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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
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4 days ago
4 days ago
Matthew 27:50-53
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Mark 11:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
FROM THE SERMON
Cherubim - creatures with human heads, animal bodies, and often wings. They were guardians, standing outside of temples and other sacred spaces to serve as a warning.
The Garden
Genesis 3:22 - Humanity in its sinfulness is no threat to God, but a threat to itself and creation.
Genesis 3:24 - The Cherubim guard the entrance to Eden for our own protection.
From the book: The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross
"It is wonderful to live with Him, but because of your sin you can't come in."
The Curtain
The account of building Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3
Garden Iconography in the Temple:
Cherubim - creatures with human heads, animal bodies, and often wings. They were guardians, standing outside of temples and other sacred spaces to serve as a warning.
The Garden
Genesis 3:22 - Humanity in its sinfulness is no threat to God, but a threat to itself and creation.
Genesis 3:24 - The Cherubim guard the entrance to Eden for our own protection.
From the book: The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross
"It is wonderful to live with Him, but because of your sin you can't come in."
The Curtain
The account of building Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3
Garden Iconography in the Temple:
- Carved with trees, flowers, and fruit (1 Kings 6:18, 29)
- Golden lampstand (Menorah) represents a tree (Exodus 25)
- The CURTAIN is covered in Cherubim
Palm Sunday
Mark 11:11 - Jesus visits the temple, remembers the garden, and sees the curtain.
Mark 11:11 - Jesus visits the temple, remembers the garden, and sees the curtain.
Discussion Questions
- Share a time when you or someone you know failed to heed a warning (funny or serious).
- What does the garden narrative in scripture (Genesis 2 and 3) tell us about God's design and intentions for humanity?
- How does the temple (or the tabernacle before it) point back to Eden? (Some examples were shared during the sermon, but there are more ways that weren't discussed as well!)
- Why would God have instructed the creation of the tabernacle and temple in a way that would reference and remind people of the Garden of Eden?
- How do you think Jewish people felt when they saw the curtain covered with Cherubim blocking the way to the Most Holy Place?
- When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the beginning of the week of his death, he went into the temple and looked around (Mark 11:11). What thoughts do you think went through his mind, knowing that his death was soon approaching?
- One way we worship God is by loving and caring for those who bear His image. What are some ways you could join others or your family in doing that this week to prepare to celebrate the resurrection on Easter?
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith and for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” NRSV
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith and for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” NRSV
Discussion Questions
1 Have you ever been offended by the gospel? Which one of these three is more offensive - Jesus is the only way, Jesus died for your sins, Jesus is your King. Is it possible for us to proclaim an offensive message without being offensive?
2 Share with your group some specific ways that you have experienced the explosive power of God in your life. How have you seen His transforming power most at work in your life in the past month?
3 The righteousness of God can be summarized in three ways: God is right. God does what is right. God is making everything right. How do you see the righteousness of God revealed in the faith of Jesus Christ? How have you experienced the righteousness of God in your life of faith?
1 Have you ever been offended by the gospel? Which one of these three is more offensive - Jesus is the only way, Jesus died for your sins, Jesus is your King. Is it possible for us to proclaim an offensive message without being offensive?
2 Share with your group some specific ways that you have experienced the explosive power of God in your life. How have you seen His transforming power most at work in your life in the past month?
3 The righteousness of God can be summarized in three ways: God is right. God does what is right. God is making everything right. How do you see the righteousness of God revealed in the faith of Jesus Christ? How have you experienced the righteousness of God in your life of faith?
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
ACTS 16:25-34
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
FROM THE LESSON
Rome demanded allegiance.
Rome demanded allegiance.
- Matthew 22:15-22
- Matthew 5:41
Philippi was a proud Roman colony.
The Philippian jailer had a deep allegiance to Rome.
3 FACETS OF FAITH
- Belief - intellectual agreement
- Confession - Belief acknowledges Jesus is THE king, Confession says “Jesus is MY king.”
- Allegiance - a shift in loyalty that is lived out
The way for early Christians to clear their name and regain their status in Roman culture was to proclaim “Caesar is Lord” rather than Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Jeremy shared the story of Benedict Arnold. How do you feel about someone who betrays their allegiance?
- Roman allegiance was a powerful force in its time. Do we have any parallels today?
- We looked at 3 facets of faith: Belief, Confession, and Allegiance. What other facets of faith do you see present in scripture?
- What are some other things we might give our ultimate allegiance to rather than Jesus? (examples: ourselves, job, someone we’re in love with, family, etc.)
- What does it look like for you to live out a pledged allegiance to Jesus as your king? What shifts would you like to make?
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
MARK 1:14-15
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
FROM THE LESSON
To be fluent in a language is when you have the ability to speak that language easily and effectively.
Faith is a response to the Gospel, faith is not a part of the core content of the Gospel.
Jesus' most central message, according to these Gospel writers, was that the kingdom of God had drawn near.
