September 27, 2026: Pruning the Branches

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen is preaching from John 15:1-17

Pruning the Branches

Mike Giesenhagen

September 27, 2026

John 15:1-17

 1.   We Must _________________ in _________________.

 2.   The Best _______________ ______________ __________.

 3.   ________________ Promotes ____________ ___________

 4.   We Must ______________ the _______________ to_________________ Us.

 A.  The ______________ Has _____________ __________.

 B.   Good _______________ ______________ __________.

 C.  The ___________ of _____________ ____________ Us.

 Discussion Questions

 1.   What (if anything) is the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge? How do we develop one or the other?

2.   What does it mean to “abide” or “remain” in Christ? Why does John 15 emphasize this so much?

3.   What is the significance of our role as “branches”, rather than being the “vine” or the “fruit”? What role do branches play?

4.   What does Christian fruit look like? What purpose does fruit serve?

5.   Which of the pruning goals stood out to you? Are there any areas of your life where you think the LORD may need to prune some branches?

6. Prayer Project: How open and vulnerable do you consider your relationship with God? Are there areas of your life that you try to hide from Him? What makes it hard to go there?

7.   Who do you have in your life that you would allow to challenge you spiritually?

September 20, 2026: Willing to Try

The Life of Peter

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Willing to Try

Mike Giesenhagen

September 20, 2026

The Life of Peter

1.   We Need to _______________ ___________________.

2.   We Need to _____________ in the ________________.

3.   We Need to ____________ _______________________.

4.   Our ______________ ____________ and _____________.

Discussion Questions

 1.   Ice Breaker: How would you describe a mature Christian? What characteristics would one find in them?

2.   How does someone become a mature Christian?

3.   What role does humility play in our spiritual formation? Why is important to remember our starting point in the faith?

4.   How does God’s model for developing disciples differ from the way we develop people today?

5.   How has God worked through you in surprising ways in the past? Are there any ways you have been curious about growing in your faith?

6.  Has God’s ministry in your life changed over the years? If so, how?

September 13, 2026: Growing in the Gospel

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen is preaching from Acts 2:42-47

Growing in the Gospel

Mike Giesenhagen

September 13, 2026

Acts 2:42-47

1.   Devoted to _____________ _____________________.

2.   Devoted to _____________ _____________________.

3.   Devoted to _____________ _____________________.

4.   Devoted to ___________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Additional Study: Acts 2:1-41. What is taking place here? What is the main point of Peter’s teaching in this chapter?

2.   How do the Scriptures shape our Christian growth? What are some of the benefits of reading God’s Word? What makes it difficult for you?

3.   How are Christians supposed to behave toward one another? What Scriptures come to mind that describe our relationship to each other?

4.   What is the significance of “breaking bread” together? What does this represent? How often do you break bread with your Christian brothers and sisters?

5.   What does your prayer life look like? How often do you pray? Are your prayers spontaneous or scripted? What does prayer look like in the community of God’s people?

September 6, 2026: Grounded in the Gospel

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

1 Corinthians 15

Equipping His People

Mike Giesenhagen

September 6, 2026

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1.   We __________________ the _____________________.

2.   The _________________ is Our _____________________.

3.   The ______________ is _____________ in ____________.

4.   ______________ ______________ for Our ____________.

5.   The _________________ Brings _________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What does it mean that we “receive” the Gospel?

2.   How do we build our lives on the Gospel? What are the important features of the Gospel that make this worthwhile?

3.   How would you describe/explain Jesus to someone who knows nothing about Him?

4.   What is the significance of Christ’s death on the cross? What does that teach us about Him? What does it say about us?

5.   Why is the Resurrection so important? How does 1 Cor 15:12-34 explain the importance of the Resurrection?

August 30, 2026: Who God Is vs Who I Think He is

Tyler Heerdt is preaching

Who God Is vs Who I Think He Is.

Tyler Heerdt

August 30, 2026

Discussion Questions

1.   What insight, principle or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye opening or difficult? Explain.

August 23, 2026: Equipping His People

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen is preaching from Ephesians 4:11-16

Equipping His People

Mike Giesenhagen

August 23, 2026

Ephesians 4:11-16

1.   ___________ Has Called _____________ of __________.

