Sunday Sermons - Entries written by Todd Dugard

Hebrews 12:1-3

When you have a faith that endures,

…you model your life on those who went before you (v1a)

...resolving to “run the race” as they did (v1b-2)

…getting rid of all excess weight

…purging sin from your life

…and setting your sights on the prize

…filling your thoughts with Jesus (v3a)

…because we all “grow weary and fainthearted” at times. (v3b)

SG Curriculum

1.     Who are the witnesses you have in your heritage to follow?

2.     In what ways are the “races set before us” as individuals alike or unique?

3.     In what way can good things (weight) hinder living for Christ?  (vs. 1)

4.     In what ways can sin continue to entangle us? (vs. 1)  What can we do about it?

5.     Read Philippians 2:1-11.  In what specific ways can we carefully consider Jesus’ example in comparison to our own lives?

6.     What are some things that cause weariness or discouragement?  Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  What do we need to keep our eyes on and how do we do that?

Breakout:

1.     What specific weight or sin is holding me back that I need freedom from?  

2.     How can we encourage each other in Jesus this week?

 Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 12:1-3

2.     Philippians 2:1-11

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Faith chooses

Todd Dugard

SG Curriculum

1.     Name two choices you have made (good or bad), that defined your life’s direction and share why you chose that way.
2.     When was the defining moment for you when you chose saving faith? (Romans 10:13)
3.     In what particular area of life is my faith being challenged right now?
4.     What is the greatest challenge to choosing faith I am facing in that area? 
What others will say?             
Material loss?                                                                                                                       
Physical harm?                                                                                                           
An “impossible” situation?
5.     Are my eyes on the reward; or is my vision obscured by fleeting pleasures?                       
Which specific ones do I need to deal with?
6.     Where am I looking for hope?  (Read Hebrews 6:17-20)

Breakout:

1.     What challenge to my faith do I need to ask prayer for?  

2.     How can I help another to take hope this week?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 6:17-20

2.     Hebrews 11:24-26 

• Cut through your emotions and pain (v. 1-5a)
• Challenge the assumptions you've had (v. 5b-7)
• Respond to the growing conviction in your heart (v. 8-10)
• Expect a mixed reaction to your new faith (v. 11-12)

SG Curriculum

1.     What responses have you had to your belief that Jesus is alive?

2.     What is your attitude to witnessing?  Whose job is it to convince?

3.     What role does apologetics play?  (Defending the faith).

4.     Share a time that God cut through your emotions and pain with a reminder of his truth.  (vs. 4-8)

5.     How doubtful am I of God’s conviction?  Do I accept that God is working in me and in others, in our church or community?

6.     Am I willing to accept the reactions of others to my bold faith?

Breakout:

1.     What are some heart assumptions I have that keep me from acting on truth?

2.     What conviction from God is growing in my heart?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures:

1.     Luke 24:46-49

2.     John 11:25-26

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Faith obeys

Todd Dugard

The signs of faith-filled obedience…

no hesitation (v8a)

no objections (v8b, 11-12)

no expectations (v9-10, 13-16)

no fear (v17-19)

SG Curriculum

1.     How has our society moved away from obedience to individualism?

2.     What is the next right thing God wants me to “get under?”

3.     What are my objections to obeying? (vs. 11) (Note the 5 excuses we were given:  Not right now/God’s asking too much/Did God really say that?/God will forgive if I don’t obey/That will be too embarrassing)                                                                Am I using excuses now?   

4.     Read 2 Corinthians 4:7  - How is God’s power being shown in my life now?  What obedience will release it?

5.     Share your expectations of heaven. (vs. 16)

6.     Read Genesis 22:9-14.  What does Abraham’s example tell me to keep my eyes on?

7.     What are some expectations that get in the way of what God really has for us?

Breakout:

1.     What is the next right thing I need to obey God in? 

2.     What are the expectations of my heart about God and this life?  Are they biblical?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 11:13-16

2.      2 Corinthians 4:7

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Faith is...

