September 29, 2024: Why Not Now?

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

John 13:31-14:4

Why Not Now?

Mike Giesenhagen

September 29, 2024

John 13:31-14:4

Context:

The Question:

1.  God ____________ in His _______________.

2.  We’re Not As _____________ As We ___________.

3.  Jesus _________________ the ____________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   Ice Breaker: Imagine you’re in a new social situation (like a party or visiting a new community). How do you normally behave in situations like this?

2.   Why is Peter so insistent on Jesus staying with the disciples? What would be on your mind if you were in his shoes?

3.   Additional Study: Do you think Peter is genuine in his commitment to Christ? What leads to his denial of Jesus? What is the end result? (Read John 18 and 21)

4.   How might our “spiritual eyes” be bigger than our “spiritual stomachs”? In what ways might we mean well, but fall short?

5.   What is one way that God might be calling you to invest in a longstanding season of faithfulness, even if you do not experience immediate fruit?

6.   Prayer Project: Are there any areas of your life where you need to trust Jesus to take charge, rather than trying to address it in your own strength? (Peter wanted to help Jesus, but he didn’t realize how much he needed Jesus to prepare a place for him.)

September 22, 2024: Lord, Who is it?

John 13: 18-35

Lord, Who is it?

Mike Giesenhagen

September 22, 2024

John 13:18-35

The Coming Betrayal:

The Question:

The Answer:

The Outcome:

The Teaching:

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   What do you think was going through the disciples’ minds when they heard Jesus say, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me”?

2.   Why do you think the disciples wanted to know who it was?  What were they hoping to learn or do?

3.   What is the significance of Satan entering into Judas in John 13:27?

4.   Prayer Project: What do we make of Jesus’s response to Judas? Why would he simply say “what you are about to do, do it quickly”? What can we learn from Jesus here?

5.   What is the purpose of Jesus’s teaching in John 13:31-35? What does the coming betrayal mean for Jesus (see 13:31-32, John 19)? What does it mean for the disciples (13:34-35)? Why is it important for the disciples to “love one another”?

September 15, 2024: Jesus Washes Feet

John 13:1-17

Jesus Washes Feet

Mike Giesenhagen

September 15, 2024

John 13:1-17

The Context:

The Question:

The Answer:

The Reframing:

The Teaching:

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   What does the context of this story mean?  What events are about to take place in Jesus’s ministry?

2.   Whose feet did Jesus wash in John 13?  Why is this surprising/not surprising?

3.   Why did Peter object to having his feet washed by Jesus?

4.   What does Jesus mean when he says, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”? What are the implications here? (Note: this comment is not specifically talking about foot washing, but points forward to the cross)

5.   What is the implication of the continued washing of the feet in verse 10?

6. What is the purpose of the teaching in verses 12-17?  What is Jesus calling his disciples to emulate?

September 8, 2024: Serving the Body

1 Corinthians 12

Pastor Mike Giesenhangen

Serving the Body

Mike Giesenhagen

September 8, 2024

1 Corinthians 12

1.  ________________ is Called to ___________.

2.  The __________ We __________ Are _____________.

3.  Every _____________ is ____________________.

4.  We ________ ____________ for __________ _______.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   According to 1 Corinthians 12, who is called to serve?  What exclusions are made?

2.   What types of service are mentioned in 1 Cor 12?  What types of ministries do we have at HEFC?

3.   What talents or skills might God use to benefit his Church?

4.   Are there any other ways you might be willing to serve the people of God’s Church?

5.   How has God worked through you in the past, whether inside or outside the church?

Prayer Project: Are there any specific obstacles that are preventing you from getting involved?  If so, what would it take for God to overcome those obstacles?

September 1, 2024: Learning from Job

Job 1-42

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Theology 101

Mike Giesenhagen

September 1, 2024

Job

Chapter 1 and 2:  The Setting and the Circumstances

Chapter 3-30: Job Argues with 3 Friends

Chapter 31: Job’s Final Case

Chapter 32-37: Elihu Speaks

Chapter 38-42: God Confronts Job

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   In Job 1-2, he loses almost everything.  How does he respond initially?  If you were to imagine a time like this, how do you think you might respond?

