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“The Loop” Study Guide [09.05.10] - CORE- “Giving”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

“How people view money is an effective barometer of their spirituality. Money is neither good nor bad in itself; corrupt people can put it to evil uses, while good people can put it to righteous uses. Though it is morally neutral, what people do with their money reflects their internal morality. In the words of Jesus, ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Luke 12:34).”

Supplemental study material can be found here.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [09.05.10] - CORE- “Giving”

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

CORE | “Giving” - Supplemental Material

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 09.05.10.

Download File: CORE | “Giving” - Supplemental Material

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Core | Groups

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Luke 24: 13 - 35
On the Road to Emmaus

13That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [08.29.10] - CORE- “Groups”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

“Jesus is in the process of building the church and believers. (Matthew 16:18)
Jewish travelers would not consider it unusual for a stranger, who is also a fellow Jew, to join their small company walking for some distance, especially if they assume him to be a Passover pilgrim on his way home. News spread quickly by word of mouth, and public executions at a feast would be widely discussed. No matter where a Greek-speaking pilgrim visiting Jerusalem for the feast was from, he or she would probably have heard something about these matters.”

Supplemental study material can be found here.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [08.29.10] - CORE- “Groups”

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

CORE | “Groups” - Supplemental Material

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 08.29.10.

Download File: CORE | “Groups” - Supplemental Material

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Core | Growth

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Growth and maturity take place in process. The ability to discern, serve, apply the Gospel, and obey the commands of Christ are a direct indicator of an individual’s level of growth. Additionally, growth and maturity are developed more effectively in the community of believers (4:16).

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Foundations | Week 14

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Dead to Sin, Alive to God

1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [08.22.10] - CORE- “Growth”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [08.22.10] - CORE- “Growth”

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

“The Loop” Study Guide [08.15.10] - Foundations “Finally Alive”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [08.15.10] - Foundations “Finally Alive”

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

“The Loop” Study Guide [08.08.10] - Foundations “Overflow”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

“The first portion of Romans 5:12 is one of the most concise definitions in Scripture regarding the doctrine of the depravity of man. Though Paul spent the first 3 chapters extolling the plight of sinful man, here he gives us the whole in 3 phrases: sin came through Adam, death came through sin, man is dead because all mankind has sinned in Adam. As we have seen in the first 11 verses, unregenerate man is helpless, ungodly, a sinner, and an enemy of God. And the origin of this state is found in Genesis 3. But before Paul pulls the last nail out of our coffin and puts the finishing touches of God’s grace to our account, he has one more objection to address…”

Supplemental study material can be found here.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [08.08.10] - Foundations “Overflow”

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans “Overflow” | Foundations - Supplemental Material

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 08.08.10.

Download File: Romans “Overflow” | Foundations - Supplemental Material

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 12

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Romans 5: 1-11

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Team India Update

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Pastor Jacob interviews AJ Roberts and Lucas Dorminy about their mission trip to India.

Colossians 1:5-6
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [08.01.10] - Foundations “Declared”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

“Paul begins this section of Romans calling us back to all that he has previously shared since Romans 3:21, setting in place the truths of justification by grace through faith alone. Beginning in chapter 3, Paul states the truths of justification by faith. He then illustrates these truths in chapter 4, and now in chapter 5 he begins to explain these truths, beginning with the results of justification.”

Supplemental study material can be found here.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [08.01.10] - Foundations “Declared”

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans “Declared” | Foundations - Supplemental Material

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 08.01.10.

Download File: Romans “Declared” | Foundations - Supplemental Material

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

“The Loop” Study Guide [07.25.10] - India Update

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [07.25.10] - India Update

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 11

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• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [07.18.10] - Foundations - ‘Believe’’

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

“Abraham believed, and God accepted him as righteous.  In the same way today, we believe and are accepted as righteous, not on account of any merit in our faith, but simply on the basis of the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us when we believe.  It is given to us whenever we are willing to receive and rest upon it.  Faith justifies as we appropriate to ourselves the divine promise.”

Supplemental study material can be found here.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [07.18.10] - Foundations - ‘Believe’’

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Romans “Genuine” | Believe - Supplemental Material

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 07.18.10.

“Abraham believed, and God accepted him as righteous.  In the same way today, we believe and are accepted as righteous, not on account of any merit in our faith, but simply on the basis of the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us when we believe.  It is given to us whenever we are willing to receive and rest upon it.  Faith justifies as we appropriate to ourselves the divine promise.”