2.   We Need to ______________ _____________________.

3.   It’s Not a ______________________________.

4.   It’s a __________________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What is the emphasis from the text in Ephesians 4:1-6? What is Paul emphasizing for the Church?

2.   What are some of the ways that the Church is instructed to grow and encourage one another in 4:7-16?

3.   How would you describe a mature Christian?

4.   What does Christian growth look like? How do we grow within the community of the Church? In other words, how does a Christian become “mature”?

August 9, 2026: All in the Family

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen is preaching on Romans 16

All in the Family

Mike Giesenhagen

August 9, 2026

Romans 16

1.   ____________ Your Christian _________________.

2.   ___________ Brings Us ____________________. 

3.   Prioritize _______________ Over ________________.

4.   ____________ _____________ in the _______________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: Have you ever made deep connections with fellow Christians in a short period of time? Who is it? What were the circumstances?

2.   What can we learn from the listed greetings in Romans 16? What does this teach us about the body of Christ in the Church?

3.   What are examples of divisions and obstacles that have been seen in the universal Church? What do these stumbling blocks look like?

4.   What are some ways that people could serve their own appetites instead of the Lord Jesus Christ?

5.   Additional Study: How do you think Paul would explain “my gospel” to someone else? Consider his teachings in Romans 1-11, 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Timothy 2:8, etc. What would he emphasize? How would you explain it in a paragraph? How about in a sentence?

August 2, 2026: The Call

Pastor Mike is preaching from Romans 15:14-33

The Call

Mike Giesenhagen

August 2, 2026

Romans 15:14-33

Context:

1.   God Can Show Us __________________.

2.   God Can Show Us __________________. 

3.   God Can Show Us __________________.

4.   God Can Show Us __________________.

5.   God Can Show Us __________________.

6.   God Has Told Us ___________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Additional Study: What examples does the Bible show of people who are called to a specific people or place? What happened? Are there any examples that are less specific?

2.   How do spiritual gifts impact the callings that we receive from God?

3.   Can you think of any biblical examples of people who served God in different ways at different times in their life? What can we learn from this?

4.   What are some of the different ways God calls his people in the Scriptures? What can this teach us about how he might call his people today?

5.   What is the purpose of God calling His people to serve? Why is it important for us to heed His call?

 

July 26, 2026: Together in Christ

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen is preaching from Romans 15: 1-13

Together in Christ

Mike Giesenhagen

July 26, 2026

Romans 15:1-13

1.   The __________________ Endure ___________________.

2.   _____________________ One Another

a.  The _____________ of _____________ is

_________________________.

b.  Proper _______________ Provides ____________.

3.   __________ Gives ______________ and _____________.

4.   _______________ Brings Us _____________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What does it mean to “bear with” or “endure” the failings of others? In what contexts do we see this happen in our lives?

2.   How does Jesus model the mindset of selflessness? How can we emulate his character with others?

3.   Additional Study: Psalm 69. This is a Psalm of Lament. Where would you say the tone changes? How is the mindset of the author different before the turning point vs afterward? Where is his focus?

4.   What are some Old Testament examples of God’s faithfulness? Are there any examples where his promises took longer than expected? What can we learn from these examples?

5.   What is the significance of God bringing the Jews and Gentiles together in Christ? Why would this be such a significant testimony in the city of Rome?

 

 

July 19, 2026: Stumbling Stones

Pastor Mike is preaching from Romans 14:13-23

Stumbling Stones

Mike Giesenhagen

July 19, 2026

Romans 14:13-23

1.   ______________ Your ____________________.

a.  Allow __________ for ___________ to _________.

b.  Don’t _____________ Your ________________.

c.  Promote ___________ and __________________.

d.  “____________ ____________” à ______________

2.   Love ____________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Prayer Project: Why do we often focus on the behavior of others rather than ourselves? What drives this behavior?

2.   What do you make of Paul’s emphatic language in Romans 14:14? “I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.” What do we do with that?

3.   What are some examples of behaviors that may cause other people around us to stumble?

4.   How should we pursue peace and edification in the face of disagreements? What would that look like?

5.   What is the difference between THE “stumbling stone” (Jesus) and the “stumbling blocks” we put in place for others?

6.   When you are wrestling with an issue or an idea, what is your first response? Where do you turn to?

 

July 12, 2026: Disputable Matters

Pastor Mike Geisenhagen

Romans 14: 1-12

Disputable Matters

Mike Giesenhagen

July 12, 2026

Romans 14:1-12

1.   _________________ is Not ______________________.