2.   How do Job’s friends respond in his time of trouble?  What do they emphasize with him?  How is their counsel received by God (Job 32:3, 42:7-8)?

3.   How does Job respond to his circumstances initially?  How does his mindset change (Job 2:10, 16:7-14, 27:2-6)?

4.   What is Job reliant upon by the end of the book (Job 27:2-6, 31, 32:1)?

5.   How does Elihu address the conversation between Job and his three friends?  How is Elihu’s position similar?  How is it different?

6.   How does God respond to Job (38-42)?  And how does Job receive God’s admonishment?

7.   How does Job repent in the final chapters of the book?  What does he need to turn away from?  What instead should he turn to?

8.   Prayer Project: Is there anything you are holding onto for yourself?  What would it take to turn it over to God?

August 18, 2024: Preparing for Harvest

Colossians 2:6-15

Preparing for Harvest

Mike Giesenhagen

August 18, 2024

Colossians 2:6-15

1.  ___________ is the _____________ ____________.

2.  We Need to be _____________ in _____________.

3.  We Need _________________ in ______________.

4.  We Ought to ________________ to ____________. 

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   What benefits do you see that we receive in Christ in Colossians 2:6-15?  What does it say about who Christ is?  What has He done for us?

2.   What is the importance of the word “received” in Colossians 2:6? What does this teach us about our faith in Christ?

3.   How can we become “rooted and established” in Christ?

4.   What is the importance of community in the Christian life? Who knows you well that you allow to speak into your life?

5.   What does it mean to “overflow with thankfulness” to God?  How does that show up in your life?

August 11, 2024: Jesus Our High Priest

Hebrews 4:14-16

Tyler Heerdt

Jesus Our High Priest

Tyler Heerdt

August 11, 2024

Hebrews 4:14-16

1.  We can hold fast to our confession of Christ, because He is ____________ and does not ___________ us.

2.  Jesus _________________ what we are going through on a ____________ level.

3.  We can be confident before God, because Jesus Christ ____________ that we are ______________ through Him.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   What insight, principle or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye opening or difficult?  Explain.

August 4, 2024: Baptism

Romans 6:1-10
Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11;
Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34

Baptism

Mike Giesenhagen

August 4, 2024

Romans 6:1-10

Matt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:29-34 

Article 7: The Church 

The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel.  Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. 

1.   God _______________ _________________.

2.   Baptism is an _______________ of _______________.

a.  Baptism is a ____________ of a __________ __________.

b.  Baptism _____________ ____________ into the _____________.

3.   Baptism is a __________ of the ______________.

a.  Baptism is for ___________ ________________.

b.  We Join ____________ in His ______________.

c.  We Join ____________ in _________ __________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What is baptism?  What does the word mean?

2. What is the significance of Jesus’s baptism in the Gospels?

3. How is baptism a testimony to faith in Christ?  What is the role of the baptized?  What is the role of the Church?

4. How does baptism express the Gospel for others to see?

5. What reminders does baptism provide for the believer?

6. What are some similarities between baptism and the Lord’s Supper?  What are some differences?

July 28, 2024: The Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 11:17-32

The Lord’s Supper

Mike Giesenhagen

July 28, 2024

1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Matt 26:17-29; Mk 14:12-25; Lk 22:7-20; Jn 13:1-38 

Article 7: The Church 

The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel.  Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. 

1.   The Lord’s Supper is _____________ by _____________.

2.   The Lord’s Supper ______________ ____________.

a.  We Remember ____________ _____________.

b.  We Share ________________ with ____________.

c.  We Share ________________ with the ________.

d.  We Remember _________ _________ _________.

3.   The Lord’s Supper is for the ___________ ___________.

a.  Communion is for _______________.

b.  Communion is ____________ by ___________.

c.  Communion Expects _________ _____________.

