It's not unusual to experience fear in response to God's call in our lives. The Apostle Paul did while in Corinth in Acts. But how did he respond in the face of fear? And how did Jesus encourage him to keep going? What’s all this mean for us today?

Scripture passage: Acts 18:1-17

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Reflect together:

1. Where are you experiencing fear in your life these days? What are you most afraid of right now? Why?

2. Where is fear & uncertainty holding you back from living into your calling in life?

3. What might “Do it afraid” look like for you?

Our songs together:

• Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman

• Shepherd - CityAlight

• No Longer Slaves - Bethel

We continue our exploration of being 'Made in the Image of God'. We dive into Genesis 3, while this passage reveals the distortion of God's perfect image within us, we remember that the divine imprint is not lost, only marred. We'll grapple with how that affects our relationship with God, with others and with creation and to navigate our daily realities with the hope of restoration and the relentless pursuit of embodying God's likeness in a world longing for renewal.

Scripture passage: Genesis 3

This is week 2 of our sermon series “Made in the Image of God”

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Respond together:

1. Are there societal systems or structures that you unknowingly participate in that degrade the image of God in people? What steps can you take to actively resist and reform these?

2. What steps can we take to better see and honor the image of God in others, despite our and their fallen nature?

3. What actions can we take to better fulfill our role as stewards of creation in a fallen world?

Our songs together:

• I Don’t Wanna Go - Chris Renzema

• Build My Life - Pat Barrett

• Christ Be Praised - Jeremy Riddle

Epiphanytide

Jesus says “the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” In the third chapter of James, we engage with dramatic metaphors on the power of the tongue. The tongue can be used in ways that give life like a fresh water spring or steal it away like a deadly poison. Followers of Jesus have to tend to our character and learn to tame our speech.

Scripture passage: James 3

Week 5 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• James uses powerful and dramatic metaphor to show us how life can be stolen or destroyed when you use your tongue in harmful ways. In what ways have words been spoken (to you or by you) that have set forests ablaze?

• With the tongue we can praise and bless and we can curse others who are made in God’s likeness. Who are those people or that person that is made in God’s likeness that you find it hard to bless? May you identify this person, in your mind and heart take some time to bless or pray for them this week.

• James identifies differences between earthly wisdom and wisdom that comes from heaven. What are the unique ways in which heavenly wisdom contrasts or counters what would be considered common ‘wisdom’ today? What wells of wisdom (books, podcasts, online) do you commonly drink from? Which wisdom do you live and practice?

Our songs together:

• Great are you Lord - All Sons and Daughters

• His Mercy is More - Matt Papa

• Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - City Alight

Epiphanytide

Faith without expression is like a body without a spirit. James addresses a danger that arose in the early church and continues to be a reality today: the danger of navel gazing, where ‘faith’ can be confused with mere affirmation of truth. In this passage, we see that James shares the heart of Paul, who declared: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Scripture Passage: James 2:14-26

This is week 4 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• “God’s love comes to expression, reaches its intended goal, when we respond to his grace with love toward others.” comments Douglas J. Moo. How does your faith interact / cooperate with your works and character?

• Your life in union with Christ (in Christ) is to overflow with love and service to people around you - sometimes in radical ways, but often times in quiet, consistent ways. What are some concrete ways you can show love to those around you this week?

• Much of secular culture stresses similar teachings (ie. be good and charitable to others, do not show partiality, love your neighbor etc). However, many often lack the capacity to forgive or to love their enemies. Pray for the Holy Spirit to cultivate within you those supernatural qualities that go beyond action - but transform the way you see and love others.

Our songs together:

• Do it Again - Elevation Worship

• God with Us - All Sons and Daughters

• Yet not I, but through Christ in me - CityAlight

• Build my life - Pat Barrett

Epiphanytide

It's been said that God's church doesn't have a mission, but God's mission has a church. In Acts 13:1-12, we see this reality in action as the Holy Spirit expands His mission through Paul & Barnabas as they venture out on their first missionary trip together. But what does this story mean for us today?

Scripture: Acts 13:1-12

Guest Preacher: Pastor Jeff Jantzi

Respond together:

1. Pastor Jeff describes hearing and discerning the voice of the Living God involves “seeking Him” and listening to Him “through people”. How have you understood discernment and hearing God in the past?

