Rainier Valley Church - Seattle

"How is Your Christmas Spirit?" (John 1:1-4 and Philippians 2:1-11) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, December 17th Discussion and Study Questions  The Call to Humility (Philippians 2:1-4) - How does Paul's call for unity in verses 1-4 impact the way we connect and assess new churches in 2024?  Why is it so important to have Theological, Relational, Philosophical, Missional unity with your church family?    The Example of Humility (Philippians 2:5-8) - How is the story of Christmas the greatest example of humility possible? How can we cultivate this mindset/attitude that Jesus shows of ultimate humility?  The Rewards of Humility (Philippians 2:9-11) - What are the implications of Jesus' glorification and the universal recognition of his Lordship in verses 9-11 for our worship and daily lives? How should this knowledge change our perspective on suffering, service, and the future? Resources for "Know Your Rights This Christmas" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go2X_kP5Wjc&t=2079s

"Know Your Rights this Christmas" (John 1:9-12 and 1 John 2:28-3:3) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, December 10th Discussion Questions: Who is the "true light" mentioned in verse 9 and why is light a fitting description of this figure? (Hint: consider John 8:12) What are some ways we can share the "true light" of Jesus with others in our community? How is Jesus a light into the darkness of our lives and the lives of those we know and love? Why do you think the world did not recognize the true light, even though it was made through him? (v. 10) Share a time when you felt "rejected" or "not recognized" by those around you. How did you find your own light in that situation?What does it mean that Jesus "came to his own, and his own people did not receive him"? (v. 11) What is the "right to become children of God" that Jesus gives in verse 12? How does one receive this right? How can we better receive the "right to become children of God" and live out our inheritance as his children?How does this passage challenge or encourage your understanding of Jesus and your relationship with him? Children of God have Confidence in God (1 John 2:28) - Why do Children of God have confidence in their relationship with God? How does confidence practically change our relationship with God? What is the difference between a relationship with God marked by either confidence or shame?  Children of God Are Becoming Like God (1 John 2:29) - How does being a Child of God set the course of our life and transform us to be more like God? Children of God Experience the Love of God (1 John 3:1) - How do Children of God experience the love of God? How are you currently experiencing the love of God in your life? What ways does the love of God help, strengthen, support and guide us? Children of God Have Hope in God's Future (1 John 3:2-3) - How does having hope in Jesus' return purify us? How have your experienced the purifying power of hope in your life? k What ways can we be praying for one another and supporting one another this week?

"What Gifts are You Getting for Christmas?" (John 1:14-18) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, December 3rd Discussion Questions:  Presence and Glory John 1:14-15 - What does it mean that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us? How does this challenge our understanding of God?What does John mean by "we have seen his glory"? What kind of glory are we talking about here? Grace and Truth  John 1:16-17 - How is the glory of Jesus described? What does it mean that he is "full of grace and truth"? How does common grace and saving grace function like grace upon grace in our life? What was can we act like Jesus by being both gracious and truthful? What are some ways that you have seen grace and truth embodied in the life of Jesus? Revelation and Clarity John 1:18 - John says that "no one has ever seen God." What does this mean? How can Jesus then make God known? What does the phrase "the only God, who is at the Father's side" tell us about the relationship between Jesus and God the Father? Share your own experiences of encountering the glory of God. How can we, as a community, better reflect the glory of God in our own lives?

"Who is Coming Over for Christmas?" (John 1:1-5) Among Us: A Christmas Story Sunday, November 26th Discussion Questions: Who is someone you are looking forward to seeing this Christmas season? Why is preparing our hearts so important for our deep enjoyment of the Christmas season. Jesus is the Eternal God - John 1:1 (What does it mean that Jesus is the Word?) Jesus is the Creator God - John 1:2-3 (Why is it important to understand that Jesus is the Creator? Jesus is the Living God - John 1:4-5 (How is Jesus the life and the light?) How would you explain the incarnation to someone who has never heard of it? How does the incarnation affect your daily faith? Why does it even matter if Jesus is divine? How can we pray for one another as we start this year's Christmas season.

