Rooted in Christ: Discovering Our True Identity
Scripture References
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Introduction
- The study launched the new “Built Different” series by opening Paul’s first letter to the troubled church in Corinth, where he begins not with rebuke but with a sweeping reminder of who the believers already are in Christ.
- Every struggle in Corinth–then and now–traces back to a foggy sense of identity: until we remember we are called, forgiven, enriched, secure, and kept by God, efforts to “do better” stay shallow.
- We normally lead with jobs, family, or hobbies, but Paul starts with “called, sanctified, enriched.” Identity, not shame, is the engine of transformation.
Fighting the Good Fight: Becoming a Disciple of Christ
Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 1:1-5
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- 2 Timothy 2:9
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8
- Genesis 2-3
- Acts 14-16
- Revelation 12:17
- Romans 6:23
Introduction
- Pastor celebrated 4,000 first-time decisions for Christ during the recent “At the Movies” series and called new believers to their next step: water baptism–“the starting line, not the finish line.”
- Launches “Fight the Good Fight,” a nine-week verse-by-verse walk through 2 Timothy, shifting the church from “reaching wide” to “growing deep”–the church is “not in the crowd business but in the disciple business,” and disciples love the Word of God.
- Today’s text, 2 Timothy 1:1-5, opens Paul’s final letter, written from the Mamertine Prison in Rome to his “dear son” Timothy.
- Big idea: to one day say “I have fought the good fight,” we must walk as disciples–taking concrete steps, rooted in mentoring relationships, family faith, and the secure love of our heavenly Father.
Completely Loved: Introducing Malachi
Scripture References
- Malachi 1
- Haggai 2
- Zechariah 1
- Zechariah 2
- Zechariah 8
Introduction
- Malachi opens with a startling exchange: God declares His love; Israel fires back, “How have You loved us?”
- Tonight’s study launches a seven-week series called “Completely,” showing how God’s covenant love for His people is total even when life feels empty.
- By tracing Israel’s history, their dashed expectations, and God’s covenant response about Jacob and Esau, we learn that grace – not fairness – anchors the relationship.
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.
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:
- Where do you personally allow loss?
- 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.
Continue readingEmbracing 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.
A Disciple Assembles a Band of Brothers / Sisters
Gathering Information
- Live, online snow-day study from Josh & Jana Howerton’s home (“Howerton Casa”), Dallas-area, early Feb 2023
- Interactive stream across multiple platforms; comments fed to leader in real time
Scripture References
- Luke 5:1-11
- Luke 6:12-16
- John 21:1-19
- James 5:16
- Proverbs 27:17
- Proverbs 12:18
- Proverbs 13:20
- Matthew 5:29-30
- Romans 8:1-3
- 2 Peter 1:3
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
- 1 Peter 1:13
Introduction
- Snow and ice cancelled in-person services, so the Howertons invited everyone into their living room for a “life-group style” Bible study.
- Viewers asked to grab Bibles, coffee, and drop comments (location, snow-day activities, questions).
- Light-hearted moments: showing a newly mounted gemsbok, naming suggestions (“Zulu,” “Howie,” “Paul”).
- Celebrations shared:
- 7,148 people at Night of Prayer & Worship (Rockwall campus)
- Two volunteers (John Mixon & Kelly Vrooman) got engaged that night
- Healing testimony: Jackson, 19, 18-months free of fentanyl, instant relief from 10/10 back pain
- Jana’s ongoing ministry to couples battling infertility