Download File: Romans “Genuine” | Believe - Supplemental Material

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 10

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In Chapters 1-3 Paul has been explaining that each man is in need of God’s good news, the gospel.  Every man is a sinner and accountable before God and will be judged – in fact, they are already condemned and sentenced to death, the just penalty for sin.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [07.11.10] - Foundations - ‘Perspective’

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

In Chapters 1-3 Paul has been explaining that each man is in need of God’s good news, the gospel.  Every man is a sinner and accountable before God and will be judged – in fact, they are already condemned and sentenced to death, the just penalty for sin.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [07.11.10] - Foundations - ‘Perspective’

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [07.04.10] - Foundations - ‘Need’

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

The rhythm of Paul’s writing in Chapters 1-3 of Romans is about to come to the big finish.  He has finally made his case against all mankind and the verdict is in:  all are guilty.  We are all “under sin.” 
“The force of the language here leaves no doubt about what is meant. The word is “sin— not “sins”—and means ‘the dynamic of sin,’ and ‘under’ means ‘under the power or dominion of.’  Everyone in the world is under the power of the dynamic of sin!  What we have in this statement and in the following verses is the most explicit description of the total depravity of mankind in all of Scripture.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [07.04.10] - Foundations - ‘Need’

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 9

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No One Is Righteous

9What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10as it is written:

  “None is righteous, no, not one;
11no one understands;
  no one seeks for God.
12All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
  no one does good,
  not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
  they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16in their paths are ruin and misery,
17and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

God’s Determination - India Update

Acts 17:26-27 (English Standard Version)

26And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Foundations | Week 8

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In Chapter 3, Paul continues the indictment against mankind (most specifically, the Jews). Having shown that the Jew’s heritage, covenant and law don’t secure eternal life, and having shown that Jew and Gentile are on the same footing before God (all under the judgment of God), Paul anticipates the next Jewish objection: “So why be a Jew? What advantage is there?” Frankly, after chapter 2, we might think the answer would be simply, “There is no advantage.” But Paul surprises us with “much in every way.”

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [06.27.10] - God’s Determination- India Update

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [06.27.10] - God’s Determination- India Update

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

“The Loop” Study Guide [06.20.10] - Romans- Knowing

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
In Chapter 3, Paul continues the indictment against mankind (most specifically, the Jews). Having shown that the Jew’s heritage, covenant and law don’t secure eternal life, and having shown that Jew and Gentile are on the same footing before God (all under the judgment of God), Paul anticipates the next Jewish objection: “So why be a Jew? What advantage is there?” Frankly, after chapter 2, we might think the answer would be simply, “There is no advantage.” But Paul surprises us with “much in every way.”

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [06.20.10] - Romans- Knowing

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans “Knowing” | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 06.20.10.

Download File: Romans “Knowing” | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 7

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Paul, though specifically addressing the Jews in this passage, certainly wouldn’t exclude the generally self-proclaimed “moral man”. This passage would apply to anyone who considered himself basically good or religious. The “if” in verse 17 is a first-class conditional “if” in the Greek. This means the statement is assumed to be true. We could just as easily read it this way: “Since you call yourself a Jew”. This clause is followed by 8 statements (each verb in the present tense – the habitual action verb) that are connected to this “if”. Since you rely on the law, since you boast in God, since you know His will, and so on.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [06.13.10] - Romans- Genuine

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
Paul, though specifically addressing the Jews in this passage, certainly wouldn’t exclude the generally self-proclaimed “moral man”. This passage would apply to anyone who considered himself basically good or religious. The “if” in verse 17 is a first-class conditional “if” in the Greek. This means the statement is assumed to be true. We could just as easily read it this way: “Since you call yourself a Jew”. This clause is followed by 8 statements (each verb in the present tense – the habitual action verb) that are connected to this “if”. Since you rely on the law, since you boast in God, since you know His will, and so on.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [06.13.10] - Romans- Genuine

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans “Genuine” | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 06.13.10.

Download File: Romans “Genuine” | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 6

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Romans 2:5-16

Despising the riches of God’s kindness, unredeemed man treasures up wrath against himself. Rather than embracing God’s kindness, he hardens his heart. Rather than repentance, he remains stalwartly unchanged. Before our conversion, we are all in this state, guilty of despising God’s kindness and forbearance and patience. Instead of following where kindness leads (to repentance), our unconverted heart rejects God, storing up wrath that will eventually be poured out on God’s day of judgment.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [06.06.10] - Romans- Secrets

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
Despising the riches of God’s kindness, unredeemed man treasures up wrath against himself. Rather than embracing God’s kindness, he hardens his heart. Rather than repentance, he remains stalwartly unchanged. Before our conversion, we are all in this state, guilty of despising God’s kindness and forbearance and patience. Instead of following where kindness leads (to repentance), our unconverted heart rejects God, storing up wrath that will eventually be poured out on God’s day of judgment.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [06.06.10] - Romans- Secrets

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans Secrets | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 06.06.10.