2.   Disputable Matters Must Not ___________________.

Historical Notes:

3.   We ________________ to the ________________.

4.   Exercise ____________ When Exercising ___________.

5.   ______________ is Our _______________ ____________.

Discussion Questions

1.   What is the difference between unity and uniformity? Is it possible to have one without the other? Which one does Paul write about in Romans?

2.   What is the purpose of spiritual triage (the bullseye)? How does this help us to focus on the things that are most important to our faith?

3.   What is the significance of the issues that Paul addresses in Romans 14? Why were these issues picked? What historical context helps us understand these issues better?

4.   How does Paul classify such issues as food laws and Sabbath in this passage? If Paul were to write Romans 14 to Christians in our culture today, what issues do you think he would bring up? Are there any issues he would want to address in your heart?

5.   How do the concepts of God’s judgment and our judgment interact? What are the implications of Paul’s assertions that we should not judge each other, but we will give an account to God?

 

July 5, 2026: Romans 13;18-14

Tyler Heerdt is preaching from Romans

Tyler Heerdt

July 5, 2026

Romans 13:8-14

Discussion Questions

  1. Should we only show kindness to those who show kindness to us?

  2. Why do we owe others love (willing acts of kindness, sometimes at our own expense)?

  3. How are loving others and serving God related?

  4. Is there anyone in our lives that we serve reluctantly?

  5. What areas of our walk with God (prayer, loving others, resisting certain sins, etc.) are we most prone to be “asleep” in?

  6. What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, and how does that help us avoid gratifying our flesh (giving into sin)?

 

 

 

June 28, 2026: God's Sovereign Authority

Paster Mike is preaching from Romans 13:1-7

God’s Sovereign Authority

Mike Giesenhagen

June 28, 2026

Romans 13:1-7

1.   __________ is ________________ over _______________.

2.   We _____________ to __________ __________________.

3.   ___________________ are part of _________ ________.

4.   Give _____________________ Their __________.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is your general disposition toward authority? Are there certain types of authority that are easier or harder for you? Why?

  2. What does it mean when Paul writes “The authorities that exist have been established by God.”?

  3. What might cause us to be tempted to rebel against authority in our lives? Are there any righteous reasons to defy authority? What would that look like?

  4. Additional Study: Read Daniel 1-7. Daniel and his friends were in a foreign, pagan land. How did they work with the authority over them? When did they take a different route? What happened?

  5. Is there a specific authority in your life that is difficult for you to work with? Why is it hard for you to submit to that authority?

  6. Prayer Project: Are there any authorities you have been rebelling against unjustly? Ask God to help you reconcile those relationships.

 

June 21, 2026: Love When It's Difficult

Romans 12:9-21

Love When It’s Difficult

Mike Giesenhagen

June 21, 2026

Romans 12:9-21

 Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

Be devoted to one another in love. 

Honor one another above yourselves. 

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. 

Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Discussion Questions 

  1. Which of these instructions comes most naturally to you? Which would you say is already a part of your life?

  2. Which of these instructions struck you as something to consider more carefully? Are there any words that you have not given the proper credence to? Perhaps “glossing over” it more casually than desired?

  3. Which of these instructions has obvious merit, but is difficult for you to put into practice? Why? What obstacles stand in the way?

  4. Which of these instructions is most difficult for you to receive, agree with, or implement? Why?

  5. Why does this passage highlight God’s sovereign wrath (12:19)? How is this important in the context of humanity?

  6. Which of these instructions will you ask God to help you with this week?

  

June 14, 2026: God's Gracious Gifts

Paster Mike is preaching from Romans 12:3-8

God’s Gracious Gifts

Mike Giesenhagen

June 14, 2026

Romans 12:3-8

 1.   _______________ _________________ Us

  A.  Grace Comes from ____________.

 B.   Grace Includes ____________ _______________.

  C.  Grace Includes the ___________ of __________.

 2.   ______________ in Spiritual Gifts is _________________.

