March 15, 2026 - New Life in Christ

Romans 6:1-14

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

New Life in Christ

Mike Giesenhagen

March 15, 2026

Romans 6:1-14

1.   We Have ________________ to _________________.

a.  Sin is __________________________.

b.  Sin is __________________________.

c.  Sin is __________________________.

2.   We Have __________ ____________ in ______________.

3.   Be _______________________ in _________________.

4.   Follow ______________ ______________ ___________.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Paul describe the nature of sin in this passage? Consider 6:2, 6, and 12 in particular.

2. What does it mean to be “dead to sin”?

3. What are some of the obstacles that make it difficult for people to turn from sin?

4. What does the imagery of “death” signify in this passage? What does “joining” in Christ’s death have to do with the power of sin?

5. What is the significance of the sign of baptism, as written in Romans 6:3-4? Why does Paul include the sign of baptism in this passage?

6. Additional Study: Galatians 5:13-26. Compare the extended passage from Galatians 5 with Romans 6:13. With these verses in mind, what does it look like to “not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life”?

March 8, 2026 - The New Adam

Romans 5:12-21

The New Adam

Mike Giesenhagen

March 8, 2026

Romans 5:12-21

1.   Sin is _________________ ______________________.

a.  Sin is __________________ ___________________.

b.  Sin is _________________ ____________________.

c.  ________________ is a ___________ of ________.

2.   God’s Grace _________________ Over_____________.

3.   ________________ is ________________ for __________.

4.   The _____________ Shows Our _______________,

_______________ _______________ Over ____________.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the evidence that sin has affected all humanity? What sign has been given according to 5:12?

2. Additional Study: read Genesis 3. What are some of the other consequences of sin mentioned in Genesis 3?

3. What is the difference between the entity of sin and the practice of it? Which type of sin is addressed in this passage? Which is addressed by the Gospel?

4. What are three ways that Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus in 5:15-17? How do we know that Christ is superior in each comparison?

5. 5:18-19 show that sin has spread to all humanity through natural means. How, then, can Christ’s righteousness spread to all people?

6. In 5:20, Paul writes, “where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” Does this give us reason to sin freely? If not, what does it mean?

March 1, 2026 - Was, Is and Is to Come

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Romans 5:1-11

Was, Is, and Is to Come

Mike Giesenhagen

March 1, 2026

Romans 5:1-11

1.   Christ is our ______________ ______________________.

2.   We Have ______________ to _______ ______________.

3.   We Are ____________ with God’s ______________ ________________.

4.   We Can _____________ in __________ ______________.

5.   We _______________ in ____________ _______________.

Discussion Questions

1. This passage emphasizes the security Christians have in justification. What are the words used in 5:6-8 to describe Christians before justification takes place? What do these mean?

2. What are the benefits of justification described in Romans 5:1-11? Which of these benefits are already accessible? Which will come in the future?

3. Additional Study: Leviticus 16. In Leviticus 16, God describes the process that must take place on the Day of Atonement. How is this different from what we see in Romans 5:1-2?

4. What is the role of the Holy Spirit as described in Romans 5:5? What is His purpose in the life of the believer?

5. Additional Study: James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7. These are 3 NT passages that describe the process of developing endurance through suffering. How have you seen suffering produce benefit in your life or the world around you?

6. This passage describes hope and reconciliation. How would you define reconciliation with God based on this passage? What does it mean? What are the benefits?

February 22, 2026 - Faith and Righteousness

Romans 4

Faith and Righteousness

Mike Giesenhagen

February 22, 2026

Romans 4

1.   Faith ________________ ___________________.

2.   Faith _________________ __________________.

3.   Faith ________________ the ______________.

4.   Faith ________________ the ______________.

5.   Faith ________________ the ______________.

6.   Follow _______________ _________________.

A.  _________________ in ________________.

B.   _________________ in ________________,

C.  _________________ ______________ Righteousness. 

Discussion Questions

1. Additional Study: Read Genesis 15 (or 11-25 for the whole story). What did Abram believe that Paul is referring to in Romans 4?

