Newport Mesa Church

This 4-week sermon series at Mesa Church explores the profoundsignificance of having a seat at God's table, emphasizing the themes of invitation,fellowship, transformation, and mission. Through these messages, the series aims to inspire the congregation to embrace their roles in evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, casting a vision for Mesa Church as a place where people are invited, transformed, and sent out to fulfill God's purpose.

This 4-week sermon series at Mesa Church explores the profoundsignificance of having a seat at God's table, emphasizing the themes of invitation,fellowship, transformation, and mission. Through these messages, the series aims to inspire the congregation to embrace their roles in evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, casting a vision for Mesa Church as a place where people are invited, transformed, and sent out to fulfill God's purpose.

This 4-week sermon series at Mesa Church explores the profoundsignificance of having a seat at God's table, emphasizing the themes of invitation,fellowship, transformation, and mission. Through these messages, the series aims to inspire the congregation to embrace their roles in evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, casting a vision for Mesa Church as a place where people are invited, transformed, and sent out to fulfill God's purpose.

This 4-week sermon series at Mesa Church explores the profoundsignificance of having a seat at God's table, emphasizing the themes of invitation,fellowship, transformation, and mission. Through these messages, the series aims to inspire the congregation to embrace their roles in evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship, casting a vision for Mesa Church as a place where people are invited, transformed, and sent out to fulfill God's purpose.5 questions for reflection and small groups:1. Reflect on a time when you received a special invitation that made you feel valued and important. How did that experience impact your relationship with the inviter and your response to the event? How does this personal experience help you understand the significance of God's invitation to His table?2. In Luke 14:18-20, the invited guests made various excuses for not attending the banquet. What are some common excuses people might use today to avoid accepting God's invitation? How can we address these excuses in our own lives and in our outreach to others?Responding to Indifference, Rebellion, and Self-Sufficiency:3. The parables highlight three main barriers to accepting God's invitation: indifference, rebellion, and self-sufficiency. Which of these barriers do you struggle with most personally? How can recognizing these barriers help you better respond to God's call and help others overcome similar obstacles?4. The parables of the banquet illustrate that God's invitation is radically inclusive, extending to all people, regardless of their background. How can we reflect this inclusivity in our own lives and within our church community? What are some practical ways to ensure we are welcoming and inclusive to everyone?5. In Matthew 22:11-14, the man without wedding clothes is cast out, symbolizing the need to be prepared for God's invitation. What does it mean to be spiritually "dressed" for the banquet, according to Revelation 19:6-8? How can we ensure we are prepared and living in a way that aligns with God's expectations for His table?

This six-part sermon series explores the theme of freedom as revealed through the lifeand ministry of Jesus Christ. Each sermon will delve into a specific Gospel account where Jesus brings deliverance and liberation to those who are suffering and bound. The series will highlight how true freedom in Christ transforms lives, restores dignity, and brings wholeness.

This five-part sermon series explores the theme of freedom as revealed through the lifeand ministry of Jesus Christ. Each sermon will delve into a specific Gospel account where Jesus brings deliverance and liberation to those who are suffering and bound. The series will highlight how true freedom in Christ transforms lives, restores dignity, and brings wholeness.

This five-part sermon series explores the theme of freedom as revealed through the lifeand ministry of Jesus Christ. Each sermon will delve into a specific Gospel account where Jesus brings deliverance and liberation to those who are suffering and bound. The series will highlight how true freedom in Christ transforms lives, restores dignity, and brings wholeness.

This five-part sermon series explores the theme of freedom as revealed through the lifeand ministry of Jesus Christ. Each sermon will delve into a specific Gospel account where Jesus brings deliverance and liberation to those who are suffering and bound. The series will highlight how true freedom in Christ transforms lives, restores dignity, and brings wholeness.

Join this panel of amazing dads as they take a look at the life of Job and discuss what we can learn from him in this special Father's Day message.