4.   Communion is ____________ to __________ Us.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What is the Lord’s Supper?  What does the term “Lord’s Supper” signify?  What is the difference with the term “Communion”?

2. Additional Study: Read the 4 Gospel accounts of the Last Supper.  What are the similarities?  What differences do you see?

3. Why are the Lord’s Supper and Baptism called “ordinances”?  What does this mean in the life of the church?

4. Which aspect of the Lord’s Supper do you find most compelling?  What do we remember when participating in the Lord’s Supper?

5. How does someone know if they are ready to partake in the Lord’s Supper?

6. What is the “significance of silence” in the EFCA position of the Lord’s Supper?  What is the difference between disagreement and division?

July 21, 2024: Prayers of Love

Romans 3:21-26

Prayers of Love

Mike Giesenhagen

July 21, 2024

Romans 3:21-26

Article 7: The Church 

We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone.  They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head.  The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers.  The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel.  Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. 

1.   The Church is ____________ ___________________.

2.   The Church is ___________ __________ _____________.

3.   The Church ______________ _________ _____________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. How do you define the Church?  What does it mean when our statement of faith mentions the “true church”?

2. How would you explain justification to someone else?  Grace?  Faith alone?  Christ alone?

3. Why does our justification matter for the identity of the Church?

4. How does the Holy Spirit help us be united under Christ?  What does this look like in the Church?

5. What is the importance of the local church in the Christian life?  What benefits do we gain from one another?

July 14, 2024: Prayers of Love

Ephesians 6:18-24

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Prayers of Love

Mike Giesenhagen

July 14, 2024

Ephesians 6:18-24 

Themes in Ephesians:  

1.   __________ is our ______________________.

2.   __________ for __________ _______________.

3.   __________________ the _________________.

4.   _____________ One __________________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. Additional Study: Ephesians 1-6.  When you read the book of Ephesians, what themes do you see throughout the book?  What does Paul emphasize to the Ephesians?

2. Why is prayer such an emphasis in the New Testament?  What benefits are there to praying?

3. What types of things does Paul pray for other people in the New Testament?  How similar are our prayers for each other?

4. What does Paul ask for regarding prayers for him in Ephesians 6:19-20?  Why is this his priority?

5. How does Paul conclude his letter to the Ephesians?  What does he highlight in the conclusion?

July 7, 2024: Standing in God's Armor

Ephesians 7:10-17

Standing in God’s Armor

Mike Giesenhagen

July 7, 2024

Ephesians 7:10-17 

Context:  

1.   ___________ Holds the ______________.

2.   Our ____________ __________ is _________________.

3.   God’s Armor Helps Us ____________ ____________.

4.   God’s Armor Provides ________________ __________.

The Belt of Truth:

The Breastplate of Righteousness:

The Boots of the Gospel:

The Shield of Faith:

The Helmet of Salvation:

The Sword of the Spirit:

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. Additional Study: Ephesians 1-5.  How has God’s power been demonstrated in the book of Ephesians?  What has He done for us?

2. Why is it important to remember who our true enemy is?  What difference does it make?

3. What are we instructed to do while wearing the armor of God?

4. How does truth help us in the battle against Satan?

5. Where does our righteousness come from?  How does it protect us in the battle?

6. What does the word “readiness” imply about the Gospel of peace?

7. How does faith help protect us from the attacks of the enemy?

8. What is the significance of the “helmet of salvation”?

9. How can we wield the Sword of the Spirit against the enemy?  How do we see this used in Scripture?

June 30, 2024: Loving Each Other

Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Loving Each Other

Mike Giesenhagen

June 30, 2024

Ephesians 5:21-6:9 

Context:  

1.   ______________ to ____________ __________________.

2.   ______________________ Your __________________.

a.  _____________ Your ________________.

b.  _____________ Your ________________.

c.  We Are ________________ as ____________.

