Storyteller A 2015 Topical Sermon Calendar

Transcription

1 THE Storyteller A 2015 Topical Sermon Calendar presented by

2 How to Maximize the Calendar 1. Plan Ahead Look through the year and begin planning now for each series. Think of what songs, videos, and activities you can feature during the services to maximize your big idea. What can you post on social media to add to the excitement and encourage people to attend? 2. Add Your Own Personal Touch We ve purposely kept our sermon outline simple. We want to give you the opportunity to study the text on your own, as well as add points and illustrations. We ve given you the starting point, now it s your job to run with it. 3. Rearrange According to the Needs of Your Congregation This calendar is not the Bible. Feel free to move series/sermons around based on the current needs of your congregation. Add your own messages. Take out a series and replace it with another. Let God guide your planning. We ve also inserted a number of stand alone sermons throughout the year. Feel free to shuffle these around and/or book a guest speaker. 4. Get a Membership to Ministry Pass We ve created a media bundle to go with each of the sermon series listed in the calendar. The media bundle contains the service graphics, verse slides, social media, bulletin shell cover, print ready postcard and the Photoshop layers for EVERY single series. This saves you time and money while also providing great visual images to complete your messages. We pray that God will use this calendar to assist you as you communicate His Word these next twelve months! May 2015 be your congregation s best year to date! - The Ministry Pass Team

3 January All Things New Big Idea of the Series: This series explores what it means to start over with Christ and begin the process of spiritual transformation. January Week 1 - Series: All Things New Text: John 3:1-21 Topic: Be Born Again Big Idea of the Message: Being born again offers us an opportunity for a brand new start. January Week 2 - Series: All Things New Text: Psalm 139 Topic: It s Never Too Late Big Idea of the Message: God s love is everlasting; you are never too old or two far gone to start over. January Week 3 - Series: All Things New Text: Philippians 3:12-16 Topic: Move Forward Big Idea of the Message: Everyone makes mistakes, but starting over with Christ means moving away from your failings and moving toward God in obedience. January Week 4 - Series: All Things New Text: Romans 12:1-2 Topic: Remember Jesus Big Idea of the Message: When your old life begins to tug at your heart, remind yourself of the new start Jesus provided for you through his death and resurrection.

4 February Missions Sunday This is a one week sermon about our responsibility to serve (physically and spiritually) others both at home and abroad. This message is a great opportunity to roll out your church s service/mission project for the year. February Week 1 - Series: Mission Sunday Text: Mark 10:35-45 Topic: Service, Missions Big Idea of the Message: We ll help our world know Jesus better when we serve and sacrifice for others like he did.

5 February - March Big Idea of the Series: The Bible teaches that marriage is a cooperative effort of respect, love, and service.this 4-week series encourages spouses to make their marriage a priority. February Week 2 - Series: Love and Marriage Text: Genesis 2:18-25 Topic: Unity Big Idea of the Message: Husbands and wives must be faithful to God s plan of lifelong unity within marriage. February Week 3 - Series: Love and Marriage Text: Proverbs 31:10 Topic: Character Big Idea of the Message: Each day, treat your spouse like an invaluable asset. February Week 4 - Series: Love and Marriage Text: Hebrews 13:4-7 Topic: Faithfulness and Purity Big Idea of the Message: Just as God has been faithful to you, you must also embrace faithfulness and purity within your marriage. March Week 1 - Series: Love and Marriage Text: Ephesians 5:25-33 Topic: Service Big Idea of the Message: Husbands should always look for ways to disciple their spouse, using Christ s sacrifice as an example for their service.

6 March Big Idea of the Series: This series consists of a selection of parables from the Gospel of Mark and emphasizes the importance of being unified to tell the story of Jesus March Week 2 - Series: Jesus, the Storyteller Bible Reference: Mark 3:22-27 (A House Divided) Topic: Unity Big Idea of the Message: We are called to unity with Christ and others to advance the Kingdom of God. March Week 3 - Series: Jesus, the Storyteller Bible Reference: Mark 4:21-25 (Light) Topic: Be a Light in the Darkness Big Idea of the Message: The more you show the light of Jesus in your own life, the more power and light will be given to you. March Week 4 - Series: Jesus, the Storyteller Bible Reference: Mark 9:50 (Be Salt) Topic: Stay Faithful Big Idea of the Message: Stay faithful to Christ so that coworkers and family members will be convinced that Jesus is the true savior. March Week 5 - Series: Jesus, the Storyteller Bible Reference: Mark 12:1-11 (Landowner) Topic: Jesus as Savior/Evangelism Big Idea of the Message: Some will reject Christ; be faithful to present Him as the son of God anyway.

7 Easter Sunday April Week 1 Series: Easter - He is Risen Text: Matthew 28:1-10 Topic: Resurrection, New Life Big Idea of the Message: Jesus resurrection means we are free from the burden of our sin and, in turn, assured of eternal life.