2. What are some ways that the enemy may be deceiving people and leading them astray today?

Our songs together:

• Rest on Us - Maverick City Music

• So Will I (100 Billion X) - Hillsong

• Generous Love - Mosaic MSC

• Death in His Grave - Audrey Assad

Epiphanytide

When God became human and lived among us, he showcased generous love to all social classes. Jesus habitually broke down walls of ethnic division and socio-economic class. James, once again holds up a mirror of self-examination for us: what are the ways in which we duplicate worldly values in judging others? What are the ways in which we, often unaware; tear at the fabric of the people of God? James calls our attention to the royal law that gives freedom.

Scripture passage: James 2:1-13

This is week 3 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• In what ways has partiality crept into your mind and heart? Do you elevate or favor people based on external traits (ethnicity, gender, clothing style, position)? How will you grow and train yourself in this area? Name some examples of the people of God living in ways that elevated the marginalized in history. Name the ways the people of God have unjustly discriminated against others. What can we learn from this today?

• James invites examination of how we treat all classes of persons with less social power. Refugees and immigrants, people of different ethnicity, orientation or ability. What actions can I take to learn more about the challenges that people I discriminate against face?

• What is something in particular that you sense the Holy Spirit calling you to obey in this portion of Scripture?

Our songs together:

• Behold Him - Paul Baloche

• O Praise The Name (Anástasis) - Hillsong Worship

• Come Thou Fount (Above All Else) - Shane and Shane

• All I Have Is Christ - Sovereign Grace

Epiphanytide

When will my reflection show who I am inside?” asks Mulan, the protagonist in Disney's 1998 animated film. It’s a question more relavant to us than we might have initially considered. James uses a similar imagery of someone looking into the mirror to provide a reflection of the integrity of our faith. Does our reflection show a wholehearted devotion to God? James invites his readers to look into the law that gives freedom.

Scripture passage: James 1:17-27

This is week 2 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• In what ways does my anger contribute to harming the people around me and what effect does it have on my own wellbeing?  What situations tend to reveal my anger? What does that teach me about what I value most? Can you recall ways in which Jesus expressed anger? What is the Spirit calling me to do in this regard?

• Faith is not only social action, a follower of Jesus works to distance themselves from the evil practices prevalent in culture (Rom 12) As you examine your own life, in what ways do you find it challenging to live in a way that is distinctive of worldly practices?

Our songs together:

• Living Hope - Phil Wickham

• Speak O Lord - Keith & Kristyn Getty

• More Like Jesus - Passion

Epiphanytide

This time of year brings about a newfound zeal for change, people everywhere consider what it means to flourish. This is the gift of wisdom literature in the Bible. The creator of the universe reveals what it looks like to live wisely. This Sunday, we begin a series in the book of James and what it means to yield to the Lordship of Jesus in everyday life.

Scripture passage: James 1:1-18

This is week 1 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• As you take inventory of your life at the beginning of 2023, would you consider your life to be one that is self directed or Christ directed? Jesus calls us to surrender our whole being and to find true wholeness in the process. In what areas of your life is Christ calling for deeper surrender?

• What trials do you encounter most often? In what ways do you typically react to them? James teaches us that trials help produce greater maturity and wholeness in us. Take time to consider a trial that you are currently facing. Then prayerfully discern how God might want you to grow in the midst of this trial.

• What sources do you tend to go to in pursuit of wisdom? What kind of wisdom do these sources provide and how do these sources line up with the life of Jesus Christ and the wisdom revealed in Scripture?

• As you reflect on your story, what relationship has there been between trials and temptations? In the midst of trials, what have been the common temptations?

Our songs together:

• Reckless Love - Cory Asbury

• Morning by Morning - Pat Barrett

• Do It Again - Elevation Worship

• More Like Jesus - Passion

Epiphanytide

Saturated in this letter is a longing for Christians to grasp a deep mystery: you died and were raised with Christ and the real ‘you’, who you truly are; is now hidden with the king. Rather than coasting with the flow of surrounding culture, there is a new nature to put on - the life of Jesus Christ where love is the crowning attribute.

Respond:

• Am I being de-formed or conformed to the patterns of the world? Or am I being transformed by the renewing of the mind?

• In what ways have you seen Jesus shift your priorities to align more closely with God’s heart?

  • What habits can you incorporate into your life that move toward setting your sight and heart on the realities of heaven?

