Scott LaPierre Ministries

The common tendency is to wonder if we are suffering for sin. When a trial or tragedy occurs will wonder what we did to cause the suffering we are experiencing. In Luke 13, verses 1-5 Jesus teaches suffering is not always the result of sin. When Jesus commented on the two tragedies that took place, he didn't explain why they happened, because we don't often get to find out why suffering occurs. The question isn't, "Why is this happening?" The question Jesus wants us asking is, "Have I repented, or will I perish eternally?" View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/suffering-for-sin/ 00:00 Sermon Lessons for Are We Suffering for Sin? (Luke 13:1-5) 11:33 Lesson One: Suffering isn’t always the result of sin. 29:02 Lesson Two: All suffering is the result of sin. 32:42 Lesson Three: We don’t always get to find out why we are suffering. 37:02 Lesson Four: We must all repent or perish eternally. Family Worship For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

We should make every effort to settle with God before we stand before Him. In Luke 12, verse 58 Jesus said, "As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison." If we are involved in legal disputes and we are accused and guilty, the best thing to do is try to settle outside of court, because if it goes to trial, we will be found guilty and it will be worse for us. In modern day vernacular, it is as though Jesus said, "Do everything you can to settle outside of court, because if you stand before the judge it is not going to go well for you.” The spiritual application: If we wait to get right with God until we stand before him, then it is too late. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/make-every-effort-to-settle-with-god/ 00:00 Make Every Effort to Settle with God (Luke 12, verses 54-59) 11:28 Lesson 1: We should be more interested in ______________ matters than ______________ matters. 26:30 Lesson 2: Make every effort to ____________ ________ God before standing before Him. 33:52 Lesson 3: People can’t ____________ their ________ in hell. 40:15 Lesson 4: ________ ____________ can pay our debt. Family Worship Guide Directions: Read the verses and then answer the questions: Day 1: Luke 12:54-56—What rebuke did Jesus have for the Jews in his day? Why do you think the Jews were unable to interpret the present time? What are you most interested in? What are you most knowledgeable about? After answering these questions do you think you’re more interested in earthly or spiritual matters? Day 2: Luke 12:57-58, Revelation 12:10, Job 1:8-11, 2:3-5, John 8:44, Luke 13:34-35—What does the devil’s name mean? How does he live up to this name? What does it mean to settle with God? Why should we make every effort to do so? Explain Jesus’s second illustration in your own words. Day 3: Luke 12:59, Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:11, Mark 9:48, John 5:29, Acts 24:15, Matthew 6:12, 18:23-27, 1 John 2:1—What did you learn about hell from those verses? Describe our debt. What makes it different than a financial debt? What can’t we do about this debt? What can we do about this debt? What does it mean that Jesus is our advocate? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

In this sermon Pastor Scott discusses four blessings when choosing God over family. There aren’t many situationsmore difficult for Christiansto face than having to choose God over family. Allow these four encouragements to help you if you find yourself in this situation. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/choosing-god-over-family/ 00:00 Choosing God Over Family (Luke 12, verses 49-53) 16:13 Lesson 1: The Gospel creates (Part one) peace between ______ and ______. 19:02 Lesson 1: The Gospel creates (Part two) division between ______ and ______. 28:18 Lesson 2: Choosing God over Family allows us to (Part one) ____ ________ Christ. 35:31 Lesson 2: Choosing God over Family allows us to (Part two) __________ ______ children. 40:08 Lesson 2: Choosing God over Family allows us to (Part three) ______________ ______ faith. 42:54 Lesson 2: Choosing God over Family allows us to (Part four) ________ _______ we love Him. Family Worship Guide Directions: Read the verses by the lessons and answer the following questions: Day 1: can you think of other examples in Scripture of individuals having to choose God over family members? Can you think of some times in your life when you have had to choose God over family members? Describe the distress Jesus felt throughout his earthly life and when it concluded. Day 2: did Jesus come to bring peace or division? Explain your answer. How does the gospel create peace? How does the gospel create division? Why would unbelievers turn against believers? Why didn’t Jesus go out to his family when they came to see him? Day 3: how does choosing God over family allow us to 1. be like Christ? 2. Teach our children? 3. Discuss our faith? 4. Show God we love him? What does it mean to be at peace with God, and what is the peace of God? How are they different? Does God literally expect us to hate our family members? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

D'shaunte interviewed me about walking by faith in business. This was for her online conference about taking your business to the next level. She understood that as an entrepreneur you have to trust God and step out in faith. If you’d like to interview me for an online event, or have me as a guest on your podcast, please let me know: https://www.scottlapierre.org/contact/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/walking-by-faith-in-business/ Interview Topics About Walking By Faith in Business The Interview covered many topics including: • What is faith, what it looks like, and how to walk by faith in business • The need to trust God when we begin an entrepreneurial endeavor • My testimony and the faith involved in having our kids, and in particular trusting God with our family. We wanted to trust God and let Him give us the number of kids He knew is best • Our journey going into ministry; it took faith, because Woodland Christian Church was small and only had the money to pay me for eight months • The balance between work and laziness; sometimes finding the balance is difficult. It is easy to veer into workaholism or laziness. • Opportunity cost and knowing when to say yes to something and no to something else; being able to Prioritize. • The enemy of best is good; discerning what's good that needs to be declined to embrace God's best. • Applying Matthew 6:33 that if we seek first the kingdom of God all these other things will be added to us. This verse communicates the biblical theme that we should go through life doing what God wants us to do and trust him to provide for us. • My sermon Preparation and polishing my notes. This was the beginning of me writing books, because my sermon manuscripts were so refined. • How I got into writing and some of the publishing process (traditional versus self-publishing). If you have wondered about publishing this would be good for you to hear. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