2. What does the phrase “credited as righteousness mean”? How would you explain that to a friend?

3. What are the blessings received through God’s righteousness in Jesus Christ?

4. What is the importance of the timing of when Abraham was “credited” with righteousness? Why does Paul emphasize that this took place prior to circumcision?

5. Why would the promise that comes by faith be more trustworthy than the promise of the Law? How can Paul argue that it is “guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring”?

6. Prayer Project: How can we learn from the example of Abraham that Paul uses in Romans 4:18-25? Which part of the process is most difficult for you?

February 15, 2026 - The Glorious Gospel

Romans 3:21-31

Mike Giesenhagen

The Glorious Gospel

Mike Giesenhagen

February 15, 2026

Romans 3:21-31 

Context: What has Paul written about in Romans 1-3?

Two Verbs Attributed to Humanity in Romans 3:21-26.

_________________________ AND ________________________

1.   We Are All ______________ of _______________.

2.   We _____________ the ______________________.

A.   We Are ______________ by __________ _________.

B.   ______________ is _________________ by _________.

C.  Our ______________ is in ___________ ___________.

3.   The ____________ is ___________ than ____ _________.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the righteousness of God that has been made known to us? How have we seen this righteousness in the world?

2. What does it mean to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ? How would you explain these things to a friend?

1. What does salvation “by grace” mean?

2. What do we place our faith in?

3. Who is Jesus Christ? What is he like?

3. What does Romans 3:23 mean when it says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”?

4. How are we justified freely through the shedding of Jesus’s blood on the cross?

5. Which dimension of God’s work in the Gospel is most encouraging to you? Which is most difficult to believe or understand? (e.g: justification, forgiveness, redemption, regeneration, reconciliation, salvation)

6. How does faith in Christ “uphold the law”, rather than nullifying its value? Why would the law be fulfilled more completely through faith than works? 

February 8, 2026 - The Power of Sin

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Romans 3:1-20

The Power of Sin

Mike Giesenhagen

February 8, 2026

Romans 3:1-20 

1.   We Often _______________________ ______________.

A.   God is ____________________ ______________.

Misunderstanding 1:

B.   God’s ______________ is _____________________.

Misunderstanding 2:

C.  We Shouldn’t _______________ ________________.

Misunderstanding 3:

2.   Human Nature is _________________ by ___________.

Misunderstanding 4:

3.   The Law _____________ Our __________ ____________.

Misunderstanding 5:

4.   Christ Has _______________ Us from ______________.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the benefit of being entrusted with the very words of God? How is that helpful to us, even today?

2. Additional Study: Romans 3:4 references Psalm 51:4. When you read Psalm 51, what does the context of this Psalm teach us about the character of God? How does this apply to Romans 3:3-4?

3. In Romans 3:9, Paul writes “Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin”? What does this teach us about sin? How would you explain this verse to another person?

4. Romans 3:10-18 have several Old Testament references. What do these verses teach us about the nature of sin in humanity?

5. According to Romans 3:20, what is the purpose of the Law? What benefit do we gain from understanding the Law?

February 1, 2026 - True "Religion"

Romans 2:17-29

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Unfortunately we experienced technical difficulties with our audio system during our worship service.

God’s Righteous Judgment

Mike Giesenhagen

January 25, 2026

Romans 2:1-16 

1.   Be ________ of _______________________ ____________

2.   Our _______________ is ______________________.

3.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

4.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

5.   _________________ is the _______________.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is Paul addressing in Romans 2:1-16? What are some of the mindsets that he addresses in this passage?

2. What kind of judgment is Paul referring to in Romans 2:1-3? What is his warning focused on? What is the basis of his argument?

3. According to Romans 2:6-11, what is the standard that determines a person’s eternal destiny? How can one know the expectation of their own fate?

4. Romans 2:13 says “it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” What is the standard for this obedience? How much disobedience to the Law would disqualify someone from this righteousness?

5. Additional Study: Consider Romans 2:1 and 5; 3:10-11, 20, and 23. What does this teach us about the viability of human righteousness through the Law of the Old Testament?