The Apostle Paul mentions "joy" more in this letter to the Philippians than in any other New Testament epistle. Yet, he is writing from the darkness of a Roman jail where he is imprisoned for his faith. His words and situation help us understand that true joy cannot be given or taken away by this world!In this series in the Book of Philippians, we will see that we can experience real joy no matter how dark or depressing life feels!

Moses' mother, Jochebed had such insurmountable faith to do what she did! This panel of mothers discusses the story of Jochebed and how it impacts them in their faith.

The Apostle Paul mentions "joy" more in this letter to the Philippians than in any other New Testament epistle. Yet, he is writing from the darkness of a Roman jail where he is imprisoned for his faith. His words and situation help us understand that true joy cannot be given or taken away by this world!In this series in the Book of Philippians, we will see that we can experience real joy no matter how dark or depressing life feels!

The Apostle Paul mentions "joy" more in this letter to the Philippians than in any other New Testament epistle. Yet, he is writing from the darkness of a Roman jail where he is imprisoned for his faith. His words and situation help us understand that true joy cannot be given or taken away by this world!In this series in the Book of Philippians, we will see that we can experience real joy no matter how dark or depressing life feels!

The Apostle Paul mentions "joy" more in this letter to the Philippians than in any other New Testament epistle. Yet, he is writing from the darkness of a Roman jail where he is imprisoned for his faith. His words and situation help us understand that true joy cannot be given or taken away by this world!In this series in the Book of Philippians, we will see that we can experience real joy no matter how dark or depressing life feels!

The Apostle Paul mentions "joy" more in this letter to the Philippians than in any other New Testament epistle. Yet, he is writing from the darkness of a Roman jail where he is imprisoned for his faith. His words and situation help us understand that true joy cannot be given or taken away by this world!In this series in the Book of Philippians, we will see that we can experience real joy no matter how dark or depressing life feels!

Join us this Easter, to celebrate and remember the sacrifice that was made for us!Services include...KIDS EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZAGOOD FRIDAYEASTERFor more information, view the link below!

My kids LEAN into their stuffies (yes...those plush stuffed animals) when they're happy, sad, confused, or happy. Turns out we're not so different as adults. But most of us have given our stuffies to our kids or grandkids…or they got lost along the way. But we still need to be stabilized in a world that is jolting, comforted in a world that is scary, or express deep joy in a world that is stuck in depression. God desires to be that close to us and to meet our deepest emotional and spiritual needs. And…it just so happens He describes Himself as a Lamb.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Did I have a “stuffie” or a comfort blanket when i was small? How has that evolved in my life?2. What are the reasons we LEAN IN to the Lamb according to the message? Which resonated with me the most?3. Do I believe Jesus has provided salvation? I have accepted His salvation? Why or why not?4. What is my definition of worship? Would we worship the Lamb? Why or why not?5. PRAYER: “Father, help US to LEAN IN to the Lamb though worship so our hearts can be stabilized.”

Even though I am introverted, I have learned that I need people in my life. And even though people, at least people like me, are messy, I must be willing to enter into the risk of relationship. How do I do that? I must be willing to give up what is my most valuable resource. That resource is not money because we can always make more money. That resource is TIME. Once spent, we will never recover it. And without time, there is NO RELATIONSHIP.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Describe a time when i felt most connected to a spiritual community? What were the contorting factors?2. How does Luke's description of community in Acts 2 challenge my understanding of relationship within the church?3. Why is hanging out and eating together beneficial both scientifically and spiritually to my life?4. How can I prioritize meaningful connections and relationships in my already “full” life?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be devoted to the kind of relationships that will build genuine community.”

Even though I am introverted, I have learned that I need people in my life. And even though people, at least people like me, are messy, I must be willing to enter into the risk of relationship. How do I do that? I must be willing to give up what is my most valuable resource. That resource is not money because we can always make more money. That resource is TIME. Once spent, we will never recover it. And without time, there is NO RELATIONSHIP.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Describe a time when i felt most connected to a spiritual community? What were the contorting factors?2. How does Luke's description of community in Acts 2 challenge my understanding of relationship within the church?3. Why is hanging out and eating together beneficial both scientifically and spiritually to my life?4. How can I prioritize meaningful connections and relationships in my already “full” life?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be devoted to the kind of relationships that will build genuine community.”