Download File: Romans Secrets | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 5

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Romans 2:1-4

In Romans 2, however, a transition is made to the use of “you”. Paul begins to specifically address the Jews. “…He turns to special revelation [rather than the general revelation of God in chapter 1]. God has made His will known to the Jewish people in very particular ways, especially through His law. But, as all people fail to live up to the expectations of God revealed in nature, so also Jews have failed to live up to the demands God has made of them in His law. To be sure, the Jews are not quite in the same position as the Gentiles, for God did single them out from all the peoples of the world and entered into a covenant relationship with them. But Paul will show that this covenant, apart from the grace available in the gospel, cannot shield Jews from God’s judgment.”

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [05.30.10] - Romans- Window

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
In Romans 2, however, a transition is made to the use of “you”. Paul begins to specifically address the Jews. “…He turns to special revelation [rather than the general revelation of God in chapter 1]. God has made His will known to the Jewish people in very particular ways, especially through His law. But, as all people fail to live up to the expectations of God revealed in nature, so also Jews have failed to live up to the demands God has made of them in His law. To be sure, the Jews are not quite in the same position as the Gentiles, for God did single them out from all the peoples of the world and entered into a covenant relationship with them. But Paul will show that this covenant, apart from the grace available in the gospel, cannot shield Jews from God’s judgment.”

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [05.30.10] - Romans- Window

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans Window | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 05.30.10.

Download File: Romans Window | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 4

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Romans 1:25-32

John Piper gives us a brief and compelling review of the previous verses, setting the stage for a better understanding of this text. He says this: “…the gospel is the power of God to save believers because in it God gives us what we need and could never produce on our own, namely, His own righteousness. The righteousness that He demands from us He freely gives to us, if we will trust Him. This is the great biblical truth of justification by faith. Then in verse 18 he tells us why this gospel of the gift of God’s righteousness is so desperately needed: ‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.’ We need the righteousness of God because it is the only thing that can protect us from the wrath of God. And we need to be protected from the wrath of God because we are unrighteous by nature and suppress the truth of God. By nature we don’t like God and we don’t want Him in our lives.”

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [05.23.10] - Romans- Spiral

Supplement Excerpt
John Piper gives us a brief and compelling review of the previous verses, setting the stage for a better understanding of this text. He says this: “…the gospel is the power of God to save believers because in it God gives us what we need and could never produce on our own, namely, His own righteousness. The righteousness that He demands from us He freely gives to us, if we will trust Him. This is the great biblical truth of justification by faith. Then in verse 18 he tells us why this gospel of the gift of God’s righteousness is so desperately needed: ‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.’ We need the righteousness of God because it is the only thing that can protect us from the wrath of God. And we need to be protected from the wrath of God because we are unrighteous by nature and suppress the truth of God. By nature we don’t like God and we don’t want Him in our lives.”

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [05.23.10] - Romans- Spiral

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Romans Spiral | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 05.23.10.

Download File: Romans Spiral | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 3

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Romans 1:18 may seem like an odd way to introduce the good news of God’s grace. Paul has just told us that he’s “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” and that in the good news God’s righteousness “is revealed from faith for faith” or “faith to faith.” One would expect him to continue to share the fullness of that gospel in Christ and the benefits to those who have received Him. Instead we find this indictment against every human being. After all, man can’t understand his need of grace until he first knows his state of utter poverty and depravity apart from that grace.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [05.16.10] - Romans- Wrath

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
Romans 1:18 may seem like an odd way to introduce the good news of God’s grace. Paul has just told us that he’s “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” and that in the good news God’s righteousness “is revealed from faith for faith” or “faith to faith.” One would expect him to continue to share the fullness of that gospel in Christ and the benefits to those who have received Him. Instead we find this indictment against every human being. After all, man can’t understand his need of grace until he first knows his state of utter poverty and depravity apart from that grace.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [05.16.10] - Romans- Wrath

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Romans- Wrath | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 05.16.10.

Download File: Romans- Wrath | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Mother Knows Best

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These verses in Proverbs 31 have long been hailed as the quintessential example for the Christian wife and mother. Though it expresses the ideal for women, responses after reading it run the gamut from encouragement and hope to discouragement and failure. Women either hate her or love her, but are seldom apathetic toward her. Many view her as a harsh yardstick to measure their shortcomings. Others view her as a worthy goal and role model.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [05.09.10] - Mom Knows Best

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
These verses in Proverbs 31 have long been hailed as the quintessential example for the Christian wife and mother. Though it expresses the ideal for women, responses after reading it run the gamut from encouragement and hope to discouragement and failure. Women either hate her or love her, but are seldom apathetic toward her. Many view her as a harsh yardstick to measure their shortcomings. Others view her as a worthy goal and role model.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [05.09.10] - Mom Knows Best

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Mother’s Day | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 05.09.10.

Download File: Mother’s Day | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 2

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This was a gospel that was not “new”. God had been proclaiming this gospel through the Old Testament prophets in various forms. Paul was preaching the good news that dated as far back as the garden of Eden. It was the gospel concerning Jesus. Here we are reminded in verses 3 & 4 that Christ was both fully man (of the very seed of David) and fully God. “The resurrection ‘declared’ that Jesus was the Son of God. The Greek word is very helpful in getting the force of the idea because it is related to our English word horizon, ‘the boundary between heaven and earth.’

