I Am the Gate / I Am the Good Shepherd

Scripture References

• John 10:7-15
• Ezekiel 34:1-24
• Zechariah 13:7
• Matthew 26:31
• Luke 15:4-6
• John 21:15-17
• Matthew 9:35-36
• Genesis 1

Introduction

• Third session of a six-week series on the seven “I Am” statements in John.
• Setting: Men’s life-group Bible study; Leader: Mark.
• Ice-breaker: “If you were important enough to have a posse/entourage, who would be in it?”–led to discussion about bodyguards, counselors, hype-men, moral friends, etc.
• Transitional point: Our choice of “posse” reveals who we are; likewise, Israel’s leaders revealed their hearts. Jesus contrasts Himself with every false leader by declaring, “I am the Gate” and “I am the Good Shepherd.”

Six Days With God Are Better Than Seven Without Him

Scripture References

• Exodus 20:8-11
• Genesis 2:1-3
• Exodus 16:21-30
• Luke 6:1-5
• Mark 2:27-28
• Romans 14:5
• Hebrews 11:6

Introduction

• Pastor opens with lighthearted “hurry-sickness” quiz to show how frantic modern life has become.
• Confesses the sermon first confronted him personally: “Physician, heal thyself.”
• Sets context: part of the “Investigating Jesus” series, examining what put Jesus at odds with religious leaders.
• Announces the focus–God’s gift of Sabbath rest–and promises rapid-fire Bible exposition.

I Am the Light of the World

Scripture References

• John 8:12-20
• Exodus 13:21-22
• Isaiah 42:6-7

Introduction

• Leader opens with a personal update: son (22, Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton) placed on higher-alert status; unit itself non-deployable but he could be re-assigned. Group thanks members for earlier texts and prayers.
• Ice-breaker: “When you’re driving, would you rather be lost and moving or know where you’re going but be stuck in traffic?” – designed to explore control, patience, and adventure before linking to the Bible text.

Go Again: Understanding Unanswered Prayer and the Father's Heart

Scripture References

• Luke 11:1-13
• Exodus 14
• 1 Kings 18
• Mark 5
• Daniel 6
• Hebrews 10:19-22
• Mark 11:25
• Proverbs 21:13
• 1 Peter 3:7
• Psalm 66:18
• James 1:6-7
• James 4:3
• Job 38
• Genesis 25:21
• Isaiah 55:8-9

Introduction

• Context: Week 2 of the “Investigating Jesus” series, preaching cross-sections of Luke to help skeptics and believers examine Christ closely before Easter.
• Pastoral moment: The church’s gracious response to last week’s hard teaching on marriage led 60 co-habiting couples to register for a forthcoming mass wedding – evidence that obedience to Scripture yields fruit.
• Today’s focus: Prayer can be exhilarating when answered, but agonising when heaven seems silent. The sermon asks, “If Jesus is real, why didn’t He answer my prayer?”

Seven I AM Statements of Jesus

Scripture References

• Exodus 3:13-14
• John 8:58-59
• John 6:35
• John 6:47-51
• Matthew 6:33

Introduction

• New spring series: the seven “I AM” statements in John, running through Easter. Leader: Caleb.
• Ice-breaker: each man completed “I am ___” (e.g., “cool dude,” “loved,” “so grateful,” “duck-hunter,” etc.).
• Purpose: last summer’s seven signs revealed Jesus’ divinity; the seven “I AMs” show how that divinity meets human need.

One-Flesh Living

Scripture References

• Genesis 2-3
• Deuteronomy 24
• Malachi 2
• Matthew 19:3-9
• Ephesians 5:21
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
• Revelation 19:6-9

Introduction

• Marriage Weekend launched with light-hearted giveaways, prayer for couples, and a clear warning that the message would be candid about marital intimacy.
• Sets stage for new series “Investigating Jesus,” beginning with society’s top question: What did Jesus teach about gender, marriage, divorce, and sexuality?
• Pastor frames marriage as a primary spiritual battleground – strong families produce generational disciples.

No Acceptable Loss in Jesus Economy

Scripture References

• Luke 15:1-7

Introduction

The leader opened with real-life examples of “acceptable loss”–a 2% inventory shrinkage in his retail business, underperforming investments, parental advice that “goes in one ear and out the other,” errant golf shots, jokes that fall flat, and time that slips away. He asked:

1. Where do you personally allow loss?
2. At what point does a loss stop bothering you?

Group members suggested thresholds based on profit margins, emotional investment, or right intentions, but admitted the standards are usually arbitrary.

Embracing the Fathers Heart for The One

Scripture References

• Luke 15
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
• Romans 12
• Mark 2
• Matthew 9
• Luke 5
• 1 Peter 3:15

Introduction

• The preacher retells Jesus’ parable of the two sons (Luke 15) through a modern father’s voice, spotlighting two radically different children.
• Purpose: expose both the “rebellious prodigal” and the “rule-keeping elder brother” hearts in all of us, then reveal the welcoming, pursuing heart of the Father.
• Sermon arises from Jesus’ own context: religious leaders angry that He ate with “tax collectors and notorious sinners,” prompting the three lost-and-found stories of Luke 15.

Stewardship and the Parable of the Minas

Scripture References

• Luke 19:11-27

Introduction

The group listened to the same passage that was preached in Sunday service and revisited it for deeper discussion. Conversation opened with a light-hearted “button” exercise about risk versus guarantee, which served as a bridge into Jesus’ parable on stewardship, trust, and faithfulness while the Kingdom is “delayed but not denied.”

Stewards, Not Owners: Faithful With God's Resources

Scripture References

• Luke 19:11-27
• Luke 19:44
• Hebrews 13:3
• John 1:11
• Psalm 24:1
• Leviticus 27:30
• Proverbs 3:9-10
• Matthew 6:24
• Luke 6:38
• Malachi 3:10

Introduction

• Pastor opens with testimony of gospel impact in Iran–average of ten daily baptisms amid persecution; calls congregation to remember persecuted believers (Heb 13:3).
• Series context: “Boot Camp–Training for Team Jesus,” nearing final week; today’s focus is money and stewardship.
• Reads Luke 19:11-27 (parable of the minas) while congregation stands in reverence.
• Explains prophetic backdrop: Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem, prediction of temple destruction (Luke 19:44) fulfilled in A.D. 70; therefore His future promises–including judgment and reward–are certain.