26-Week Sermon Plan with Scriptures and Tie-Ins Week 1: Philippians 4:4-7
- Scripture (NIV):
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Casting worries on God.)
- Gospels: Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus offers rest for the weary, tying to God’s peace.
- New Testament: 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (Trusting God with worries.)
Week 2: Isaiah 41:8-10
- Scripture (NIV):
8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you.” (God’s presence in fear.)
- Gospels: John 14:27 – Jesus gives peace, not fear, to His disciples.
- New Testament: Hebrews 13:5-6 – God never leaves us, giving courage.
Week 3: Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Scripture (NIV):
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 33:11 – “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (God’s enduring plans.)
- Gospels: Matthew 7:7-8 – Jesus teaches to seek and find God through prayer.
- New Testament: Hebrews 4:16 – Approach God confidently in prayer.
Week 4: Psalm 23:1-4
- Scripture (NIV):
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Ezekiel 34:11-12 – God seeks and cares for His sheep like a shepherd.
- Gospels: John 10:11-14 – Jesus as the Good Shepherd who protects His flock.
- New Testament: 1 Peter 2:25 – Jesus, the Shepherd, guides us back to God.
Week 5: Romans 8:26-28
- Scripture (NIV):
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 138:8 – “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.” (God’s purpose prevails.)
- Gospels: John 14:16-17 – Jesus promises the Spirit as our Helper.
- New Testament: Ephesians 3:16 – The Spirit strengthens us in our inner being.
Week 6: Matthew 6:31-34
- Scripture (NIV):
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Seeking God first.)
- Gospels: Luke 12:22-24 – Jesus teaches not to worry, as God provides for the birds.
- New Testament: Philippians 4:19 – God supplies all our needs through Christ.
Week 7: Philippians 4:10-13
- Scripture (NIV):
10 I rejoiced 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.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 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.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 90:17 – “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us.” (God’s strength for tasks.)
- Gospels: John 15:5 – Jesus says we can do nothing apart from Him.
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – God’s grace is sufficient, His power perfect in weakness.
Week 8: 2 Timothy 1:6-8
- Scripture (NIV):
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Joshua 1:6 – “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people.” (Courage for God’s work.)
- Gospels: Mark 8:38 – Jesus warns against being ashamed of Him.
- New Testament: Romans 1:16 – Not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power.
Week 9: Psalm 46:1-3
- Scripture (NIV):
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 62:5-6 – “My soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation.” (God as refuge.)
- Gospels: Matthew 8:26 – Jesus calms the storm, showing His power over chaos.
- New Testament: Hebrews 6:19 – Hope in God is an anchor for the soul.
Week 10: Proverbs 3:3-6
- Scripture (NIV):
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 25:4-5 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.” (God’s guidance.)
- Gospels: John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, truth, and life, guiding our path.
- New Testament: James 1:5 – God gives wisdom to those who ask.
Week 11: John 16:31-33
- Scripture (NIV):
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.” (God’s peace in trials.)
- Gospels: John 16:20 – Jesus promises joy after sorrow.
- New Testament: Romans 5:1 – Peace with God through faith in Christ.
Week 12: Joshua 1:7-9
- Scripture (NIV):
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments… keep them in your heart.” (Obeying God’s Word.)
- Gospels: Matthew 7:24 – Jesus teaches to build on the rock of His words.
- New Testament: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips us for good works.
Week 13: Psalm 27:1-3
- Scripture (NIV):
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 56:3-4 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Trusting God in fear.)
- Gospels: Luke 12:4-5 – Jesus teaches not to fear those who harm the body.
- New Testament: 1 John 4:18 – Perfect love drives out fear.
Week 14: Romans 15:10-13
- Scripture (NIV):
10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 30:11-12 – “You turned my wailing into dancing… I will give you thanks forever.” (Joy in God.)
- Gospels: Luke 2:10-11 – The angel announces joy to all people at Jesus’ birth.
- New Testament: Philippians 1:25 – Paul encourages joy and progress in faith.
Week 15: 1 Corinthians 10:12-14
- Scripture (NIV):
12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Avoiding sin.)
- Gospels: Matthew 4:1-4 – Jesus resists temptation with God’s Word.