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

The Church at Martinsburg: Year One

The first year of the Church at Martinsburg.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [05.02.10] - ROMANS | Foundations

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
This was a gospel that was not “new”. God had been proclaiming this gospel through the Old Testament prophets in various forms. Paul was preaching the good news that dated as far back as the garden of Eden. It was the gospel concerning Jesus. Here we are reminded in verses 3 & 4 that Christ was both fully man (of the very seed of David) and fully God. “The resurrection ‘declared’ that Jesus was the Son of God. The Greek word is very helpful in getting the force of the idea because it is related to our English word horizon, ‘the boundary between heaven and earth.’

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [05.02.10] - ROMANS | Foundations

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

Foundations | Week 1

Listen to Foundations | Week 1

Download: Foundations | Week 1
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Every church and every person needs to have foundational beliefs that guide and direct life, decisions, direction, and processes.  During ‘Foundations’ The Church at Martinsburg will examine the book of Romans and establish core doctrinal beliefs for life, relationships, and mission. This series more than any we’ve done before will set the pace and direction for the church.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [04.25.10] - ROMANS | God’s Good News

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
This was a gospel that was not “new”. God had been proclaiming this gospel through the Old Testament prophets in various forms. Paul was preaching the good news that dated as far back as the garden of Eden. It was the gospel concerning Jesus. Here we are reminded in verses 3 & 4 that Christ was both fully man (of the very seed of David) and fully God. “The resurrection ‘declared’ that Jesus was the Son of God. The Greek word is very helpful in getting the force of the idea because it is related to our English word horizon, ‘the boundary between heaven and earth.’

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [04.25.10] - ROMANS | God’s Good News

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

ROMANS God’s Good News | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 04.25.10.

Download File: ROMANS God’s Good News | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

The Gospel | Week 3

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The Church at Martinsburg holds firmly to the fact that the only hope men and women have for life is found in the Gospel (Romans 1:16).  Without it hope is empty and life is meaningless.  The Gospel is the central message of the entire Bible and the central message of the church.  It’s the foundational purpose we center ourselves upon.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [04.18.10] - GOSPEL | Week 3

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
It seems ridiculously inept to say that the resurrection, alongside Jesus & the cross, is the most important event in history.  It has also been the cause of much controversy.  The “impossibility” of it has frustrated the thoughts of thinkers for centuries – touting believers as irrational dreamers or cripples in need of concocting an answer for their spiritual needs.  But the resurrection’s focus should not be so much on the miracle itself.  Jesus, in John 11, doesn’t emphasize the miracle at the tomb.  It is only a sign.  Here in these verses, Jesus pulls the eyes of Martha off of Lazarus and onto Himself.  “I am the resurrection and life,” He announces.  “I am.”

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [04.18.10] - GOSPEL | Week 3

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

GOSPEL Week 3 | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 04.18.10.

Download File: GOSPEL Week 3 | Supplement

• Author: Luke
• Bio: The Intern.

The Gospel | Week 2

Listen to The Gospel | Week 2

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The Gospel, Part 2 - Important Delivery

I COR. 15:1-4

1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain.
3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [04.11.10] - GOSPEL | Week 2

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [04.11.10] - GOSPEL | Week 2

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [04.04.10] - GOSPEL | Week 1

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [04.04.10] - GOSPEL | Week 1

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

The Gospel | Week 1

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Good Friday is a day of remembrance when, as Christians, we solemnly reflect on the death of our Savior Jesus on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sin. It is a sober reminder of what we did to God before our joyous celebration of what God did for us—resurrect from death and conquer Satan, sin, and death—on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday is the most exciting day of the whole year for Christians. Following the solemnity Good Friday, Easter is the declaration that the tomb is empty and that there is a story to tell! Where the cross is a display of God’s love and justice, the resurrection is his victory over all that enslaves us.  The fact that Jesus rose from death is the hope of our salvation! On Easter we gather to worship and thank the one who conquered Satan, sin, and death.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Mission: Go

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Mission: Go
Guest Speaker, Scott Crook Blackshear Place Baptist Church.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Mission: Connect

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Taking intentional steps to reach your neighbors and community is a vital part of the mission of the church.  No one can complete your task for you, so it is of the utmost importance that you engage with others and ‘reach’ them with the Gospel.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Mission: Reach

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The word “bless” in Numbers 6:24 is the Hebrew word barak.  It literally means to kneel or to bend before someone in order to serve them.  It conjures the image of Jesus in John 13 washing the disciples’ feet.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”  Just as Aaron was given the authority from God to bless His people, so we are given the authority in Christ to confer this blessing to others:  to the lost through the proclamation of the gospel, and to the Church by the continued grace of the gospel.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [03.14.10] - Mission | Week 2

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
The word “bless” in Numbers 6:24 is the Hebrew word barak.  It literally means to kneel or to bend before someone in order to serve them.  It conjures the image of Jesus in John 13 washing the disciples’ feet.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”  Just as Aaron was given the authority from God to bless His people, so we are given the authority in Christ to confer this blessing to others:  to the lost through the proclamation of the gospel, and to the Church by the continued grace of the gospel.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [03.14.10] - Mission | Week 2

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Mission | Week 2 | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 03.14.10.

