1/18/2026 - God Over Everything

Romans 1:18-32

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

God Over Everything

Mike Giesenhagen

January 18, 2026

Romans 1:18-32 

1.   _______________ Can _______________ _____________.

2.   _______________ ___________ from ________________.

3.   God “___________ _________ ___________” to ______.

A.  This Passage is a _______________________.

B.   This Passage shows God’s ___________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. What can we learn about God’s character through creation? What can we infer about his will from creation?

  2. What would prompt people to turn away from God? What are they turning toward? What is the result of this turning?

  3. What is the central problem highlighted in this passage? (See: 1:21-23, 25, 28a)

  4. Additional Study: “Give into the hands of”. Search for Old Testament passages that mention “give into the hands of” or “deliver into the hands of”. (E.g. Gen 14:20; Lev 26:25; Num 21:34; Deut 2:30; Judg 6:1, 13:1; Jer 21:10, 22:25, 32:28, 34:2) What is the significance of this repeated phrase in Romans 1? (vv 24, 26, 28)

  5. Prayer Project: Consider the list of things that “ought not to be done” in Romans 1:24, 26-27, 29-31. How do we see these in society? How might we be prone to “do these very things” or “approve of those who practice them” in our present lives?

January 11, 2026 - Not Ashamed

Romans 1:8-17

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Not Ashamed

Mike Giesenhagen

January 11, 2026

Romans 1:8-17 

1.   We’re Called to ___________ Our ____________ and __________________.

2.   We’re __________________ by __________________.

3.   We’re _________ _____________ of the ____________.

A.  Not Ashamed to ________ on _______ __________.

B.   Not Ashamed to __________  ______ ____________.

C.  Not Ashamed to __________ _________ _________.

4.   The ____________ is Conveyed Through ___________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Imagine your faith “is being reported all over the world.” What would you want people to report? What should your faith be known for?

  2. How do verses 11 and 12 inform our understanding of Christian discipleship? How do the imparting of a spiritual gift and mutual encouragement go together?

  3. When you read “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” what comes to your mind today?

  4. What is it about the Gospel that subverts the expectations of society and the world? Why is it noteworthy that Paul is unashamed of the Gospel?

  5. How would you explain faith to a friend or family member? What does the word mean?

  6. What is the righteousness of God? How is it revealed in the Gospel?

January 4th, 2026 - Called to the Gospel

Romans 1:1-7

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Called to the Gospel

Mike Giesenhagen

January 4, 2026

Romans 1:1-7 

Information About Romans: 

1.   The Gospel is __________ _______________ _________.

2.   The Gospel Changes __________ _________________.

3.   The Gospel Changes __________ _________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who wrote the book of Romans? To whom was it written? What do you know about the circumstances of the church in Rome at that time?

  2. How does Paul describe the Gospel in Romans 1:1-7? How does he address the role of the Old Testament scriptures in their relationship to the Gospel?

  3. What are some of the names that Paul assigns to Christians in these opening verses? What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? Set Apart? Holy? Saints?

  4. What is the relationship between grace and obedience as described in Romans 1:5?

  5. Where does grace and peace originate from according to Romans 1:7?

December 28th, 2025 - God's Gifts of Faith

Pastor Mike is preaching from Romans 12:1-13

God’s Gifts of Faith

Mike Giesenhagen

December 28, 2025

Romans 12:1-13 

1.   We Must ________________ Our  _______________.

2.   We Have _______________ ____________ in the  _______________.

3.   We Should ________ the __________ We’re _________.

4.   We Are __________ ____________ in ________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. According to Romans 12:1-2, what do we see God do for us? What is the expected response from us?

  2. What are some of the gifts we see in the Bible? (Example passages include Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4)

  3. Prayer Project: What are some of the ways that God has worked through you for the benefit of His Church? Are there any ways God wants to work through you, but have been difficult up to now?

  4. What are some of the ways you have seen God at work through others? Have you ever shared those blessings with those who brought them?

  5. How can God use a variety of gifts to bring his people together?

December 21, 2025 - God's Gift of Love

1 John 4:7-21

Mike Giesenhagen

God’s Gift of Love

Mike Giesenhagen

December 21, 2025

1 John 4:7-21 

1.   We Must ________________ God’s _______________.

2.   We Should ______________ Like _________________.

a.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

b.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

c.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

d.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

e.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

3.   Love For __________ Without Love For __________ is _________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. According to this passage (1 John 4:7-21), how does God demonstrate his love to us? How can we receive his love?

  2. What are some of the attributes of Christ’s love on display in this passage?

  3. Prayer Project: Is there anybody that God is asking you to love more intentionally this Christmas?

    • Is there anyone who needs your presence?

