May 3, 2026: Blessed Assurance

Isaac Janssen

Romans 8:31-39

Blessed Assurance

Isaac Janssen

May 3, 2026

Romans 8:31-39

Context:

Big Idea:

1.   We Have Been _________________ _______________.

A.

B.

2.   God’s Love for His ______________ is _____________.

A.

B.

C.

Discussion Questions

  1. Ice Breaker: How would you define love? How would you explain love to a young child? How does God demonstrate love in the Bible?

  2. What does assurance mean? How can we be confident in the assurance of salvation?

  3. How does God’s sovereignty affect our understanding of salvation? (8:33-34)

  4. How do our circumstances affect God’s love for us?

  5. What can we learn from our circumstances?

  6. How does the Holy Spirit help in this process?

  7. Prayer Project: Is there anything you think can separate you from the love of God? What obstacles might you encounter? How can God help remove those obstacles?

April 26, 2026 - Not Yet

Romans 8:18-30

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Not Yet

Mike Giesenhagen

April 26, 2026

Romans 8:18-30

1.   All _______________ is ______________________.

2.   We ___________ with _______________ _____________.

3.   The ______________ is __________ to ____________.

4.   The ______________ is __________ to ____________.

5.   God’s ________________ ____________ ____________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Ice Breaker: Have you ever had to wait for something until it arrived? What were you waiting for? What was that experience like?

  2. What evidence do you see that the world we live in is “groaning” or “subjected to frustration”? How are these things evident among humanity?

  3. What are the risks of waiting too patiently for the Lord’s return? What are the risks of waiting too eagerly?

  4. Additional Study: What do you look forward to in eternity? What promises do you remember in the Bible (e.g. Revelation 20-21)

  5. What does Romans 8:27 teach us about the Spirit’s presence in our prayer life? How does His intercession help us to pray?

  6. How have you seen God use difficult circumstances for your good? How have the struggles helped shape you? What has been an unexpected blessing to you?

April 19, 2026 - Life in the Spirit

Romans 8:1-17

Life in the Spirit

Mike Giesenhagen

April 19, 2026

Romans 8:1-17

1.   Only ____________ Can _______________ Us.

2.   The Spirit ________________ the ______________.

3.   The Spirit __________ Us ______________ to _________.

a.  He _____________________ Us.

b.  He _____________________ Us.

c.  He _____________________ Us.

d.  He _____________________ Us.

Discussion Questions

  1. What does it mean when it says there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”?

  2. What was the law powerless to do (v3)? Why was Jesus able to accomplish what the law could not?

  3. What is the difference between the flesh and the Spirit? How do we know which one we are following and pursuing?

  4. Prayer Project: Are there any parts of your life that are currently controlled by the flesh, rather than the Spirit? Ask God to reveal these areas to you. Ask also for the Spirit help you with a way out.

  5. According to the EFCA Statement of Faith, the Holy Spirit convicts, regenerates, adopts, indwells, illuminates, guides, equips, and empowers believers. Which of these is most difficult for you to believe/understand? Why?

  6. Paul says that we are “co-heirs with Christ” (8:17). What does our shared inheritance with Christ look like?

April 12, 2026 - The Internal Struggle

Romans 7:7-25

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

The Internal Struggle

Mike Giesenhagen

April 12, 2026

Romans 7:7-25

Context: Romans 7:4, 6.

1.   God’s ________________ is __________________.

a.  The Law ______________ Sin

b.  The Law ______________ Sin

c.  The Law ______________ Sin

d.  Sin _________________ God’s Law.

2.   Sinful _________________ ____________ _____________.

a.  Sin is ___________________.

b.  Sin is ___________________.

c.  Sin is ___________________  _________________.

3.   Spiritual ______________ ____________ __________.

4.   Christ Will ___________ the _____________.

Discussion Questions

  1. How does the Law reveal sin for what it is?

  2. How does sin twist the law for our destruction?

  3. Why is it so difficult to do what we know is right according to God’s law? How have you seen this war waged in your own life?

