June 29, 2025: The Making of a Resilient Pastor

Guest Preacher: Kelley Johnson

Leviticus 25:1-7; Matthew 11:28-30

The Making of a Resilient Pastor

Kelley Johnson

June 29, 2025

Leviticus 25:1-7; Matthew 11:28-30 

Introduction:

Resilient Ministry Themes:

Leviticus 25:1-4:

Matthew 11:28-30:

Sabbatical Benefits: Pastor:

Sabbatical Benefits: Church:

My Part in the Sabbatical:

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1.   Read Matthew 11:28-30.

2.   What are some of the action verbs we see in this passage?

3.   What do they call us to do? Which apply to the Lord?

4.   Discuss your reaction to this statement: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

5.   What does the phrase “…you will find rest for your souls.” mean and how do we get there?

6.   What does it mean to be “yoked” with Jesus? What would that look like?

7.   What are some things you can do to support your pastor’s Sabbatical? Who do you need to talk to about it?

8.   What’s your biggest takeaway from Matthew 11:28-30

June 22, 2025: Christ the Unshakeable

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Hebrews 12:18-29

Christ the Unshakeable

Mike Giesenhagen

June 8, 2025

Hebrews 12:3-17 

Big Idea:

Divine Discipline…

1.   _______________ Us to ___________________.

2.   ________________ Our ___________________.

3.   Gives a ______________ for Our _________________.

4.   Has a _________________.

5.   __________________ a __________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: When you hear the word “discipline”, what comes to mind? What are examples of discipline?

2.   How does Christ model God’s discipline to us?  How can that encourage us?

3.   What does the author mean in 12:5-8 when he connects fatherly discipline to God’s love for us?

4.   How does God’s discipline affect our understanding of suffering and hardship?

5.   What is the difference between discipline and punishment? What is the purpose of God’s discipline?

6.   What are the benefits of enduring discipline? What are other examples of discipline leading to benefits?

Prayer Project: What part of discipline is most difficult for you?

June 15, 2025 Divine Discipline

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Hebrews 12:3-17

Divine Discipline

Mike Giesenhagen

June 8, 2025

Hebrews 12:3-17 

Big Idea:

Divine Discipline…

1.   _______________ Us to ___________________.

2.   ________________ Our ___________________.

3.   Gives a ______________ for Our _________________.

4.   Has a _________________.

5.   __________________ a __________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: When you hear the word “discipline”, what comes to mind? What are examples of discipline?

2.   How does Christ model God’s discipline to us?  How can that encourage us?

3.   What does the author mean in 12:5-8 when he connects fatherly discipline to God’s love for us?

4.   How does God’s discipline affect our understanding of suffering and hardship?

5.   What is the difference between discipline and punishment? What is the purpose of God’s discipline?

6.   What are the benefits of enduring discipline? What are other examples of discipline leading to benefits?

7.   Prayer Project: What part of discipline is most difficult for you?

June 8, 2025: Eyes on the Prize

Hebrews 12:1-3

Eyes on the Prize

Mike Giesenhagen

June 8, 2025

Hebrews 12:1-3 

Context:

1.   We Are __________________ of _________________.

2.   __________ ____________ All ___________________.

3.   ____________  ________________.

4.   Follow ___________ _____________.

5.   _____________ on _______________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What is the context of Hebrews? Who was it written to? What were their circumstances?

2.   Who are the witnesses in Hebrews 12:1? What are they witnesses of? How does this encourage us?

3.   Prayer Project: What are the possible hindrances in your life that could distract you from pursuing God? What are the sins that are prone to entangle you?

4.   What is the importance of endurance and perseverance in a race? How does this apply to the Christian faith?

5.   What is the path set before us by God? What are the key points in the journey? How has God made your testimony unique?

6.   What has Jesus accomplished for us on the cross?

7.   How is Jesus an example of Christian endurance?

June 1, 2025: Faithful in Every Season

Hebrews 11:17-

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Faith in Every Season

Mike Giesenhagen

June 1, 2025

Hebrews 11:17-40 

Key Verses: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. -Hebrews 11:1-2

God is Faithful…

1.   … In _________________ His __________________.

2.   … In _________________ _____________________.

3.   … in __________________ __________________.

4.   … to _____________________ a ______________.

5.   … in ___________ ________________________.

6.   … Through ____________ _________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   How have you seen God refine you through difficult circumstances? How has he been refining you in recent years?

2.   How does the eternal nature of God affect the way we see our circumstances? How has your love for Christ affected your behavior across generations?

3.   How does God help us through difficult and troublesome times in this life?

4.   How has God provided a way for his people to escape a difficult situation? What examples can you remember in the Bible? How has he helped you in similar ways?

5.   What happens when things don’t go our way? What does that say about God’s faithfulness? What about our faithfulness? What does Hebrews 11:32-38 teach us about the connection between faithfulness and circumstance?