When our need for Jesus is met with our submission to Jesus, our lives begin to reflect Jesus to those around us.
To be fluent in a language is when you have the ability to speak that language easily and effectively.
Faith is a response to the Gospel, faith is not a part of the core content of the Gospel.
Jesus' most central message, according to these Gospel writers, was that the kingdom of God had drawn near.
When our need for Jesus is met with our submission to Jesus, our lives begin to reflect Jesus to those around us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 If you had to rate your gospel fluency, how would you rate yourself? Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert.
2 In your experience, what are some things that are commonly withheld or added in relation to the Gospel?
3 What encourages you or challenges you that the central message of Jesus was about the kingdom of God?
4 In your current season of life, what ways are easiest for you to submit to the Kingship of Christ? What is the hardest?
1 If you had to rate your gospel fluency, how would you rate yourself? Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert.
2 In your experience, what are some things that are commonly withheld or added in relation to the Gospel?
3 What encourages you or challenges you that the central message of Jesus was about the kingdom of God?
4 In your current season of life, what ways are easiest for you to submit to the Kingship of Christ? What is the hardest?
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
ROMANS 1:1-6
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
FROM THE LESSON
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
Gospel - it literally means "good news." It translates the Greek word - euangelion - where the prefix eu- means "good" and then angelion means "message." It relates to the Greek word - angelos - meaning "messenger" from which the English word angel is derived.
Characteristics of the Gospel -
1 The priority of the gospel (verse 1)
2 The promise of the gospel (verse 2)
3 The person of the gospel (verses 3-4)
4 The purpose of the gospel (verse 5)
The Full Gospel - "the gospel tells the whole story of Jesus; it's not just a Good Friday story. No matter how central the cross is to the Story, we need to keep in mind that the story is much more than the story of the cross. Jesus didn't just die." Scot McKnight
Faith-Fueled Obedience - The NIV translates it as the "obedience that comes from faith." The ESV translates it as the "obedience of faith." NT Wright translates it as "believing obedience."
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
Gospel - it literally means "good news." It translates the Greek word - euangelion - where the prefix eu- means "good" and then angelion means "message." It relates to the Greek word - angelos - meaning "messenger" from which the English word angel is derived.
Characteristics of the Gospel -
1 The priority of the gospel (verse 1)
2 The promise of the gospel (verse 2)
3 The person of the gospel (verses 3-4)
4 The purpose of the gospel (verse 5)
The Full Gospel - "the gospel tells the whole story of Jesus; it's not just a Good Friday story. No matter how central the cross is to the Story, we need to keep in mind that the story is much more than the story of the cross. Jesus didn't just die." Scot McKnight
Faith-Fueled Obedience - The NIV translates it as the "obedience that comes from faith." The ESV translates it as the "obedience of faith." NT Wright translates it as "believing obedience."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Ice Breaker: What if you had to share the gospel with another person only using one sentence? How would you summarize the gospel in one sentence?
1 When was the last time you had some really good news that you couldn't wait to share with someone else? What was the news? God gives us the honor and joy of being the ones to share His good news with the world. Is there someone in your circle of influence with whom you could share the good news?
2 Have you ever purposefully read the Old Testament through the lens of the gospel? When you do this, you see the promise of the gospel almost on every page. Is there an example of this that comes to your mind?
3 The good news of Jesus is about "the whole career of Christ." We know that the story of the cross is good news, but how is the rest of the story also good news?
4 In verse 5, Paul says the purpose of the gospel is to bring about "believing obedience." Discuss the important connection between faith and obedience.
Ice Breaker: What if you had to share the gospel with another person only using one sentence? How would you summarize the gospel in one sentence?
1 When was the last time you had some really good news that you couldn't wait to share with someone else? What was the news? God gives us the honor and joy of being the ones to share His good news with the world. Is there someone in your circle of influence with whom you could share the good news?
2 Have you ever purposefully read the Old Testament through the lens of the gospel? When you do this, you see the promise of the gospel almost on every page. Is there an example of this that comes to your mind?
3 The good news of Jesus is about "the whole career of Christ." We know that the story of the cross is good news, but how is the rest of the story also good news?
4 In verse 5, Paul says the purpose of the gospel is to bring about "believing obedience." Discuss the important connection between faith and obedience.
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
LUKE 18:1-8
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
FROM THE LESSON
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
The Fatih Question - his question in verse 8 is "not asked for the purpose of speculation but for the purpose of self-examination."
Importance of Faith - "Jesus has more regard for faith than for anything else the earth can yield him." Charles Spurgeon
Misconceptions About Faith:
1 Faith is NOT a leap in the dark
2 Faith is NOT the opposite of works
3 Faith is NOT having a positive mindset
4 Faith is NOT a decision to just believe
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
The Fatih Question - his question in verse 8 is "not asked for the purpose of speculation but for the purpose of self-examination."