3.   Children: _______________ your ________________.

4.   Parents: ________________ Your ________________.

5.   _______________ for the ________________.

6.   _______________ the ________________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. Additional Study: What does it mean to “submit to one another” in Ephesians 5:21? How does Christ model this in Phil 2:1-8?

2. How does the church submit to Christ?  How would that apply in the context of loving relationship?

3. How does Christ love the church?  What does this mean for husbands as they love their wives?

4. What does it mean to “honor your father and mother”?  How could this lead to the promise of Ephesians 6:3?

5. How does God’s example inform the ways we ought to train up our children?

6. How does our relationship with God impact our relationships at school or in the workplace?

June 23, 2024: Darkness and Light

Ephesians 5:1-21

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Darkness and Light

Mike Giesenhagen

June 23, 2024

Ephesians 5:1-21 

Context:  

1.   We Are a _________ ______________ in ____________.

2.   ___________ is a __________________ _______________.

a.  Our ____________ _______________.

b.  ___________ Can Become _______________.

c.  We Can Become ___________ _______ ________

3.   In ___________, We Are ______________ ____ ________

4.   Walk as _____________ _______ ______________.

a.  Examine _____________________.

b.  ___________ from the _________________.

c.  ___________ the __________ of _______________.

d.  ____________ One Another

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What does it mean to be “imitators of God”?  What would that look like, according to Ephesians 5:1-2?

2. How do our words affect our actions?  How do our words and actions affect the way we see ourselves?  (E.g. Matthew 12:34)

3. What is the difference between light and darkness?  How do they interact?  What is the significance of Paul saying “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord”?  (Eph 5:8)

4. How can we discern what is pleasing to the Lord?  What might prevent us from pursuing these things?

5. Prayer Project: Ephesians 5:12-14.  Are there any “deeds of darkness” in your life that need to be brought to the light of Jesus?  This could include past sins to be forgiven, current struggles to be addressed, or hurt from sins against you to be healed/forgiven.

6. How are we called to treat one another in the family of God?  (Ephesians 5:18-21)

June 16, 2024: Make Disciples

Matthew 28
Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Make Disciples

Mike Giesenhagen

June 16, 2024

Matthew 28 

Context:  

1.   ________________ Has the ______________________.

2.   We’re Called to ____________ ___________________.

a.  We’re Called to _________________.

b.  We’re Called to _________________.

c.  We’re Called to _________________.

3.   _____________ is _________ ___________ Forever. 

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What is the context of Matthew 28?  What has Jesus already accomplished?  What does this show us about who Jesus is?

2. What does it mean to “Make disciples”?  What is a “disciple”?  Who is the leader of these disciples?

3. Word Study: Choose a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and/or John).  As you read through that Gospel, write down the commands Jesus gives.  What are the commands Jesus gives in the Gospels?

4. Who needs the teaching of Jesus?   What would be some good examples of how this teaching takes place?

5. What does it mean to “go” in the New Testament?  What are some examples of people who went to make disciples?

6. What is baptism?  Who should be baptized?  What is the significance of baptism in the Church today?

June 9, 2024: How Should We Live in These Days

Micah 6:8

How Should We Live in These Days?

Dave Lahr

June 9, 2024

Micah 6:8

WHO

Written for ______  _____________.

WHAT

Act _________, ___________, ___________.

Love ___________, __________, and __________.

Walk humbly (stay _____  ______  __________).

WHY

Not ____ ________ _______ ________________.

For ______ _______ _____ God.

Our ___________.

HOW

Not in our own _____________.

Indwelling of _____ ________ __________.

Together ____ ___ ___________ ___ ____________.

Questions for further consideration:

1.       When you are stressed, do you tend to think of your own needs, or others?  How might you become more outward-focused?

2.       Do you sometimes have a double-standard of justice, mercy, or humility—one standard for yourself, and perhaps for your loved ones, and another for strangers, or especially for those not like you?  How can you begin to see others as God sees them?

