Matthew 20:17-34

Pastor Willie Behrends

Today Jesus teaches that true greatness doesn’t come through status or ambition, but through humility and service.

The way up in God’s kingdom is always down!

Matthew gives us three ‘pictures’ of this truth…

I – The ____________ comes before the _____________! (17-19)

II – Some have_____________, but are______________! (20-28)

III – Some are _________________ but _____________! (29-34)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “What __________________ is God asking me to carry?”

2. “How do I measure _________________________?”

3. “Am I willing to _________ ___________ to Jesus?”

This week’s Life Group Questions are on the back of this sheet →

NEXT WEEK: Hosanna in The Highest! Matthew 21:1-17

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS…

‘Getting to know you…’

What’s the most ‘servant-hearted’ act you’ve ever witnessed someone do for another person? How did seeing that make you feel?

Read Matthew 19:16-30 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001)

As you prepare for this week’s Life Group, 1-Carefully consider what this passage is saying (observation); 2-Ask, ‘who, what, when, where, why & how?’ (interpretation); 3-Consider what it means for us now (application).

Questions…

1. Read verses 17-19. Why do you think Jesus kept reminding His disciples about His suffering and death? What does it mean for us, in our day-to-day lives, that “The cross comes before the crown?”

2. Read verses 20-28. What do you think James and John’s request reveals about their understanding of Jesus’ kingdom, and why did the other disciples get ‘indignant’? In what ways do we demonstrate these same mindsets?

3. In verses 29-34, the blind men cry out for mercy. Why do you think Jesus asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” when it seemed obvious? What does this teach us about prayer and dependence upon Jesus?

GROW…

Since what Jesus is teaching in this passage is so ‘counter-cultural’ and unnatural for most of us, what practical things can we do so that our lives reflect the standards Jesus has set for us? (See also Eph. 5:18, Col. 5:22-23)

GO…

In John 13:1-15 Jesus demonstrated what it means to be a servant by washing the disciples’ feet. What are some practical ways we could ‘pick up the towel’ and serve those in Our Worlds this week?

Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week.

Matthew 20:1-16

Charlie Painter, Executive Director

In today’s passage, Jesus continues to challenge us on our very human feeling of what is “fair”. He tells a parable of some hard working (and not so hardworking) servants, and how the Master’s method of compensation is not what we would think.

I – L______ I______ F______ O______? (1-9)

II – F______ I______ F______ O______! (10-12)

III –The Master’s way is ____________ (13-16)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Am I _____?”

2. “Do I really want what’s _____________?”

3. “How do I feel about the ________ and the ________?”

This week’s Life Group Questions are on the back of this sheet →

NEXT WEEK: True Greatness is the “Upside-Down” Matthew 20:17-34

Charlie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS…

‘Getting to know you…’

Have you ever had a co-worker that was compensated the same as you, but did less work than you? How did that make you feel about them, the work, and your boss?

Read Matthew 20:1-16 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001)

As you prepare for this week’s Life Group, 1-Carefully consider what this passage is saying (observation); 2-Ask, ‘who, what, when, where, why & how?’ (interpretation); 3-Consider what it means for us now (application).

Questions…

1. Read verses 1-9. What hour do you think we are currently in as the 21st century Church? Considering Your World, what hour do you think you are in compared to the people in your life?

2. Read verses 10-12. Deep down, what is the root of their grumbling? In what ways can you see that they are justified in their feelings of unfairness?

3. Read verses 13-16. Are you satisfied with the master’s answer? Why or why not? How does Jesus’ words “the last will be first, and the first last” strike you differently from last week when He was speaking about the rich, young ruler?

GROW…

What attitude change needs to happen in your heart when you feel like you didn’t receive your fair share? How can you practically rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome your feelings with God’s generosity?

GO…

Do you ever grumble about fairness to those in Your World? How can truly accepting the generosity of the Gospel change your attitude towards life in a way that will influence those around you?

Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week.

Matthew 19:16-30

Pastor Willie Behrends

Today we’ll see that it’s possible to be very close to Jesus and still walk away without Him. Don’t settle for “almost.” Following Jesus will cost you, but it’s always worth it!

Our passage today gives us three powerful truths…

I – Sometimes __________________ isn’t enough! (16-22)

II – Salvation can seem _________________________! (23-26)

III – ________________ will lead to life! (27-30)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Am I trusting in my _________________ or in Christ alone?”

2. “Is there anything I won’t ____________________ to Jesus?”

3. “Do I think anyone in ______ __________ is too far gone?”

This week’s Life Group Questions are on the back of this sheet →

NEXT WEEK: HIS Kingdom, HIS Way! Matthew 20:1-16

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS…

‘Getting to know you…’

Have you ever been ‘almost’ successful at something, but missed it at the last step? Describe how that felt?

Read Matthew 19:16-30 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001)

As you prepare for this week’s Life Group, 1-Carefully consider what this passage is saying (observation); 2-Ask, ‘who, what, when, where, why & how?’ (interpretation); 3-Consider what it means for us now (application).

Questions…

1. Read verses 16-22. What is the danger of thinking that eternal life can be earned by our works? What do those in Your World rely on instead of Christ to feel ‘good enough’?

