Meeting Needs, Sharing the Bread of Life

Scripture References

• John 6:35
• Luke 9:12-17
• John 3:16

Introduction

• Guest preacher David Nasser expresses gratitude to Lake Pointe Church and honors Pastor Josh & Jana Howerton.
• Announces focus on a single verse–John 6:35–calling it “fighting words” (Spurgeon) and “the Bible in a nutshell” (Billy Graham).
• Sets expectation to link that verse to the previous day’s event in Luke 9 (feeding of the 5,000), showing Jesus’ method before His message.

Jesus Is Enough to Sustain Us

Scripture References

• Colossians 1:15-20
• Hebrews 1:3
• John 14:9
• John 1:18
• Romans 11:36

Introduction

• Six-week series in Colossians entitled “Enough.”
• Week 1: “Jesus Is Enough to Save” – Col 1:11-14.
• Week 2 focus: Col 1:15-20 – “Jesus Is Enough to Sustain Us.”
• Purpose of Paul’s letter: counter “Jesus + something” teaching creeping into the Colossian church (matter is evil, Jesus can’t be fully human, legalism vs. license).
• Big idea: If Jesus is not pre-eminent in your life, something else is pretending to sustain you.

Displayed Faith vs. Devoted Faith

Scripture References

• Matthew 23
• Matthew 23:11-12
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Psalm 118:26

Introduction

• Pastor Chris (on staff nearly 20 years) continued the “Investigating Jesus” series.
• Previous week: End-Times message; this week: the question, “What about all the hypocrites?”
• Light-hearted open (Disney trip, humorous photo of Pastor Josh), then pivot to the seriousness of hypocrisy.
• Rooted Celebration Weekend: 2,500 graduates; invitation to text ROOTED to 20411 for next session.
• Context: Matthew 23 takes place on the Tuesday of Passion Week–Jesus’ final public confrontation with the Pharisees.

Enough - Week 1 in Colossians

Scripture References

• Colossians 1:1-12
• Hebrews 6:18-19
• Ephesians 2:10

Introduction

• Opening conversation contrasted “avoiding bad” with “becoming good.”
• Group agreed true goodness is found only through deeper relationship with Jesus, not self-effort.
• Leader distributed a five-question “heart-check” card during the week; tonight’s discussion revisited those questions.
• New 8-10-week series launched in Colossians titled “Enough–Jesus Is Enough.”

Living in the Countdown

Scripture References

• Luke 21
• Matthew 24
• Matthew 23
• Matthew 28:19
• Hosea 4:6
• Hebrews 9:22
• Galatians 3:28
• John 16
• 2 Peter 3:9
• 1 Thessalonians 5:3
• Romans 8:22
• Revelation 6
• Revelation 20
• Ezekiel 38

Introduction

• Pastor celebrates Easter weekend impact: 53,000 in-person attenders and 2,772 salvations.
• Sets expectation: this message is heavier–extensive Scripture reading and dot-connecting.
• Illustration: the ever-ticking countdown clock on stage reminds him of limited time; Jesus says human history also has a countdown.
• Core question: “When will Christ return, and what will He do then?”
• Jesus’ longest answer (Luke 21 & Matthew 24) divides history into three ages; the sermon traces them and their transitions.

The Greatest Reversal

Scripture References

• Luke 24:1-8
• Luke 9:22; Luke 9:24
• Luke 18:31-33
• John 14:6
• Romans 8:11

Introduction

• Pastor Josh welcomes the Lake Pointe family and guests on Easter, emphasizing worldwide celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
• Explains annual Easter survey card that shapes future teaching series and campus expansion.
• Frames the day around humanity’s love for comeback stories, preparing hearts to see Jesus’ resurrection as history’s ultimate reversal.

Easter Is Coming -- Find a Church and Celebrate

Easter is one of the most significant days on the Christian calendar – the celebration of Jesus rising from the dead. If you’ve been meaning to find a church, or it’s been a while since you’ve attended, I really think Easter is one of the best times to walk through those doors.

Why Easter Is a Great Time to Visit a Church

In my experience, churches go all out for Easter. You can expect:

I Am the True Vine -- Concluding the Seven I Am Statements

Scripture References

• Isaiah 5:1-7
• John 15:1-5

Introduction

• Last of the seven “I Am” statements in John: “I am the True Vine.”
• To surface the longings Jesus satisfies, six groups analyzed popular songs from six decades, each identifying the “cultural crisis” the lyrics reveal.

Shadows Pointing to the Cross

Scripture References

• Ephesians 1:4
• Genesis 12 – 50
• Exodus 1 – 32
• Psalm 106:21
• Exodus 25:8-9
• Exodus 20:1-17
• Romans 3:20-24
• Hebrews 10:1, 10
• John 3:16

Introduction

• Pastor Mike Breaux welcomes in-person and online attenders and reminds them Easter is next weekend – “Who are you inviting?”
• Sets up the theme: as Easter approaches, move from “investigating where Jesus went” to “who He is and what He’s done.”
• Uses everyday “shadows” (sunsets, dark alleyways, Groundhog Day) to introduce the biblical idea of Old-Testament shadows pointing forward to Christ.

Jesus -- "The Way, the Truth, and the Life"

Scripture References

• John 14:1-6
• Exodus 13:21-22
• Exodus 14:19-20
• Numbers 9:15-23
• Exodus 40:34-38
• 1 Kings 8:10-12

Introduction

• Opened with an invitation to serve in North Dallas (Friday or Saturday options, car-pooling encouraged, lunch/hang-out afterward).
• Leader affirmed how much he learns from the group’s dialogue; encouraged honest reactions to the sermon on hell and the exclusivity of Christ.
• Tonight’s “I AM” focus: Jesus’ claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), explored through the lens of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.”