A teaching for "Mighty Men" - a student-lead organization at Greenbrier Middle School - on the parable of the talents with Coach Alex VanHouten from Better Daily.

"To whom much is given, much is required"
-Luke 12:48

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Hard times make strong men
Strong men make good times
Good times make weak men
Weak men make hard times...

Is that the way it has to be?

You can be a part of the solution or you can be part of the problem.

Let's get into it.

A Testimony And Teaching From Alex VanHouten

Week 7 – Rotten Roots
Challenge: How’s your “foundation”? Are there any sandy spots?













Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“He was pierced by our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was laid on him and by his stripes we are healed
-Isaiah 53:5

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall.
-Matthew 7:26-27

From Last Week | For Next Week
Isaiah Chp. 40-43; 48-53Isaiah Chp. 54-61
2 Corinthians 5Matthew 7
Galatians 3Proverbs 16
1 Corinthians 10


The Chosen Episode 7, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/07/the-chosen-season-one-episode-six.html


Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 7”
What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

Faith and reasons are not opposites. However faith, not reason, invites us to move beyond our own finite levels of comprehension and control. Can you describe a time when your faith invited you to move beyond your own capacity to reason? (AKA – God moved you to do something and you didn’t know how or why, but it turned out greater than you could imagine.)



Isaiah 13, 43, and 47 show God using “wicked people” like Babylonians and Chaldeans to punish other wicked people (like disobedient Israelites). What do you think about that?



In what ways have you built your house on sand? Note even after we’ve decided to follow Jesus, we’re still capable of “sand dwelling”. (Matthew 7)



In Episode 7, Nicodemus quotes Psalms 2:12 and Jesus finishes the Psalm. What does it mean to take refuge in Jesus? How is that related to His teaching of building your life on a rock?



Simon was skeptical about Matthew becoming a Jesus-follower. Have you ever been like Simon thinking its your right/responsibility to judge other followers of Jesus?



Read Colossians 2:6-7 Explain the difference between being knowing about Jesus and being an established believer.


What prayers have been answered for you this week?

lSpring 2022 Bible Study Week 6
Challenge: What’s NEW about you compared to 5 years ago?













Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“Because you have raged against me and I have seen your arrogance, I will put my hook in your nos and my bit in your mouth and I will turn you back on the right path”
-Isaiah 37:29

“If any man is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION. Old things have passed away – Behold – all things are becoming new”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

From Last Week | For Next Week
Isaiah Chp. 32-39 ; 47Isaiah Chp. 40-43; 48-53
Acts Chp. 1-2 ; 7-92 Corinthians 5
Galatians 3


The Chosen Episode 6, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/06/the-chosen-season-one-episode-six.html


Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 6”

What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

Like the Leper in episode 6, those who come to Jesus experience change. What changes has He made in your life? What changes are you still hoping to come?



Read Psalms 103:10-12. For many, a new start is hard to imagine. What does this psalm tell us about God’s ability to forgive and begin again?



Which character’s transformation in the Chosen thus far do you relate with most? Why?



Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. What are some differences between pre-Jesus living and post-Jesus living regardless of our ongoing battle with Sin?



In Episode 6, Matthew says “Conquest is not simply conquering nations, but imposing a new way of life”. In what ways does this describe the people Jesus saves?



Read Isaiah 43:18-19 and Gal 3:25-29. How are these passages related?



What prayers have been answered for you this week?

Spring 2022 Bible Study Week 4
Challenge: When did you make the decision to follow Jesus?
How often do you reinforce that decision? How?





Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Whoever wishes to be a friend of this world becomes an enemy of God”
-James 4:4

“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heave, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
- Matthew 7:21

From Last Week | For Next Week
Isaiah Chp, 16-23 ; 45Isaiah Chp. 24-31 ; 46
Jeremiah 31James 4
Matthew Chp, 18 ; 25Deuteronomy Chp. 10 and 11
John 17Luke 5
Malachi Chp. 3 ; 4Matthew 7


The Chosen Episode 4, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/06/the-chosen-season-one-episode-four.html 
Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 4”
What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

What area of your life do you find is most difficult to relinquish control of? (Relationships, job, current events, pain/illness etc?) What does James 4:13-15 recommend instead?


