rescued you, and/or made you lie down? Do you know the testimony of that reveals God as a Shepherd that feeds, seeks, and rescues? How does Jesus look like a shepherd in the Gospels aside from the ways Pastor Scott presented?

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Pastor Scott and John LaPierre

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Drew & Melody Anderson, Lori Anderson, Crystal Anderson, Laurel Anderson, Tony & Roxanne Aria

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Cowlitz Co. Board of Commissioners ; State:State Rep. Brandon P. Vick ; Nation: Senator Maria Cantwell

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: James & Christina Post (Wycliffe),An Unreached People Group: Tuareg (Muslim, Niger)

Luke 9:12-13a—You Feed Them!

Lesson 1: “You give them something to eat” is something Jesus could say to:

(Part I) ________________ (Ephesians 5:25-26).

(Part II) ______________ (Deut 6:6-9; Eph 6:4).

(Part III) Any ____________________.

Lesson 2: The Lord wants to use what we ________ __________________ (Mark 6:38; John 6:6; Eph 2:10; 1 Kin 17:12; 2 Kin 4:2, 42; Matt 17:20).

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: Psalm 91:9-10

Day 1: Read Luke 9:10-17 & Mark 6:30-34 & discuss: Why did Jesus say, “You give them something to eat?” What are the various applications you can remember from the sermon? Which one will you start to apply this week?

Day 2: Read Luke 9:10-17, Mark 6:30-34, & John 6:5 & discuss: Why did Jesus ask the question in John 6:5? What significance is there for you as you consider the answer to the first question?

Day 3: Read Luke 9:10-17 & Mark 6:30-34 & discuss: List some Old Testament passages that foreshadow the lessons in this New Testament account. What are the applications you can draw from these accounts?

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Gary Sprague and Dave Zumstein

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Amy Zumstein, Glen Zumstein, Margaret Zumstein, Marty & Bonnie Ailshie, Martin & Anna Ailshie

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Cowlitz Co. Sheriff Mark S. Nelson ; State:State Rep. Liz Pike; Nation: Senator Patty Murray

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: Rick Terrazas (Rock of Ages)

An Unreached People Group: Okinawan, Ryukyuan (Buddhism, Japan)

Luke 9:10-11—Our Compassionate Savior

Lesson 1: ____________________ should move us to act (Mark 6:34; Luke 10:33; Gal 6:2; Jam 2:15-16).

Lesson 2: Jesus ______ ________ first spiritually (Luke 9:2, 11; Mark 6:34; Num 27:17; 1 Kin 22:17; Exo 34:5; Mark 2:1-5).

Lesson 3: Compassion __________ the ____________ to forgive us our debts (Matt 18:23-27).

Family Worship Guide

Memory Verses: Psalm 91:7-8

Day 1: Read Luke 9:10-17 & discuss: What importance does the timing of this account reveal? Why does it matter (for our understanding) that Jesus was seeking to withdraw from the crowds when this happened? Consider the last time your life was “interrupted”? Did you embrace that opportunity, or complain about it? What did God do in the midst of that opportunity?

Day 2: Read Luke 9:10-17 & discuss: Think back to a time when someone “interrupted” your life and you responded in a frustrating manner. Have you sought forgiveness for your actions? What changes could you make in your life that would make it more likely that you will not respond in sinful anger the next time you are “interrupted”?

Day 3: Read Luke 9:10-17 & discuss: Consider your life: when was the last time someone expressed compassion for you? What were the circumstances? In what ways did they minister to your needs?

Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Jim Donald and Steve Moeller

Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Shirley Yeager, Dave & Leah Zumstein, Ruth Zumstein, Timothy Zumstein, Elizabeth Zumstein

Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local: Clark County Fire & Rescue; State:State Rep. Brian Blake; Nation: Vice President Mike Pence

Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: India Evangelical Mission (IEM)

An Unreached People Group: Ladaki (Buddhism, China)