6.   What is the “something better” that the author refers to in Hebrews 11:40?

May 25, 2025: Faith in God's Promises

Hebrews 11:7-16

Faith in God’s Promises

Mike Giesenhagen

May 25,2025

Hebrews 11:7-16 

Key Verses: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. -Hebrews 11:1-2

Faith Believes in God’s Promises…

1.   … Because of __________ _______________________.

2.   … in the Midst of __________________________.

3.   … in the Midst of __________________________.

4.   … When Things __________ _____________________.

5.   … By Knowing _____________ to ______________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: What are the attributes of God that have stood out to you in the past week? How has his character been relevant in your every day life?

2.   Additional Study: Genesis 6-9. The Story of Noah. What were some parts of Noah’s story that would have been particularly challenging?

3.   What does God call Noah to do? Why is he asked to do this?

4.   How is Noah able to accomplish the task set before him?

5.   What attributes of God are apparent in the story of Noah and the flood? What examples do you see?

6.   How does Noah know that he can trust in God’s promises for the rest of his life?

7.   How do we know that we can trust in God’s promises in the midst of our present circumstances?

May 18, 2025: Faith in God's Character

Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith in God’s Character

Mike Giesenhagen

May 18,2025

Hebrews 11:1-6

Key Verses: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. -Hebrews 11:1-2

1.   Faith ________ in ___________ _____________________.

2.   Faith ____________ God __________________________.

3.   Faith _____________ God ________________________.

4.   Faith ______________ in God’s ___________________.

5.   Faith ______________ in God’s ___________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: How would you define “faith”? How would you describe it to a child? How is it described in Hebrews 11:1?

2.   What do we learn about God’s character through the story of creation in Genesis 1-2? What are some attributes that are on discplay?

3.   Additional Study: Genesis 4:1-16. What does the story of Cain and Abel teach us about faithfulness to God? What does it teach us about God’s faithfulness to us?

4.   Enoch was described as “walking faithfully with God”. What examples of this do you see in the Scripture?

5.   What does it mean to “believe in God’s existence”?

6.   What does it mean to believe that God “rewards those who earnestly seek him”?

May 11, 2025: Unswerving Faith

Hebrews 10:19-39

Unswerving Faith

Mike Giesenhagen

May 11,2025

Hebrews 10:19-39 

1.   _________ is Our ____________ ____________________.

2.   We Need ________________________________.

3.   ________ is a Serious __________________...

4.   … That _____________ Must ________________.

5.   ____________ ______________ in ________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Additional Study: What have we learned about Christ in Hebrews 7:1-9:18. What does this tell us about our identity in Christ?

2.   How does our Christian community help us in our faith? How do we encourage and “spur on” one another?

3.   What is the significance of sin in the Christian faith? How does it affect us?

4.   Prayer Project: How might we underestimate the significance of sin in our lives? What are some ways we might undermine the Gospel or the “Spirit of grace”?

5.   What are the verbs applied to the audience in verses 32-39? What behaviors is the author encouraging among the Christian community?

May 4, 2025: Called to be a Disiple - Maker

Matthew 28:16-20

Dan Moose

Called to be a Disciple – maker

Dan Moose

May 4, 2025

Matthew 28:16-20

Thoughts to Ponder

1.   Are you in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

2.   Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?

3.   How intentional are you regarding Christ’s call on your life to be a disciple-maker? Scale 1-5.

4.   What step will you take in the power of the Holy Spirit to become a more effective disciple-maker?

April 27, 2025: Nothing Else Will Do

Hebrews 10: 1-18

Nothing Else Will Do

Mike Giesenhagen

April 27, 2025

Hebrews 10:1-18

1.   Earthly ____________ Cannot Redeem ____________.

2.   Earthly ____________ Cannot Reconcile ___________.

3.   Religious ________ Cannot Replace ______ ________.

4.   Religious _____________ Cannot Replace _________.

5.   Earthly ___________ Cannot Replace _____________.

Discussion Questions

1.   We no longer do animal sacrifices. What might we “sacrifice” instead in order to try to curry favor with God?

2.   What is it that God really wants from us? What did Jesus “purchase” when he died on the cross?

3.   What is the difference between religious obligation and God’s grace? How do grace and works edify us together?

4.   Prayer Project: What is the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us to discern and follow the will of God? (Additional Study: Romans 8, Galatians 5)

5.   What is the difference between godly-righteousness and self-righteousness? How do we know when we have replaced one with the other?

April 20, 2025: Our Eternal Hope

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Mathew 27:32-28:20

Our Eternal Hope

Mike Giesenhagen

April 20, 2025

Matthew 27:32-28:20

Discussion Questions

1.   Why do you think the people wanted to see Jesus crucified?

2.   Which group of people do you see most often in the world? Those who are for Jesus, against him, or indifferent to him?