2. Read verses 23-26. Have you ever felt like living faithfully for Christ was ‘just too hard’? Did God meet you in those moments? How? Does v. 26 give you hope? Explain.

3. In verses 27-30, Peter reminds Jesus that they had left everything to follow Him. What have you given up, (such as habits, a job, relationships, priorities, etc.) in order to faithfully follow Jesus?

GROW…

What specifically can you do to remind yourself daily that following Jesus may be difficult, may cost you something, but it always leads to a greater blessing in life? How can our group encourage one another to live with eternity in view, rather than just temporary rewards here and now?

GO…

Is there someone in Your World who seems ‘too far gone’ to be saved? How does this passage encourage you to keep praying for them and looking for opportunities to share the Good News with them?

Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week.

Ephesians 6:10-24

Pastor Willie Behrends

Today, the Apostle Paul calls us to ‘report for duty’ as soldiers of Christ. As we are empowered by His strength, we stand against the enemy, having put on the full armor of God!

What do we need to be ‘battle-ready?’

I – Our _______________________ strength! (10-11)

II – The ___________________ strategy! (12)

III – The ____________________ equipment! (13-17)

IV – The _____________________ assignment! (18-20)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Do I trust in my _________________, or the Lord’s?”

2. “Where do I _______________________ the enemy’s tactics?”

3. “Which piece(s) of ____________ do I most often neglect?”

NEXT WEEK: Just WHO gets into the Kingdom? Matthew 19:16-30

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

Ephesians 6:1-9

Pastor Willie Behrends

Today, Paul continues with the theme of ‘submission.’ (Eph. 5:21.) When the Spirit is in charge, every relationship we have will submit to the REAL boss – Jesus Christ!

Three relationships stand out in today’s passage…

I – Kids: ______________ your new Boss! (1-3)

II – Parents: _____________, don’t _______________! (4)

III – Servants/Masters: You ______________ have a Boss! (5-9)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Where could I show more _____________ in my family?”

2. “Do I reflect Christ’s _________________ with children?”

3. “Do I ____________ in a way that honors the Lord?”

NEXT WEEK: Life is a Battlefield! Ephesians 6:10-24

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

Ephesians 5:21-33

Pastor Willie Behrends

Marriage isn’t man’s invention—it’s God’s equation! Paul shows us that true oneness in marriage is found in God’s design. When we follow His formula, everything ‘adds up!’

Today, God ‘shows His work’…

I – _____________! (21-24)

II – One + ____________! (25-30)

III – One + One = ____________! (31-32)

IV – __________ + ______________ = ________________! (33)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Do I __________ & ______________ in my relationships?”

2. “How do I _______________ Christ’s love for the church?”

3. “How can I pursue ______________ with Christ & others?”

NEXT WEEK: Living RIGHT in Your Worlds! Ephesians 6:1-6

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

Ephesians 5:1-20

Pastor Willie Behrends

God calls us to live differently, shining so others see Him. Life can often feel pretty dark, but when we stay connected to the Spirit, even our small light can make a HUGE difference!

Today, Paul gives us four ways to ‘Glow in The Dark’…

I – Glow by ___________________ in love! (1-2)

II – Don’t let the______________________ dim YOU! (3-6)

III – Shine as ______________________ of light! (7-14)

IV – Glow with ____________ – ____________ wisdom! (15-21)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Is MY light _____________ or __________ right now?”

2. “How am I __________________ my time these days?”

3. “Am I _________________ into the Spirit, or empty?”

NEXT WEEK: Our ‘Marriage’ to Jesus! Ephesians 5:21-33

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

CROSSWINDS CHURCH

MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, and being in agreement with CrossWinds Statement of Faith, Strategies, Goals and Structure, I am now led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the CrossWinds Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following…”

I – I will protect the unity of my church…

§ By striving to love the church practically and sincerely.

§ By acting in love and kindness toward other members.

§ By refusing to gossip about other members.

§ By following the leaders the Holy Spirit has appointed over me.

II – I will share the responsibility of my church…

§ By realizing that I am part of the Body of Christ.

§ By praying for its healing, growth and health.

§ By inviting the un-churched to attend with me.

§ By warmly welcoming strangers who visit.

III – I will serve in the ministry of my church…

§ By understanding that when I serve the body of Christ, I am actually serving Christ Himself.

§ By diligently discovering my gifts and talents.

§ By being equipped to serve.

§ By developing a servant’s (“Can Do!”) heart, tenacity and conscientiousness.

IV – I will support the testimony of my church…

§ By acknowledging that it is a privilege to be a co-worker with Christ.

§ By attending faithfully.

§ By living an open, godly life.

§ By giving of time, talents and financial resources generously and regularly.

Eph 4:17-32

Willie Behrends

I – “WE’RE NOT GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION!”

II – “I’VE CHANGED…AND I CAN’T GO BACK!”

III – I’VE FOUND SOMEONE BETTER!

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “What old MINDSET or HABIT am I holding on to?”

2. “How am I RENEWING my mind?”

3. “Who should I FORGIVE, or LOVE this week?”