Your Finances God's Way, the book and workbook, will be published May 15, 2022: Your Finances God's Way: https://scottlapierre.org/book/your-finances-gods-way/ Your Finances God's Way Workbook: https://scottlapierre.org/book/your-finances-gods-way-workbook/ Harvest House Publishers (https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/author/scott-lapierre) asked me to put together a short promotional sales video. View all of my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ/ Your Finances God's Way description... Experience the Peace that Comes with Wise Stewardship —Why did I waste my money on that? —How come I didn’t start saving sooner? —What will I do in a financial emergency? Move beyond your financial fears by applying both biblical and practical guidelines to spending, saving, giving, and paying off debt. This companion workbook to Your Finances God’s Way gives you opportunity not only to further explore the Bible’s financial wisdom and strategies, but also to do more in-depth personal money management. This companion guide features questions that can be used for personal reflection and group discussion, illuminate verses from Scripture, and provide charts you can personalize to create a plan that makes sense for your life and income. These will go a long way toward enabling you to live out the wisdom provided in Your Finances God’s Way. As a Christian who desires to honor God, you’ll want to make sure you’re in control of your spending, not the other way around. This workbook will give you what you need to take charge of your money, find peace with your finances, and use every resource God has given you for His glory. Your Finances God's Way Workbook... Experience the Peace that Comes with Wise Stewardship Financial insecurity can be one of the greatest threats to your well-being—but the good news is that even if you’re on a tight income, you can eliminate many of your monetary worries when you create and abide by a biblical plan for your spending. In Your Finance’s God’s Way, you’ll identify the negative money management habits you need to break and the positive habits that should take their place. Implementing the teaching laid out in the Bible, this book gives you advice and practical steps backed by proven principles, helping you —get the most out of your money by paying off debt and building up savings —make wise spending decisions that enable you to avoid anxiety, regret, and conflict —find a healthy balance between being financially frivolous and frugal to a fault Even when you have less to spend, you can use what God has provided to thrive. Whether you’re young or old, married or single, working or staying at home Your Finances God’s Way will give you everything you need to be a careful steward of the resources you’ve been given.

Tracy Calahan interviewed me for her online conference, "Pain, Purpose, and Plan: Repurposing your pain to forge a remarkable future." As a pastor I am not shielded from pain, trials, and tribulations. I discussed some of the suffering I've experienced recently, as well as the blessings and goodness God has shown me and others through it. If you'd like to interview me for an online event, or have me as a guest on your podcast, please let me know: https://www.scottlapierre.org/contact/. The Interview covered many topics including: —The recent passing of my father, John LaPierre. —How I became a Christian in my early twenties following the death of my brother, Jason, from a drug overdose. —Some of the blessings experienced following these difficult trials in accordance with Romans 8:28: "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." —How trials are opportunities for us to reveal our relationships with Christ. Everyone can praise God when things are going well, but it takes God's grace to allow us to bear up well under suffering. —Two quotes of mine from the Pain, Purpose, and Plan interview that Tracy pulled out share with others to let you know what to expect: “Trials are that fire or that heat that reveal whether our faith is sincere or genuine or not. It’s not a question if you survive trials, it’s whether your faith survives trials." “Are you going to become better or are you going to become bitter when you suffer?" View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/pain-purpose-and-plan/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

Anne Nelson, the founder of Fully Thriving, interviewed me about a husband's spiritual leadership in the home. This was for her online conference: "The Marriage You Really Want - Transforming Loneliness and Conflict into Confidence and Connection." If you'd like to interview me for an online event, or have me as a guest on your podcast, please let me know: https://www.scottlapierre.org/contact/. A Husband’s Spiritual Leadership God has called husbands to be spiritual leaders in the marriage. Following verses identify the husband’s headship in the relationship: —Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. —First Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. This is why we see a pattern of male leadership throughout Scripture. There were patriarchs instead of matriarchs. The tribes of Israel were named after men. The only legitimate mediators between God and people were men (i.e., priests instead of priestesses). God appointed kings instead of queens. God called men to be the focal points of His covenants with mankind (i.e., Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus). Interview Topics So what does a husband’s spiritual leadership look like in the home? We answer that in the following interview and cover these other topics as well: —A husband should be to his wife what Christ is to the church —Why men struggle regarding their spiritual leadership —A husband is at least partially responsible for his wife’s sanctification —Husbands get the wives they prepare for themselves —Ways I have failed my wife, Katie, as her husband —What husbands who struggle with passivity should do to improve as spiritual leaders in their homes —Wives can help their husbands grow in spiritual leadership in the relationship —What about when a wife is more spiritually mature than her husband; how should wives handle the situation —What does – and doesn’t – it mean for wives to be their husband’s helper (Genesis 2:18) View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://scottlapierre.org/husbands-spiritual-leadership/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

I hired Caro Begin with GoCreate.me (https://gocreate.me/) to improve my author website (https://scottlapierre.org/). I had been using the Author Pro theme from Genesis/Studiopress, but I wanted to find something else for two reasons. First, they stopped updating the theme. Second, the homepage was widgets. I don't receive any affiliate commission for recommending GoCreate.me. I have simply been blessed working with Caro and hope to be a blessing to her and others. She is friendly, extremely helpful, and I think her price is very reasonable: $599. Many other people charge this much for site maintenance on a site, and if you wanted a new site you're looking at thousands of dollars.