"Always Rejoicing and Giving Thanks" (Philippians 4:10-13) Everyday Disciple Sunday, November 19th

"Walking with God through Suffering" (John 11:17-45) Everyday Disciple Sunday, November 5th Discussion Questions What does Jesus' weeping at the tomb of Lazarus reveal about his character? Why did Martha and Mary doubt Jesus even though He had previously performed many miracles? What is the significance of Jesus' statement that He is "the resurrection and the life"? How does Jesus' raising of Lazarus challenge our understanding of death and dying? What does the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Lazarus' resurrection tell us about their motivations? How has your understanding of death and dying changed in light of Jesus' raising of Lazarus? How can you be more like Jesus in your compassion for those who are grieving? How can you be more open to sharing your faith with others, even when it is difficult? How can you live your life in a way that brings glory to God? How can we pray for one another this week? How can we practically support one another this coming week? Resources for "Everyday Disciple: Walking with God through suffering" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LS4BupKnfo

"Resisting Temptation" (1 Corinthians 10:13) Everyday Disciple Sunday, October 29th Discussion Questions Share a time when you were tempted and how you overcame it. What are some of the things that you do to resist temptation in your everyday life? What are some of the ways that the Holy Spirit has helped you to overcome temptation? What are some of the things that we can do as a small group to support each other in our struggles with temptation? What does it mean to say that God will "provide a way out of temptation"? How can we recognize the temptations that are common to all humanity? What are some of the specific temptations that we face in our own lives today? How can we resist temptation and stand firm in our faith? What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us to overcome temptation? What are some of the things that we can do to prepare ourselves for temptation? How can we support each other in our struggles with temptation? What are some examples of people in the Bible who overcame temptation? What are some of the consequences of giving into temptation? What are the benefits of resisting temptation?

"Singing Praises" (Ephesians 5:18-21) Everyday Disciple Sunday, October 22nd Discussion Questions What are some of your favorite songs and why? How has music been meaningful at different season of your life?  What are some silly songs or commercial jingles that have got stuck in your head over the years? What was the first song you remember hearing as a child? What songs deeply impacted you as a teenager?  Read through Ephesians 5:18-21 and consider what sin is to be avoided, what command is to be obeyed, and what promise is to be claimed?  Why is Drunkenness a sin? Why does Paul contrast the sin of drunkenness with the command to be filled with the Spirit?  What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? What are some practical ways to be filled with the Spirit?  What are some of the things that can hinder us from being filled with the Spirit?  Singing Convicts us of Sin - How does singing reveal what's truth, good and beautiful? How have you been convicted by singing what is true in your life? How is singing praises to God a holy activity in an unholy world?  Singing Reminds us of Truth - How does singing help us to gain godly perspective? How does singing praises remind us of what it truth? How have you been helped by coming to church and singing what is right and true?  Singing Brings us Comfort - What ways have you been encouraged by singing praise to God? What ways have you been encouraged by coming to church and singing praises with other brothers and sisters in Christ?  Singing Helps us Remember - How does singing help us to remember ideas and concepts when they're set to music? What sorts of Christian doctrines or Christian disciplines immediately connect you with songs you've learned in the past?  Singing Expresses our Emotions - How does singing help you to express difficult emotions such as doubt, fear, anger, disappointment, etc? How have you experienced singing as a way to connect with your emotions in a way that nothing else can?  Singing Empowers us to Give Thanks - What sorts of things do we need to give thanks to God for? How does singing help us to praise God and give thanks? 

"Praying Passionately" (Matthew 6:9-12) Everyday Disciple Sunday, October 15th Adoration - Spend Time with the Father (6:9)   Intercession - Seek the Kingdom in Seattle (6:10)  Petition - Trust God with My Needs (6:11)  Confession - Be An Example of Forgiveness (6:12)  Warfare - Fight Against the Evil One (6:13) Worship - Praising His Glory (6:13b)  6:9 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Pray that God's kingdom would come and his will would be done in your heart, your life and your family.  Pray that God's kingdom would come and will would be done in our community, schools, businesses, local and national government 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  Prayer that God would provide for you, your family and your church Prayer that God would forgive any sins you're aware of this week and thank him for his forgiveness Pray that God would make you an increasingly forgiving person.  6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' Pray that the Lord would reveal the schemes and lies of the enemy that we've been believing, that have been holding us in condemnation, shame and guilt.  Pray that the Lord would lead you away from the temptations of apathy, bitterness, greed, lust, etc.  Resources for "Everyday Disciple: Praying Passionately" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbVyEw1nO9w

