Stewardship and the Parable of the Minas

Scripture References

• Luke 19:11-27

Introduction

The group listened to the same passage that was preached in Sunday service and revisited it for deeper discussion. Conversation opened with a light-hearted “button” exercise about risk versus guarantee, which served as a bridge into Jesus’ parable on stewardship, trust, and faithfulness while the Kingdom is “delayed but not denied.”

Stewards, Not Owners: Faithful With God's Resources

Scripture References

• Luke 19:11-27
• Luke 19:44
• Hebrews 13:3
• John 1:11
• Psalm 24:1
• Leviticus 27:30
• Proverbs 3:9-10
• Matthew 6:24
• Luke 6:38
• Malachi 3:10

Introduction

• Pastor opens with testimony of gospel impact in Iran–average of ten daily baptisms amid persecution; calls congregation to remember persecuted believers (Heb 13:3).
• Series context: “Boot Camp–Training for Team Jesus,” nearing final week; today’s focus is money and stewardship.
• Reads Luke 19:11-27 (parable of the minas) while congregation stands in reverence.
• Explains prophetic backdrop: Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem, prediction of temple destruction (Luke 19:44) fulfilled in A.D. 70; therefore His future promises–including judgment and reward–are certain.

The Call to Humble Service: Discipleship Boot Camp Week 5

Gathering Information

• Leader: Charles (teaching); Mark (will lead closing prayer)
• Time note: Charles needed to leave by 6:20 p.m. for the opening of “Rooted.”

Scripture References

• Luke 22:24–30

Introduction

• Opening reminder that the 10-week “Rooted” discipleship course begins tonight; next session begins in ~18 weeks.
• Session aim: expose our default instinct to protect personal status and contrast it with Jesus’ call to humble service.
• Warm-up: rapid-fire everyday scenarios (potluck line, last slice of pizza, four-way stop, credit for work, etc.) to surface personal instincts.

Made for This: Serving Like Jesus

Scripture References

• Mark 10:42–45
• Isaiah 58:5–10
• 1 Peter 2:9
• 1 Peter 4:10
• 1 Corinthians 12:4–27

Introduction

• The preacher (Breaux) greets the congregation in the New Year and promotes the “Rooted” discipleship experience as a next step for everyone—from skeptics to seasoned believers.
• He frames the current sermon series as “Boot Camp,” a practical training in living the life of Jesus. Previous weeks covered baptism, Spirit-dependence, truth, and community; today’s theme is serving.
• Personal mission statement written at age 25: “I just want to look, love, and live like Jesus.” Serving is indispensable to that pursuit.

A Disciple Assembles a Band of Brothers / Sisters

Gathering Information

• Live, online snow-day study from Josh & Jana Howerton’s home (“Howerton Casa”), Dallas-area, early Feb 2023
• Interactive stream across multiple platforms; comments fed to leader in real time

Scripture References

• Luke 5:1-11
• Luke 6:12-16
• John 21:1-19
• James 5:16
• Proverbs 27:17
• Proverbs 12:18
• Proverbs 13:20
• Matthew 5:29-30
• Romans 8:1-3
• 2 Peter 1:3
• 2 Corinthians 6:14
• 1 Peter 1:13

Introduction

• Snow and ice cancelled in-person services, so the Howertons invited everyone into their living room for a “life-group style” Bible study.
• Viewers asked to grab Bibles, coffee, and drop comments (location, snow-day activities, questions).
• Light-hearted moments: showing a newly mounted gemsbok, naming suggestions (“Zulu,” “Howie,” “Paul”).
• Celebrations shared:
  • 7,148 people at Night of Prayer & Worship (Rockwall campus)
  • Two volunteers (John Mixon & Kelly Vrooman) got engaged that night
  • Healing testimony: Jackson, 19, 18-months free of fentanyl, instant relief from 10/10 back pain
  • Jana’s ongoing ministry to couples battling infertility

Trust, Obedience & Submission in the Wilderness

Scripture References

• Luke 4:1-13
• Exodus 16:2-3
• Exodus 17:2-4, 7
• Exodus 32 (Golden Calf episode)

Introduction

• Ice-breaker on favorite fast-food chains (Whataburger, Burger King, Portillo’s, Raising Canes, In-N-Out, Steak ’n Shake, etc.) highlighted convenience, taste, speed, and affordability—setting up the contrast between quick satisfaction and long-term health.
• Theme: believers often feed on “spiritual fast food.” Luke 4 shows Jesus choosing the harder, healthier way of trust, obedience, and submission in the wilderness immediately after His baptism.

Men & Women of the Word

Scripture References

• Genesis 1:29
• Deuteronomy 6
• Deuteronomy 8
• Psalm 119:11
• Ezekiel
• Matthew 4
• Matthew 6:13
• Matthew 24:35
• Luke 4
• Romans 6
• Ephesians 6:10-17
• Hebrews 5:12
• 1 John 2:16
• 1 John 4:1

Introduction

• Week 3 of the “Boot Camp: Training for Team Jesus” series.
• Focus: a true disciple becomes a man or woman of the Word and of prayer.
• Pastor warns that drowning people don’t need Greek word studies on “life-jacket”; they need someone to throw the jacket—today’s sermon is that practical life-jacket.
• Special assignment: text “BIBLE” to 20411 for a podcast deep-dive on reading, studying, and teaching Scripture to families.

Baptism: From God; For God

Scripture References

• Matthew 28:19–20
• Luke 3:21–22
• Romans 6:3–4
• Ephesians 1:13

Introduction

The group launched week 2 of an eight-week discipleship series that parallels Sunday sermons at Lake Pointe. Tonight’s focus: baptism—Is it something we do for God, or something God does for us?

Baptized in Water & Spirit

Scripture References

• Luke 3:1–22
• Malachi 4:5-6
• Romans 6:3-4
• Matthew 3:13-15
• Matthew 28:19
• 1 Corinthians 12:13
• Romans 8:9
• Luke 4:1, 14
• Luke 10:21
• Isaiah 61:1-2
• John 20:19-22
• Acts 1:4-5
• Ephesians 5:18
• Acts 2:38
• Acts 8:12-17
• Acts 19:1-6
• John 3:16

Introduction

• Series: “Boot Camp – Training for Team Jesus.”
• Year-long theme: “I am a disciple.” Congregation using a “Field Guide” to pray over one specific next-step in discipleship.
• Today’s focus: a disciple is “baptized in water and Spirit.”
• Humorous opening: video of young Caroline taking medicine, mimicking pastor’s salvation invitation count-down—illustrates responding in obedience.
• Setting: Luke 3 and the ministry of John the Baptizer—eccentric, fearless forerunner who prepared Israel for Messiah after 400 years of prophetic silence.

It is finished: Trusting the Completed Work of Christ

Scripture References

• Luke 1:1–4
• Luke 2:21
• John 19:30
• James 1:5 (alluded to in the “ask for wisdom” discussion)

Introduction

The group mirrored Sunday’s sermon on John 19:30 (“It is finished”), asking: “If Jesus really finished the work, is my life showing that I believe it?” Big idea: “If Jesus truly finished the work, trusting Him isn’t optional; it is simply what belief looks like.”