• As Paul lists attributes that need to be put to death, which of these habits does the Spirit highlight in your own life? 

  • What Christ-like attributes of the ‘new nature’ has God cultivated in your life? Celebrate those elements of your story and make note of all God has done for you.

Epiphanytide

We can know about Jesus, understand His Life, story and purpose. Recognize the Love, Good Works even His atoning work on the Cross for us. But we are expected to not just know it, but to Live It! And there are ways to know if we are succeeding, simple but solid ways.

Epiphanytide

For many people, Christianity is perceived as one idea in a sea of infinite ideas. In Colossians 1:15-29, we are drawn to the beauty and the magnetism of Jesus Christ. Rather than smearing or degrade the plurality of the culture, the poem draws attention to the life of Jesus, how he demonstrates the very character of a God who otherwise cannot be seen. The God who holds all things together is over everything, more incredible than that; he engages your story with the heart of making you whole and complete.

Respond:

• What might be the deepest lie(s) embedded in your life and story? (ie. you are not worthy of love, you are unwanted etc.)

  • What truth does Jesus have to reveal (here and now & in Scripture) about these lies?

• Jesus is supreme over everything. How have humans exercised supremacy throughout history?

  • What are tangible Christ-like ways to wield ‘supremacy,’ power and authority?

• Assurance can erode with busyness, distraction (even good things), and loss of habits that draw us to community and God.

  • In what ways might you be tempted to drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the good news?

• Paul declares the supremacy of Christ and concludes by proclaiming that Christ lives in us. 

  • How does the reality that Christ who is ‘first in everything’ lives in you affect your confidence, your trust, and your actions?

Jesus’ approach to power and position in the gospel of Matthew is radically different than what we might expect someone with so much authority right from the start. From beginning to end, Jesus acts and teaches differently that what people expect a person with authority ought to do, with a massive emphasis on ‘serving’. How do we apply this ‘new kingdom’ approach to our world of leadership, influence, climbing ladders of authority? Where at times have we as Christians missed these lessons the Lord meant for us to apply and experience, and the world is meant to see as an alternative?

Each day, you and I are subjected to an onslaught of messaging that tells us who we are or who we ought to be. Studies have seen correlations between the rise in anxiety and depression to social media. Could it be that these ideas, while quiet or subtle; are evil and destructive lies? What if the deeper threat of temptation isn’t being tempted toward a certain act but the gradual progression of being tempted away from our truest identity - as someone deeply loved by, and belonging to God?

Respond:

• What might be the deepest lie(s) embedded in your life and story? (ie. you are not worthy of love, you are unwanted etc.)

  • What truth does Jesus have to reveal (here and now & in Scripture) about these lies?

• We often pray for physical health, well-being, and relationships for ourselves and others. From Paul’s example, part of our prayers ought to be for “the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” 

  • Is this a habitual way you pray for others?

• There is much knowledge, wisdom and understanding to be found in the world. In what ways can we filter the ‘gnosis’ of culture through the lens of ‘epignosis’ knowing God?

• The natural inclination of parents is to equip their children to become more independent over time. God’s children are invited into greater dependence upon Him over time.

  • Have you found this paradox to be true in your own experience with God?

Anxiety and depression are hitting all time highs. Consider how many messages we absorb regarding our value and worth on a daily basis. Could it be that these ideas, while quiet or subtle; are evil and destructive lies? What if the deeper threat of temptation isn’t being tempted towards a certain act but the slower progression of being tempted away from our truest identity - as ones loved by, and belonging to God?

Respond:

• When lies embed themselves in our story, they drastically impact our wellbeing and behaviour in ways that can be harmful to ourselves and the people we love.

  • What might be the deepest lie(s) embedded in your life and story? (ie. you are not worthy of love, you are unwanted, you are hopeless to change etc.)

  • What truth does Jesus have to reveal (here and now & in Scripture) about these lies in your journey?

• Make a list of ways you think about who you are (some might be truth and some lies). Reflect on how being ‘God’s holy people’ who belong to a family in Christ changes all of that. What role does community have to play in fighting against the lies of culture?

• We see in these verses an identity of those who follow Jesus, the three trademark distinctions of a life grounded in faith, hope and love. Would these three characteristics define your character and thoughts? Which of these three areas might the Spirit desire to deepen in this season?