"Believing Truth" (Psalm 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 12:1-2) Everyday Disciple Fall Sermon Series  Sunday, October 8th Truth Matters - The Blessing of Walking in Truth (Psalm 1:1-6) What is the main difference between the righteous person and the wicked person in this psalm? What does it mean to "walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners, and sit in the seat of the scornful"? What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" and to "meditate in his law day and night"? What are some of the benefits of being a righteous person, according to this psalm? How can we apply the lessons of this psalm to our own lives? Truth Trains - The Profitability of Being Equipped in Truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17) What does it mean to say that the Bible is "God-breathed"? How is the Bible profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness? How can the Bible help us to be complete and equipped for every good work? What are some specific examples of how the Bible has helped you in your own life? How can we make better use of the Bible in our daily lives? Truth Transforms - The Power of Being Renewed by Truth  (Romans 12:1-2)  What does it mean to present your body as a living sacrifice to God? What are some ways that we can do this in our daily lives? What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind? How can we learn to distinguish between what is good and acceptable and perfect in God's will? What are some of the benefits of living in accordance with God's will?

New Sermon Series "Everyday Disciple" What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, and why does it matter? How are we live out being followers of Jesus in the everyday stuff of daily life? This Sunday, October 1st, we begin an 8-week series looking at the importance of practical discipleship such as following Jesus, believing truth, praying passionately, singing praises, walking through suffering, resisting temptation, knowing and using our gifts, and always rejoicing and giving thanks. Join us as we explore what it means to follow Jesus together as his disciples in South Seattle from Sunday, October 1st to Sunday, November 26th in our new sermon series "Everyday Disciple" Discussion Questions for Personal Study and Community Groups Formation - In what ways are we formed by the stories we believe, the relationships we have, the habits we practice and the environment we live in? What is the difference between intentional and unintentional formation and how can we be more intentional in our formation? Be With Jesus - What does it mean to be with Jesus? Why is being with Jesus so essential to spiritual formation? What are practical ways that we can be with Jesus? Be Like Jesus - You imitate what you admire. How have you seen yourself become like those you admire? What does it look like to be like Jesus in the situations and circumstances God has you in? Are you becoming more like Jesus through the circumstances of your life? Are you living a life where the Holy Spirit is getting His way with you? Are you becoming a person of love to the people who know me best and interact with me most frequently? Do What Jesus Did - We're called to do what Jesus did = Preaching the Gospel, practicing hospitality, praying to understand God's will, forgiving our enemies, practicing silence and solitude, gathering with God's people, living simply, eating with sinners, and making other disciples. What things did Jesus do in his earthly ministry that you need to begin doing? What things did Jesus do that you aren't regularly doing and why? How can you be practicing Jesus' habits in your own life? What ways can we be praying for one another to be with Jesus, be like Jesus and do what Jesus did? How can we practically support and encourage one another this week? What practical ways can we encourage each other to be like Jesus this week?

"Trusting God" (Psalm 91) Standalone Message - RVC Member's Meeting Sunday, September 24th Community Group Discussion Questions What are some of the names of God that are used in Psalm 91? What do these names tell us about God's character? What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High? How can we make God our refuge and dwelling place? What does it mean to "call on the name of the Lord"? How can we do this more effectively? What are some of the ways that God protects us, both physically and spiritually? What are some of the challenges that we may face, even as Christians, and how can we trust God in the midst of those challenges? How can we share the message of Psalm 91 with others who are struggling?

"Formation in Obedience" (Matthew 7:13-29) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 17th BIG IDEA: We Make Our Decisions and our Decisions Make __ Two Paths and _________ (7:13-14) Two Prophets and ___________ (7:15-19) Two Pleas and ___________ (7:20-23) Two Homes and ___________ (7:24-29) Community Group Questions What are some big decisions that your grandparents or parents made that deeply impact your life? What are some of the biggest decisions you've made in your life and how have they shaped you? What does it mean to enter through the narrow gate? Why is the road wide and easy that leads to destruction? Why are so many people on the wide road if it leads to destruction? What are examples of modern “prophets” that people listen to and learn from? What are the characteristics of a false prophet? How can we distinguish between true and false prophets? What does good and bad fruit look like? What's the connection between someone's lifestyle and their worldview? What does it mean to build our house on the rock? What storms are you facing in life? What are the consequences of building our house on the sand? How does Jesus' teaching in this passage challenge our culture's understanding of what it means to live a good life? What are some practical ways that we can put Jesus' teaching in this passage into practice in our own lives? How can we pray for one another this week?