In Luke 12, verse 42 Jesus asked, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?" In Luke 12, verses 35-40 Jesus preached about being ready for his return. We could almost think that what the guys are doing in Acts 1, verses 9-11, is the best example of doing what Christ wanted: standing there, waiting, staring off into heaven. But then Jesus preached Luke 12, verses 41 to 48 to prevent us from thinking this. Being ready for Christ’s return means serving. If we want to know who then is the faithful and wise steward we should look at our lives. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://scottlapierre.org/who-then-is-faithful-and-wise/ 00:00 Sermon lessons for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? 07:47 Lesson 1: Prepare for Christ’s return ____ ______________. 18:29 Lesson 2: ______ __________ reveal if we don’t expect Christ’s return. 32:56 Lesson 3: Unfaithfulness is a ____________ ________________ of being unsaved. 38:45 Lesson 4: The ____________________ will __________ the offense. 49:01 Lesson 5: Ignorance is ____ ____________. Family Worship Guide for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? Directions: Read the verses at the end of the lessons to answer the following questions: Day 1: Why does it seem like Jesus didn’t directly answer people’s questions at times? What does it look like to prepare for Christ’s return? What are some ways you are preparing for Christ’s return? What are some ways you could better prepare for Christ’s return? How does the world typically reward faithfulness? How does the Lord seem to reward faithfulness? Day 2: Why do people’s lives tend to deteriorate spiritually when they don’t look forward to Christ’s return? What positive changes are typically shown in people’s lives when they look forward to Christ’s return? What is the relationship between faithfulness and salvation? Day 3: Describe the two categories for unbelievers. Looking back at the verses what are the different punishments you see? Why would the punishment be worse for some cities than it will be for Sodom and Gomorrah? Is ignorance an excuse? Why or why not? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship by Scott LaPierre is available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook: —Your Marriage God's Way: https://amzn.to/3b04KjJ —Your Marriage God's Way Workbook: https://amzn.to/3pklcjL Song credit to Hazel and the Boys: Jamison and Rachel Dye (vocals), Kevin and Laura Willis (piano and cello) BOOK: Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship description... Celebrate the Marriage God Made for You Your most important earthly connection is with your spouse, and when you honor the person you married, you’re also honoring God. He created marriage to be one of life’s greatest gifts, and the instruction manual you need for a joyful, lasting union is found in His Word. In Your Marriage God’s Way, author and pastor, Scott LaPierre, takes a close look at the principles for building a biblical marriage—one in which your relationship with Christ brings guidance and blessing into your relationship with your spouse. You’ll gain the tools to… —understand the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives —recognize and resolve the conflicts you face with a heart of hope and compassion —follow God’s worthy command to love and cherish your spouse unconditionally Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’ve been on the road together for years, Your Marriage God’s Way will provide the helpful and encouraging insights you need to experience marriage as God intends it. https://www.scottlapierre.org/book/your-marriage-gods-way/ WORKBOOK: Your Marriage God's Way Workbook: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship description... “Scripture allows us to enjoy marriage as God intended it to be—a vibrant, thrilling, fulfilling relationship. Let’s journey together, with the Bible as our guide, to experience the blessings of a Christ-centered marriage.” —Scott LaPierre By God’s design, your relationship with your spouse is your most important earthly connection. Your heavenly Father wants you to witness the fullness of His love in your marriage, and He invites you to apply His instructions for building a satisfying, enduring union. This companion workbook to Your Marriage God’s Way encourages you to dive deeper into your study of this sacred contract between man, woman, and God. You’ll lay the foundation of a marriage that lasts as you… —understand the unique roles God has given you and your spouse —identify ways you can better help, encourage, and support each other —make serving God the focal point of your marriage As you and your spouse work through this book together, you’ll grow closer to God and to each other, harvesting the delicious fruits of a biblical marriage that brings joy and blessing to you and everyone around you. https://www.scottlapierre.org/book/your-marriage-gods-way-workbook/ View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