8 April Vanity: A Look at the Book of Ecclesiastes Big Idea of the Series: This series through Ecclesiastes examines how we can pursue God s plan and purpose for our life. April Week 2 Series: Vanity Text: Ecclesiastes 2:9-11 Topic: Success Big Idea of the Message: You can have everything the world offers, but it will never satisfy. April Week 3 Series: Vanity Text: Ecclesiastes 5:13-17 Topic: A Legacy of Generosity Big Idea of the Message: Work so that God is glorified, not so you can accumulate possessions that are temporary. April Week 4 Series: Vanity Text: Ecclesiastes 7:20-22 Topic: Being Perfect Big Idea of the Message: Everyone sins, so be slow to judge and critique others.

9 May May Week 1 - Series: Vanity Text: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Topic: Fear and Obey God Big Idea of the Message: In the end, the sign of a great life is how one has obeyed God. Through the Valley Big Idea of the Series: This 3 week series emphasizes the words LORD, MY, and SHEPHERD from Psalm 23, detailing the kind of leader God is to his people. May Week 2 - Series: Through the Valley The LORD is my shepherd Text: Psalm 23:1-3 Topic: Spiritual Renewal Big Idea of the Message: God guides us spiritually, offering us grace, forgiveness, and hope. He is our Lord. May Week 3 - Series: Through the Valley The Lord is MY shepherd Text: Psalm 23:4 Topic: Peace Big Idea of the Message: God is with us during difficult moments, offering us peace and comfort when life is rough. He is cares about YOU. May Week 4 - Series: Through the Valley The Lord is my SHEPHERD Text: Psalm 23:5-6 Topic: Provision Big Idea of the Message: Like a good shepherd, God takes care of our needs. He is our provider.

10 May - June God on Film Big Idea of the Series: Hollywood s biggest blockbusters often illustrate important truths from God s Word. Note: Under each message big idea is a list of films with themes that connect in someway to the primary text of the sermon. It would be beneficial to pull clips from one of these movies (or another you can think of) and use them to illustrate your message. May Week 5 - Series: God on Film Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Topic: Teamwork, Unity Big Idea of the Message: There are many gifts within the Church, we are more effective when we appreciate each other s uniqueness by living and working in unity. Movie Suggestions: The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Remember the Titans, The Incredibles June Week 1 - Series: God on Film Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12 Topic: Alien, Holiness, Evangelism Big Idea of the Message: As aliens and strangers in the world, believers should strive to live holy lives, being a good example so that others will want to know more about God. Movie Suggestions: E.T. - The Extraterrestrial, Man of Steel

11 June God on Film Big Idea of the Series: Hollywood s biggest blockbusters often illustrate important truths from God s Word. June Week 2 - Series: God on Film Text: Ezekiel 22:23-31 Topic: Courage, Injustice Big Idea of the Message: During times of injustice and evil, Christians have a choice to either lead others into intercession and repentance or contribute more sin to an already dark world. Movie Suggestions: The Hunger Games, The Dark Knight, Lincoln, Braveheart June Week 3 - Series: God on Film Text: Psalm 103 (specifically 10-12) Topic: Regrets, Second Chances Big Idea of the Message: Despite the mistakes of our pasts, God offers forgiveness, mercy, and a second chance. Movie Suggestions: Back to the Future, Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow, Les Misérables

12 June-July Connect the Dots: Discovering the Beauty of Authentic Community Big Idea of the Series: Authentic church community calls for love, truth, and help that starts with Jesus. June Week 4 - Series: Connect the Dots Text: Philippians 1:27-30 Topic: Community Big Idea of the Message: To live in Christian community means we drop our preferences and prejudices. July July Week 1 - Series: Connect the Dots Text: Galatians 6:1-5 Topic: Support in the Community Big Idea of the Message: Authentic community helps us when life is too tough to bear alone. July Week 2 - Series: Connect the Dots Text: Ephesians 4:11-16 Topic: Authentic Community Calls for Spoken Truth Big Idea of the Message: Speaking the truth about Jesus should be done out of love.

13 July-August Jonah and the City Big Idea of the Series: This series details the story of Jonah, outlining the responsibility each Christian has to share their faith. July Week 3 - Series: Jonah and the City Text: Jonah 1 Topic: God s Love for the Lost Big Idea of the Message: Because God loves all of humanity, believers are called to share their faith with others even when they don t want to. July Week 4 - Series: Jonah and the City Text: Jonah 2 Topic: Disobedience and Repentance Big Idea of the Message: The proper response to God s correction is repentance. August August Week 1 - Series: Jonah and the City Text: Jonah 3 Topic: Evangelism is Not Easy Big Idea of the Message: Though sometimes evangelism seems daunting, God can uses believers to do incredible things for him. August Week 2 - Series: Jonah and the City Text: Jonah 4 Topic: Evangelism and Personal Comfort Big Idea of the Message: Christians must be more concerned about the lost coming to Jesus than they are about their own personal comfort.