    • Is there anyone who needs your love, even if it isn’t reciprocated?

    • Is there anyone God is calling you to give to sacrificially?

    • Is there anyone who you need to consciously choose to love with intention?

    • Is there anyone you need to forgive?

  4. How does this passage show us that our love for God and our love for others are related to each other?

December 14th, 2025 - Sermon

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Tyler Heerdt

Sermon

Tyler Heerdt

December 14, 2025

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Discussion Questions

  1. How are joy and hope related?

  2. What are things that give you Joy?

  3. Does your joy only come from earthly things, or from what Christ has done and Who He is?

  4. If you lost all of the things that give joy (besides Christ) would you still be able to be joyful?

  5. How do you practice having joy in your daily life?

  6. What can you do to share joy in your daily interactions?

December 7th, 2025 - God's Gift of Peace

Psalm 46

God’s Gift of Peace

Mike Giesenhagen

December 7, 2025

Psalm 46

1.   God is Our ____________________________.

2.   God is Our ____________________________.

3.   God is Our ____________________________.

4.   God’s _______________ IS Our __________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: How would you define peace to a child? Is there more than one type of peace?

2.   In Psalm 46:1-3, what aspect of God’s peace is represented? How does the imagery in verses 2-3 reinforce our peace in God?

3.   How have you seen God carry you through difficult seasons of your life? What provisions has He brought for you in those moments?

4.   What does the imagery in verses 8-9 suggest? What does it tell us about God’s peace?

5.   What comes to mind when you read verse 10? What does it mean to “be still and know that I am God”?

6.   What attributes of God do you see in this Psalm? How do these attributes support our sense of peace in God?

7.   How do we know that verse 11 is true? “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”

November 30, 2025 - God's Gift of Hope

Romans 5:1-11

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

God’s Gift of Hope

Mike Giesenhagen

November 30, 2025

Romans 5:1-11

1.   Our Hope _____________ _______ ______________.

2.   Our Hope ___________ __________ _________________.

3.   Our Hope is _______ ______________.

4.   Our Hope is ________________. 

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: What does it mean when we say “it is better to give than to receive”? What is it about this phrase that sticks with us?

2.   What is our source of hope in this life? What is our source of hope for eternity? How do we know this to be true?

3.   Look at the progression in Romans 5:3-4. How do our sufferings, perseverance, and character lead to hope?

4.   How have you seen your hope grow in the midst of difficult times?

5.   What is the purpose of a gift? How do we see God’s gift to us on display in verses 6-8?

6.   Who can stand in the way of Christian hope? What can overcome it? Is there anything that can separate us from the hope we have in Christ Jesus?

7.   What are some of the attributes of God that affirm the certainty of the hope we have in Jesus?  (e.g. He is eternal)

November 23, 2025 - Thanksgiving Sharing Service

Each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, our congregation has a testimony Sunday. We share of the wonderful things that God has been doing in our lives. Due to the sensitive nature of some personal testimonies, we do not stream and broadcast these services on the internet.

Categories with accompanying scriptures were used to guide our time.

Declaring His Glory

Mike Giesenhagen

November 23, 2025

Psalm 96

Declarations of Praise

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. For his lovingkindness is everlasting

-     Psalm 106:1

Testimonies of Guidance

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

-     Psalm 119:105

Testimonies of Opportunity

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

-     Matthew 28:19-20

Testimonies of Provision

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited of to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

-     1 Timothy 6:17

Testimonies of Deliverance

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

-     Galatians 5:1

Declarations of Thanksgiving

Discussion Questions

1.   How can you praise God this year? What have you learned about Him or seen Him do that is worthy of your praises?

2.   What has God been teaching you this year? How is He helping you to both understand and apply what He has taught you?

3.   What opportunities has God provided you with this year? How has He invited you to bring glory to His name?

4.   How has God provided for you this year? What needs has He been meeting in your life?

5.   What has God been transforming in your life? Are there any aspects of your life He has been pruning? What has taken their place?

6.   What are some things you are thankful for this year? How can you express your thanks to others and to God?

November 16, 2025 - The Bible Grounds Us

Luke 24:13-35

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

The Bible Grounds Us

Mike Giesenhagen

November 16, 2025

Luke 24:13-35

1.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

a.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

b.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

2.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

a.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

b.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

3.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   How does the Bible “ground” us in the midst of uncertain times and circumstances?

2.   What are some of your favorite promises from God in the Bible? Why are they meaningful to you?

3.   Prayer Project: How have you seen God’s Word shape you in the past 6 months? What is a significant lesson you have learned about God? What is a significant lesson you have learned about yourself?