In Luke 12, verse 40 Jesus said, "You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Jesus wants us prepared to serve Him. Our waist must be girded so we’re ready to act quickly, but we need to be able to see where we’re going! We live in a dark world and the light we need to see comes from God’s Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119, verse 105). What is the blessing for those servants who are ready for Christ’s return? In an unbelievable reversal of the servant illustration Jesus says that he will serve the servants who faithfully served him. Jesus compares the way he will return with the way a thief will rob people. A thief does not announce his arrival. He comes when it is unexpected. The same is true with Jesus: the only way to be on guard against a thief is to live in constant readiness, and the only way to be prepared for Jesus’s return is to live in constant readiness. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/coming-at-an-hour-you-do-not-expect/ 00:00 Sermon Lessons for Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect 03:57 Lesson 1: Christ wants us ready to __________ ______. 07:25 Lesson 2: focusing on Christ’s return provides victory ________ ______. 12:05 Lesson 3: we need God’s word to see where __________ __________. 20:27 Lesson 4: Jesus will __________ __________ who faithfully served him. 32:58 Lesson 5: __________ ____________________ is supposed to believe they’re the last. Family Worship Guide for The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect Directions: Read the above verses at the end of the lessons and then answer the following questions: Day one: what are the two illustrations Jesus uses to encourage us to be ready for his return? What does it mean – spiritually speaking – for our waist to be girded? In what way does the Jews participation in Passover serve as a type of our readiness? How does focusing on Christ’s return provides victory over temptation and sin? What temptations can you resist better by focusing on Christ’s return? Day two: why is a lamp such a fitting metaphor for God’s word? In what ways does the parable of the wise and foolish virgins resemble the teaching in Luke’s gospel? What does it mean to be awake spiritually speaking? Why do you think Jesus serves those who have faithfully served him? In what ways does this truth encourage you to live differently? Second to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, describe some of the most obvious times during Jesus’s earthly ministry that he served others. Day three: why did the New Testament writers of the first century write about Jesus returning soon, even though he hasn’t returned in the last 2000 years? Using 2 Peter 3 what are some of the reasons Jesus hasn’t yet returned? What does it mean that Jesus’s return is imminent? What does it mean that Jesus will return as a thief in the night? In what ways does this encourage you to live differently? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

This is a cover of I'll Fly Away, which was written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929. The song is performed by Katie LaPierre and the LaPierre children at the celebration of life for John LaPierre: Katie's father-in-law and the children's grandfather. Here is Scott's eulogy for his father: https://www.scottlapierre.org/eulogy-for-john-lapierre/ Lyrics for I'll Fly Away Some bright morning When this life is o'er I'll fly away fly away To a home on God's western shore I'll fly away, fly away I'll fly away fly away O glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die Hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away, fly away When the shadows of this life Are gone I'll fly away, fly away Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly I'll fly away, fly away I'll fly away fly away O glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die Hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away, fly away Just a few more weary days And then I'll fly away, fly away To a land where joys will never end I'll fly away, fly away I'll fly away fly away O glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die Hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away, fly away

Acts chapter 2 verse 42 says regarding the early church, "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." This verse can serve as a blueprint for churches. It describes the foundation of the early church, and it can serve as a foundation for us. Peter preached a great sermon on Pentecost and three thousand people were saved. This huge group of new believers couldn’t be sidetracked by any books, programs, or other churches. So, looking at what they focused on ("devoted themselves to") allows us to see what we should focus on. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/they-devoted-themselves-to/ 00:00 Sermon Lessons for They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, & Prayer 06:05 Lesson 1: the __________ ____________ sets a good example, because of what they didn’t have. 16:34 Lesson 2: __________ ____________ the church. 32:04 Lesson 3: we want to equip the saints by ________________ __________________ to the Word, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Family Worship Guide Directions: Read the above verses at the end of the lessons and then answer the following questions associated with them: Day one: when considering the vision for our church, why can the early church serve as a good example for us? Why shouldn’t we try to be original? What else do you think we can learn from the early church? The early church wasn’t perfect. What are some things we can learn from them to avoid? Day two: why do we want unbelievers to be convicted when they attend our services? What does it mean that those listening to Peter at Pentecost were cut to the heart? Why is it encouraging that Jesus said he would build the church? What application does this have for us? Even though Jesus is building the church, what responsibilities do we still have? What can the account with Gideon illustrate for us? Day three: how can Acts 2, verse 42 serve as a nice blueprint for us? What are the four areas (or spiritual disciplines) this verse encourages us to focus on? Briefly describe each one of them and their importance. After taking an honest assessment of your spiritual life, which areas do you feel comfortable with, and which areas have the most room for growth? What practical steps can you take to see yourself grow in these areas? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

Based on Ephesians chapter 4, verse 11 says the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. In seeker sensitive churches the focus is taken off believers and put on unbelievers. This is a reversal of the biblical pattern, and it leaves believers spiritually weak, emaciated, and starving. The focus should be on believers so they can be built up, equipped, sanctified, and strengthened. Then they can perform the work of the ministry, including going out and sharing the gospel with the lost. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/equip-the-saints-for-the-work-of-ministry/ 00:00 Sermon: Equip the Saints Versus Seeker Sensitive 03:55 We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (Lesson 1) it typically means ________________ ______ versus God. 25:20 We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (Lesson 2) we want unbelievers to ____ __________________. 38:44 We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (Lesson 3) we want believers to be ________________ and ____________________. Family Worship Guide Directions: Read 2 Peter 2:8, first Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, Ephesians 4:11-16 and then answer the following questions: Day one: what does seeker sensitive mean? Why would a church want to be seeker sensitive? What seems good about being seeker sensitive? What is wrong with being seeker sensitive? What do churches typically dismiss, or get rid of, when they are seeker sensitive? What might churches embrace when they are seeker sensitive? Day two: how should we treat unbelievers when they come to church? How do we want unbelievers to feel when they come to church? Should we treat longtime believers in the church differently than new attendees? If so, how? How should believers feel in worldly situations? How does the gospel sound to unbelievers? How about to unbelievers? Day three: what is the primary purpose of the Sunday morning worship service? Who (besides God) is it primarily for? What do we want to do with believers in the worship service, and why do we want to do this for them? What is the danger of not doing this? Why is it important for unbelievers that believers be spiritually strong? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