- New Testament: James 4:7 – Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.
Week 16: Psalm 91:1-4
- Scripture (NIV):
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 61:3-4 – “You have been my refuge, a strong tower… I long to dwell in your tent forever.” (God’s protection.)
- Gospels: Luke 13:34 – Jesus longs to gather us like a hen protects her chicks.
- New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – The Lord is faithful and protects us from evil.
Week 17: Ephesians 2:8-10
- Scripture (NIV):
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Isaiah 64:6 – Our righteous acts are like filthy rags; salvation is God’s gift.
- Gospels: John 3:17 – God sent Jesus to save the world, not condemn it.
- New Testament: Titus 3:5 – Salvation is by God’s mercy, not our deeds.
Week 18: Psalm 139:13-14, 23-24
- Scripture (NIV):
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (God’s design.)
- Gospels: Luke 12:7 – Jesus says God knows every hair on our head.
- New Testament: Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by renewing your mind.
Week 19: Hebrews 11:6-8
- Scripture (NIV):
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Genesis 12:1-2 – God calls Abraham to go by faith.
- Gospels: Mark 11:22 – Jesus says, “Have faith in God.”
- New Testament: James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead.
Week 20: Galatians 5:22-25
- Scripture (NIV):
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 1:3 – A tree planted by water bears fruit, like a life led by God.
- Gospels: John 15:8 – Bearing fruit glorifies God, as Jesus teaches.
- New Testament: Colossians 3:12 – Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and humility.
Week 21: Isaiah 40:29-31
- Scripture (NIV):
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” (God’s strength.)
- Gospels: Matthew 11:29 – Jesus offers rest and strength in His yoke.
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Our inner self is renewed day by day.
Week 21: Isaiah 40:29-31
- Scripture (NIV):
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” (God’s strength.)
- Gospels: Matthew 11:29 – Jesus offers rest and strength in His yoke.
- New Testament: 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Our inner self is renewed day by day.
Week 22: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
- Scripture (NIV):
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
7 For we live by faith, not by sight.
8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Proverbs 3:26 – “The Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” (Trusting God’s guidance.)
- Gospels: John 20:29 – Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing.
- New Testament: Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is confidence in what we hope for.
Week 23: Psalm 51:10-12
- Scripture (NIV):
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” (God’s renewal.)
- Gospels: Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
- New Testament: 1 John 1:9 – God forgives and purifies us from sin.
Week 24: Matthew 28:18-20
- Scripture (NIV):
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I. Send me!” (Responding to God’s call.)
- Gospels: Mark 16:15 – Jesus commands to preach the gospel to all creation.
- New Testament: Acts 1:8 – The Spirit empowers us to be witnesses.
Week 25: Colossians 3:15-17
- Scripture (NIV):
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” (Gratitude to God.)
- Gospels: John 16:24 – Jesus says to ask in His name for full joy.
- New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances.
Week 26: Psalm 73:25-28
- Scripture (NIV):
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. - Tie-Ins for Junior Church:
- Old Testament: Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” (Joy in God’s presence.)
- Gospels: Matthew 6:21 – “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- New Testament: Philippians 3:8 – Paul considers everything loss compared to knowing Christ.
Implementation Notes
- Sermon Focus: Center sermons on the Gospels and New Testament passages, using the expanded scriptures for three-point expository sermons (15-20 minutes) in a warm, Rick Warren-inspired style. Include a call to action (e.g., invite a friend, serve in outreach) to align with your church-building strategy.
- Junior Church Lessons: The Bible study teacher can use the tie-ins to create lessons that connect thematically to the sermon. For example, use the Old Testament passage to tell a story (e.g., Abraham’s faith for Week 19), the Gospels passage to tie to Jesus’ teaching, and the New Testament passage to reinforce the sermon’s application. Include a coloring page based on the sermon’s theme, a snack, a juice box, and an action step (e.g., pray, help, invite a friend).
- Resources: Source free coloring pages from sites like Ministry-To-Children.com. Rotate snacks (e.g., crackers, fruit, cookies) and juice boxes (apple, grape, orange) for variety. Promote Junior Church to attract families, emphasizing its Bible study and welcoming vibe.