4.   How often do you discuss God’s Word with others? How can it be helpful to engage in the practice of Bible study with our brothers and sisters in Christ?

5.   What does the word “Christocentrically” mean? How does it affect the way we read our Bible?

6.   What are some examples of how the Old Testament anticipates the person and work of Jesus Christ? (e.g. Psalm 22 and the crucifixion)

November 9, 2025 - The Bible Transforms Us

Pastor Mike is Preaching from Psalm 19

The Bible Transforms Us

Mike Giesenhagen

November 9, 2025

Psalm 19

1.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

a.  Obedience is _____________.

b.  Obedience is for _____________ _____________.

c.  Obedience is a ____________ _______________.

d.  Obedience ___________ Us with _____________.

2.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   When you hear the word “obedience”, what comes to mind? What does it mean?

2.   When have you tried to begin a new helpful habit? How did it go? What made it helpful? What made it difficult?

3.   What is the purpose of obedience? How would you explain the importance of obedience to a child?

4.   Is it better for a person to have a good heart and bad behavior? Or a hard heart and good behavior? Why? What’s the difference?

5.   How does obedience help us to draw closer to God?

6.   How would you define joy and explain it to a child?

7. How does the Bible help us experience joy?

November 2, 2025 - The Bible Fills Us

Deuteronomy 8

The Bible Fills Us

Mike Giesenhagen

November 2, 2025

Deuteronomy 8 

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Context:

1.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

2.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   When you think about reading the Bible, what thoughts come to mind? How would you describe your thoughts to a friend as you consider reading the Word?

2.   If you were to put your perspective of reading the Bible on a spectrum between “overwhelming” and “familiar”, which side would you say you are closer to?

3.   Do you view reading the Bible as a spiritual “snack” or a “feast”?

4.   Which describes you better: “I’m willing to hear from God” or “I’m desperate to hear from God”?

5.   Are you interested in the Scriptures? Or are you internalizing them?

6.   What resources have you found helpful as you study the Bible? How did you come across these resources?

October 26, 2025 - The Bible Transends Us

Isaiah 55

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

The Bible Transends Us

Mike Giesenhagen

October 26, 2025

Isaiah 55 

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

1.   Approach Your Bible ________________________.

a.  Recognize __________ _____________________.

b.  Recognize the ____________ ________________.

2.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What does it mean when we say “God has spoken” in the Scriptures? What is the Holy Spirit’s role in inspiration?

2.   How does God’s inspiration of the Scriptures affect the way we should approach it? How should it change our posture when we read it?

3.   When was the last time the Bible comforted you? Challenged you? Motivated you? Convicted you?

4.   What does it mean when we say the Holy Spirit illuminates the text as we read it?

5.   How can we ask God to help us as we read the Scriptures?

October 19,2025 - Who’s Side are You On?

Preaching - Tyler Heerdt

1 Samuel 4-6

Whose Side Are You On?

Tyler Heerdt

October 19, 2025

1 Samuel 4-6

Discussion Questions

1.   Search the Scripture: Read 1 Samuel 4-6. Consider the role of God in the story. How do the Israelites treat God? What do they do well? What are some of their struggles in the story?

2.   Additional Study: Read Exodus 25:10-22, Exodus 40:1-5, Leviticus 16, Numbers 3:27-32, and Numbers 4:1-20. What do these passages teach us about how God views the Ark of the Covenant? How does the behavior of the Israelites in 1 Samuel 4 compare to these passages?

3.   What happened to the Ark after it was brought to the battlefield?

4.   How was the Ark restored to its proper place? What does this teach us about God? What does He need from us?

5.   Prayer Project: Is there a difference between wanting God to join our side vs. wanting to join his side? How would these things look different? Which one should be the desire of our hearts?

October 12, 2025 - Disciple-Making: The Good Soil

Matthew 13:8-9, 23

Disciple-Making: The Good Soil

Mike Giesenhagen

October 12, 2025

Matthew 13:8-9, 23

1.   Good Soil _______________ _________________.

2.  God Takes _____________ __________________.

a.  God Expects ___________________.

b.  God Desires ____________ ___________.

c.  Fruit Grows ___________ __________ _______.

d.  __________ Grows the Fruit.

3.  Good Soil ______________ __________ __________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: Which of the 4 soils stands out to you? Why is that particular soil noteworthy?

2.   Additional Study: What does the Bible have to say about fruit? Helpful Passages include Matthew 3:8-10, 7:15-20, 21:18-20; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 6:43-45, 8:1-15, 13:6-9; John 15:1-16; Psalm 1:1-3; Phil 1:9-11; and others.