What are we here for? We are here to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus! In his last words on Earth, he CO-missioned us, doubts and all, and promised He would always be with us. Why was Jesus so clear? Without a clear mission, He knew we would drift away from what matters most in life. At Mesa Church, our name is a practical way to understand our mission. And when we set the Table for others, we get to make the ULTIMATE difference in their lives.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Do I understand the importance of focusing on what matters in my life with God, marriage, raising kids, & career?2. What is the mission of Jesus as he relates it to His disciples in Matthew 28:16-20? How am I involved?3. Why is it significant that Jesus' promises to always be with us as we fulfill His mission? For me personally?4. What is Mesa Church's mission? How will this prevent mission drift in the days ahead? How can I be involved?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be intentional about my involvement in the MISSION of Jesus through Mesa Church!”

We all have moments in our lives, where we feel crushed. And it is where we turn in those moments that determine how those moments will shape the rest of our lives. We can rely on ourselves and “pull ourselves up by the bootstraps,” as they say. Or, we can lean in. Lean into what? We can lean into the church, by God design, to build our confidence in the only One who can TRULY rescue us from whatever it is that is crushing us. Most often, he uses the comfort we've received from Him to be generously extended to those around us.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself.1. Reflecting on the sermon introduction story of the man who stopped attending church. What does it mean?2. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt completely crushed or overwhelmed? How did you respond? 3. How can the church be a community of comfort for those walking though painful circumstances?4. How can I LEAN INTO community by comforting others during this time of pastoral transition?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be comforted by you and to comfort others as I LEAN IN to community.”

What does it mean to be “led by the Spirit” when the Spirit wants to change our plans? How do we respond? Can we legitimately be a follower of Jesus if we are unwilling to be “led by the Spirit” into change we didn't ask for? God always has a reason, even if we are left to view it through the clearer vision of looking back at “all that God has done.” We don't always know why at first, but when we are lovingly obedient to the call of God, He will work out everything for our good and for His glory. Jesus doesn't call Himself, “Lord of the Harvest,” for nothing!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit changing your plans, and what was your response?2. Reflect on a situation where God said "NO" in your life. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?3. Reflect on a situation where God said "NO" in your life. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?4. How does God use change and transition to grow us as we are “led by the Spirit?”5. PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, help me to go wherever you call me and do whatever you call me to do!”

Many of us are cruising along in our walks with God and we don't realize THERE IS MORE! Sometimes we are too content. Sometimes we simply do not know. And sometimes we are afraid. No matter the reason, God has given us a mission to share Christ and we need MORE of the Holy Spirit so that we are operating in His power, not ours. Are we open? Are we trusting Jesus? Are we willing to wait? Are we willing to go?TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Do I believe God has more available to me? Like any relationship, what happens as we grow closer?2. What is the significance to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit is received? How does this apply to us today?3. What is the purpose of the “empowerment” of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts? How does this apply to us today?4. Am I open? Am I trusting Jesus? Am I willing to wait? Am I willing to go? 5. PRAYER: “Jesus, we ask you to baptize us in the Holy Spirit and fill us again so we can boldly share Christ!”

Fit check?! You know, do I look good?! The way we dress represents personal taste, comfort, culture, and how we are feeling in the morning when we pick our clothes out. Sometimes we want to blend in and sometimes we want to stand out. There is nothing wrong with standing out! But sometimes we settle to stand out for superficial things while God is calling us to stand out for something that will reveal transformation and bring transformation to the world we live in.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What is the most embarrassing clothing/dress/style “phase” I've gone through? Is there photographic evidence?2. How has the Holy Spirit renewed my thoughts and attitudes in my journey of faith?3. If God declares me righteous & holy, do I need to grow in righteousness and holiness? How do I do that?4. How can my relationship with the Holy Spirit go beyond rules and become a genuine expression of love for God?5. PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, help me to be the kind of person who does the right thing because of love for you!”

