Pastor Mike is preaching from Romans 15:14-33
July 26, 2026: Together in Christ
Pastor Mike Giesenhagen is preaching from Romans 15: 1-13
Together in Christ
Mike Giesenhagen
July 26, 2026
Romans 15:1-13
1. The __________________ Endure ___________________.
2. _____________________ One Another
a. The _____________ of _____________ is
_________________________.
b. Proper _______________ Provides ____________.
3. __________ Gives ______________ and _____________.
4. _______________ Brings Us _____________________.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to “bear with” or “endure” the failings of others? In what contexts do we see this happen in our lives?
2. How does Jesus model the mindset of selflessness? How can we emulate his character with others?
3. Additional Study: Psalm 69. This is a Psalm of Lament. Where would you say the tone changes? How is the mindset of the author different before the turning point vs afterward? Where is his focus?
4. What are some Old Testament examples of God’s faithfulness? Are there any examples where his promises took longer than expected? What can we learn from these examples?
5. What is the significance of God bringing the Jews and Gentiles together in Christ? Why would this be such a significant testimony in the city of Rome?
July 19, 2026: Stumbling Stones
Pastor Mike is preaching from Romans 14:13-23
Stumbling Stones
Mike Giesenhagen
July 19, 2026
Romans 14:13-23
1. ______________ Your ____________________.
a. Allow __________ for ___________ to _________.
b. Don’t _____________ Your ________________.
c. Promote ___________ and __________________.
d. “____________ ____________” à ______________
2. Love ____________.
Discussion Questions
1. Prayer Project: Why do we often focus on the behavior of others rather than ourselves? What drives this behavior?
2. What do you make of Paul’s emphatic language in Romans 14:14? “I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.” What do we do with that?
3. What are some examples of behaviors that may cause other people around us to stumble?
4. How should we pursue peace and edification in the face of disagreements? What would that look like?
5. What is the difference between THE “stumbling stone” (Jesus) and the “stumbling blocks” we put in place for others?
6. When you are wrestling with an issue or an idea, what is your first response? Where do you turn to?
July 12, 2026: Disputable Matters
Pastor Mike Geisenhagen
Romans 14: 1-12
Disputable Matters
Mike Giesenhagen
July 12, 2026
Romans 14:1-12
1. _________________ is Not ______________________.
2. Disputable Matters Must Not ___________________.
Historical Notes:
3. We ________________ to the ________________.
4. Exercise ____________ When Exercising ___________.
5. ______________ is Our _______________ ____________.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the difference between unity and uniformity? Is it possible to have one without the other? Which one does Paul write about in Romans?
2. What is the purpose of spiritual triage (the bullseye)? How does this help us to focus on the things that are most important to our faith?
3. What is the significance of the issues that Paul addresses in Romans 14? Why were these issues picked? What historical context helps us understand these issues better?
4. How does Paul classify such issues as food laws and Sabbath in this passage? If Paul were to write Romans 14 to Christians in our culture today, what issues do you think he would bring up? Are there any issues he would want to address in your heart?
5. How do the concepts of God’s judgment and our judgment interact? What are the implications of Paul’s assertions that we should not judge each other, but we will give an account to God?
July 5, 2026: Romans 13;18-14
Tyler Heerdt is preaching from Romans
Tyler Heerdt
July 5, 2026
Romans 13:8-14
Discussion Questions
Should we only show kindness to those who show kindness to us?
Why do we owe others love (willing acts of kindness, sometimes at our own expense)?
How are loving others and serving God related?
Is there anyone in our lives that we serve reluctantly?
What areas of our walk with God (prayer, loving others, resisting certain sins, etc.) are we most prone to be “asleep” in?
What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, and how does that help us avoid gratifying our flesh (giving into sin)?
June 28, 2026: God's Sovereign Authority
Paster Mike is preaching from Romans 13:1-7
God’s Sovereign Authority
Mike Giesenhagen
June 28, 2026
Romans 13:1-7
1. __________ is ________________ over _______________.
2. We _____________ to __________ __________________.
3. ___________________ are part of _________ ________.
4. Give _____________________ Their __________.
Discussion Questions
What is your general disposition toward authority? Are there certain types of authority that are easier or harder for you? Why?
What does it mean when Paul writes “The authorities that exist have been established by God.”?
What might cause us to be tempted to rebel against authority in our lives? Are there any righteous reasons to defy authority? What would that look like?
Additional Study: Read Daniel 1-7. Daniel and his friends were in a foreign, pagan land. How did they work with the authority over them? When did they take a different route? What happened?