Supplement Excerpt
The word “bless” in Numbers 6:24 is the Hebrew word barak.  It literally means to kneel or to bend before someone in order to serve them.  It conjures the image of Jesus in John 13 washing the disciples’ feet.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”  Just as Aaron was given the authority from God to bless His people, so we are given the authority in Christ to confer this blessing to others:  to the lost through the proclamation of the gospel, and to the Church by the continued grace of the gospel.

Download File: Mission | Week 2 | Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Personal Testimony Development

Accepting Jesus Christ is the most significant and meaningful experience we can have in our lives.  This study/worksheet will help you effectively and comfortably share this experience and show God’s glory to others. By developing a 3-5 minute personal testimony, you will be able to communicate what God has done in your life with gentleness and respect.

Download File: Personal Testimony Development

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

The Mission: Proclaim

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Mission | Matthew 28:18-20 Proclaim | 03.07.10

After studying the two greatest commandments, we might wonder what Jesus would say the third one is.  Some of us might surmise it is this one – what has aptly been dubbed The Great Commission.  In the simplest of terms we might even narrow it down to “Believer, proclaim the gospel.”  Though there is no specific mention of the good news in this passage, it is certainly inferred when we are commanded to make disciples.

The Church is the body of Christ placed in the world to complete the mission of God by intentionally obeying the commands of Christ. The people of the church will be marked by the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [03.07.10] - Mission | Week 1

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
After studying the two greatest commandments, we might wonder what Jesus would say the third one is.  Some of us might surmise it is this one – what has aptly been dubbed The Great Commission.  In the simplest of terms we might even narrow it down to “Believer, proclaim the gospel.”  Though there is no specific mention of the good news in this passage, it is certainly inferred when we are commanded to make disciples.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [03.07.10] - Mission | Week 1

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Mission | Week 1 | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 03.07.10.

Supplement Excerpt
After studying the two greatest commandments, we might wonder what Jesus would say the third one is.  Some of us might surmise it is this one – what has aptly been dubbed The Great Commission.  In the simplest of terms we might even narrow it down to “Believer, proclaim the gospel.”  Though there is no specific mention of the good news in this passage, it is certainly inferred when we are commanded to make disciples.

Download File: Mission | Week 1 | Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love Week 3 | Love that Changes the World

Listen to Revolutionary Love Week 3 | Love that Changes the World

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Revolutionary Love:  John 15:12-17

These verses in John 15 are tucked into a powerful chapter.  They are the words of Jesus found in his final discourse to the remaining 11 disciples before His arrest and subsequent death on the cross.  Jesus had entered the upper room with His disciples.  Judas, incited by the devil, is already prepared to betray Jesus.  Jesus washes the feet of these men, setting before them the example of a true servant.  At supper, Judas is dismissed and Jesus shares His heart with the 11 remaining, beginning with this commandment:  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  Indeed, it becomes a key element or theme in chapters 13-17 of John’s gospel.  And so it is in Chapter 15.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love Week 3 | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 02.28.10.

Supplement Excerpt
These verses in John 15 are tucked into a powerful chapter.  They are the words of Jesus found in his final discourse to the remaining 11 disciples before His arrest and subsequent death on the cross.  Jesus had entered the upper room with His disciples.  Judas, incited by the devil, is already prepared to betray Jesus.  Jesus washes the feet of these men, setting before them the example of a true servant.  At supper, Judas is dismissed and Jesus shares His heart with the 11 remaining, beginning with this commandment:  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Download File: Revolutionary Love Week 3 | Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [02.28.10] - Revolutionary Love | Week 3

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Supplement Excerpt
These verses in John 15 are tucked into a powerful chapter.  They are the words of Jesus found in his final discourse to the remaining 11 disciples before His arrest and subsequent death on the cross.  Jesus had entered the upper room with His disciples.  Judas, incited by the devil, is already prepared to betray Jesus.  Jesus washes the feet of these men, setting before them the example of a true servant.  At supper, Judas is dismissed and Jesus shares His heart with the 11 remaining, beginning with this commandment:  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [02.28.10] - Revolutionary Love | Week 3

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Simple Daily Prayer Guide

This PDF was handed out on Sunday, February 21 at the Church at Martinsburg.  It is also referenced in the message located here.  Provided is a great resource to get your prayer life moving and directed. 