With a new year brings the inevitability of change. Change is a word we don't like because many of us are not all that excited for change. And yet, the Christian life is all about change. In a passage in the book of John, Jesus foreshadows that He will not always be with them but promises that this change will be good for them because of Who will come in His place to Help them. If we can lean into this promise this year, we will be able to receive the help we need to navigate the future God is leading us to embrace!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How has God used change to change me throughout the course of my life? Negative or positive?2. How does God help us navigate change, and what assurance does Jesus provide to his disciples about their future?3. Consider the various ways the Holy Spirit helps believers, as listed in the sermon (e.g., Convicter of Sin, Baptizer into the Body of Christ, Sealer/Assurer of Salvation). Which of these roles resonate with you personally, and why?4. Are there areas in your life where pride, stubbornness, callousness, doubt, busyness, unforgiveness, or self-centeredness hindering from the Holy Spirit's help?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to to be OPEN to your help. Change my heart!”

Why was a swaddled Jesus a sign? It's an odd detail that confirms Jesus birth was both normal…& unusual. In the ultimate act of kindness towards humanity, God shows up. The “good news” of Jesus' birth, announced to the shepherds, marked the the beginning of God's restoration plan. Jesus would grow up to live a perfect life and lead a ministry of healing, deliverance, & life giving teaching. The pinnacle of God's plan? The crescendo of that swaddled baby's life? A cross. Friends, there can be no Christmas, without a cross. It all leads to the cross. TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How has God shown up in my life? Where have I experienced His love and kindness in my story?2. How does Christmas reveal God's ultimate act of kindness and love toward humanity? 3. Was there a connection to baby Jesus wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger to the paschal lambs?4. Have I received the free gift of salvation, Jesus' forgiveness, & Lordship over my life? If not, WHY NOT?!5. PRAYER: “Father, save me from my sins and help me to follow Jesus the rest of my life!”

How should we receive the gift of Christmas? If we don't get Christmas right…we will get Christianity wrong. Jesus is kind to us in order to restore relationship with us. He desires to genuinely bless us. But we cannot receive His kindness or blessings unless we receive them. That requires humility! And humility goes beyond receiving…but extending that same kindness to others.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What is the most memorable Christmas gift anyone has ever given to me? Why was it special?2. How does Jesus “get down to our level” in the Christmas story? Do can we respond with humility?3. Who does God want me to invite to a Christmas Eve service so they can experience the kindness of Jesus?4. What does God want me to give back to Him and to others this Christmas? Where can I invest kindness?5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to receive the gift of Christmas this year like children!”

While many of us struggle to recall the details of Jesus' birth, even more of us do not know why Jesus came in the first place! As Simon Sinek famously preaches, “start with why,” this week we dive into the question, what does kindness have to do with the purpose of Jesus' birth? And even more, what does a vertically challenged tax collector have to do with Christmas?Jesus entered a famous town from the Old Testament…JERICHO. Why Jericho? Turns out…Jesus had unfinished business there. Jericho was the "first fruits" city dedicated to the Lord, after Israel marched around it 7 days in a row and took the city simply by shouting! God had done a miracle. God still does miracles…TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE.So why did Jesus go to Jericho? Why did God become human? Why did God leave Heaven, come to Earth, be born in a manger, to a teenage mom and generous and kind dad? Turns out…Jericho and Christmas have a lot in common.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Can i tell the story of Jesus' birth accurately? Can i explain WHY Jesus was born?2. How did Jesus show kindness to Zacchaeus? How did this kindness impact Zacchaeus?3. According to Romans 2:4, how is God's kindness intended to impact our lives? What's the purpose?4. What practical steps resonate with me for restoring my relationship with God or someone else?5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to turn away from our selfishness and follow Jesus!”