  4. How can we be deceived by sin into breaking God’s law?

  5. What does Paul mean when he says “it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me” (7:17,20)

  6. How does the cycle of sin and shame end?

April 5, 2026 - Easter Sunday

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Mark 15:33 - 16:8

I Want You to Know…

Mike Giesenhagen

April 5, 2026

Mark 15:33-16:8

1.   Jesus ______________ for our _______________.

2.   Jesus _______________ ___________ and ___________.

3.   The _______________________ ______________________

God’s _________________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. When you think of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, what encourages you most?

  2. Which aspect of the Gospel is most encouraging to you? Challenging? Difficult to Understand?

    1. Forgiveness: Eph 1:7, Heb 9:22

    2. Justification: Rom 3:26, 6:23

    3. Redemption: Rom 3:24, 1Cor 6:20, Gal 5:10

    4. Reconciliation: Col 1:21-22, Rom 5:10

    5. Adoption: John 1:12, Gal 4:5

    6. Regeneration: 2Cor 5:17, Col 2:13

    7. Salvation: John 3:16-17

  3. How does the Resurrection prove God’s power over sin and death?

  4. How does the Resurrection reinforce God’s sovereign authority here on earth?

March 29, 2026 - Alive to Thrive

Romans 7:1-6

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Alive to Thrive

Mike Giesenhagen

March 29, 2026

Romans 7:1-6

1.   The ____________ is _____________________.

a.  The _________ is ___________-______________.

b.  The _________ cannot _________________.

2.   We Are ___________ from the _____________.

a.  We Have “__________ ________” the _________.

b.  We ________________ to _________________.

3.   We Have ___________ ___________ in ______________.

a.  Cage 1: We WERE in the ______________.

b.  Cage 2: We WERE under the _____________.

c.  We ______________ the _____________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Prayer Project: Romans 7:6 says that we are released from the law to serve the Spirit. Are there any desires of the flesh that need to be put to death in Christ this week? Are there any fruit of the Spirit that you would like God to grow? (See Galatians 5:16-23)

  2. How have you prepared your heart for Holy Week? What are you looking forward to as we celebrate the death and Resurrection of Christ?

  3. Suggested Readings for Holy Week: (Try to focus on the people’s responses to Christ)

    1. Monday: Matthew 26-27

    2. Tuesday: Mark 14-15

    3. Wednesday: Luke 22-23

    4. Thursday: John 18-19

    5. Friday: Psalm 22

    6. Saturday: Psalm 23

    7. Sunday: Psalm 24

  4. How do the people of the Scripture respond to Jesus as the Messiah?

March 15, 2026 - New Life in Christ

Romans 6:1-14

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

New Life in Christ

Mike Giesenhagen

March 15, 2026

Romans 6:1-14

1.   We Have ________________ to _________________.

a.  Sin is __________________________.

b.  Sin is __________________________.

c.  Sin is __________________________.

2.   We Have __________ ____________ in ______________.

3.   Be _______________________ in _________________.

4.   Follow ______________ ______________ ___________.

Discussion Questions

  1. How does Paul describe the nature of sin in this passage? Consider 6:2, 6, and 12 in particular.

  2. What does it mean to be “dead to sin”?

  3. What are some of the obstacles that make it difficult for people to turn from sin?

  4. What does the imagery of “death” signify in this passage? What does “joining” in Christ’s death have to do with the power of sin?

  5. What is the significance of the sign of baptism, as written in Romans 6:3-4? Why does Paul include the sign of baptism in this passage?

  6. Additional Study: Galatians 5:13-26. Compare the extended passage from Galatians 5 with Romans 6:13. With these verses in mind, what does it look like to “not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life”?

March 8, 2026 - The New Adam

Romans 5:12-21

The New Adam

Mike Giesenhagen

March 8, 2026

Romans 5:12-21

1.   Sin is _________________ ______________________.

a.  Sin is __________________ ___________________.

b.  Sin is _________________ ____________________.

c.  ________________ is a ___________ of ________.