Is there a specific authority in your life that is difficult for you to work with? Why is it hard for you to submit to that authority?
Prayer Project: Are there any authorities you have been rebelling against unjustly? Ask God to help you reconcile those relationships.
June 21, 2026: Love When It's Difficult
Romans 12:9-21
Love When It’s Difficult
Mike Giesenhagen
June 21, 2026
Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Discussion Questions
Which of these instructions comes most naturally to you? Which would you say is already a part of your life?
Which of these instructions struck you as something to consider more carefully? Are there any words that you have not given the proper credence to? Perhaps “glossing over” it more casually than desired?
Which of these instructions has obvious merit, but is difficult for you to put into practice? Why? What obstacles stand in the way?
Which of these instructions is most difficult for you to receive, agree with, or implement? Why?
Why does this passage highlight God’s sovereign wrath (12:19)? How is this important in the context of humanity?
Which of these instructions will you ask God to help you with this week?
June 14, 2026: God's Gracious Gifts
Paster Mike is preaching from Romans 12:3-8
God’s Gracious Gifts
Mike Giesenhagen
June 14, 2026
Romans 12:3-8
1. _______________ _________________ Us
A. Grace Comes from ____________.
B. Grace Includes ____________ _______________.
C. Grace Includes the ___________ of __________.
2. ______________ in Spiritual Gifts is _________________.
3. Spiritual Gifts are for the ____________ ____________.
Discussion Questions
Why does Paul emphasize the grace given to him in Romans 12:3?
What is the source of our unity and our hope within the Church?
What is the importance of “sober judgment”? What impact would this have on the unity of the church?
Prayer Project: Are you more inclined to think too highly of yourself? Or too lowly?
What are the implications of the spiritual gift of faith? What does this imply about our relationship with other Christians?
Partner Project: Find someone who you trust. Ask them how they have seen God work in you. What gifts have they seen in you?
Additional Study: Read 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. According to these texts, what is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
June: 7, 2026: A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-2
Pastor Mike Giesenhagen
A Living Sacrifice
Mike Giesenhagen
June 7, 2026
Romans 12:1-2
1. The ________________ is Our _____________________.
2. __________________ Involves ______________________.
3. Be _______________________ in Your _______________.
4. Pursue ________________ _____________________.
Discussion Questions
What are the “mercies” that Paul references in Romans 12:1? What has been demonstrated in Romans to this point?
What is the significance of the term “brothers and sisters” in verse 1?
What does Paul mean by a “living sacrifice”? What would this look like in our daily lives?
Have you ever broken a habit? What prompted the change? How easy/difficult was it? How long did it take?
What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind? Who does the transforming?
What is the importance of discerning God’s will? What is the significance of this discernment in the context of the Roman church?
May 31, 2026: Grafted Branches
Paster Mike is Preaching from Romans 11:11-36
Grafted Branches
Mike Giesenhagen
May 31, 2026
Romans 11:11-36
1. _____________ has a _________________.
2. ___________________ God’s ___________________.
3. Don’t Be ________________________; ______________!
4. Never _________________ ________________.
5. God’s ________________ is ______________________.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever seen God work in unexpected ways in your life? What is an example you could share with a friend?
Has God’s plan and your preference ever been out of sync? How did they differ? What ended up happening?
What is the significance of the Olive tree in Romans 11:17-24? Why are branches broken off in this passage? What is the warning to God’s people today?
What is the significance of the examples of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, along with the hardening “in part” of Israel? What encouragement can we take from these examples?
How would you explain 11:28 to a friend? “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs.”?
What role does the doxology (11:33-36) play in this passage?
May 24, 2026: The Remnant of Grace
Paster Mike is Preaching from Romans 10:16-11:10
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The Remnant of Grace
Mike Giesenhagen
May 24, 2026
Romans 10:16-11:10
1. _____________ Comes by ____________________.
2. ______________________ Comes through ___________.
3. _______________________ Comes by _______________.
4. _____________ the ____________ of the ____________.
Discussion Questions
Context: Read Romans 9-11. What is the recurring lament that Paul has been emphasizing in these chapters? (e.g. Romans 10:1)
Additional Study: How does Psalm 19 demonstrate the spread of God’s message to the world? What are the two ways his Will is made known in this Psalm?
What did Israel misunderstand in 10:19-20? What is the difference between the people in verse 20 and 21?
Key Verse: How would you interpret and explain Romans 11:6 to a friend? “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
Who has God placed in your life that would benefit from receiving the Gospel of Christ? How can you share with them the message concerning Christ (10:17)?