With our Christmas calendars speeding up, it is imperative our schedules don't outpace our ability to follow Jesus in loving God and people well. There will be all sorts of opportunities this Christmas season to show kindness, with no strings attached, IF we aren't too busy to notice the people God sends our way. But, what do we get out of the deal? Tune in to find out!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Is my Christmas schedule busy or full with family, work, church, personal commitments, and/or travel?2. How does Jesus' story challenge my understanding of being a saved person who loves God and loves others?3. What is my definition of kindness? What are some easy, not so easy, and/or challenging ways to express kindness?4. Am I too busy full of the wrong stuff to be kind to the people God brings my way? How can I slow down?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be FULL of the Spirit this Christmas so I can show kindness to all who need it!”

What does it look like to partner with God? Guest speaker, Lettie Boggs, relates her life story as a former youth pastor who God moved into various leadership roles, including founding a successful educational business, Colbi, and how God has used her to extend God's Kingdom through generosity. When we understand God owns it all, we can be more generous than we ever imagined.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What does wealth represent to me? How would I describe my relationship to material possessions and/or money?2. What does God want FOR me in my willingness to let go of things in order to gain something better? What is better?3. Do I consider myself a partner to God? What proof indicates this to be true to an outsider perspective?4. How does wealth impact spirituality considering Jesus' warning of the difficulty for the rich to enter into the Kingdom?5. PRAYER: “Father, put a deep desire in my heart to partner with You in all things. Help me to see material possession and wealth through the eyes of STEWARDSHIP of your resources.”

Join us as we delve into the heart of generosity with Pete Campbell in our ongoing 'More Than Enough' series. In this message, 'It's Mine To Give,' we unpack the profound truth that giving isn't about what we receive, but the joy and purpose found in giving freely. Explore the transformative power of faith and selfless generosity and the beauty of living a life where giving becomes a joyous privilege. Don't miss out on this insightful session as we uncover the true essence of 'More Than Enough.

God doesn't want something FROM us…He wants something FOR us. What does God want? He wants us to be able to be content with “enough.” Enough is a choice! How do we get to the place, in our own hearts, where we are truly trusting God for the provision of our lives? Do we trust God enough to give generously? Jesus boldly stated, "Where our treasure is there our hearts are also." Let's take the bold step of faith to trust God with our finances!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What does it mean for me to choose "enough" in my life?2. How does the Biblical pattern of the first fruits or the tithe develop and Scripture? What does the NT pattern reflect?3. Reflect on Jesus' statement, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Are my financial priorities aligned with a “heart after God?”4. How would the financial impact (e.g., paying off the mortgage, supporting missionaries, serving the community) influence our local community and beyond if every believer at Mesa embraced a lifestyle of generosity?5. PRAYER: “Father, change our hearts so that our hearts will reflect you mission, your vision, and your values.

God has set us free so we can live free. That means loving God with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. isn't that what Jesus said? That way we can love others as God created us to love them…“as ourselves.” We dive deeper into the Ten Commandments and discover loving others as ourselves mean we speak ONLY truth about others. The power of life and death is in the tongue, and we want to use ours to cultivate life! Jesus provides the long term solution. Just as the 10 Commandments didn't save the Israelites, they don't save us. But they do provide a framework to build a community of FREE people. Free for what? To follow, serve, & worship God!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. In what ways have you personally been affected by false testimony, rumors, or gossip?2. How does the real life story of Walter McMillan in “Just Mercy,” reflect the damage done through false testimony?3. What was one practical way to speak truth only that resonated with me and why?4. How does Jesus transform us through Truth? How does this reflect a process?5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to speak only truth.”

God has set us free so we can live free. That means loving God with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. Isn't that what Jesus said? That way we can love others as God created us to love them…”as ourselves.” We dive deeper into the Ten Commandments to discover the power of trusting God's provision for our lives so we will be free from the need to steal…and even worry. As always, Jesus is the pathway to this reality being unlocked in our lives.Just as the 10 Commandments didn't save the Israelites, they dont save us. But they do provide a framework to build a community of FREE people. Free for what? To follow, serve, & worship God!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Have I ever had something stolen from me? How did it make me feel?2. In what ways have you personally struggled with the concept of stealing, either in actions or attitudes?3. Can you think of any situations in your life where you may have cheated God? How can this change?4. Which application mentioned can grow in trusting God's provision and begin to do THIS WEEK?5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to trust your provision!”

