Journey Church Bozeman Sermons

Book of Romans: Eager and Unashamed | January 21, 2024Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor “In our generation, the primary problem with evangelism isn’t that we’re doing it with bullhorns and low-grade bigotry; it’s that we’re not doing it at all.”— John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way (pg. 151) Romans 1:14-17 (NIV) I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” OBLIGATED: Romans 1:14 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NIV)All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. EAGER: Romans 1:15 (NIV) UNASHAMED: Romans 1:16 (NIV) Romans 1:1-4 (NIV)Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Reflection Questions:Was there something that stuck out to you from the sermon? Share a time when you were able to share the good news about Jesus with someone. Was it a positive or negative experience, or somewhere in between? What was their response? What did you learn from that experience? Read Romans 1:14 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. Paul felt an obligation and a responsibility to share the gospel with the world. Do you feel that same obligation and responsibility? Why or why not? Read Romans 1:15. Why can a follower of Jesus NOT feel eager to share the gospel? What can be our fears? Our apprehensions? Read Romans 1:16. What can cause us to be ashamed of the gospel? What makes the gospel offensive to our culture? Why is it important to focus on Jesus and not peripheral issues?Peripheral issues are “good advice”, not the “good news”.Who Jesus is?Why Jesus came?What Jesus accomplished with his life, death, and resurrection?What Jesus invites us to do in following Him?What Jesus wants for us?Why Jesus wants that for us? What peripheral issues can misrepresent the gospel message and muddy the waters of the message of Jesus? Why is it important to learn to be curious and listen to people in order to be effective at sharing the gospel? What are some good questions you could ask to learn where people are at on their spiritual journey?Who could you begin to pray for and ask questions of this week in order to understand where they are on their spiritual journey? What are a couple questions you could ask to start that conversation?What was God saying to you from this sermon? What are you going to do about it? Next step? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2024.01.21.pdf

Book of Romans: Overview | January 14, 2024Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Romans 1:5 (NIV)Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. Romans 1:7 (NIV)To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Reflection Questions: Read Romans 1:1-17(Focus on 16-17 This is Paul’s thesis for whole book) Was there one thing that the Holy Spirit highlighted to you personally from the message?Have you ever felt STUCK in your faith? Share that experience. How did it feel? How did you get there? How did you get out?Where would you like to see BREAKTHROUGH in your life right now?The meaning of the word Gospel is “good news”. What is the difference between “good news” and “good advice”? How can understanding the message of the GOSPEL bring breakthrough in a person’s life? How can misunderstanding the GOSPEL keep us STUCK? “The righteousness of God is God’s righteous initiative in putting sinners right with himself, by bestowing on them a righteousness which is not their own, but his.” John Stott What difference does it make that our righteousness is bestowed/declared by God and not accomplished by us? How does this bring breakthrough and freedom to a follow of Jesus?Read Romans 1:5. What is the relationship between faith and obedience? Does genuine faith exist without a heart to obey? Martin Luther said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” What did he mean by this? Do you agree or disagree? Why?Where do you need to see the power of the Gospel message take root in your life?What is one next step of obedience you could take to express your faith and trust in the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2024.01.14.pdf

Jim Keena, a guest speaker and passionate advocate for finding life's purpose, shares his insights on transformative encounters with God. He discusses how Mary’s acceptance of her divine calling exemplifies embracing purpose amid fear. Keena reflects on personal experiences and the significance of community service, illustrating that true fulfillment often arises from small acts of faith. He emphasizes that recognizing one’s unique calling can lead to joy and a greater good, inspiring listeners to engage more deeply with their own paths.

Explore the transformative power of prayer in building confidence for evangelism. Discover how embracing one's identity as 'light' can inspire a mission-driven life, guiding others toward hope. Reflect on the importance of compassion and kindness in interactions with others. As the New Year approaches, the message encourages setting intentions that shine light into the darkness, empowering individuals to actively spread positivity and embody their faith in everyday life.

Explore the powerful symbolism of light amidst darkness in the Christmas narrative. Dive into the historical context of spiritual silence that preceded Jesus' arrival, revealing the struggles of His family against a backdrop of turmoil. Learn how embracing Jesus brings transformative peace and reconciliation during the holiday season. Discover a personal journey of faith, highlighting the importance of community and vulnerability in overcoming despair. This journey uncovers the profound hope and guidance that faith can provide.