Todd Dugard

SG Curriculum

1.     How has life been harder than you expected?

2.     Read John 20:24-29. Have I acted on my belief in the unseen by trusting Jesus?

3.     Pastor Todd started by saying, “You can’t run hard if you don’t have faith in Jesus Christ.” -  How important is salvation to living by faith? 

4.     Share your story of walking by faith in a hard time. (vs. 1 “assurance, conviction”)

5.     Read vs. 2.  What am I known for? Whose approval am I craving? (Take some time to share positive traits of faith that you see in each other.)

6.     Is my foundation for living rooted in rationalism or living by faith? 

7.     (Bonus question!)  Without discussing the mechanics of how or when, how important to saving faith is a belief in creation – ex nihilo?

 Breakout:

1.     In what specific area do I need to stop walking by sight and start walking by faith?

2.     In what specific thing do I need to seek God’s approval, and stop seeking man’s approval?   

3.     How can we encourage each other this week to walk by faith?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 6:19

2.     John 20:26-29 

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Without Wavering

Todd Dugard

Faith in Christ fills you with an unwavering confidence…

…that rests on all that he has done for you (v19-21)

…allowing you to draw near without reservation having (v22)

                  …a sincere heart

                  …a clean conscience

                  …and evidence of purity

…calling on you to have a firm grip on your profession of faith in him (v23)

…and compelling you to stir it up in one another to (v24-25)

                  …worship Christ together

                  …walk with Christ together

      …work for Christ together                 

SG Curriculum

1.     What is something you have unwavering confidence in?

2.     What does it mean to “enter the holy places?” (vs. 19)

3.     How can I attain sincerity of heart, a clean conscience, or evidence of a pure life?  (vs. 22)  Read Hebrews 9:13-14.

4.     Share how you have attained a firm grasp on your salvation experience. (vs. 23)

5.     Read verse 24.  Spend some time considering how to practically stir up each other! (Provoke, irritate, stimulate to change – to love and good works).

6.     Who are some specific people you can encourage this week?

 Breakout:

1.     In what area am I wavering, and need encouragement from this group?  (vs. 23) 

2.     What specific commitment do I need to make in the 16-week pledge?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 10:19-22

2.     James 5:16 

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Hold Fast - Jesus: The Promised Eternal Inheritance

Todd Dugard

Do you anticipate being in the will? (v15-17)

Have you thought about what needs to happen to receive your inheritance? (v18-22)

Are you enjoying what God has given to you? (v23-28)

                                    Jesus speaking for you (v24)

                                    Jesus freeing you (v25-26a)

                                    Jesus forgiving you (v26b-28a)

                                    Jesus coming for you (v28b)

Small Group Questions

     1.    What are some things you’re eagerly waiting for in this life (spring, vacation, marriage, kids, inheritance, retirement, etc)?  Why do we get so excited about these things?

2.   Read Hebrews 9:15-17.  What does it say about the inheritance we’re getting from Christ?  Are you certain that you’re in the will?  How can you be 100% sure?  Does the “promised, eternal inheritance” that’s coming to you excite you?  Why or why not?  If not, how can you grow in your excitement/passion for your inheritance in Christ?

3.   Read Hebrews 9:18-22.  What does it mean that blood had to be shed?  As you think about what was necessary for atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system, how does that effect your appreciation for what Christ did for you?