3.       Which of these directions is most difficult for you:

a.       Do justice

b.       Love mercy

c.       Walk humbly with God

4.       Does Jesus’ yoke feel burdensome to you? Why or why not?

5.       Do you have people with whom you can confide your needs and struggles, whom you trust to pray and stand alongside of you?

June 2, 2024: Our New Life

Ephesians 4:17-32

Our New Life

Mike Giesenhagen

June 2, 2024

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 

Context:  

1.   We are ______________________ without _________.

2.   We are ______________________ without _________.

3.   We are __________ ________ _________ in __________.

4.   We __________ _______________ _________________.

5.   Follow ___________ __________________. 

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What does it look like to live without God?  If you did not have Jesus, how would your life be different?

2. What does Ephesians 4:19 tell us about the desires of our flesh? How does God help with this?

3. What aspects of the “old life” has God asked you to set aside?  How have you grown in this?

4. How have you seen your attitude change in Christ over time?

5. Prayer Project: Ephesians 4:25-31.  Which of Paul’s community instructions are most obvious to you?  Which are the most challenging?

6. What would it look like to “follow God’s example” in your life today?  What aspects of Christlike behavior would you like to see God grow in you?

May 26, 2024: A Worthy Life

Ephesians 4:1-16

A Worthy Life

Mike Giesenhagen

May 26, 2024

Ephesians 4:1-16 

Context:  

1.   Unity is ____________ ____________  ______________.

2.   God _________________ ___________.

3.   Unity ________________ ______________________.

4.   Unity Helps ________________ _______________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What would a “life worthy of the calling you have received” look like?  How would someone know?

2. What does it mean to be humble?  What does it mean to be gentle?  Who have you seen as a good example of these things?

3. What does it mean to be patient with one another and “bear with” one another in love?

4. What is the purpose of emphasizing the “ones” of this passage (e.g. one hope, one faith, one God, etc.)

5. God gives each of us gifts to build up the body of Christ.  How has God equipped you to help build up his Church?

6. How has community helped you in challenging times?  Have you ever had a time when you needed a stronger community in Christ?

7. In this context, what does it mean to speak the “truth in love” to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?

May 19, 2024: Knowing God's Love

Ephesians 3:14-21

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Knowing God’s Love

Mike Giesenhagen

May 19, 2024

Ephesians 3:14-21 

Context:  

1.   God is __________________ with ____________.

2.   God’s ___________ is a ________ _________________.

3.   God’s _________ is ___________ than Our ___________

4.   God _________ Our _____________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What are some of the key points that Paul has made prior to this section of Ephesians?

2. How does the Spirit strengthen us from within?  What does it mean that Christ dwells in us?

3. How does the imagery of being “rooted and established” help us when times get tough?  How do we develop a firmer foundation?

4. Why does Paul pray for the people to have the “power.. to grasp” the magnitude of God’s love?

5. How has God expanded your understanding of his love?

6. What does it mean to be “filled with the fullness of God”?

May 12, 2024: A Curious Call

Ephesians 3: 1-13

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

A Challenging Call

Mike Giesenhagen

May 12, 2024

Ephesians 3:1-13 

Context: Jews and Gentiles (2:11-22) 

1.   The Gospel Includes Those _________ __________.

2.   We Are _____________ by __________ _____________.

3.   We Are Called to ____________ ________________.

4.   We Must _____________ the _____________.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1. What are the benefits that are shared among God’s family in Ephesians 3:6? 

2. How does God’s grace impact the way we see others in the Gospel?  How does it impact the way we should treat them?

3. What was Paul’s specific call in the Old Testament?  What other specific calls do we see in the Scripture?

4. How important does Paul consider his calling?  What does he sacrifice for the Gentiles?

5. Prayer Project:  Prayerfully Consider

-     How has your life been changed by the Gospel?

-     Are there people who you are prone to consider unsaveable (e.g. Jew/Gentile separation)?

-     Who might God be calling you to share the Gospel with?

What cost might accompany that call?