3.   What does it mean for us that Jesus died on the cross?

4.   What does the Resurrection tell us about God?

5.   Why do you think we see such different responses to the Resurrection? Compare the women to the guards to the chief priests?

6.   How does God try to get the attention of the people at the time of the crucifixion and the Resurrection?

7.   What would it look like to build your life on Jesus, and nothing else?

April 13, 2025: The Blood of the Lamb

Hebrews 9:11-28

The Blood of the Lamb

Mike Giesenhagen

April 13, 2025

Hebrews 9:11-28 

1.   The Blood of Christ ________ ____ ________

2.   The Blood of Christ ________ ____ ________

3.   The Blood of Christ _________ ____________

4.   The Blood of Christ _________ ____________

5.   The Blood of Christ ______________ _______

6.   Christ _____________ ____________________

Discussion Questions

1.   What is the difference between the cleansing of the First Covenant and the cleansing of Christ according to Hebrews 9?

2.   What is a ransom? How does it work? How does Jesus’s death on the cross pay the “ransom” for our sinfulness?

3.   What is the role of a will in an inheritance? When does the estate change hands? What is the significance of Christ’s death related to the inheritance of Christ-followers?

4.   How would you explain forgiveness to another person? How does Jesus’s death on the cross demonstrate his forgiveness for us?

5.   What is the significance of the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ? What encouragement does that bring to us today?

6.   Why won’t Jesus “bear sin” when he returns (9:28)? What will he do instead?

April 6, 2025: "Breaking" the Law

Hebrews 9:1-10

“Breaking” the Law

Mike Giesenhagen

April 6, 2025

Hebrews 9:1-10 

1.      ______________ is __________________.

2.      The First Covenant had _______________.

a.   ____________ _____________ to _________.

b.   It Provided ______________ _____________.

c.   It Provided _______________ ____________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: Have you ever upgraded a significant purchase in your life? What made you move past the first one? What improvements did you see?

2.   Background Study: Read Leviticus 4-7 and 16. What do these passages teach us about the significance and cost of sin in our lives?

3.   Which people had access to God at the tabernacle of the Old Testament? How about the Temple of Jerusalem? How is this different than what we experience in the New Testament?

4.   What does the repetition in the sacrificial system of the First Covenant tell us about the sacrifices and sin?

5.   How would you explain the Old and New Covenants of the Bible? What is the difference?

6.   How has the New Covenant improved upon the system of the Old Covenant?

March 30, 2025: The New Covenant

Hebrews 8

The New Covenant

Mike Giesenhagen

March 30, 2025

Hebrews 8 

1.      Jesus is the __________ _________ ________

2.      The New Covenant is _______________.

a.   It’s Founded on ________ ___________

b.   The Previous Covenant had a ______________.

c.   The New Covenant Depends on _______

d.   The New Covenant is _____________.

e.   The New Covenant is _____________.

3.      _________ _______ _________

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: Have you ever noticed a big difference between something authentic and the knockoff version? What was the example? What were the noticeable differences?

2.   What is the main point the author is making in Hebrews 8:1-2?

3.   According to Hebrews 8, which covenant takes priority? How is the Old Covenant (the Mosaic Covenant) described in this chapter?

4.   What was “wrong” with the previous covenant? What was the weakness? How does this apply to our current situation?

5.   What is the difference in the New Covenant?

6.   How does the New Covenant inform the way we read our Bibles?

March 23, 2025: A Different Kind of Priest

Hebrews 7

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A Different Kind of Priest

Mike Giesenhagen

March 23, 2025

Hebrews 7 

Building Blocks of the Hebrews

Who is Melchizedek?

What does a priest do?

How is Jesus a Unique and Perfect Priest?

Discussion Questions

1.   What would you say are the building blocks of the Christian faith? How do these things help us? How can these building blocks be misused?

2.   How does the author suggest that Melchizedek is greater than Abraham?

3.   How do we know that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek?

4.   What is the significance of Christ being a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek?

5.   What does the author mean in verses 18-20? What is the “former regulation” that was set aside? What is the better hope that has been introduced?

6.   What does the eternal nature of Christ tell us about his ability to serve as our high priest before God? (7:23-25)

7.   What priestly benefit is attributed to Christ’s sinless and holy nature? (7:26-27)

March 16, 2025: The Promise Keeper

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Hebrews 6:13-20, Genesis 12-25, Psalm 105

The Promise Keeper

Mike Giesenhagen

March 16, 2025

Hebrews 6:13-20

1.  God ____________ His _____________...

2.  … According to His _______________

3.  … According to His _______________

4.  … According to His _______________

Discussion Questions

1.   What is the purpose of a promise?

2.   What does God promise Abram in Genesis 12:1-7?

3.   What does Psalm 105 tell us about how God fulfilled his promises to Abram?

4.   Have you ever seen God answer your prayers in unexpected ways? What happened?

5.   Are there prayers and promises that are yet unfilled in your life? How can we encourage one another to wait patiently on the Lord?