Read Isaiah Chp. 8:11-13. In Isaiah Chp. 1-12, the prophet is speaking mostly to the current king, Ahaz, in the face of impending political and military invasion. God calls His people to repent and return. Instead of listening and desiring to maintain his sense of control, King Ahaz continues worshipping his idols and schemes with Assyria to take on Syria and Israel. The Assyrians did defeat the invasion but then took the land of Judah captive – costing the nation it’s freedom. Can you think of a time when you made things way worse by trying to make them better yourself instead of repenting from your sin?


Read Isaiah 43:5. Re-read Isaiah 8:12-13. Who does God tell us to fear? Is this a contradiction? Why/why not?


Read Deut 10:20-11:7. In your words, what is Moses’ given reason that Israel would do well to serve God in reverence and fear?


In the Chosen - Simon (Peter), Mary, and even Nicodemus are experiencing a “Come to Jesus” story. Do you have a “come to Jesus story” you’re willing to share?
I was ____________________ , But God ___________________ , And Now ____________________.


Read Luke 5:1-11. The moment Simon realized he was unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence is the same moment he decided to follow him. Explain the correlation.


Read Matthew 7:21-23. Explain in your own words why the salvation offered by Jesus is free, but following Him costs us everything. Is there any area of your life you need to leave behind to follow him more fully?


What prayers have been answered for you this week?

Spring 2022 Bible Study Week 4
Challenge: When did you make the decision to follow Jesus?
How often do you reinforce that decision? How?





Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Whoever wishes to be a friend of this world becomes an enemy of God”
-James 4:4

“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heave, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
- Matthew 7:21

From Last Week | For Next Week
Isaiah Chp, 16-23 ; 45Isaiah Chp. 24-31 ; 46
Jeremiah 31James 4
Matthew Chp, 18 ; 25Deuteronomy Chp. 10 and 11
John 17Luke 5
Malachi Chp. 3 ; 4Matthew 7


The Chosen Episode 4, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/06/the-chosen-season-one-episode-four.html 
Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 4”
What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

What area of your life do you find is most difficult to relinquish control of? (Relationships, job, current events, pain/illness etc?) What does James 4:13-15 recommend instead?


Read Isaiah Chp. 8:11-13. In Isaiah Chp. 1-12, the prophet is speaking mostly to the current king, Ahaz, in the face of impending political and military invasion. God calls His people to repent and return. Instead of listening and desiring to maintain his sense of control, King Ahaz continues worshipping his idols and schemes with Assyria to take on Syria and Israel. The Assyrians did defeat the invasion but then took the land of Judah captive – costing the nation it’s freedom. Can you think of a time when you made things way worse by trying to make them better yourself instead of repenting from your sin?


Read Isaiah 43:5. Re-read Isaiah 8:12-13. Who does God tell us to fear? Is this a contradiction? Why/why not?


Read Deut 10:20-11:7. In your words, what is Moses’ given reason that Israel would do well to serve God in reverence and fear?


In the Chosen - Simon (Peter), Mary, and even Nicodemus are experiencing a “Come to Jesus” story. Do you have a “come to Jesus story” you’re willing to share?
I was ____________________ , But God ___________________ , And Now ____________________.


Read Luke 5:1-11. The moment Simon realized he was unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence is the same moment he decided to follow him. Explain the correlation.


Read Matthew 7:21-23. Explain in your own words why the salvation offered by Jesus is free, but following Him costs us everything. Is there any area of your life you need to leave behind to follow him more fully?


What prayers have been answered for you this week?

Spring 2022 Bible Study Week 2
Challenge: Observe a “Sabbath”. What did you do? What didn’t you do? How did God restore you?





Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“I heard the voice of the Lord saying ‘Whom shall I send’? Then I said, ‘here I am Lord. Send me!’.”
- Isaiah 6:8

From Last Week | For Next Week
Isaiah Chp. 1-7 ; 43Isaiah Chp. 8-15 ; 44
Psalm 139Exodus Chp. 14, 20
Romans 3Joshua 3
Ephesians 2Daniel 3
Galatians 3Psalms 46
Titus 3

The Chosen Episode 2, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/06/the-chosen-season-one-episode-two.html 
Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 2”
What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

Read Exodus 20:8-11. What is the origin of the Sabbath-day rest?