A SIMPLE PATTERN FOR A DAILY PRAYER
Adapted from How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life by Dr. Gregory Frizzell

Download File: Simple Daily Prayer Guide

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love: Love that Lasts Forever

Listen to Revolutionary Love: Love that Lasts Forever

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And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [02.21.10] - Revolutionary Love | Week 2

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Commentary Excerpt
In essence, we are to have an all- “intelligent love, feeling love, willing love, and serving love” for God.  God, who whole-heartedly loved us, does not want our half-hearted love in return.  It is a love that is not duplicitous.  Rather it is whole-hearted, whole-souled, whole-minded love, a love demanding that Jesus be our all in all.  It is the greatest commandment for out of God’s love for us and our love for Him flows every other commandment and act of obedience.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [02.21.10] - Revolutionary Love | Week 2

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love Week 2 | Supplement

Revolutionary Love Week 2 | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 02.21.10.

Download File: Revolutionary Love Week 2 | Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love: Part 1

Listen to Revolutionary Love: Part 1

Download: Revolutionary Love: Part 1
Subscribe to the Podcast: The Church at Martinsburg Podcast in iTunes

Having just answered that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”, Jesus then gives what was not asked for:  a second commandment that is like the first.  These two commandments encompass all of the other commandments helping us to see that the Ten Commandments are really God’s own description of what real love is supposed to look like.  Though we seldom think of the law being connected to the love of God, Jesus shows us that love is the unifying principle.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [02.14.10] - Revolutionary Love | Week 1

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here and here.

Commentary Excerpt
Having just answered that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”, Jesus then gives what was not asked for:  a second commandment that is like the first.  These two commandments encompass all of the other commandments helping us to see that the Ten Commandments are really God’s own description of what real love is supposed to look like.  Though we seldom think of the law being connected to the love of God, Jesus shows us that love is the unifying principle.

 

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [02.14.10] - Revolutionary Love | Week 1

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love Week 1 | One Another PDF

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains the ‘One Another’ information mentioned in the message on Sunday and in the Loop from 02.14.10.

Excerpt from PDF:

LOVE ONE ANOTHER
 
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
 
John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
 
John 15:12 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
 
John 15:17 - These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Download File: Revolutionary Love Week 1 | One Another PDF

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Revolutionary Love Week 1 | Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 02.14.10.

Download File: Revolutionary Love Week 1 | Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James: Jealous

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [02.07.10] - Essential James | Jealous

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Essential James Principle 5
Principle-based living is action oriented.  In order to live a life pleasing to God you must start with submission and walk the line of obedience. 

Commentary Excerpt
George Whitfield, a great evangelist of past centuries, writes, ‘Every man by his own natural will hates God, but when he is turned to the Lord by repentance, then his will is changed, then his conscience now hardened and benumbed shall be quickened and weakened, then his hard heart shall be melted and his unruly affections shall be crucified, thus by that repentance the whole soul will be changed, he will have new inclinations, new desires and new habits.’ 

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [02.07.10] - Essential James | Jealous

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James | Jealous - Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 02.07.10.

Download File: Essential James | Jealous - Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James: Ablaze

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Essential James | James 3:1-12 | Ablaze | January 31, 2010

5 weeks, 5 principles, one book, and that’s it. A fresh approach to spiritual growth straight out of the book of James.

This chapter begins with another means of evaluating the genuineness of a believer’s faith.  We know from scripture that the tongue is a tattletale that tells on the true condition of our hearts for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt. 12:34).

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James | Ablaze - Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 01.31.10.

Download File: Essential James | Ablaze - Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [01.31.10] - Essential James | Ablaze

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here.

Commentary Excerpt
This chapter begins with another means of evaluating the genuineness of a believer’s faith.  We know from scripture that the tongue is a tattletale that tells on the true condition of our hearts for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt. 12:34).

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [01.31.10] - Essential James | Ablaze

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James: Mirror

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We are not only directed to receive the word in humility or meekness, but we are commanded to live it or to apply it. This command (present tense) could be translated, “keep on striving to be doers of the word.” When James uses the word “doer” he is describing an habitual lifestyle of obedience or someone who is characterized by their doing of the word.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [01.24.10] - Essential James | Mirror

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

You can find supplemental information on this message here. 

Commentary Excerpt
We are not only directed to receive the word in humility or meekness, but we are commanded to live it or to apply it. This command (present tense) could be translated, “keep on striving to be doers of the word.” When James uses the word “doer” he is describing an habitual lifestyle of obedience or someone who is characterized by their doing of the word.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [01.24.10] - Essential James | Mirror

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James | Mirror - Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 01.24.10.

Download File: Essential James | Mirror - Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James: Lured

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The Essential James – A Fresh Approach to Spiritual Growth Lured: James 1:13-18

Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:13-15

In James 1:13, James moves his focus from trials to temptations. In 1:1-12 he shows us that our trials are meant to lead to spiritual growth and blessing. In 1:13-15 he shows us that our temptations, when succumbed to, lead to sin and death.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James | Lured - Supplement

Supplemental study material for weekly message.  This PDF contains commentary, information, and background based on the passage of Scripture that was used in the sermon on 01.17.10. 