4.   Read Hebrews 9:23-28.  Our inheritance will be fully revealed and enjoyed in heaven.  Todd mentioned, though, that there are aspects of our inheritance that we get to enjoy now: Jesus speaks for me (v.24), Jesus frees me (v.25-26a), Jesus forgives me (v.26b-28a), and Jesus is coming for me (v.28b).  Are there any of these that you’re not enjoying right now?  What does that say about how Satan might be messing with you?  How can you get to the place where you are fully enjoying the inheritance in Christ that you do have this side of eternity?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 9:15

2.     Hebrews 9:28 

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Hold Fast - Jesus: Much More Excellent

Todd Dugard

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Hold Fast - Jesus: King of righteousness; King of peace

Todd Dugard

    Don't look for it in keeping but in giving (v1-2a)

    Don't look for it in moral living but in his righteousness (v2b)

    Don't look for it in striving but in his peace (v2c)

    Don't look for it in the temporal but in the eternal (v3)

    Don't look for it in self-exaltation but in humility (v4-7)

    Don't look for it in religion but in a Spirit-filled, life-giving relationship (v8-10)

SG Curriculum

1.    How does typology work?  What are some examples?  What are some parallels between Jesus and   Melchizedek?

2.     Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.  Is money an accurate test of our hearts?

3.     How can we give our best to Jesus in every area?  (vs. 2)  

4.     Read Ps. 85:10b.  Share some personal experiences of righteousness and peace through Jesus. (vs. 2)

5.     Have you done the audit?  What counts eternally?

6.     What does a Spirit-filled, life-giving relationship look like? 

Breakout:

1.     Do I need to increase my giving to Jesus?  (vs. 2) In what areas can I give my best? 

2.     How does being authentic before God, transparent with each other and vulnerable, develop life-giving relationships?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 7:2-3

2.     2 Corinthians 9:6-11 

Christmas Sunday

When they saw it
Luke 2:8-20
Todd Dugard

What changes with the arrival of Jesus? Hopefully you!

Q1. Will you break out of the mundane and ordinary? (v8)

Q2. Will you admit fear in the face of the divine? (v9)

Q3. Will you listen intently to the good news? (v10-11)

Q4. Will you watch for signs of genuine faith? (v12-14)

Q5. Will you believe? (v15-16)

Q6. Will you tell others? (v17-19)

Q7. Will you worship him? (v20)

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Hold Fast:  Solid food is for the mature
Hebrews 5:11-14
Todd Dugard

1.     How are you doing with the memory project?  Can you quote the passage?

2.     When and how does the reality of being immature show up?

3.     What are some basic principles of God’s Word that I need to have nailed down and move beyond?  (vs. 12)  

4.     Share specific ways you are digging in.  (4 ways)  (vs.13-14)

5.     Read John 6:35.  What is the goal of being in God’s Word?

6.     What are some tools you have used to grow?

Breakout:

1.     What specific action do I need to take now with God’s Word to grow mature?   

2.     How can we help each other to think Christianly and choose righteously?

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 5:14

2.      2 Timothy 2:15

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Hold Fast:  "Draw near to the throne"
Hebrews 4:14-16
Todd Dugard

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Listen Up:  "There remains a Sabbath rest"
Hebrews 4:1-10
Todd Dugard

I received the promise of rest,

…because I feared that I would be eternally seeking and failing to find it (v1)

…so I listened and believed—in contrast to those who heard but disobeyed (v2-6)

…accepting the promise without delay (v7)

…though its fulfillment is beyond this life (v8-10)

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Listen Up:  "Moses is great and all, but..."
Hebrews 3:1-6
Todd Dugard

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Listen Up:  "Lest we drift"
Hebrews 2:1-4
Todd Dugard

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Listen Up:  "He Has Spoken"
Hebrews 1:1-3
Todd Dugard

If God has spoken—and he has—I need to hear…

…about the many ways he speaks

§  through the spoken and written word (v1) 

§  through his Son, Jesus Christ (v2a)

§  through creation (v2b)

…and embrace the only message he proclaims: Jesus Christ, who… (v3)

§  is heir of all things (he provides for me)                 

§  created the world (he can be trusted)

§  is the radiance of the glory God (he gives me purpose)

§  is the exact imprint of his nature (he shows me how to be holy)

§  upholds the universe (he cares for me)

§  made purification for sins (he cleansed me)

§  sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (he is in control)

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

God is Forever Faithful in the Face of my Failure
Esther
Todd Dugard

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

God is Forever Faithful in the Face of my Failure
Esther
Todd Dugard

Am I facing any of these failures?