Can Christians get angry at sin and death? My father died unexpectedly earlier this month. You can listen to the eulogy I preached out his Celebration of Life here: https://www.scottlapierre.org/eulogy-for-john-lapierre/. Because he had Alzheimer’s I had years to think about him passing away and how I would feel. I expected grief and sorrow, but I didn’t expect to feel angry. We should evaluate our feelings to determine whether they please or displease God. We do this by reading God’s Word to see what it says about the feelings we are experiencing. We also look at our premier example, Jesus Christ Himself, to see if He experienced those same feelings because He was the perfect Person. The difficulty with evaluating anger is it isn’t as straightforward as other feelings. There are some verses that discourage anger and others that encourage it. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/can-christians-get-angry/ 00:00 Sermon Lessons for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death? 08:40 Lesson one: we should evaluate ______ ________________ (1 Thessalonians 4:13, Ephesians 2:12, Matthew 5:4, 26:36-38, Proverbs 22:24, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Colossians 3:8). Lesson two: we can be angry at: 23:40 • (part one) ______ (Deuteronomy 9:8, Numbers 11:1, Mark 3:5, James 1:20, 4:1-2, Psalm 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9). 28:24 • (part two) __________ (John 11:31-44, 14:9, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 20:14). Family Worship Guide for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death? Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Ephesians 2:12, Matthew 5:4, 26:36-38, Proverbs 22:24, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Colossians 3:8. Would you agree that death is “Normal”? Why doesn’t it feel normal? Why do you think we should evaluate our feelings? What feelings have you experienced when you’ve lost a loved one? Do you believe those feelings are supported by God’s Word? Day two: Deuteronomy 9:8, Numbers 11:1, Mark 3:5, James 1:20, 4:1-2, Psalm 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9. Why is anger a difficult feeling to evaluate? Can you think about godly examples of anger in Scripture? What about ungodly examples? What does it look like to have a godly anger toward sin? What does ungodly anger look like, and why is it often produced in our lives? Day three: John 11:31-44, 14:9, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 20:14. Why do you think Jesus was angry at Death? Why did Jesus let Lazarus die? Why did Jesus weep, and what does that mean for us with him being our faithful High Priest? Considering Jesus wept, what does that tell us about God himself? What application does the account with Lazarus have for us when we lose believing loved ones? For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

My father, John Arnold LaPierre was born on September 24, 1951, and he passed away on May 2, 2021. This is the eulogy I shared at his Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021. Here is the accompanying podcast episode with all the notes from my message: https://www.scottlapierre.org/eulogy-for-john-lapierre/ John LaPierre’s Obituary John LaPierre was born in Plattsburgh, New York on September 24, 1951. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the 8th grade and then transferred to Dannemora High School where he graduated June 1969. John was active in sports, playing basketball, baseball, and soccer in high school. He attended Cortland State University for three years majoring in physical education. John and Donna were married on February 2, 1974 in Dannemora, New York. John started working for the Department of Corrections in Dannemora in 1973 until May 1979 when he, Donna, and Scott (born in 1978) moved to California. John continued working for the Department of Corrections until retiring in April 2007. John’s second son, Jason, was born in 1979. John enjoyed coaching and watching his sons participate in various sports. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family, and then golf during retirement. John became a Christian in 2008 and his son, Scott, baptized him soon after. When Scott took the pastorate of Woodland Christian Church in 2010, John and Donna followed him to Washington, where John also served as a deacon at his son’s church. Shortly after John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, it progressed slowly, so he was able to enjoy many years with family and friends. In January of 2017 John was diagnosed with throat and lymph node cancer. He went through 37 radiation treatments which successfully treated the cancer. Even when John couldn’t remember the names of his grandchildren they still brought him great joy whenever he saw them. They were certainly the light of his life. John was predeceased by his father, mother, and son, Jason. Notes for John LaPierre’s Eulogy I thought I would begin by sharing some of my favorite memories about my dad… Favorite memories about John LaPierre I spent most of my young life in MacArthur, which is in the mountains of northern California. That’s also where Katie grew up, and where her parents still live. It’s very rural. We couldn’t see any of our neighbors through all the thick trees. One day Dad took Jason and I into the woods behind our house. He said, “This is where I want to build you a treehouse.” It was pretty neat: completely enclosed with a nice roof, a trapdoor to enter it from the bottom after climbing up a ladder, and a sliding window. After Dad finished it he wanted all of us ,Dad, Mom, Jason and to spend the night in it. The floor of the treehouse was plywood, and we slept in sleeping bags. This made for a long, uncomfortable night. The treehouse was good size, but with the four of us rolling over and bumping each other, I don’t think we slept very much. But it was a nice, fun time that I still remember. I also mention this memory because it reveals something about Dad that stands out in my mind: he really wanted us to spend time together as a family. I remember growing up knowing family was important, and there was little Dad and Mom wouldn’t do for us. Most of you have seen how that pattern continue through my adulthood with my parents following us from Northern California down to central California, which is where we were before moving here, and then up to Woodland. Something else I remember about Dad is he was very hard-working. People can show their love for others in many ways, and Dad has never talked much, but he showed his love and concern for his family by the way he provided for us. When I grew up the phrase, “double shift,” was common. Dad was always working double shifts: two eight hour shifts back-to-back. He would drive home, sleep a few hours, and then head back to work. I played sports throughout school, and Dad made it a point to watch all my events. Because we lived in such a rural area that meant driving all over Northern California, two or three hours to different games and tournaments. Dad was such a hard worker that it seemed like even when he wasn’t at work, if he was home, he was working. Because we lived in the mountains there were always things to do around our house, and Dad always expected us to be out there with him on the weekends during the school year, and then during the week throughout the summer. My parents grew up in upstate New York. I heard stories about my dad working on his uncle’s dairy farm, and how he thought it was the greatest thing. The summer after eighth grade I flew to New York and worked on that same dairy farm. Let’s just say I didn’t think it was the greatest thing.