Download File: Essential James | Lured - Supplement

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [01.17.10] - Essential James | Lured

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

In James 1:13, James moves his focus from trials to temptations.  In 1:1-12 he shows us that our trials are meant to lead to spiritual growth and blessing.  In 1:13-15 he shows us that our temptations, when succumbed to, lead to sin and death. 

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [01.17.10] - Essential James | Lured

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Essential James: Unstable

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Essential James James 1:5-8 – Unstable

5 weeks, 5 principles, one book, and that’s it. A fresh approach to spiritual growth straight out of the book of James.

Recognizing the need for wisdom appears to be the first step toward receiving it. The definition of wisdom involves skill. It is “skill in the affairs of life, practical wisdom, sound judgment and good sense.”
Basically, wisdom is the skill to live in practical obedience to God’s will. James reminds us that God alone is the source of this kind of wisdom and that we need only ask Him. This wisdom comes directly from Him and is revealed in His word. God’s wisdom is available to us, but James wants us to know there are some stipulations.

The first stipulation is to “ask in faith without doubting.” “Doubting” can also mean “wavering; to doubt, dispute or debate”. “There are some people who just doubt that God can give them an answer.
Unwavering faith, simply believes that God is sovereign, believes that God is loving and believes that God will supply everything that is needed for understanding the trial and goes in prayer to God.
James tells us that the one who doubts is “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. It is a person with divided loyalties. “It refers to a man whose heart is divided between allegiance to God and the allurements of the world. In other words, he’s not sure that he wants to know God’s wisdom, because he isn’t fully committed to submitting to it. It would be nice to know God’s wisdom for his situation, but before he commits to obeying it, he needs to find out if he likes it. In other words, he’s shopping for answers that fit what he wants to do. If God’s wisdom sounds good, he’ll follow it. But if worldly wisdom sounds better, he’ll follow that.” To doubt in this way is to be “unstable”, unsettled or unsteady, in all our ways.

But the up-side is that if we ask believing or ask God in faith for wisdom, He promises to give it. And to not only give it, but to give it generously. “Generously” not only means liberally or bountifully, but it also means unconditionally, freely, and without bargaining.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [01.10.10] - Essential James | Unstable

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Recognizing the need for wisdom appears to be the first step toward receiving it.  The definition of wisdom involves skill.  It is “skill in the affairs of life, practical wisdom, sound judgment and good sense.”

Basically, wisdom is the skill to live in practical obedience to God’s will.  James reminds us that God alone is the source of this kind of wisdom and that we need only ask Him.  This wisdom comes directly from Him and is revealed in His word.  God’s wisdom is available to us, but James wants us to know there are some stipulations.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [01.10.10] - Essential James | Unstable

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

THANKS!

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THANKS! I THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

Our particular emphasis is on verse 18: give thanks in all circumstances… But take note of the commands that precede it. Believers are first commanded to rejoice – always. Scripture gives us a host of reasons for rejoicing, the greatest being our salvation (Ps. 13:5; Ps. 31:7, Luke 10:20). In addition, we are to rejoice in God’s love (Ps. 90:14), God’s word (Ps. 119:162), in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), in hope (Ro. 12:12), in sufferings (Ro. 5:1-5), and in Jesus Christ Himself (Phil. 4:4). Many other reasons and circumstances abound for rejoicing.

Also preceding the command to “give thanks” is the command to “pray without ceasing.” The call to pray is peppered throughout the New Testament. We are to pray for those who persecute us (Mt. 5:44), pray in secret and from the heart (Mt. 6:5-9), pray for the Lord to send out laborers into the harvest (Lu. 10:2), pray in order to endure in temptation (Mark 14:38), pray earnestly and without losing heart (Lu. 18:1), and pray for one another and in the Holy Spirit (Jas 5:13-14; Jude 1:20) to name only a few. These imperatives are strung together with the understanding that they depend upon one another. The more we rejoice, the more we are moved to worship and prayer. The more we pray, the more we experience the joy of the Lord which is our strength.

In verse 18, we are commanded to “give thanks in all circumstances.” In the Old Testament we are repeatedly reminded to give thanks “for the Lord is good.” God’s goodness is our ultimate reason for gratitude. There is no circumstance that rescinds God’s command to give thanks.

It is God’s will for us to have continual joy, engage in continual prayer, and continually thank God. This passage is not the only place that gives this triumphant trio. “For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thess. 3:9-10) Paul is not commanding other believers what he is not practicing. “Those three texts are three companion pictures, representing the life of a true Christian, the central sketch is the connecting link between those on either side. These three precepts are an ornament of grace to every believer’s neck, wear them every one of you for glory and for beauty.”