In this message, Pete discusses the significance of closed doors in our personal lives and how they affect our marriages and faith. Titled "The Closed Door: Guarding Your Heart, Your Marriage, and Your Faith," Pete explores the importance of safeguarding physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of marriage. He offers practical advice for couples to strengthen their bonds, prioritize trust, and nurture lasting love. Through this insightful message, listeners are encouraged to protect and cherish the sacred space of their hearts and relationships, aligning with God's design.

God has set us free so we can live free. That means we prioritize God in our life so we can filter out whatever does not serve us to serve Him. As image bearers, we represent Him in how we talk & how we spend our time…especially to our kids! Learning to honor our parents help us to honor God and people. Today, we talk about murder!While 10 Commandments didn't save the Israelites, they did provide a framework to build their new FREE community. They would discover that even though the Law was GOOD, they were still enslaved to sin. The Law reveals we still need Jesus to set us free and live out our lives loving God and loving people.

God has set us free so we can live free. That means we prioritize God in our life so we can filter out whatever does not serve us to serve Him. As image bearers, we represent Him in how we talk & how we spend our time…especially to our kids! Our nuclear and spiritual families are the laboratories for learning to say yes to God. When we choose to honor our parents, we will begin to understand how to honor & revere God in our beliefs and actions.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How is the concept of honor expressed in various cultures? How have I seen or experienced this?2. How are our nuclear and spiritual families “laboratories" for “learning to say yes to God”?3. Why is honor important in societies and faith development? Why do kids need to see honor modeled?4. What are a few practical ways to honor my biological and/or spiritual parents/elders this week?5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to honor our parents so we can learn what it means to honor you!”

In a world that prioritizes profits and production, the 4th commandment runs counter to culture. A day off when everyone else works? But if we follow God's rhythm, we will have all the time we need because He can do more with six days than we can with seven. Observing the Sabbath is an act of faith! It exists as the bridge between loving God and loving people. And yet, we discover that even though the Sabbath is GOOD, it isn't enough. We still need the One who would in whom the "shadow" or "type" reveals.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself.1. What is my definition of rest? How does my definition align with God's purposes for the Sabbath?2. Have I experienced the consequence of either not working hard enough or working too hard? By whose definitions? 3. What cultural and/or societal pressures make it difficult to prioritize rest & worship? How can I overcome these?4. What practical steps can I take to incorporate Sabbath rhythms in my life so I can learn to be sustained by God?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to rest in Chris and to trust You to provide for me!”

God has set us free so we can live free. If we have prioritized God in our life, we will be able to filter everything after that to determine whether or not it serves us to serve Him. If God doesn't have priority in our heart, we will not be the “images of God” He created us to be. Next up, does God have PRIORITY in our speech? Does what comes out of our mouths represent God well? God had set the Israelite FREE…so they could live free, enjoying the peace, prosperity and blessing of living in a covenant relationship with Him. Again, the 10 Commandments don't save us…but they do reveal our deep need for Jesus…who perfectly fulfills his summary of all the laws, to love God and to love people. He did perfectly!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What does my first name mean? What does my last name mean? What are the values my parents taught me?2. What does it mean to misuse God's name? What ways do I misuse God's name in my life?3. Why is it significant that we bear God's name and how we represent Him reflects on His reputation? 4. What are some ways we can represent God well? What happens if we don't? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to revere Your Presence in a world that profanes you!”