2.   God’s Grace _________________ Over_____________.

3.   ________________ is ________________ for __________.

4.   The _____________ Shows Our _______________,

_______________ _______________ Over ____________.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the evidence that sin has affected all humanity? What sign has been given according to 5:12?

  2. Additional Study: read Genesis 3. What are some of the other consequences of sin mentioned in Genesis 3?

  3. What is the difference between the entity of sin and the practice of it? Which type of sin is addressed in this passage? Which is addressed by the Gospel?

  4. What are three ways that Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus in 5:15-17? How do we know that Christ is superior in each comparison?

  5. 5:18-19 show that sin has spread to all humanity through natural means. How, then, can Christ’s righteousness spread to all people?

  6. In 5:20, Paul writes, “where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” Does this give us reason to sin freely? If not, what does it mean?

March 1, 2026 - Was, Is and Is to Come

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Romans 5:1-11

Was, Is, and Is to Come

Mike Giesenhagen

March 1, 2026

Romans 5:1-11

1.   Christ is our ______________ ______________________.

2.   We Have ______________ to _______ ______________.

3.   We Are ____________ with God’s ______________ ________________.

4.   We Can _____________ in __________ ______________.

5.   We _______________ in ____________ _______________.

Discussion Questions

  1. This passage emphasizes the security Christians have in justification. What are the words used in 5:6-8 to describe Christians before justification takes place? What do these mean?

  2. What are the benefits of justification described in Romans 5:1-11? Which of these benefits are already accessible? Which will come in the future?

  3. Additional Study: Leviticus 16. In Leviticus 16, God describes the process that must take place on the Day of Atonement. How is this different from what we see in Romans 5:1-2?

  4. What is the role of the Holy Spirit as described in Romans 5:5? What is His purpose in the life of the believer?

  5. Additional Study: James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7. These are 3 NT passages that describe the process of developing endurance through suffering. How have you seen suffering produce benefit in your life or the world around you?

  6. This passage describes hope and reconciliation. How would you define reconciliation with God based on this passage? What does it mean? What are the benefits?

February 22, 2026 - Faith and Righteousness

Romans 4

Faith and Righteousness

Mike Giesenhagen

February 22, 2026

Romans 4

1.   Faith ________________ ___________________.

2.   Faith _________________ __________________.

3.   Faith ________________ the ______________.

4.   Faith ________________ the ______________.

5.   Faith ________________ the ______________.

6.   Follow _______________ _________________.

A.  _________________ in ________________.

B.   _________________ in ________________,

C.  _________________ ______________ Righteousness. 

Discussion Questions

  1. Additional Study: Read Genesis 15 (or 11-25 for the whole story). What did Abram believe that Paul is referring to in Romans 4?

  2. What does the phrase “credited as righteousness mean”? How would you explain that to a friend?

  3. What are the blessings received through God’s righteousness in Jesus Christ?

  4. What is the importance of the timing of when Abraham was “credited” with righteousness? Why does Paul emphasize that this took place prior to circumcision?

  5. Why would the promise that comes by faith be more trustworthy than the promise of the Law? How can Paul argue that it is “guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring”?

  6. Prayer Project: How can we learn from the example of Abraham that Paul uses in Romans 4:18-25? Which part of the process is most difficult for you?

February 15, 2026 - The Glorious Gospel

Romans 3:21-31

Mike Giesenhagen

The Glorious Gospel

Mike Giesenhagen

February 15, 2026

Romans 3:21-31 

Context: What has Paul written about in Romans 1-3?

Two Verbs Attributed to Humanity in Romans 3:21-26.

_________________________ AND ________________________

1.   We Are All ______________ of _______________.

2.   We _____________ the ______________________.

A.   We Are ______________ by __________ _________.

B.   ______________ is _________________ by _________.

C.  Our ______________ is in ___________ ___________.

3.   The ____________ is ___________ than ____ _________.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the righteousness of God that has been made known to us? How have we seen this righteousness in the world?

  2. What does it mean to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ? How would you explain these things to a friend?