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Miracle: Peace Through Pain

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Isaiah 53:2-12

Of all times, the Christmas season causes us to reflect upon the nature of giving, but in God’s gift of the Christ-Child it is more fitting that we reflect upon the sacrifice of the Giver. For Jesus did not simply come to be a model of love for us, but to be a substitute for us. God the Father delighted to give His Son in our stead. God the Son delighted to give His life in our stead. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us…” (John 3:16, 1 John 3:16)

Isaiah 53 unwraps the present of Jesus Christ who came to suffer and die in our place. It is a gift of unfathomable cost to the Giver. The list of all He endured because of our sin is inexhaustible: despised, rejected, forsaken, sorrowed, grieved, distressed, oppressed, afflicted, humiliated, shamed, belittled, scorned, mocked, ridiculed, derided, unjustly judged, stricken, smitten, crushed, chastised, scourged, pierced, wounded, cut off from the land of the living…

Throughout Isaiah 53 there echoes these humbling words: our, we, us. Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. Jesus was wounded for our transgressions. Jesus was crushed for our iniquities. Upon Jesus was the chastisement that belonged to us. By Jesus’ stripes we are healed. We turned astray. But the Lord laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. What kind of Giver is this? What kind of gift is this? When the weight of all of our sin and guilt was transferred to Jesus on the cross, it almost seems that when the Father turned His face away, He focused squarely upon us. His suffering Son satisfied the wrath of God on our behalf and bought for us peace with God (Romans 5:6-9, Galatians 3:13, Isaiah 53:10). Our sin was atoned for. Our forgiveness was purchased (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24). His perfect righteousness becomes ours in Jesus (Philippians 2:7-8, Romans 5:19, Is. 53:11). Death is defeated and our eternal life secured (Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:55). The enemy (Satan) is disarmed (Colossians 2:14-15, Hebrews 2:14-15).

Our perfect and final healing is purchased in full (Is 53:4, Rev. 7:17), the ultimate gift of the cross of Jesus: eternal fellowship with God (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 5 and 8). “Long lay the world in sin and error pining ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth…”

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [01.03.10] -THANKS!

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

THANKS!
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

It is God’s will for us to have continual joy, engage in continual prayer, and continually thank God.  This passage is not the only place that gives this triumphant trio. “For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thess. 3:9-10)  Paul is not commanding other believers what he is not practicing.  “Those three texts are three companion pictures, representing the life of a true Christian, the central sketch is the connecting link between those on either side.  These three precepts are an ornament of grace to every believer’s neck, wear them every one of you for glory and for beauty.”

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [01.03.10] -THANKS!

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

B90X - 90 Day Reading Plan

An intense 90 Day bible reading plan [PDF format].

Download File: B90X - 90 Day Reading Plan

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

12/20/09: Miracle

Church was canceled due to poor weather conditions but you can watch the message from Pastor Jacob.

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [12.27.09] - Miracle - Isaiah 53:2-12

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Miracle: Peace Through Pain
Isaiah 53:2-12

Isaiah 53 unwraps the present of Jesus Christ who came to suffer and die in our place.  It is a gift of unfathomable cost to the Giver.  The list of all He endured because of our sin is inexhaustible:  despised, rejected, forsaken, sorrowed, grieved, distressed, oppressed, afflicted, humiliated, shamed, belittled, scorned, mocked, ridiculed, derided, unjustly judged, stricken, smitten, crushed, chastised, scourged, pierced, wounded, cut off from the land of the living…

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [12.27.09] - Miracle - Isaiah 53:2-12

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

“The Loop” Study Guide [12.20.09] - Miracle: Matthew 1:18-25

The Loop is C@M’s weekly study guide that provides insight and information to supplement the weekly message.  Additionally, questions are provided for community groups in homes and small groups.

Miracle: Matthew 1:18-25
It is a mind-blower when we consider how God moved upon a young girl, a hard-working carpenter, smelly shepherds, and a pagan ruler to bring about His perfect plan of redemption through the sending of His only Son, Jesus our Savior, as a dependent little baby in a feeding trough in a small Judean town… utter holiness placed in the hand of sinners who became stewards of the Most High in the lowest frame and circumstance.  - It is God’s delight to use unsuspecting, average people for divinely ordained extraordinary feats.

Download File: “The Loop” Study Guide [12.20.09] - Miracle: Matthew 1:18-25

• Author: Pastor Jacob
• Bio: I serve as lead pastor of The Church at Martinsburg, which my wife Lindsey and I helped start in 2009. As the lead pastor, I oversee preaching, teaching, vision casting, and leadership development.

Related Links / Downloads

• “The Loop” Study Guide [09.05.10] - CORE- “Giving”
• CORE | “Giving” - Supplemental Material
• Core | Groups
• “The Loop” Study Guide [08.29.10] - CORE- “Groups”
• CORE | “Groups” - Supplemental Material