Scott LaPierre's interview for Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories, and Emotional Distance into True Intimacy. This was an online marriage event with Anne Nelson, the founder of Fully Thriving. If you'd like to interview me for an online event, or have me as a guest on your podcast, please let me know: https://www.scottlapierre.org/contact/. The interview covered a number of topics including: • The most common problems I see in marriage counseling, which happen to be related to parenting, finances, and in-laws • How our marriages are reflections of our relationships with Christ; we treat our spouses the way we do because of our relationships with the Lord. Our marriages are outpourings of that relationship • How we can strengthen our relationships with Christ, so we have stronger relationships with our spouse • How I keep things in balance; as a pastor, author, speaker, husband, and father of eight with a ninth on the way I must prioritize. I must discern between good and best • How I handled a crisis in my life when I was overwhelmed and stressed out • The importance of investing in my marriage and spending quality time with my wife, Katie • The biblical basis for a husband making his wife the supreme relationship in this life second only to Christ • What I do as a father to ensure my children don't become bitter toward the ministry; checking in with them to see how they feel about traveling with me for speaking engagements View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/unbreakable-marriage/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages

The need for a holy church is great, because just like God called Israel to be holy in the Old Testament, He has called the church to be holy in the New Testament: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1 verses15-16). We tend to think something is holy if it is moral or righteous, and something is unholy if it immoral or unrighteous, but it’s better to understand holy means separate. For example: —When Moses approached the burning bush, God told him he was standing on holy ground, not because the ground was better than other areas of ground, but because it was set apart for God. —If there were two identical vessels, but one was used in the temple and one wasn’t, the one in the temple was holy because it’s set apart for God. Israel was holy by keeping ceremonial commands (those dealing with tassels, foods, clothing, farming), and the church is holy by being separate from the world: “Do not be conformed to this world…do not love the world or the things in the world…friendship with the world is enmity with God” (Romans 12 verse 2, 1 John 2 verse 15, James 4 verse 4). View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/the-need-for-a-holy-church/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages 00:00 Sermon Lessons for The Need for a Holy Church 03:20 Lesson one: God always has an ____________ and ______________. 10:58 Lesson two: ________________ __________________ the inside from the outside. 18:45 Lesson three: holiness in the church means ________________ ______________________. 32:46 Lesson four: ____________ __________________ churches blur the line between inside and outside. 41:50 Lesson five: draw the line ____ ____________________ when being “all things to all people." Family Worship Guide for The Need for a Holy Church Memory verse: Romans 12:2 Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: Matthew 21:31, Mark 4:11, Luke 16:16, Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Revelation 22:14. What does it mean that God has always had an inside and an outside? Why do you think this is the case? Can you think of any other examples in the Bible of an inside and outside that were not mentioned in the sermon? Day two: 1 Peter 1:15, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, Hebrews 12:14). What are some moral commands in the Old Testament? What are some ceremonial commands? What are the differences between them, and why are they so important? What did it look like for Israel to be holy in the Old Testament? What does it look like for the church to be holy in the New Testament? Why is holiness so important for the church? Day three: 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Galatians 5:6, 6:15, Acts 15:5, 16:3, 18:18. We appreciate the seeker sensitive churches’ desire to reach the lost, but in what way or ways do they typically err? What does it mean to “be all things to all people”? What does it not mean? How do we know where to draw the line? What are some amoral things Paul did to reach unbelievers? In what way, or ways, is Christ the greatest example of becoming “all things to all people that He might save some”?

