October 29, 2023

Clearwater Community Church - FL

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October 29, 2023

Simple Obedience toward Christ’s Return

October 29, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 24, Matthew 25

Theme: Simple Obedience Toward Christ’s Return

Passage: Matthew 24–25

In a broad reading of these chapters, Jesus provides us with two directives:

1. Read the signs of the times carefully (24:1–31)

a. Signs will characterize this age and intensify before Christ returns.

i. Tumultuous times: false messiahs; wars; various tribulations; persecution

ii. Apostasy within the church

iii. Spread of the Gospel

iv. Jewish Upheaval

b. Signs should motivate readiness not prediction.

2. Ready yourself for Christ’s return (24:32–25:46)

a. Why?

i. We live in these tumultuous times.

ii. It will happen imminently.

b. How?

i. Do the Lord’s work rather than living selfishly (45–51)

ii. Have your life and priorities in order (25:1–13)

iii. Use the gifts God has given you to serve for Him (25:14–30)

iv. Support your fellow Christ-followers in need (25:31–46)

Main Idea: Christ followers listen to Christ’s words by devoting themselves to kingdom work.

Application Questions:

· Why are so many believers enamored with reading the signs of the times to predict Christ’s return?

· What is your emotional and cognitive response to the signs Jesus mentions in 24:4–28? Which signs excite you? Which frighten you? What should these signs do in our lives?

· In looking at your life and what it is producing, how would others assess your readiness for Christ’s return? Which individual(s) in the stories Jesus told are you most like?

· How do you need to ready yourself for Christ’s return this week? Which priorities and actions need to change in your life? What are you going to do about it?

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 28:16–20

Theme: Simple Obedience to Jesus’ Commission Passage: Matthew 28:16–20 Jesus’ Great Commission to His Followers: 1. Jesus’ plan comes to followers who ... a. Respond (16), b. Worship (17a), c. Yet, Doubt (17b). 2. Jesus’ plan calls His followers to make disciples of the nations. a. Why? Jesus possesses complete authority over everything (18). b. How? (19–20a) i. Get started (19a). ii. Call people to follow (19b). iii. Teach them to obey Christ’s commands (20a). c. What about ...? Jesus will empower you to the very end (20b). Main Idea: Christ followers make followers of Christ. Application Questions: · As a follower, where are you doubtful or weakest in following Christ? What step can you take this week to begin to address this? · What does it mean that Christ has “been given all authority in heaven and on earth?” How does this impact your life and decision-making? · Is Christ’s plan optional for each of his followers? Why do many Christians not involve themselves in His plan to make disciples? · With the gifts and abilities Christ has given you, how are you helping (how can you help) others follow Christ? If you are not involved helping others follow Christ, what can you do to get started?

November 19, 2023

November 19, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 26:47–57

Passage: Matthew 26:47–57 Theme: Simple Obedience and Violence Realities of Following Christ: · Betrayal · Violence done against Christ · Injustice Command: “Put your sword back in its place”: There is no place for violence in Christ’s Kingdom Community (51). Reasons for Non-Violent Response: 1. Violence destroys the violent (52). 2. Violent response betrays trust in God’s ability to protect (53). 3. Violent retaliation misses God’s greater purposes for His suffering Servants(s) (54). Main Idea: Christ followers should respond to betrayal, violence, and injustice by displaying Christ through their nonviolent actions. Application Questions: · Why is it that even as believers we are drawn toward violence and violent responses when wronged? What might this indicate about violence and us? · Are there occasions when Christians should respond with violence or act violently? Provide NT examples or teaching. · How does the cross bring about justice for the Christ follower as well as the one who rejects Christ? (See 1 Peter 2:18–25) · How should we apply Jesus’ teaching here to believers regarding self-defense and military service? · What are you doing to counter injustice by displaying Christ through loving actions?

November 12, 2023

November 12, 2023 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Matthew 26:31–46

Passage: Matthew 26:31–46 Theme: Simple Obedience and Failure No matter our intestinal fortitude and spiritual resolve, we will fail on our desire to perfectly follow Christ. Why? 1. Distraction from readiness 2. Lack of prayer 3. Weakness of Flesh Good News: 1. God knows this. 2. He sent his Son to experience this and overcome it for us. Commands: Look to Christ’s example: 1. Remain watchful for Christ (38) 2. Persist in prayer (41) 3. Join Jesus in facing the tests God has allowed in your life (46) Main Idea: Christ followers overcome temptation, opposition, suffering, and even their own failures by repeatedly returning to Christ. Application Questions: · What are the ways or areas in which you think of yourself as a spiritual failure as a Christ follower? · Which reason for failure to follow Christ do you struggle with the most? How do you plan with and through the power of the Holy Spirit in you to address this? · How do (or can) you persist in prayer? What steps do you need to take to create a space for prayer in your daily routine? · How can you help create a culture of readiness and prayer with the believers in your life? · The next time you fail or begin thinking that you are failing in your following Christ, what are you going to do to counter those thoughts? What actions are you going to take to return to Christ?