May 17, 2026: Go With the Gospel
Pastor Mike Giesenhagen
Romans 10:1-17
Go With the Gospel
Mike Giesenhagen
May 17, 2026
Romans 10:1-17
1. __________ Righteousness is _________ Righteousness
A. Christ _____________ the _________ for His People.
B. Following the ____________ is __________________.
C. We Cannot ________________ ________________.
2. _____________ in the ________________ of _________.
3. ____________ with the ______________________.
Discussion Questions
How would you interpret or explain Romans 10:3 “Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness”?
Romans 10:5 says the person who follows the Law will live. Is it possible to follow the Old Testament perfectly today? Why or why not?
Why is it important to confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”? What does this teach us about our faith?
What does it mean to “believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead”? What does this teach us about our faith?
According to Romans 10:9-13, what is the basis for salvation according to the Christian faith?
What is the expected response to the Gospel described by Paul in Romans 10:14-17?
May 10, 2026: Coming Together
Romans 9
Coming Together
Mike Giesenhagen
May 10, 2026
Romans 9
1. _____________________ ≠ ____________________.
2. It’s Not About _________________________.
3. God’s _________________ > Our __________________.
4. God ___________________ Us _____________________.
5. The _________________ ___________ is Our
________________________.
Discussion Questions
Ice Breaker: Do you have a particular group of people that you feel particularly compelled to share the Gospel with? If so, who?
Additional Study: What is the difference between Isaac and Ishmael in Genesis 15-22? What is the difference between Jacob and Esau? Why does God favor one over the other?
Romans 9:11 says “before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad…”. Why is this part of the story important for Paul’s argument in Romans 9?
What is the purpose of the potter and clay example in Romans 9:20-21?
How do the quotations from Hosea and Isaiah apply to the church in Rome? What similarities can we apply to our current context?
What is the difference between Jesus as the “stumbling stone” and Jesus as the “cornerstone” in our life?
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
Ice Breaker: How would you define love? How would you explain love to a young child? How does God demonstrate love in the Bible?
What does assurance mean? How can we be confident in the assurance of salvation?
How does God’s sovereignty affect our understanding of salvation? (8:33-34)
How do our circumstances affect God’s love for us?
What can we learn from our circumstances?
How does the Holy Spirit help in this process?
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
Ice Breaker: Have you ever had to wait for something until it arrived? What were you waiting for? What was that experience like?
What evidence do you see that the world we live in is “groaning” or “subjected to frustration”? How are these things evident among humanity?
What are the risks of waiting too patiently for the Lord’s return? What are the risks of waiting too eagerly?
Additional Study: What do you look forward to in eternity? What promises do you remember in the Bible (e.g. Revelation 20-21)
What does Romans 8:27 teach us about the Spirit’s presence in our prayer life? How does His intercession help us to pray?
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
What does it mean when it says there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”?
What was the law powerless to do (v3)? Why was Jesus able to accomplish what the law could not?
What is the difference between the flesh and the Spirit? How do we know which one we are following and pursuing?
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.
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?
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
How does the Law reveal sin for what it is?
How does sin twist the law for our destruction?
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?
How can we be deceived by sin into breaking God’s law?
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)
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
When you think of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, what encourages you most?
Which aspect of the Gospel is most encouraging to you? Challenging? Difficult to Understand?
Forgiveness: Eph 1:7, Heb 9:22
Justification: Rom 3:26, 6:23
Redemption: Rom 3:24, 1Cor 6:20, Gal 5:10
Reconciliation: Col 1:21-22, Rom 5:10
Adoption: John 1:12, Gal 4:5
Regeneration: 2Cor 5:17, Col 2:13
Salvation: John 3:16-17
How does the Resurrection prove God’s power over sin and death?
How does the Resurrection reinforce God’s sovereign authority here on earth?
April 3, 2026 - Good Friday
Passage - Mark 15:1-39
Pastor Mike Giesenhagen.
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
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)
How have you prepared your heart for Holy Week? What are you looking forward to as we celebrate the death and Resurrection of Christ?
Suggested Readings for Holy Week: (Try to focus on the people’s responses to Christ)
Monday: Matthew 26-27
Tuesday: Mark 14-15
Wednesday: Luke 22-23
Thursday: John 18-19
Friday: Psalm 22
Saturday: Psalm 23
Sunday: Psalm 24
How do the people of the Scripture respond to Jesus as the Messiah?