 3.   Spiritual Gifts are for the ____________ ____________.

 Discussion Questions

  1. Why does Paul emphasize the grace given to him in Romans 12:3?

  2. What is the source of our unity and our hope within the Church?

  3. What is the importance of “sober judgment”? What impact would this have on the unity of the church?

  4. Prayer Project: Are you more inclined to think too highly of yourself? Or too lowly?

  5. What are the implications of the spiritual gift of faith? What does this imply about our relationship with other Christians?

  6. Partner Project: Find someone who you trust. Ask them how they have seen God work in you. What gifts have they seen in you?

  7. Additional Study: Read 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. According to these texts, what is the purpose of spiritual gifts?

June: 7, 2026: A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

A Living Sacrifice

Mike Giesenhagen

June 7, 2026

Romans 12:1-2 

1.   The ________________ is Our _____________________. 

2.   __________________ Involves ______________________. 

3.   Be _______________________ in Your _______________. 

4.   Pursue ________________ _____________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are the “mercies” that Paul references in Romans 12:1? What has been demonstrated in Romans to this point?

  2. What is the significance of the term “brothers and sisters” in verse 1?

  3. What does Paul mean by a “living sacrifice”? What would this look like in our daily lives?

  4. Have you ever broken a habit? What prompted the change? How easy/difficult was it? How long did it take?

  5. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind? Who does the transforming?

  6. What is the importance of discerning God’s will?  What is the significance of this discernment in the context of the Roman church?

May 31, 2026: Grafted Branches

Paster Mike is Preaching from Romans 11:11-36

Grafted Branches

Mike Giesenhagen

May 31, 2026

Romans 11:11-36

1.   _____________ has a _________________.

2.   ___________________ God’s ___________________.

3.   Don’t Be ________________________; ______________!

4.   Never _________________ ________________.

5.   God’s ________________ is ______________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever seen God work in unexpected ways in your life? What is an example you could share with a friend?

  2. Has God’s plan and your preference ever been out of sync? How did they differ? What ended up happening?

  3. What is the significance of the Olive tree in Romans 11:17-24? Why are branches broken off in this passage? What is the warning to God’s people today?

  4. What is the significance of the examples of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, along with the hardening “in part” of Israel? What encouragement can we take from these examples?

  5. How would you explain 11:28 to a friend? “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs.”?

  6. What role does the doxology (11:33-36) play in this passage?

 

May 24, 2026: The Remnant of Grace

Paster Mike is Preaching from Romans 10:16-11:10

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The Remnant of Grace

Mike Giesenhagen

May 24, 2026

Romans 10:16-11:10

1.   _____________ Comes by ____________________.

2.   ______________________ Comes through ___________.

3.   _______________________ Comes by _______________.

4.   _____________ the ____________ of the ____________.

Discussion Questions

  1. Context: Read Romans 9-11. What is the recurring lament that Paul has been emphasizing in these chapters? (e.g. Romans 10:1)

  2. Additional Study: How does Psalm 19 demonstrate the spread of God’s message to the world? What are the two ways his Will is made known in this Psalm?

  3. What did Israel misunderstand in 10:19-20? What is the difference between the people in verse 20 and 21?

  4. Key Verse: How would you interpret and explain Romans 11:6 to a friend? “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”

  5. Who has God placed in your life that would benefit from receiving the Gospel of Christ? How can you share with them the message concerning Christ (10:17)?

May 17, 2026: Go With the Gospel

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Romans 10:1-17

Go With the Gospel

Mike Giesenhagen

May 17, 2026

Romans 10:1-17

1.   __________ Righteousness is _________ Righteousness

A.  Christ _____________ the _________ for His People.

B.   Following the ____________ is __________________.

C.  We Cannot ________________ ________________.

2.   _____________ in the ________________ of _________.

3.   ____________ with the ______________________.

Discussion Questions

  1. How would you interpret or explain Romans 10:3 “Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness”?

  2. Romans 10:5 says the person who follows the Law will live. Is it possible to follow the Old Testament perfectly today? Why or why not?

  3. Why is it important to confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”? What does this teach us about our faith?

  4. What does it mean to “believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead”? What does this teach us about our faith?

  5. According to Romans 10:9-13, what is the basis for salvation according to the Christian faith?

  6. What is the expected response to the Gospel described by Paul in Romans 10:14-17?