14 September The Gridiron Big Idea of the Series: This three-week series uses imagery from the sports world (specifically football) to explain the importance of trusting God with our entire being. September Week 1 - Series: The Gridiron Text: Matthew 13:1-9; Topic: What Kind of Receiver are You? Big Idea of the Message: Listeners must accept ( catch ) the Word of God and let it take root in their life. In this parable, Jesus describes four different types of receivers. The Intercepted (vs. 19), the Butter-Finger (vss ), the Fumbler (vs. 22), the Dependable (vs. 23). Which one are you? September Week 2 - Series: The Gridiron Text: Genesis 32:22-32 Topic: Wrestling with God, It s Good to Lose Big Idea of the Message: By the end of his wresting match with God, Jacob not only realized his place in creation, but also learned that the Lord can use our personal hurts to push us to depend on Him and His promises. September Week 3 - Series: The Gridiron Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8 Topic: Don t Give Up, Even When Life Knocks You To the Ground; Run the Race Big Idea of the Message: Following the Bible might cause people to mistreat you, but don t let that stop you from trusting God s Word and sharing your faith. September Week 4 - Open Week This is a good week to invite a guest speaker and/or preach a one-week message.

15 August Parenting Fail Big Idea of the Series: This series outlines three ways parents can fail their children by lacking responsibility, grace, and courage. August Week 3 - Series: Parenting Fail Fail #1 Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Topic: Biblical Conversations, Discipleship Big Idea of the Message: Parenting Fail: Thinking your children's spiritual development is the church s responsibility, not yours. August Week 4 - Series: Parenting Fail Fail #2 Text: Ephesians 6:1-4 Topic: Grace, Unreasonable Demands Big Idea of the Message: Parenting Fail: Being stingy with grace. August Week 5 - Series: Parenting Fail Fail #3 Text: 1 Samuel 3 (specifically 3:13) Topic: Discipline, Courage Big Idea of the Message: Parenting Fail: Being more concerned with making your children happy than helping them follow God.

16 October Ghosts Big Idea of the Series: All our fears fade away when we know God. October Week 1 - Series: Ghosts Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Topic: Fear of Your Past Big Idea of the Message: You don t have to be afraid of your past because that s not who you are anymore. Jesus has made you a completely new creation; you have a new identity. October Week 2 - Series: Ghosts Text: Matthew 19:16-26 Topic: Fear of Failure Big Idea of the Message: What it takes to grow as a Christian may seem impossible, but God can do anything. October Week 3 - Series: Ghosts Text: 1 Corinthians 10:13 Topic: Fear of Being Alone in Sin Big Idea of the Message: You are not the only one struggling with a particular sin. You don t have to be afraid to ask for prayer or talk to someone about it. October Week 4 - Series: Ghosts Text: Psalm 112 Topic: Fear of God Big Idea of the Message: The only thing we should fear is God. This is the good kind of fear; the kind that flows from respect and awe.

17 November Amazing Grace: A Study Through the Book of Galatians Big Idea of the Series: This series through the book of Galatians looks at what it means to live out a grace-filled life, both personally and in relationship with others. November Week 1 - Amazing Grace Text: Galatians 1:1-9 Topic: The True Gospel Big Idea of the Message: Today s culture presents multiple ways to live the Good Life, but it s important that we learn how to identify the true Good News (the Gospel). November Week 2 - Amazing Grace Text: Galatians 2:11-21 Topic: Hypocrisy Hurts the Gospel Big Idea of the Message: The Gospel is to be lived out truthfully, no matter what the situation or audience. November Week 3 - Amazing Grace Text: Galatians 3:1-14 Topic: Faith Leads to Salvation, Which then Leads to Good Works Big Idea of the Message: Believing, having faith, in Jesus secures your salvation and then changes the way you behave at work and in your home. November Week 4 - Amazing Grace Text: Galatians 5:13-24 Topic: There is Freedom in Christ Big Idea of the Message: Freedom in Christ leads you to serve others rather than yourself.

18 The Thrill of Hope: Big Idea of the Series: Jesus birth fulfilled God s promise of hope. November Week 5 Series: The Thrill of Hope Text: Genesis 3; Matthew 1:21 Topic: God Promised a Savior Big Idea of the Message: Humanity fell to sin and needed to be saved from death; God provided a savior. December December Week 1 Series: The Thrill of Hope Text: Genesis 22:9-19; Matthew 1:1-17 Topic: Abraham s Genealogy, Promise Big Idea of the Message: God promised Abraham that his descendants would bless the entire earth. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus. December Week 2 Series: The Thrill of Hope Text: Psalm 132:10-18; Acts 2:29-36 Topic: God Fulfilled His Promise to David Big Idea of the Message: God promised David that one of his descendants would rule over heaven and earth. Jesus power and authority should compel us to worship Him. December Week 3 Series: The Thrill of Hope Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Topic: God Fulfilled His Promise to Mary and Joseph Big Idea of the Message: God promised Mary and Joseph a son that would save His people from their sins. This promise of hope should bring us joy! December Week 4 Open Week: This is a good week to invite a guest speaker and/or preach a one-week message.

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