6.   Additional Study: Read the story of Abram/Abraham in Genesis 12-25. Note examples of his faithfulness and unfaithfulness. How does Abraham’s apparent inconsistency affect God’s promises to Him?

7.   What is the purpose of an oath? How do we see oaths used today?

8.   What is the purpose of an anchor?

March 9, 2025: Christ's Disciples

Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Christ’s Disciples

Mike Giesenhagen

March 9, 2025

Hebrews 5:11-6:12

1.  ____________ God’s __________________.

2.  Take the ____________ ________________.

3.  Keep _______________ ________________.

4.  ___________ to _______________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What is the difference between milk and meat? What does the mention of an infant add to this imagery?

2.   How can a Christian be fed on spiritual “meat”?

3.   What are some examples of easy to discern issues of “good” and “evil”? What types of things would require more wisdom and nuance?

4.   Prayer Project: What is the next step of faith you feel like God is calling you to take?

5.   Have you ever doubted or reconsidered the Christian faith? What led to those questions? What was helpful in that season?

6.   How can we encourage people to hold onto Christ and his Gospel through difficult times?

7.   What does it mean to persevere? What is a good example of perseverance that you have witnessed? What makes it difficult to continue forward and persevere?

March 2, 2025: The Perfect High Priest

Hebrews 4:12-5:10

The Perfect High Priest

Mike Giesenhagen

March 2, 2025

Hebrews 4:12-5:10

1.  The Word _________ ____________.

2.  Hold ____________ to ____________.

3.  Jesus is the __________ _______ ________.

a. He ______________ _______________.

b. He is _____________ __________.

c. He is _______________ by _________.

d. He is ____________ _______________.

4.  Jesus Brings __________ and __________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Have you heard Hebrews 4:12 before? How have you seen that applied?

2.   What types of things are being divided in 4:12-13? What might be some examples where our outward action does not reflect our inward desires?

3.   Prayer Project: What is an unseen area in your life where God’s Word has something to say? Who in your life could you ask to help in that area?

4.   What is the faith that we cling to in Hebrews 4:14? How would you explain it to others?

5.   Which aspect of Jesus’ High Priesthood is most meaningful to you? Which is most difficult to understand or apply?

6.   What does it mean to “receive mercy” from God? What does it mean to “find grace” in Christ? What part of this do you find encouraging? What part is difficult for you to comprehend or apply?

February 23, 2025: Entering God's Rest

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Hebrews 4:1-11

Numbers 13 & 14

Trusting in Jesus

Mike Giesenhagen

February 23, 2025

Hebrews 4:1-11

1.  Rest is ____________.

2.  Rest is a __________ for the ___________.

3.  Rest is a __________ for _______ ________

a. Rest is _______________ ___________.

b. Rest ≠ _________________.

c. Rest is __________ _______________.

d. Rest is __________-____________.

4.  Finding Rest _______________ _________.

Prayer Project

1.   How do you define “rest”? What does it look like? How does the concept of “rest” make you feel?

2.   What does the Bible say about “rest” and God’s people? (Hebrews 4:1, 11)

3.   How does God provide rest in the future?

4.   How does God provide rest for us today?

5.   Prayer Project: How healthy is your view of rest? Are you prone to overindulge in rest? To ignore it? Do you think it’s good? Do you think it’s possible?

6.   What does it mean to “rest in the Lord”? (Psalm 62)

7.   What kind of rest can we receive from Jesus? (Matthew 11:28-29)

8.   What are the greatest challenges in resting in the Lord?

February 16, 2025: Trusting in Jesus

Hebrews 3; Numbers 13-14

Trusting in Jesus

Mike Giesenhagen

February 16, 2025

Hebrews 3; Numbers 13-14

1.  _______ Your ________ On _____________

2.  _________ is _________ Than ___________

3.  Maintain _______________ in ___________

4.  A Question: __________________________

5.  _____________ in __________ ___________

Prayer Project

1.   Background Study: Read Psalm 95 and Numbers 13-14. Prayerfully consider some questions derived from this passage to examine your trust in God’s provision for you.

2.   Are you trusting in God’s Provision or Our Perception?

3.   Are you trusting in God’s Power or Yours?

4.   Are you overestimating circumstantial threats and underestimating God?

5.   Are you living in fear?

6.   Are you grumbling against others?

7.   Do you have unreasonable expectations?

8.   Do you trust in God’s leaders? Or desire your own?

9.   Do you want to punish other people (who are made in God’s image)?