6. Romans 2:16 could be the best or worst news possible. What would make it a frightening verse? What would make it a joyful hope?

January 25, 2026 - God's Righteous Judgment

Romans 2:1-16

God’s Righteous Judgment

Mike Giesenhagen

January 25, 2026

Romans 2:1-16 

1.   Be ________ of _______________________ ____________

2.   Our _______________ is ______________________.

3.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

4.   God’s ________________ is ___________________.

5. God’s ________________ may ___________________.

6.   _________________ is the _______________.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is Paul addressing in Romans 2:1-16? What are some of the mindsets that he addresses in this passage?

2. What kind of judgment is Paul referring to in Romans 2:1-3? What is his warning focused on? What is the basis of his argument?

3. According to Romans 2:6-11, what is the standard that determines a person’s eternal destiny? How can one know the expectation of their own fate?

4. Romans 2:13 says “it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” What is the standard for this obedience? How much disobedience to the Law would disqualify someone from this righteousness?

5. Additional Study: Consider Romans 2:1 and 5; 3:10-11, 20, and 23. What does this teach us about the viability of human righteousness through the Law of the Old Testament?

6. Romans 2:16 could be the best or worst news possible. What would make it a frightening verse? What would make it a joyful hope?

January 18, 2026 - God Over Everything

Romans 1:18-32

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

God Over Everything

Mike Giesenhagen

January 18, 2026

Romans 1:18-32 

1.   _______________ Can _______________ _____________.

2.   _______________ ___________ from ________________.

3.   God “___________ _________ ___________” to ______.

A.  This Passage is a _______________________.

B.   This Passage shows God’s ___________________.

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God’s character through creation? What can we infer about his will from creation?

2. What would prompt people to turn away from God? What are they turning toward? What is the result of this turning?

3. What is the central problem highlighted in this passage? (See: 1:21-23, 25, 28a)

4. Additional Study: “Give into the hands of”. Search for Old Testament passages that mention “give into the hands of” or “deliver into the hands of”. (E.g. Gen 14:20; Lev 26:25; Num 21:34; Deut 2:30; Judg 6:1, 13:1; Jer 21:10, 22:25, 32:28, 34:2) What is the significance of this repeated phrase in Romans 1? (vv 24, 26, 28)

5. Prayer Project: Consider the list of things that “ought not to be done” in Romans 1:24, 26-27, 29-31. How do we see these in society? How might we be prone to “do these very things” or “approve of those who practice them” in our present lives?

January 11, 2026 - Not Ashamed

Romans 1:8-17

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Not Ashamed

Mike Giesenhagen

January 11, 2026

Romans 1:8-17 

1.   We’re Called to ___________ Our ____________ and __________________.

2.   We’re __________________ by __________________.

3.   We’re _________ _____________ of the ____________.

A.  Not Ashamed to ________ on _______ __________.

B.   Not Ashamed to __________  ______ ____________.

C.  Not Ashamed to __________ _________ _________.

4.   The ____________ is Conveyed Through ___________.

Discussion Questions

1. Imagine your faith “is being reported all over the world.” What would you want people to report? What should your faith be known for?

2. How do verses 11 and 12 inform our understanding of Christian discipleship? How do the imparting of a spiritual gift and mutual encouragement go together?

3. When you read “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” what comes to your mind today?

4. What is it about the Gospel that subverts the expectations of society and the world? Why is it noteworthy that Paul is unashamed of the Gospel?

5. How would you explain faith to a friend or family member? What does the word mean?

6. What is the righteousness of God? How is it revealed in the Gospel?

January 4th, 2026 - Called to the Gospel

Romans 1:1-7

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Called to the Gospel

Mike Giesenhagen

January 4, 2026

Romans 1:1-7 

Information About Romans: 

1.   The Gospel is __________ _______________ _________.

2.   The Gospel Changes __________ _________________.

3.   The Gospel Changes __________ _________________.

Discussion Questions

1. Who wrote the book of Romans? To whom was it written? What do you know about the circumstances of the church in Rome at that time?

2. How does Paul describe the Gospel in Romans 1:1-7? How does he address the role of the Old Testament scriptures in their relationship to the Gospel?

3. What are some of the names that Paul assigns to Christians in these opening verses? What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? Set Apart? Holy? Saints?

4. What is the relationship between grace and obedience as described in Romans 1:5?

5. Where does grace and peace originate from according to Romans 1:7?

December 28th, 2025 - God's Gifts of Faith

Pastor Mike is preaching from Romans 12:1-13

God’s Gifts of Faith

Mike Giesenhagen

December 28, 2025

Romans 12:1-13 

1.   We Must ________________ Our  _______________.

2.   We Have _______________ ____________ in the  _______________.

3.   We Should ________ the __________ We’re _________.

4.   We Are __________ ____________ in ________________.

Discussion Questions

1. According to Romans 12:1-2, what do we see God do for us? What is the expected response from us?

2. What are some of the gifts we see in the Bible? (Example passages include Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4)

3. Prayer Project: What are some of the ways that God has worked through you for the benefit of His Church? Are there any ways God wants to work through you, but have been difficult up to now?

4. What are some of the ways you have seen God at work through others? Have you ever shared those blessings with those who brought them?

5. How can God use a variety of gifts to bring his people together?

December 24, 2025 - Christmas Message

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

Luke 2

December 21, 2025 - God's Gift of Love

1 John 4:7-21

Mike Giesenhagen

God’s Gift of Love

Mike Giesenhagen

December 21, 2025

1 John 4:7-21 

1.   We Must ________________ God’s _______________.

2.   We Should ______________ Like _________________.

a.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

b.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

c.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

d.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

e.  Jesus Loves ____________________.

3.   Love For __________ Without Love For __________ is _________________.

Discussion Questions

1. According to this passage (1 John 4:7-21), how does God demonstrate his love to us? How can we receive his love?

2. What are some of the attributes of Christ’s love on display in this passage?

3. Prayer Project: Is there anybody that God is asking you to love more intentionally this Christmas?

• Is there anyone who needs your presence?

• Is there anyone who needs your love, even if it isn’t reciprocated?

• Is there anyone God is calling you to give to sacrificially?

• Is there anyone who you need to consciously choose to love with intention?

• Is there anyone you need to forgive?

4. How does this passage show us that our love for God and our love for others are related to each other?

December 14th, 2025 - Sermon

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Tyler Heerdt

Sermon

Tyler Heerdt

December 14, 2025

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Discussion Questions

1. How are joy and hope related?

2. What are things that give you Joy?

3. Does your joy only come from earthly things, or from what Christ has done and Who He is?

4. If you lost all of the things that give joy (besides Christ) would you still be able to be joyful?

5. How do you practice having joy in your daily life?

6. What can you do to share joy in your daily interactions?

December 7th, 2025 - God's Gift of Peace

Psalm 46

God’s Gift of Peace

Mike Giesenhagen

December 7, 2025

Psalm 46

1.   God is Our ____________________________.

2.   God is Our ____________________________.

3.   God is Our ____________________________.

4.   God’s _______________ IS Our __________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: How would you define peace to a child? Is there more than one type of peace?

2.   In Psalm 46:1-3, what aspect of God’s peace is represented? How does the imagery in verses 2-3 reinforce our peace in God?

3.   How have you seen God carry you through difficult seasons of your life? What provisions has He brought for you in those moments?

4.   What does the imagery in verses 8-9 suggest? What does it tell us about God’s peace?

5.   What comes to mind when you read verse 10? What does it mean to “be still and know that I am God”?

6.   What attributes of God do you see in this Psalm? How do these attributes support our sense of peace in God?

7.   How do we know that verse 11 is true? “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”

November 30, 2025 - God's Gift of Hope

Romans 5:1-11

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

God’s Gift of Hope

Mike Giesenhagen

November 30, 2025

Romans 5:1-11

1.   Our Hope _____________ _______ ______________.

2.   Our Hope ___________ __________ _________________.

3.   Our Hope is _______ ______________.

4.   Our Hope is ________________. 

Discussion Questions

1.   Ice Breaker: What does it mean when we say “it is better to give than to receive”? What is it about this phrase that sticks with us?

2.   What is our source of hope in this life? What is our source of hope for eternity? How do we know this to be true?

3.   Look at the progression in Romans 5:3-4. How do our sufferings, perseverance, and character lead to hope?

4.   How have you seen your hope grow in the midst of difficult times?

5.   What is the purpose of a gift? How do we see God’s gift to us on display in verses 6-8?

6.   Who can stand in the way of Christian hope? What can overcome it? Is there anything that can separate us from the hope we have in Christ Jesus?

7.   What are some of the attributes of God that affirm the certainty of the hope we have in Jesus?  (e.g. He is eternal)

November 23, 2025 - Thanksgiving Sharing Service

Each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, our congregation has a testimony Sunday. We share of the wonderful things that God has been doing in our lives. Due to the sensitive nature of some personal testimonies, we do not stream and broadcast these services on the internet.

Categories with accompanying scriptures were used to guide our time.

Declaring His Glory

Mike Giesenhagen

November 23, 2025

Psalm 96

Declarations of Praise

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. For his lovingkindness is everlasting

-     Psalm 106:1

Testimonies of Guidance

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

-     Psalm 119:105

Testimonies of Opportunity

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

-     Matthew 28:19-20

Testimonies of Provision

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited of to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

-     1 Timothy 6:17

Testimonies of Deliverance

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

-     Galatians 5:1

Declarations of Thanksgiving

Discussion Questions

1.   How can you praise God this year? What have you learned about Him or seen Him do that is worthy of your praises?

2.   What has God been teaching you this year? How is He helping you to both understand and apply what He has taught you?

3.   What opportunities has God provided you with this year? How has He invited you to bring glory to His name?

4.   How has God provided for you this year? What needs has He been meeting in your life?

5.   What has God been transforming in your life? Are there any aspects of your life He has been pruning? What has taken their place?

6.   What are some things you are thankful for this year? How can you express your thanks to others and to God?

November 16, 2025 - The Bible Grounds Us

Luke 24:13-35

Pastor Mike Giesenhagen

The Bible Grounds Us

Mike Giesenhagen

November 16, 2025

Luke 24:13-35

1.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

a.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

b.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

2.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

a.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

b.  Expect ____________ ___________________.

3.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   How does the Bible “ground” us in the midst of uncertain times and circumstances?

2.   What are some of your favorite promises from God in the Bible? Why are they meaningful to you?

3.   Prayer Project: How have you seen God’s Word shape you in the past 6 months? What is a significant lesson you have learned about God? What is a significant lesson you have learned about yourself?

4.   How often do you discuss God’s Word with others? How can it be helpful to engage in the practice of Bible study with our brothers and sisters in Christ?

5.   What does the word “Christocentrically” mean? How does it affect the way we read our Bible?

6.   What are some examples of how the Old Testament anticipates the person and work of Jesus Christ? (e.g. Psalm 22 and the crucifixion)

November 9, 2025 - The Bible Transforms Us

Pastor Mike is Preaching from Psalm 19

The Bible Transforms Us

Mike Giesenhagen

November 9, 2025

Psalm 19

1.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

a.  Obedience is _____________.

b.  Obedience is for _____________ _____________.

c.  Obedience is a ____________ _______________.

d.  Obedience ___________ Us with _____________.

2.   Approach Your Bible ____________________________.

Discussion Questions

1.   When you hear the word “obedience”, what comes to mind? What does it mean?

2.   When have you tried to begin a new helpful habit? How did it go? What made it helpful? What made it difficult?

3.   What is the purpose of obedience? How would you explain the importance of obedience to a child?

4.   Is it better for a person to have a good heart and bad behavior? Or a hard heart and good behavior? Why? What’s the difference?

5.   How does obedience help us to draw closer to God?

6.   How would you define joy and explain it to a child?

7. How does the Bible help us experience joy?