What is the SECOND commandment and why does it matter?God has set us free so we can live free. If we have prioritized God in our life, we will be able to filter everything after that to determine whether or not it serves us to serve Him. Next up? Our worship! The problem here is that we are inundated by cultural influences. God's desire for relationship cannot co-exist with compromise. Our hearts must be pure. But our hearts have competing desires. Don't they? While we may not bow our knees to wooden or stone idols, we still need to eliminate the desires of our hearts that do not point our “image” to our Creator God. If we do, generations will thanks us.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How have your ancestors impacted your faith? How will your relationship with God impact coming generations?2. Are there any specific cultural idols or influences that you find particularly challenging to resist? How can you point the underlying desires to Jesus?3. Think about the desires you've had throughout different stages of your life. Have any of these desires become idols at certain times? How did you navigate the competing desires in your different life stages?4. Reflect on the importance of relationships and community within the church family. How can the church play a role in helping individuals eliminate competing desires and grow in their relationship with Jesus?5. PRAYER: “Father, we desire every desire point back to YOU. Help us eliminate the competition!”

The Ten Commandments emerge at a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the promised land. God had set them free and He now desires that they LIVE FREE. These divine laws, given on Mount Sinai, represent God's expectations for a covenantal relationship with this newly formed nation and provide a moral and ethical foundation for a just and faithful society. God's people must live as representations of God!If we want to live out the famous commands of Jesus to “Love God and love people, we better pay attention to the principles behind these commandments! Because, even though Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of perfect obedience to the expectations of God, we are still expected to LIVE FREE after He saves us! That is why these commandments were WRITTEN IN STONE. So lets hide God's Word in our hearts and meditate on their Truth.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What kind of rules are important in my closest relationships? Why are rules important?2. Why is it important to understand the context of “The Exodus” to understand how these moral laws still influence our lives today? How do they relate to the the most important laws according to Jesus?3. In what ways does legalism come into play when discussing the 613 laws in the Bible, and what is the importance of understanding the purposes of Prose Discourse/Law/Commandments?4. How does prioritizing God by pursuing Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength manifest in our daily lives, and what are some practical examples of this prioritization in action?5. PRAYER: “Father, help us to see the beauty of your Law so we can live free!”

How do I know when to stop praying for something or someone?” I talking to the wind? Jesus tells this story about a determined widow and an annoyed judge. It's a tale that has real-life insights about prayer and answers the question about when it's time to stop praying. The deeply transforming truth of knowing we are God's people and God alone sees the big picture help us to keep praying. Our faithful God wants to find faith in us!TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself.1. What is a personal experience where God answered a persistent prayer? How did that situation strengthen my faith? 2. What are some “futile” circumstances in my life currently where I am unsure of whether to keep praying?3. Why is it important to recognize that God is not an anonymous or unjust judge? How does this change how I pray? 4. If I have “hit a wall,” what gives me comfort in this “futile” season? How can church come alongside me in prayer?5. PRAYER: “Father, hear our prayers & find faith in our hearts!”

“Why isn't God answering my prayers?” Today, we dive into "pitfall prayers" – prayers that are designed get stuck. But even when our prayers are failing, they are good for something. They reveal our need for Jesus, who connects us to God and transforms our prayer approach. Discover how Jesus uses unanswered prayers to transform our hearts and lives.TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How do I respond when my prayers don't seem to be answered in the way I hoped?2. Which pitfall do my prayers often get stuck in? Who helps hold me accountable and walks with me?3. How do I examined my motives and desires in prayer? Do I seeking God's will & His Kingdom?4. Have I fully surrendered my heart to Christ? Am I holding onto unconfessed sin or unforgiveness?5. PRAYER: “Father, change my heart and transform my prayer life!”

“How do we hear the voice of God?” If we want to hear the voice of God, we must learn to listen! Fortunately, spiritual listening skills can be developed! Samuel was in the Presence of God when he first heard Him speak. Like so many of us, he had to learn that it was God who was speaking. But listening, as difficult as it is, is actually easier that what may follow. What if God asks us to do something difficult? Are we ready to listen?TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself.1. Would my friends colleagues consider me a good listener? What skills do good listeners have? 2. Do I have someone for spiritual guidance? How can they help me discern the voice of God?3. How can I develop my spiritual listening skills to hear God's voice more clearly?4. If God spoke to me, would I be ready to listen and obey like Samuel did?5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to listen for your voice and obey your words.”