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | December 17, 2023 Genesis 12:2 (NIV)“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:10-13 (NIV)Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” Genesis 15:5b-6 (NIV)“Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 16:1-2, 4a (NIV)Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”Abram agreed to what Sarai said. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. Two Main Areas of Control: Control of People Control of Environment Genesis 22:1-3 (NIV)Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”“Here I am,” he replied.Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. Genesis 22:6-8 (NIV)Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. James 4:13-16 (NIV)Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. Reflection Questions: 1. Read Genesis 22:1-18. Discuss Abraham's trust in God's provision in challenging circumstances.2. Share the areas of your life where controlling your own plan is easier than trusting God's plan.3. Read James 4:13-16. What is James' criticism and his expectation for how we go about day to day?4. Of the idols discussed in this series (money, comfort, relationships, reputation and control), which is the area you identify the most challenging for you? Is there any step you plan to take to move forward? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.12.17.pdf

When Good Things Become God: Reputation | December 10, 2023Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)A good name is better than fine perfume… 1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. Galatians 1:10 (NIV)Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 2:11-13 (NIV) Matthew 4:5-7 (NIV) Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV)As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 6:1 (NIV)“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Can I SAY NO?Do I MANAGE PERCEPTIONS? Do I live a HIDDEN or DOUBLE LIFE? Am I PREOCCUPIED with OPINIONS? Can I GIVE and RECEIVE FEEDBACK? Hebrews 4:13-16 (NIV)Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. Reflection Questions:Read Galatians 1:10. How in your life have you seen the approval of people become more important than the approval of God?Read Mathew 6:1. How can doing “works of righteousness” (good things) for God become more for people than for God? Have you ever experienced this in your life? Explain. How can we know if our focus is on God or on the approval of people?How can an inability to say “No” to people be evidence of the idolatry of approval/reputation? What is the cost long term to us if we constantly try to please people?Why does a reluctance to give or receive feedback point to the idol of reputation/approval?How do your respond to the criticism of others? Does it create insecurity and challenge your self worth? ExplainDo you ever find yourself preoccupied with what others think about you? (real or perceived?) Share some personal examples.Why is living a double/hidden life evidence of approval addiction? What is the solution? How have you applied your solution personally in your life?What can do practically to break the addiction of approval? How can we practically place the weight of our identity in what Jesus says is true about us? What does it mean that our identity in Jesus is RECEIVED and NOT ACHIEVED? How does that truth affect your thinking and response to approval? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.12.10.pdf

Bad Blood | December 3, 2023Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor We all need relationships but no human relationship can be all we need Genesis 25:19-34 — Isaac, Jacob, Esau Genesis 27 — Defying God, deceiving, lying, running Genesis 28:10-20 — Aha! "God is here" Genesis 29:16-20 (NIV):Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. Genesis 29:16-30 — Consumed by desire, ignored deception Genesis 29:21 (NIV):Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.” If you are too afraid of love or too enamored by it, it has assumed godlike power, distorting your perceptions and your life.— Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods Genesis 29:31-34 (NIV):When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon.Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. Genesis 29:31-34 — Vying for love and commitment Genesis 29:35 (NIV):She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children. Leah might have had a sense that there was something special about this last child. She may have the intuition that God had done something for her. And he had. Certainly, the writer of Genesis knew it. This child was Judah, and in Genesis 49 we are told that it is through him that the true King, the Messiah, will someday come. God had come to the girl that nobody wanted, the unloved, and made her the ancestral mother of Jesus. Salvation came into the world, not through beautiful Rachel, but through the unwanted one, the unloved one.— Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV):Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” • Call if for what it is…sin• Surrender• Choose to treat others as “Thou” rather than an “it” Reflection Questions: 1. Create your own relationship timeline (last week, month, 6 months)? What sticks out to you?Do they have the ability to determine your eternity? 2. Whom do you seek validation?Who’s words carry the most weight? 3. What is one specific relationship in your life that God is inviting you to patiently trust him today? 4. What adjustments might you need to make to treat the people in your life as “Thou” rather than an “It” Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.12.03.pdf

When Good Things Become God: Comfort and Security | November 26, 2023Derry Long | Guest Speaker Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)‘I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ Psalm 23:1 (Message)‘God, my shepherd, I don’t need anything. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.’ Adventure: An activity with an unknown outcome. Reflection Questions: 1) Are comfort and safety bad? Matthew 8:20, ‘Jesus replied, ‘ ...the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ (NIV) 2) What pursuits may require that we sacrifice our comfort and safety? Matthew 10:39, ‘Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.’ (NIV) 3) Do you have a calling that may stretch beyond the borders of your comfort and security? Luke 14: 28,29, ‘Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost. . .’ (NIV) Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.11.26.pdf  

When Good Things Become God: Money | November 19, 2023Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Mark 10:17-23 (NIV)As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV)Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1. Jealousy 2. Anxiety 3. Community 4. Generosity 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 (NIV)I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.11.19.pdf