First Samuel 3 verse 1 says, "The boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." These words describe the dark days of the judges, which came to an end when God raised up the first prophet, Samuel, to give people the Word of God. Israel was brought out of darkness by the light of God's Word. This delivered Israel from the situation in Judges 2, verse 10 that took them away from God 3.5 centuries earlier: "There arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/the-word-of-the-lord-was-rare/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages 00:00 Sermon Lessons for When the Word of the Lord Was Rare Lesson one: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did: (NOTE: parts one through three are from the previous sermon) • (part one) not know the Lord. • (part two) not remember what the Lord has done. • (part three) not remain holy. 08:47 • (part four) what was right in __________ ______ ________. 39:28 Lesson two: vision should come from __________ _______. 45:27 Lesson three: God’s word __________________ ____. Family Worship Guide Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: Why was Joshua’s death such a pivotal moment for the nation of Israel? Who were they supposed to start following at that moment? Who, or what, did they end up following instead? What does the Bible tell us about our hearts? Day two: Samuel is a transitional figure between what two offices? What is the relationship between vision and God’s word? Why were the days of the judges so spiritually dark based on 1 Samuel 3:1? How did God bring the dark days of the judges to an end? Day three: How does God’s word restrains us? Aside from the book of judges and the time Moses and Joshua went up on Mount Sinai, can you think of other instances in Israel’s history of them being unrestrained because of the absence of God’s Word and vision? Regarding God’s word, why are we so fortunate today? Our hearts are incurable, or desperately sick, so what is the solution?

Judges chapter 2, verse 10 says, "There arose another generation who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." This is why the nation of Israel went from victories to defeats. The historical books of the Bible read almost like one book, with each book serving as a chapter of a larger book covering the history of the nation of Israel. But between Joshua and Judges the change is so sharp it could almost seem like we missed something: • Joshua is largely a book of victories. • Judges is largely a book of defeats. Keeping in mind from 1 Corinthians 10 and Romans 15 that we are supposed to learn from the Old Testament, when we see something this dramatic take place, we should ask why it happened. We are given the answer in Judges chapter 2, verses 7-12. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/there-arose-another-generation-who-did-not-know-the-lord/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages 00:00 Sermon Lessons for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord 11:07 Lesson one: the Promised Land is a picture of __________________ ________ in Christ. Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not: 25:06 (part one) know ______ ________. 36:30 (part two) remember what the Lord ______ ________. 48:20 (part three) ____________ ________. Family Worship Guide for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions: Day one: 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11, Romans 15:4, Hebrews 3-4, Joshua 13:1, 21:44, 22:4, Matthew 11:28-29. Why do people have trouble learning from the Old Testament? What can we do when we read the Old Testament to find application from the accounts? How is the Promised Land a picture of our relationships with Christ? Describe the rest the Promised Land offered people of Israel. Describe the rest Christ offers His people. 2. Day two: Judges 2:9-10, Jeremiah 9:23-24. How do the Old Testament historical books read like one book? What two books have a sharp change between them? Describe the change. What does it mean that the new generation did not know the Lord? What does it mean that the new generation did not remember what the Lord had done? What application does this have for us? In other words, how can we ensure that the generation following us knows the Lord, and remembers the things that He has done? Why don’t churches want to simply preach the Word of God? 3. Day three: Judges 1:28-35, 2:1-2, 1 John 2:15-16. What does the word holy mean? How is Israel to remain holy? How did Israel fail to remain holy? What are some practical ways for us to remain holy? Why didn’t the Israelites drive out all the Canaanites living among them? In other words, why did they want to keep them around? Why don’t we drive out all the sin in our lives? In what ways has the world crept into the church? What can we do to prevent this?

I was able to baptize my oldest sons, Ricky and Johnny, on Resurrection Sunday 2021. Third John 1:4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

The LaPierre children singing a cover of the hymn, At Calvary. Rhea is on piano, Ricky is on guitar, Johnny is on harmonica, Chloe is using the tambourine, Ruby is using the egg shaker, and Charis and Noah are helping with vocals. Years I spent in vanity and pride, Caring not my Lord was crucified, Knowing not it was for me He died On Calvary. Refrain: Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found liberty At Calvary. By God’s Word at last my sin I learned; Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned, Till my guilty soul imploring turned To Calvary. Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything, Now I gladly own Him as my King, Now my raptured soul can only sing Of Calvary! Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan! Oh, the grace that brought it down to man! Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span At Calvary!

In Colossians chapter 2, verses 11 through 14, we see many things Jesus is willing to do for us. Jesus is willing to give us victory over sin: "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ" (verse 11). Jesus is willing to be our substitute: “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (verses 12 and 13). Jesus is willing to cancel our debt: “by canceling the record of debt” (verse 14a). Jesus is willing to free us from the law’s demands: “that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (verse 14b). View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/jesus-is-willing-to/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages Sermon Lessons for Jesus Is Willing to... 00:00 Jesus is willing to… 05:13 Lesson one: ________ ____ victory over sin (Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:29). 09:22 Lesson two: ____ ______ Substitute (Romans 6:3-4, 23, Acts 2:24, Colossians 2:12-13). 24:04 Lesson three: ____________ ______ debt (Colossians 2:13-14a). 33:00 Lesson four: ________ ____ from the law’s demands (Colossians 2:14b, John 16:8, Romans 3:21-28). Family Worship Guide for Jesus Is Willing to... Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions. Day one: What did physical circumcision always prefigure? What does it mean that Jesus died for our salvation and sanctification? What is the difference between the two? Why can’t the law produce our sanctification any more than it can produce our salvation? Day two: Why do we need a substitute? In what ways is Jesus willing to serve as our Substitute? Why couldn’t the grave hold Christ? In other words, why couldn’t He remain dead? What does baptized mean? In what ways were we baptized into Christ? What does water baptism represent? In other words, what does water baptism demonstrate about our relationships with Christ? Day three: Describe the debt that we owe God. How can this debt be paid? What does it look like for us to pay it? What did it look like for Jesus to pay it? What are trespasses; how are they different than other sins? How did Jesus free us from the law’s demands and what does this mean for us? Why does the Holy Spirit convict the world of righteousness, and what does this have to do with Jesus’s ascension? How are we justified, or declared righteous?