    1. What does salvation “by grace” mean?

    2. What do we place our faith in?

    3. Who is Jesus Christ? What is he like?

  3. What does Romans 3:23 mean when it says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”?

  4. How are we justified freely through the shedding of Jesus’s blood on the cross?

  5. Which dimension of God’s work in the Gospel is most encouraging to you? Which is most difficult to believe or understand? (e.g: justification, forgiveness, redemption, regeneration, reconciliation, salvation)

  6. How does faith in Christ “uphold the law”, rather than nullifying its value? Why would the law be fulfilled more completely through faith than works? 

February 8, 2026 - The Power of Sin

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Romans 3:1-20

The Power of Sin

Mike Giesenhagen

February 8, 2026

Romans 3:1-20 

1.   We Often _______________________ ______________.

A.   God is ____________________ ______________.

Misunderstanding 1:

B.   God’s ______________ is _____________________.

Misunderstanding 2:

C.  We Shouldn’t _______________ ________________.

Misunderstanding 3:

2.   Human Nature is _________________ by ___________.

Misunderstanding 4:

3.   The Law _____________ Our __________ ____________.

Misunderstanding 5:

4.   Christ Has _______________ Us from ______________.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the benefit of being entrusted with the very words of God? How is that helpful to us, even today?

  2. Additional Study: Romans 3:4 references Psalm 51:4. When you read Psalm 51, what does the context of this Psalm teach us about the character of God? How does this apply to Romans 3:3-4?

  3. In Romans 3:9, Paul writes “Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin”? What does this teach us about sin? How would you explain this verse to another person?

  4. Romans 3:10-18 have several Old Testament references. What do these verses teach us about the nature of sin in humanity?

  5. According to Romans 3:20, what is the purpose of the Law? What benefit do we gain from understanding the Law?

February 1, 2026 - True "Religion"

Romans 2:17-29

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Unfortunately we experienced technical difficulties with our audio system during our worship service.

God’s Righteous Judgment

Mike Giesenhagen

January 25, 2026

Romans 2:1-16 

1.   Be ________ of _______________________ ____________

2.   Our _______________ is ______________________.

3.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

4.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

5.   _________________ is the _______________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who is Paul addressing in Romans 2:1-16? What are some of the mindsets that he addresses in this passage?

  2. What kind of judgment is Paul referring to in Romans 2:1-3? What is his warning focused on? What is the basis of his argument?

  3. According to Romans 2:6-11, what is the standard that determines a person’s eternal destiny? How can one know the expectation of their own fate?

  4. Romans 2:13 says “it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” What is the standard for this obedience? How much disobedience to the Law would disqualify someone from this righteousness?

  5. Additional Study: Consider Romans 2:1 and 5; 3:10-11, 20, and 23. What does this teach us about the viability of human righteousness through the Law of the Old Testament?

  6. Romans 2:16 could be the best or worst news possible. What would make it a frightening verse? What would make it a joyful hope?

January 25, 2026 - God's Righteous Judgment

Romans 2:1-16

God’s Righteous Judgment

Mike Giesenhagen

January 25, 2026

Romans 2:1-16 

1.   Be ________ of _______________________ ____________

2.   Our _______________ is ______________________.

3.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

4.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

5. God’s ________________ may ___________________.

6.   _________________ is the _______________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who is Paul addressing in Romans 2:1-16? What are some of the mindsets that he addresses in this passage?

  2. What kind of judgment is Paul referring to in Romans 2:1-3? What is his warning focused on? What is the basis of his argument?

  3. According to Romans 2:6-11, what is the standard that determines a person’s eternal destiny? How can one know the expectation of their own fate?

  4. Romans 2:13 says “it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” What is the standard for this obedience? How much disobedience to the Law would disqualify someone from this righteousness?

  5. Additional Study: Consider Romans 2:1 and 5; 3:10-11, 20, and 23. What does this teach us about the viability of human righteousness through the Law of the Old Testament?

  6. Romans 2:16 could be the best or worst news possible. What would make it a frightening verse? What would make it a joyful hope?

January 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?