What promise does God make to his chosen people in Isaiah 43:2? How does this relate to Exodus 14:26-31, Joshua 3:14-17, and Daniel 3:1-28?


After their liberation from bondage in Egypt the Israelites found themselves in the wilderness. The One who made the wilderness was the One leading them THROUGH it. How does it change the way you look at impossible things to ponder God as the Creator?


Do you practice the discipline of the Sabbath now? How?


Read Psalm 46:10. How would meditating on God have impacted Mary’s healing process? Nicodemus’s priorities? Matthew’s striving? Simon’s impatience or confusion?


Have you struggled with feeling empty or exhausted lately? Keeping the Sabbath is most obviously marked by “not working”. But God’s primary intention behind the commandment is to spend the day like Mary did – to enter into His presence. What needs to change in your schedule or in your mindset to rest the way God intended?


Read Matthew 11:28-30, Psalms 56:8, Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7, Romans 5:8, Revelation 21:4. Which of these verses bring you the greatest feeling of rest, peace, and hope? Why?


What prayers have been answered for you this week?

Spring 2022 Bible Study Kickoff!
Challenge: What battle from your past was won so that you could face this season with courage and leadership?





Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.” 9 And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.”
- 1 Samuel 21:9

From Last Week | For Next Week
It’s a new semester! Isaiah Chp. 1-7 ; 43
There was no assigned readingPsalm 139
Last week!Romans 3
Ephesians 2
Galatians 3
Titus 3

The Chosen Episode 1, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/05/the-chosen-season-one-episode-one.html# 
Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 1”
What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

What do you fear, and why? How does Psalm 139 speak to your fear?



Reread Isaiah 6:3. What do the words “holy” “Lord”, and “glory” say about God? If we have a relationship with Him, What does that mean about the things WE FEAR by comparison?




Israel continued to rebel against God even as He continued calling them into relationship. What does this mean about God’s love?




At this point in the story, which of the flawed-but-called characters do you identify with most? Peter? Mary? Nicodemus? Do you feel worthy of being called by Jesus? Why or why not?




Read Romans 3:10-12. Regardless of our performance, what does the Word say about how we compare to a holy God?



What have you been rescued from? (Like Mary – a difficult personal history and pain? Like Simon/Andrew – Financial hardship? Like the Pharisees – Trying to save yourself? Like Matthew/Mary – darkness, addiction, desire for comfort and security, or some other sin cycle?) Do you still need rescuing? From what?


What prayers have been answered for you this week?

This semester we'll be diving into the old and new testament using the Chosen as supplemental material in our understanding of Jesus and His ministry!

Spring 2022 Bible Study Kickoff!
Challenge: What battle from your past was won so that you could face this season with courage and leadership?





Words To Hide In Your Heart This Week:
“Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.” 9 And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.”
- 1 Samuel 21:9

From Last Week | For Next Week
It’s a new semester! Isaiah Chp. 1-7 ; 43
There was no assigned readingPsalm 139
Last week!Romans 3
Ephesians 2
Galatians 3
Titus 3

The Chosen Episode 1, scriptural considerations (for further gospel study, if desired):
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2020/05/the-chosen-season-one-episode-one.html# 
Discussion Questions “The Chosen Lesson 1”
What did you HIGHLIGHT in your bible since last time? Why?

What do you fear, and why? How does Psalm 139 speak to your fear?



Reread Isaiah 6:3. What do the words “holy” “Lord”, and “glory” say about God? If we have a relationship with Him, What does that mean about the things WE FEAR by comparison?




Israel continued to rebel against God even as He continued calling them into relationship. What does this mean about God’s love?




At this point in the story, which of the flawed-but-called characters do you identify with most? Peter? Mary? Nicodemus? Do you feel worthy of being called by Jesus? Why or why not?




Read Romans 3:10-12. Regardless of our performance, what does the Word say about how we compare to a holy God?



What have you been rescued from? (Like Mary – a difficult personal history and pain? Like Simon/Andrew – Financial hardship? Like the Pharisees – Trying to save yourself? Like Matthew/Mary – darkness, addiction, desire for comfort and security, or some other sin cycle?) Do you still need rescuing? From what?


What prayers have been answered for you this week?