Physical circumcision always prefigured, or foreshadowed, the true and greater circumcision God wanted, which was spiritual circumcision of the heart. Spiritual circumcision of the heart occurs when people repent and put their faith in Christ, and are saved. Consider these verses: • Colossians 2 verse 11 says, " In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands (this means it’s not physical circumcision), by putting off the body of the flesh (this refers to the spiritual flesh), by the circumcision of Christ." • Romans 2, verses 28-29 says, "No one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. " This means the letter of the law, which can’t provide spiritual circumcision. Only the Holy Spirit can circumcise hearts, by producing repentance and faith. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/spiritual-circumcision/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages 00:00 Sermon Lessons for Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart 06:10 Lesson one: children must have ______________________ ____________ to be baptized (Colossians 2, verse 11, Romans 2, verse28, Leviticus 24, verses 41-42, Jeremiah 6, verse 10, Ezekiel 44, verse 6, Deuteronomy 30, verse 6, Acts 2 , verses 23, 36-41 cf. Acts 7, verses 51-58). 22:38 Lesson two: (part one) salvation is the requirement for baptism (part two) but __________________ ________________ is not (Acts 8:30-39, 16:30-33). Note: part one is from a previous sermon. 41:20 Lesson three: don’t try to ________ ________ ________________ into being baptized. Family Worship Guide for Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart Memory verse: Romans 2 verse 29 Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions. Day one: Colossians 2 verse 11, Romans 2:28, Leviticus 24:41-42, Jeremiah 6:10, Ezekiel 44:6, Deuteronomy 30:6. What did circumcision always prefigure? was God upset with these Israelites about circumcision when they had already been circumcised? Day two: Acts 2, verse 23, 36-41 cf. Acts 7:51-58. When did the Jews finally experience the true and greater circumcision God desired for them? Although Peter and Stephen’s messages were similar, why do you think there were such opposing responses to them? Day three: Acts 8, verses 30-39, 16:30-33. When should people, whether adult or children, be baptized? Why was the Ethiopian eunuch able to be baptized? Why was the Philippian jailer and his family able to be baptized? What would have, but would not have, prevented them from being baptized? Is it a bad idea to talk your children into being baptized? What should you do instead?

With baptisms coming up on Easter I preached on evidences of salvation. I wanted to help equip families determine whether their children should be baptized, because we are credobaptists who believe they must first be saved. While no parent can know for sure that their child is saved, I do believe these should be helpful. Also, these are good evidences to look for in anyone’s life, child or adult alike. I have looked for these evidences in my life when examining my salvation, and I hope you will do the same. View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/ Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/evidences-of-salvation/ For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/ If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect: • Professionally prepared and delivered messages • A handout with lessons and discussion questions • Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire) • Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire) • Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire) • Prompt responses to any communication • Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages 00:00 Sermon Lessons for Evidences of Salvation | When Should Children Be Baptized - Part II 05:03 Lesson 1: evidences of salvation to look for in your children: Note: parts one through three are from Part I. • (Part 1) godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7, verse 10). • (Part 2) spiritual fruit (Matthew 3 verse 8, 7 verse 19, 13 verse 23, Acts 26 verse 20, James 2 verses 17, 20, 26). • (Part 3) spiritual hunger and thirst (John 4 verses 13-15, 6 verses 35, 66, Luke 6 verses 21, 25, 1 John verses 2:15 and John 3:19). 08:18 • (Part 4) spiritual __________________________ (Matthew 11 verses 25, 13:11, 16:17, 1 Corinthians 2 verses 7-14). 24:09 • (Part 5) perseverance _____________ ____________ (James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Matthew 13:21). 31:22 • (Part 6) not habitually ______________________ (1 John 1:6, 8, 3:6-9). 36:11 • (Part 7) __________________ (1 John 2:3-5, 3:7). 46:17 Lesson 2: focus on ______ ____________ when evidences are lacking. Family Worship Guide for Evidences of Salvation | When Should Children Be Baptized - Part II Day 1: Read Matthew 11:25, 13:11, 16:17, 1 Corinthians 2:7-14, James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Matthew 13:21 and discuss: why do some people understand spiritual truths, but others do not? What can we do to strive to better understand spiritual truths? How can we try to determine if our children understand spiritual truths? We don’t like to see our children suffer, but what is one of the benefits of seeing them go through trials? Day 2: Read 1 John 1:6, 8, 3:6-9, 1 John 2:3-5, 3:7 and discuss: how can it be true that we don’t stop sinning on this side of heaven, but at the same time Scripture says habitually disobedient people are not Christians? Similarly, we don’t perfectly obey on this side of heaven, but at the same time Scripture says that Christians are obedient, so how can this be? In other words, discuss the balance for both of these situations. Day 3: Read John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19 and discuss: what is the temptation for parents when we don’t see evidences of salvation in our children’s lives? What is the wrong approach? What is the right approach? In other words, what is the best way for us to see these evidences in our children’s lives?