Good News in a Dark World

No Little Sins (James 2:8-13 (Good News in a Dark World with Pastor Kevin Efflandt)

In this sermon:1 - The ViolationIn what way might we think of our obedience like a auto-correct when texting?Why is this a mistaken and unbiblical view of God's law?This section of James raises the question, "Is there hope for us?"2 - The AppealWhat does James mean when he calls God's law "the law of liberty"?Why is the statement, "What God requires, Christ provides" so comforting to you?How is it that God's mercy triumphs over judgment?Why is this passage so important in helping us to understand what James says next in James 2:14-26?Why should we be so in awe of God's love for us in Christ?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.All Rights Reserved Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

The God of Grace, Part 2 (Genesis 18:16-33) Good News in a Dark World with Pastor Kevin Efflandt

#1 - God’s Gracious Revelation • What kind of sin does the word “outrcy” (verse 20) point to? • What does this tell us about the kind of place Sodom was? • How is it encouraging to know that God sees all things? • Why does God reveal what’s about to happen in Sodom to Abraham? 1 - Because of Abraham’s unique place in the world. 2 - Because of Abraham’s duty to instruct the coming generations. • How do these 2 things apply to us today? #2 - God’s Gracious Throne • Notice 4 things about Abraham’s prayer: 1 - It is bold. 2 - It is humble. 3 - It is persistent. 4 - It is biblical. • How does this passage ultimately point us to Jesus? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible. All Rights Reserved Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

The God of Grace (Genesis 18:1-15) Good News in a Dark World with Pastor Kevin Efflandt

#1-God’s Gracious Presence • What is the identity of these 3 visitors? • In what way is God’s visit to Abraham such an incredible thing? • How does this relate to the blessing of the Lord’s Day for us? • How does God’s hospitality to us motivate how we treat others? #2-God’s Gracious Announcement • What are some of the truths that the Bible tells us about God’s power? • How does this relate to Abraham and Sarah’s situation? How does this apply to your own life? • What is the greatest impossibility? • What has God done about this impossibility? • How should we respond to the promises of God? Why should that be our response? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible. All Rights Reserved Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

Life from the Dead (Genesis 17:15-27) Good News in a Dark World with Pastor Kevin Efflandt

#1-God promises the Impossible • What is the significance of Sarah’s name change? • What are some other places in the Bible where God works in ways that seem impossible or absurd? • How is this an encouragement to you? #2-Abraham struggles to Believe • Why does Abraham laugh? • What does the lack of rebuke on God’s part teach us about our struggles and questions? #3-Abraham Responds to God’s promise • There are 3 aspects to Abraham’s obedience: 1 - It is immediate 2 - It is precise 3 - It is costly • How does this passage ultimately point us to Jesus? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible. All Rights Reserved Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

God to You and to Your Children (Genesis 17) Good News in a Dark World with Pastor Kevin Efflandt

What are some of the places in the Bible where God assures you of His love and care for you? #1-God Reaffirms His Covenant of Grace What should be your response to God’s gracious gift of salvation? • Three ways God reassures Abram of His promises: 1 - God reminds Abram who He is. 2 - God makes it clear who will fulfill these promises. 3 - God gives Abram a new name. • How is all of this an encouragement to you? #2-God Signifies His Covenant of Grace Why is circumcision called a “sign”? The sign of circumcision is a reminder that the uncleanness of sin cannot be removed without blood. Did circumcision itself save anyone? If not, what was necessary? How do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper strengthen your faith? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible. All Rights Reserved Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions