Mike Giesenhagen

November 24, 2024: Thanksgiving 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.

Our text this morning is Psalm 105:1-7. We will use this text to frame the testimonies we share, along with the following 3 questions:

  1. What Area Have You Seen God Working in Your Life?

  2. How Has He Been Working?

  3. What Has Been the Result of God’s Work?

Psalm 105

1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.

3 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

4 Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.

5 Remember the wonders he has done,

his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

6 you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,

his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.

7 He is the LORD our God;

his judgments are in all the earth.

The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ps 105:1–7.

Jan 8, 2023: A New Resolve

Acts 15:36 - 16:15

A New Resolve

Mike Giesenhagen

January 8, 2023

Acts 15:36-16:15

1.  God’s _____________ > Our ___________________.

 2.  _________________ for _______________________.

 3.  “Resolution” 1: Pray for _______________________.

 4.  “Resolution” 2: Pray for _________ _____________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   Read Acts 14 and 16:1-15.  What do you notice about the locations in these passages?  What does this tell us about Paul and his ministry?

 2.   Has God ever redirected you from one path to another?  What happened?  How did it turn out?

 3.   How often do you interact with people who do not attend church?  Where do you most often see them?  How might it be possible to build relationships with more people who don’t know Jesus?

 4.   Who, if anyone, has God placed on your heart as someone you would like to get to know better?  How could you invest in that relationship?

 5.   Prayer Project: What is it about outreach that is most difficult for you?  Is it a lack of desire?  A lack of time?  A lack of understanding or training?  A lack of opportunity?  Whatever it is, ask God to reveal these obstacles to you, and then ask him for his help in these areas.

Jan 1, 2023: Friend of Sinners

Luke 7:33-35

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Mike Giesenhagen

January 1, 2023

Luke 7:33-35

1.  We Can Never ______________  _______________.

2.  But God ____________  His ________________.

3.  Jesus Can ________________  __________________!

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   What does it mean that Jesus is a “friend of sinners”?  What does a sinner look like?  Who would fit in that category?  Is that good or bad?

 2.   Have you ever felt like it didn’t matter what you did, but that someone would always be disappointed in you?  What was the situation?  And who would be disappointed?

 3.   The Bible says that we have all fallen short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23).  How does He respond?  How is this the same/different from other people?

 4.   Which character in today’s sermon do you relate to most?  (Matthew, Peter, Mary)  Why?  Is there another character in the Bible who is a good example of how God transforms lives?

 5.   Additional Study: Consider the starting point and transformation of other major characters in the bible.  Abraham (Genesis 12-25).  Moses (Exodus 2-Deuteronomy) Ruth (Ruth 1-4) David (1 Samuel 15-2 Samuel), etc...  Where do they start?  How does God transform them?  Where do they end up/how does God use their life?

Dec. 25, 2022

Behold!

Behold!

Mike Giesenhagen

December 25, 2022

Luke 2:1-40

1.  Christmas is _______________  _______________.

 2.  Christmas Causes ______________  ___________.

 3.  Christmas is for ________  ___________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   What’s the best news you’ve ever received?  How did it make you feel?  What did you do with the news?

 2.   What do the following words mean: Savior, Messiah, Lord?

 3.   What might prevent us from experiencing the joy of salvation at Christmas?  How can God help us to overcome these obstacles?

 4.   Who did Christ come to save?  Why would God come into the world to save his people?

 5.   Additional Study: Matthew 1:18-2:23.  Which character in the Christmas story do you relate to most?  Why?  What makes each in the Matthew and Luke accounts different from each other?

Dec. 18, 2022: The Lord of Love

Psalm 86

The LORD of Love

Mike Giesenhagen

December 18, 2022

Psalm 86

1.  We Need to _______________ to Him.

2.  We Need to ____________________ Him.

3.  We Need to ____________ on Him.

4.  We Need to _____________ in Him.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   Have you ever given someone the “silent treatment”?  Or have you ever received it?  What causes people to be silent toward one another, and how is that different from Psalm 86?

 2.   How can we speak to God?  What does this look like in your life?  When do you do it?  What do you talk about?

 3.   How is God different from all other gods?  How has He proven himself trustworthy?  What does this mean about our relationship with Him?

 4.   How can we hear from God?  What does it look like when we want to hear from another person, and how can we apply those same things to God?

 5.   Additional Study: Luke 10:38-42.  With the busyness of Christmas upon us, what can we learn from Mary about how to interact with Jesus this week?  How can we find our rest and peace in Him?

Dec 11, 2022: Finding Joy (Part 2)

Psalm 32

Finding Joy

Mike Giesenhagen

December 11, 2022

Psalm 32

1.  ___________  Doesn’t _____________.

 2.  _______________________ Finds ___________________.

 3.  ______________ to the __________________.

 4.  _________________ in ___________________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   Have you ever tried to hide something from God?  What was it?  Why did you want to hide it from him?  Did it work?

 2.   How would you describe God’s disposition?  What is his default feeling or position when he thinks about you?  How do the Scriptures describe his relationship with his people?

 3.   What does it mean when God is described as our “refuge”? How do we embrace that?  What prevents us from approaching him that way?

 4.   What is the difference between the relationship between a horse and its rider versus a parent and child?  Which more closely represents your relationship with God?

 5.   Additional Study: Luke 15.  What do these three stories in Luke 15 tell us about how God views us as the children that “once were lost, but now are found”?

Nov 27, 2022: Advent Hope

A Study of Advent Hope in Psalm 102

Advent Hope: Confidence in Christ’s Appearing

Neil Schindler

November 27, 2022

Psalm 102

Our struggle: Sustaining hope in an afflicted world (v1-11)

What is biblical hope, and why is it hard to maintain?

Romans 8:24-25

 The psalmist’s struggle for hope: Broken strength + God’s anger

 God’s past promises as foundations for hope (v12-17)

1) The promise of God’s forever, faithful reign

 2) The promise of God’s future compassionate action

 3) The promise of God’s appointed time having now come

 4) The promise of God’s name and glory spreading worldwide

 Jesus’ Advent accomplishments as reasons for ongoing hope (v18-28)

1) Jesus’ glorious appearing has been recorded faithfully for us

 2) Jesus’ work has indeed freed and created a people for God

 3) Jesus’ praises are indeed spreading around the world

4) Jesus’ unchanging nature means an unchanging redemption hope

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1)     Is there a word or phrase or idea from Psalm 102 which God impressed on your heart as significant and necessary to apply in your life?

 2)   Are you prone to use the word “hope” as a stand-in for “wishing for something”?  How so?

 3)   Discuss some of the many ways you see people in our day trying to deny the reality of sin and trying to reverse the curse of decay and death by their efforts.  In comparison, how do you think the author of Psalm 102 would classify their “hope” in these efforts?

 4)   Read the verses around Paul’s statement about creation being “subjected to futility” (Romans 8:18-21) —is there any mention of hope there?  How might we as Christians speak about our hope in God’s ultimate purposes, even while feeling broken and “withered” (Ps. 102:4, 11) like the psalmist?

 5)   Why do you think it is so common around Advent/Christmas for people to feel a lack of hope?  How might reminding each other about the nature of Jesus’ “Advents” (understanding where we live in between Jesus’ first and second coming) help to guard against this tendency as believers?

 6)   Read Hebrews 10:35-39.  How do these verses pertain to our hope in Jesus’ return, and what it means about our salvation?  (Consider especially how the author of Hebrews uses Habakkuk 2:3-4 concerning God’s promise to come and make things right.)

 7)   Re-read Psalm 102:25-28.  Consider some of the many ways your life has changed in the past year (perhaps share these changes with others or write them down in a list).  Now, compare them to God: Is there any way in which he has changed, even among all these changes?  Take some time to thank God for his unchanging nature and promises and how it sustains your hope (using Psalm 102:25-28 as a launching point).

Oct. 30, 2022: What About Law?

What About Law?

Mike Giesenhagen

October 30, 2022

Acts 15:1-21

1.  We Are _____________ by ______________.

 a.  God _____________ Gentiles Without _______.

 b.  God ____________ Gentiles Without _________.

 c.  __________ Successfully Follows ____________.

 d.  __________ Can Be for ________________.

 2.  Christ _______________ the ________.

 3.  _______________________________________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   The Pharisees were passionate about food laws, Sabbath, and circumcision, and they wanted to add those requirements to the Gospel.  What are we tempted to add as requirements to the Gospel today?

 2.   Read Acts 10.  In verse 44, it says that “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message”?  What does this tell us about God changes hearts?  How does Peter interpret it in Acts 11:15-18 and Acts 15:7-11?

 3.   What is the difference between abolishing and fulfilling a law?  What implications would it have if the law were abolished?  What does it mean that Christ fulfilled it?  (Matt 5:17, Heb 10:9-10)

 4.   How should our understanding of the Law change in the world of the Resurrected Christ?  How should this affect our identity in Christ?  How should it impact the way we treat others?

Oct. 23, 2022: Tunnel Vision

Acts 14:1-27

Tunnel Vision

Mike Giesenhagen

October 23, 2022

Acts 14

1.  You Can’t ______________  ___________________.

 2.  Some Make It __________  ___________  ________.

 3.  _______________________ Will Be _______________.

 4.  But _______________ is ___________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   Ice Breaker: What are some trivial things that still divide people (e.g. does pineapple belong on pizza)?  Why do you think people disagree so much?

 2.   Paul and Barnabas are hailed as gods in Acts 14 by the Gentiles.  How does the world at large view Christians today?

 3.   What are some Biblical examples of challenges Christians might face?  What are the sources of these frustrations?

 4.   How can we remind ourselves of Christ’s faithfulness and goodness?  When things get difficult, how can we remind one another to turn back to God?  What verses, songs, or materials have you found particularly helpful?

Oct. 16, 2022

Good News 101

Mike Giesenhagen

October 16, 2022

Acts 13:13-52

1.  Jesus ____  the __________ ____________!

 a.  Find _______________  ______________.

 b.  Share ___________  _____________.

 c.  Point to _________________.

 d.  Provide an _______________ to ____________.

 2.  Some People _______________ _______________.

 3.  Continue _____________ for __________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   What is the Good News of Jesus Christ?  How would you explain it to a 5 year old?

 2.   If you believe in Jesus, why?  How did you come to the conclusion that faith in Jesus was worthy of your time and energy?  If not, what objections do you have?

 3.   What Scriptures would you use to explain the Good News of Jesus to other people?  Take a moment to explain to someone how that Scripture explains what Jesus has done for us.

 4.   How can someone respond to the Gospel?  If the Spirit convicts their heart, how sho

5.   Why would someone consider themselves “unworthy of eternal life”?  What does the Gospel tell us about this unfortunate condition?

 6. When Paul and Barnabas encounter opposition in Pisidian Antioch, how do they respond?What do they do?How can we apply that in our lives today?

Oct. 9, 2022

One More Step

One More Step

Mike Giesenhagen

October 9, 2022

Acts 12:25-13:13

1.  ________ the __________________ _______________.

 2.  Be Ready to ______, And to __________ _________.

 3.  God’s ______________ is ________ _______________.

 4.  Look for ____________; Expect _________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   What kinds of questions do people in our society like to ask?  Are these good questions?  Are there better questions we could ask?  Why?

 2.   What biblical examples do we have of people who step out in faith?  How does God respond?  What happens?  (e.g. Hebrews 12)

3.   When you think of your favorite hobbies or best skills, how did you get started with those things?  Who did you learn from?  What can you invite someone else to take part in?

 4.   What types of ministry do you feel are outside your gifts and abilities?  How could you support such ministries from afar?  What ministries could you take more ownership in?

 5.   Have you had a time in your life where you saw God’s opportunities abundantly?  When was that season, and what do you think contributed to so many opportunities to grow closer to God?

Oct 2, 2022

A Royal Knockout

Mike Giesenhagen

October 2, 2022

Acts 12

1.  __________________ God’s ____________________.

 2.  __________________ Gods _____________________.

 3.  _________________ in God’s ___________________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   What are some of the differences you see between King Herod and the apostle Peter in Acts 12?  What drives them?

 2.   What areas of our lives are difficult to turn over to God?  What makes these things difficult to surrender?

 3.   What does the word “sovereignty” mean?  How does it apply to God?

 4.   What are some examples of how God’s plan is preserved in dire circumstances?  (e.g.  Genesis 37-50, Exodus 6-14, 2 Kings 18-19, etc)  What does this tell us about God?

 5.   Prayer and Reflection: How engaged are you in God’s community?  How fervent are your prayers for others?  Are there people who know you and your faith well enough to speak into your life?

August 28, 2022: The Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12

The Body of Christ

Mike Giesenhagen

August 28, 2022

1 Corinthians 12

1. We’re Here for __________ __________.

2. Christ ____________ Us.

3. The Body of Christ is _______________.

4. The Body of Christ Needs __________.

5. The Body of Christ is _______ _______.

6. We ___________ Each Other.

7. We ___________ Each Other.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

1.   Have you ever been in a small group?  If so, how has a small group been a benefit to your life? If not, what would prevent you from joining one?

2.   What does it mean when Christ Unifies Us?  How does he bring us together?  What common ground do we have in Christ?

3.   What is something you have learned from someone different from you?  What is a lesson you have learned from them that you would not have learned on your own?

4.   How can we benefit from the different gifts and experiences that each of us have?  Have you seen this in your own life?

5.   How do our different experiences strengthen our church and our small groups?

6.   How can a small group support us in difficult times?   There are many ways to serve.  How might God be calling you to serve the Church or a small group this year?

January 30, 2022

Explore.

Mike Giesenhagen

January 30, 2022

Luke 15

Discipleship Pathway:

 ____________.-> ____________. -> 

____________. -> ____________.

 1. Explore is the ________ _______.

 2. A Healthy Church ___________ _______.

 3. We Have ____________ to ________.

 WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   What are some key steps in your personal story of faith?  When did you make important decisions for faith?  When did you grow most?

 2.   What is a discipleship pathway, and how does it relate to our mission to Help People Love God?

 3.   How can do outreach and discipleship work together in the church?

 4.   If you were to invite someone to our church, what would you emphasize to them?  What would you want them to know?

 5.   What do followers of Christ have that can never be taken away?

 6.   What do people apart from Christ have that will last forever?

 7.   Extra Study:  In John 10:11-18, what is the difference between the good shepherd and the hired hand?  How can we imitate Christ as the good shepherd?

January 23, 2022: Help People Love God

Help People Love God.

Mike Giesenhagen

January 23, 2022

Matthew 28:16-20 

Big Idea: _______  _______ is to _________

  ___________________!

Caution: _______  ___________ Takes Time!

Step 1: _________  ________________.

Step 2:__________ to the ____________!

Step 3:____________  ________ of ________.

1.  

2.  

3.  

4.  

 Step 4:Remember ________  ____________!

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.   Who is a mentor that has had a positive impact on your life?  How did your relationship begin?  Was there a time or circumstance that made it closer?  What did you learn from them, and how did they teach it to you?

 2.   What does it mean to “make disciples”?  Who does Jesus call to fulfill this mission?

 3.   What can 1 Corinthians 3:6 tell us about the discipleship process?

 4.   How is baptism significant in the discipleship process?  What does it mean in the life of the Christian?

 5.   Who have you known that had a contagious passion about something?  What were they passionate about?  How did their passion impact you (if at all)?

 6.   Which part of “teaching” seems most natural for you?  Which is the most difficult?

 7.   What is significant about Christ’s presence with us until the end of the age?

January 9, 2022: Love People

Love People

Matthew 22:36-40; Luke 10:25-37

Mike Giesenhagen

January 9, 2022

1.   Loving People is _______ ___________. 

2.   Loving People is ______________.

3.   Loving People is ________________.

4.   Loving People “___________  _____  _________________. 

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.  Why does God command his people to “love one another” (John 13:34)?  Why is this so important in the family of God?

 2.  Read 1 Samuel 1-2.  What can this story about David teach us about loving people because God has created them?

 3.  Have you ever received love from someone who put your needs above their own?  Who was it?  And what did they do?

 4.  What might it look like for a Christian to put the needs of another above their own?  How can we love people like Christ does in our own lives?

 5. Who is our “neighbor”?Who does God expect us to love in order to fulfill his command?Are there any specific people you feel like God is calling you to love in this season?

January 2, 2022: Love God

Matthew 22:37-40 and Deuteronomy 5:1-6:5

Love God

Matthew 22:36-40; Deuteronomy 5:1-6:5

Mike Giesenhagen

January 2, 2022

1.   Make ______ Your _________ ________.

2.   ___________ Other _________________.

3.   _______ _______ and _______ His ____.

4.   Make ______________ _____ for _____.

 5.   Let ______ ________ ______!

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

 1.  When you hear, “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength,” what comes to mind?  What would that look like?

 2.  What are some of the idols that can take God’s place in our lives?

 3.  What are some of the manmade distractions that can occupy our time and pull us away from God and his will?

 4.  What’s the best way to know God?  What does it mean to honor his name?  How do our actions and our behaviors contribute to this together?

 5.  What does it mean to take a Sabbath?  When was the last time you spent an extended intentional time with God?  What were some techniques or guidelines you followed?

 6.  Is it difficult for you to understand how God loves you?  How does it feel to think that you bring God joy and delight?  What might make that difficult to receive?