The foolishness of over-indulgence - King Ahasuerus (1:1)

The pursuit of comfort and what's-best-for-me - Mordecai (2:5)

The crisis of love and identity - Esther (2:7)

The bitterness of rage that flows from unforgiveness - Haman the Agagite (3:1)

The consequences of past choices - The Jews (3:13)

Or do I realize that GOD is forever faithful in the face of these failures!

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

Love Celebrates
Nehemiah 12:27-47
Todd Dugard

I am celebrating all that God is doing in a way that is...

...grounded theologically (v. 27a, 30)

...expressed exuberantly (v. 27b-29, 43a)

...experienced communally (v. 31-39, 46-47)

...focused doxologically (v. 40-43b)

...noticed externally (v. 43c)

...changing me powerfully (v. 44-45)

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

Love Commits
Nehemiah 10:1-12:26
Todd Dugard

I have made “a firm covenant” with Christ and his church, and I am seeking to live that out in every way possible.

I’ve declared my intentions publicly (9:38-10:27)

I’ve understood my obligations completely (10:28-39)

                  Under the Word (10:28-29)

                  Distinct from the world (10:30-31)

                  Giving my best (10:32-39)

I’ve sacrificed my will unreservedly (11:1-12:26)

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

Love Submits
Nehemiah 8
Todd Dugard

He Gave His Life, He Gave Us Life

He Gave Us Life
Psalm 1
Todd Dugard

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

Love Overcomes All Things: When external challenges threaten your progress
Nehemiah 4
Todd Dugard

• Driven by emotion (v. 1, 7b)
• Abandoning reason (V. 2-3)
• Fueled by self-interest (v. 7a)
• Resorting to a mob-mentality (v. 8)

• Admitting the emotion (v. 4a, 10-13)
• Rehearsing the truth (v. 4b-5, 14)
• Focusing on the Lord (v. 9, 15)
• Rallying with God's people (v. 6, 16-23)

• Trouble and persecution are guaranteed for the followers of Christ - Matthew 5:11; John 16:33; John 15:20
• The gospel message is foolishness and a threat to those in whom the spirit is not working – 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:8
• The hatred and opposition is directed at the Lord and his Word first - John 15:18
• God will execute justice. Our task is to love our enemies - Matthew 5:43; Romans 12:19
• Christ has overcome the world and will give us grace when we need it - John 16:33;  Matt 10:19
• God loves us and is for us – Romans 8:31, 35
• Something amazing awaits us on the other side of eternity – Romans 8:18

Not Going Back - Love Unleashed

Love Sees the Failure and Takes Responsibility
Nehemiah
Todd Dugard

Not Going Back - Worship Rises

"Our guilt has mounted up to the heavens": Confronting the hindrances to worship
Ezra 9-10
Todd Dugard

• grieving (v. 6)
• revealing (v. 7)
• remembering (v. 8-9
• agreeing (v. 10-12)
• accepting (v. 13-15)

Not Going Back - Worship Rises

"The Lord Had Made Them Joyful": Realizing the blessing of simple obedience
Ezra 6:13-22
Pastor Todd Dugard

• God desires to give us joy!                                                                                               
• God is greater than any opposition or circumstance!                                               
• God is willing to help us relearn faithfulness!                                               

Not Going Back - Worship Rises

"Frustrate their purpose": Expecting opposition to faith and worship
Ezra 4
Todd Dugard

Not Going Back - Worship Rises

"Build Him a House": Establishing the Priority of Worship
Ezra 1-2
Pastor Todd Dugard

• “Whazz’up?” (v.6)
• “Atta boy!” (v.7-8)
• “I’m praying for you.” (v.9-10a)
• “How can I help?” (v. 10b)
• “It’s all about him” (v.11-12)