Importance of Faith - "Jesus has more regard for faith than for anything else the earth can yield him." Charles Spurgeon
Misconceptions About Faith:
1 Faith is NOT a leap in the dark
2 Faith is NOT the opposite of works
3 Faith is NOT having a positive mindset
4 Faith is NOT a decision to just believe
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Ice Breaker: Do you have a favorite Rocky movie (or a favorite scene) or do you have a Rocky story from your life you could share with your group?
1 Read again Luke 18:1-8. Discuss the widow of this parable as an illustration of the kind of faith that the Son of Man will be looking for upon His return.
2 Would you describe your faith as more of a leap into the unknown or a decision grounded in solid reasoning and substantial proof?
3 Read James 2:26. How has this verse helped you think about the relationship of faith and works?
4 Are you more of a optimist, pessimist, or a realist? What is the difference between having a positive mindset and having faith?
5 Belief has often been reduced to nothing more than mental agreement. Discuss the difference between this kind of belief and the belief of Scripture.
Ice Breaker: Do you have a favorite Rocky movie (or a favorite scene) or do you have a Rocky story from your life you could share with your group?
1 Read again Luke 18:1-8. Discuss the widow of this parable as an illustration of the kind of faith that the Son of Man will be looking for upon His return.
2 Would you describe your faith as more of a leap into the unknown or a decision grounded in solid reasoning and substantial proof?
3 Read James 2:26. How has this verse helped you think about the relationship of faith and works?
4 Are you more of a optimist, pessimist, or a realist? What is the difference between having a positive mindset and having faith?
5 Belief has often been reduced to nothing more than mental agreement. Discuss the difference between this kind of belief and the belief of Scripture.
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
PSALM 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
FROM THE LESSON
Hevel - a Hebrew word literally meaning "vapor, mist, smoke, or breath." It is translated also translated as "meaningless, vanity, futility, and insignificant." My favorite definition is by a Hebrew professor who described it as "what's left after you break a soap bubble." This word is located in verses 5, 6, and 11.
Amusement - a compound word of two main parts - the heart of the word is "muse" which means to ponder, to meditate upon or to think about. The prefix of the word is the negative "a" which means no or not. So, literally, amusement means "to not think."
David's Conclusions About Life and Meaninglessness:
1 Life is too short to have any meaning
2 Life is too swift to have any meaning.
3 The way we live our too short and too swift lives is meaningless.
Max Lucado Quote - "God loves you just the way you are, however, he loves you too much to leave you that way."
Hevel - a Hebrew word literally meaning "vapor, mist, smoke, or breath." It is translated also translated as "meaningless, vanity, futility, and insignificant." My favorite definition is by a Hebrew professor who described it as "what's left after you break a soap bubble." This word is located in verses 5, 6, and 11.
Amusement - a compound word of two main parts - the heart of the word is "muse" which means to ponder, to meditate upon or to think about. The prefix of the word is the negative "a" which means no or not. So, literally, amusement means "to not think."
David's Conclusions About Life and Meaninglessness:
1 Life is too short to have any meaning
2 Life is too swift to have any meaning.
3 The way we live our too short and too swift lives is meaningless.
Max Lucado Quote - "God loves you just the way you are, however, he loves you too much to leave you that way."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ICE BREAKER: What is your favorite form of amusement? What do you do for entertainment? Discuss the connection between amusement and not thinking.
1. Read the first three verses. This is the introduction. David is concerned about talking too soon. He talks to God in prayer before talking to others about what he is thinking. Have you ever struggled with talking too soon? Discuss the principle "pray before you say" with your group.
2. Read verses 4-6. Discuss David's three conclusions about life and meaninglessness in these verses. Which one of the conclusions resonated most with you this morning?
3 Read verses 8-13. Now read the words of Job in Job 7:16-21. Compare the two statements. Can you relate to their sentiments? Attempt to put their thoughts into your own words.
4 Read verse 7. The ESV reads, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." Start living out your hope in Jesus Christ today. Are there any actions you want to take or changes you want to make in your life with Jesus? Is there a neighbor you have talked about inviting to church? Is there a missionary you have always thought about supporting? Have you thought about fasting but have never done it? Start today. Share with your group.
1. Read the first three verses. This is the introduction. David is concerned about talking too soon. He talks to God in prayer before talking to others about what he is thinking. Have you ever struggled with talking too soon? Discuss the principle "pray before you say" with your group.
2. Read verses 4-6. Discuss David's three conclusions about life and meaninglessness in these verses. Which one of the conclusions resonated most with you this morning?
3 Read verses 8-13. Now read the words of Job in Job 7:16-21. Compare the two statements. Can you relate to their sentiments? Attempt to put their thoughts into your own words.
4 Read verse 7. The ESV reads, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." Start living out your hope in Jesus Christ today. Are there any actions you want to take or changes you want to make in your life with Jesus? Is there a neighbor you have talked about inviting to church? Is there a missionary you have always thought about supporting? Have you thought about fasting but have never done it? Start today. Share with your group.