3.   How seriously does God view fruitfulness in light of these passages?

4.   What does good fruit look like? How is it discerned from bad fruit?

5.   What types of things might be important, but are not a part of our fruitfulness?

6.   Prayer Project: Consider the warnings of the 4 soils. Ask God to help you discern unhealthy parts of your spiritual life?  Is there any hard-heartedness? Is there any self-reliance? Is there distraction or deception in your life? What practices are cultivating your heart toward God?  Write these things down and pray for God’s help to make you available to his fruit.

October 5, 2025 - Disciple-Making: The Thorny Soil

Matthew 13:7, 22, 24-30

Disciple-Making: The Thorny Soil

Mike Giesenhagen

October 5, 2025

Matthew 13:7, 22, 24-30

1.   Thorny Soil Involves _____________ _______________.

a.  The __________ of Life ______________ Us.

b.  The __________ of Life ______________ Us.

2.  The Thorns are ____________________.

a.  __________ _________ the Thorns

b.  Seek Out _____________.

c.  Seek _______ _______________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: When have you noticed someone around you distracted? What were they doing? What should they have been doing?

2.   What types of things do people worry about? What are some things that you worry about?

3.   Who does worry pit against one another? What two forces are competing for our time and energy when we worry?

4.   How can we be deceived by wealth (or other worldly pleasures)? What makes these things so enticing?

5.   Additional Study (Matthew 6:19-34): What types of things does Jesus tell us to worry about? What is the warning Jesus gives regarding the deceitfulness of wealth?

6.   Prayer Project: How can the thorns in our lives be dealt with? Are there any thorns that you need to eradicate? Are there any that you need support to remove? Are there others that God will need to address Himself?

September 28, 2025 - Disciple-Making: The Rocky Soil

Matthew 13:5, 20-21

Disciple-Making: The Rocky Soil

Mike Giesenhagen

September 28, 2025

Matthew 13:5, 20-21

1.   Rocky Soil _______________ __________________...

2.  Rocky Soil ____________ __________________.

3.  The Problem: _________ ______________.

4.  The Solution: _____________ _______ ___________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: When have you started something with great enthusiasm, only to see that enthusiasm dwindle quickly?

2.   What causes our passion and enthusiasm for a new interest or hobby to dissipate over time?

3.   According to Matthew 13:5, 20-21, what is the reason that the seed end up dying in the rocky soil? What is the internal problem? What are the external circumstances?

4.   Search the Scripture: What are some examples of people who have lost their way when it comes to trusting God in the Scriptures?

5.   Additional Study (Ephesians 4): What are some suggestions for how God can “deepen the soil” of our hearts? What practices or activities might help us as we live in the Spirit?

6.   What does your current relationship with God look like? How do you enjoy spending time with Him? Are there any practices you would like to try in your relationship to God?

September 21, 2025: Disciple - Making: The Hard Path

Mike Giesenhagen - Matthew 13;1-23

Disciple-Making: The Hard Path

Mike Giesenhagen

September 21, 2025

Matthew 13:1-23

1.   Poor ________________ à Hard _______________.

Examples:

Misunderstanding ________________: ________________

Misunderstanding ________________: ________________

Misunderstanding ________________: ________________

Misunderstanding ________________: ________________

2.  The Solution: a ___________ __________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Additional Study: Matthew 13:10-15. Jesus explains his use of parables in these verses. What can we learn from his discussion of parables here? What should we be aware of when reading God’s Word?

2.   Search the Scripture: What are other examples where God’s word was ignored in the Scriptures? What happened? What did they do instead? What was the result?

3.   Prayer Project: Is there any hardness in your heart? If so, what kind of hardness is there? Ask the Lord to help you identify any hard places and to soften your hear to receive His Word.

September 14, 2025: Making Disciples

Pastor Mike is preaching from Matthew 28:16-20

Making Disciples

Mike Giesenhagen

September 14, 2025

Matthew 28:16-20

1.   The ___________________ of ______________.

2.   Disciples ______________ ____________________.

3.   Disciples __________ _________________________.

4.   Disciples ____________ ______________ ____________.

5.   Disciples _______________ __________ ______________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What are some reasons for doubt that you have heard or observed?

2.   Search the Scripture: What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How would you communicate it to another? (Examples: Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Cor 15:1-5, Romans 6:23, etc)

3.   What makes it difficult to trust in the authority of Jesus? What doubts might one encounter? What obstacles might stand in the way?

4.   What is the significance of baptism in Matthew 28?

5.   What are the things that Jesus has commanded in Matthew 28:20?

6.   Why does Jesus reaffirm his presence with his people in Matthew 28:20?