"Formation in Relationships" (Matthew 7:1-12) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 10th Logs and Specks (Matt 7:1-5) What do we have to do first to help others? Dogs and Hogs (Matt 7:6) How can we practice discernment in our relationships with non-believers? Bread and Stones (Matt 7:7-12) What is the Golden Rule “Do Unto Others What You Would Have Them Do To You” Community Group Questions In what areas of your life are you most likely to be judgmental of someone (e.g. finances, work, health, parenting, marriage, emotions, etc.)? What is the difference between church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5) and sinfully judging a brother or sister? Why would you not want to be judged with the same same standard you judge others (7:2)? What aspect of the way God has treated you in the gospel should compel you to be humble and patient instead of judgmental? How can you discern when you are throwing your pearls before pigs and wasting your time sharing the Gospel with someone who is attacking you (Matt 7:6). Why is it astounding that God hears and responds to your prayers? If God hears you, why is it important to pray persistently? Why does he want you to pray more than once for your needs? What is the difference between casual prayer and expectant prayer? What prayers can you look back on and be glad that God did not answer in the way you initially wanted? How did God answer the prayer better than you asked? How brave are your prayers? Are they filled with needs that you can accomplish on your own or needs that require God to provide? What is the Golden Rule and how can you apply it in your life this coming week? Resources for "Formation in Relationships" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRRRVWLEcE8

"Formation in Peace" (Matthew 6:25-34) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 3rd Sermon Outline What are some things you worry about?  - Take a moment to write down some of your biggest worries Jesus' teaching on what to do with our worries and fears. Reorder Your __________ Remember Your _____ Recognize Your _________ Consider God's _______ Focus On What Really _______ Don't Borrow _______ Community Group Questions What in your life creates the most worry? What do the things you worry about reveal about your heart and your priorities? What are some of the results when you obsessively worry? Which of the 6 insights that Jesus gives us do you need to actively apply to your worries this week? How does your culture and your economic status shape what you consider to be the appropriate standard for God's feeding, clothing, and taking care of you. How might your perspective change if you live in a different context? Were first-century Christians less susceptible to the desire for clothing than Christians today? Why or why not? How can our trust in God, when we would naturally worry, be an evangelical witness to others? Do you ask God more often for wants or for needs? How does God handle our requests for things we want? How can increasing our desire and concern for God's kingdom lessen our worry over our lives and the future? If your treasure is in heaven, how will that affect how much you are willing to sacrifice now on earth?

"Formation in Kingdom Riches" Matthew 6:5-24 Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, August 27th Kingdom Riches Outline from Dan Nordblad · Introduction: Who I am, what I do, my connection w/Pastor Kyle · Sermon on the Mount nuances, ethics, takeaways as it pertains to spiritual formation/character development. (Ro. 5.3-5, Ro. 5.29) · Sermon on the Mount as it is predicated off the first beatitude (Mt. 5.3) · The imputation of kingdom righteousness both legal and incarnational. · Matthew 6.5-8 – contrast two types of prayer (hypocrisy/sincerity) · Matthew 6.9-13 – The Lord's Prayer – Who we address in prayer and why, contrast our will w/His will. The value of being dependent on God – an extract from Exodus narrative. Sin in the context of debt. Praying according to God's will, our desire to not succumb to sin. · Matthew 6.14-15 – An addendum w/emphasis on forgiveness in context with our Christianity. Luke 7.47 · Fasting – our approach to spiritual disciplines, why we fast (Scriptural background to fasting), our personal/private relationship w/God and how that impacts others. (1 Tim. 5.24-25, Heb. 4.13) · Matthew 6.15-21 – Fools gold versus Kingdom Riches · The fallibility of materialism versus Kingdom wealth · Our heart as it resembles our treasure (Pro. 27.19, Ps. 119.162, Col. 3.20) · Treasures in heaven: Christ, Holy Spirit, Faith, The Word, wisdom · Matthew 6.22-24 – outlook in life determines outcome in life · Describe scriptural imagery e.g. eye, body, lamp etc. · Describe eyes of faith (Psalm 119.130, Ps. 19) · Describe eyes of unbelief · New Testament prohibition against idolatry (1 Tim. 6.9-11) · Christ's teaching on the value of eternal destination. · Exhortation: As He becomes your treasure, you become His! (1 Pe. 2.9, Ex. 19.5)Discussion Questions for Community Groups: 1. Is it okay to be a “rich/wealthy” Christian? Why/why not? 2. What are some ways that we can cultivate and develop spiritual disciplines e.g. prayer, fasting, scripture reading? 3. Is the Sermon on the Mount a prescription or description? Why? 4. What are the virtues of a public prayer life if any? 5. Which kingdom ethic do you struggle with the most and why? (unforgiveness, materialism, fasting, etc.)

Guest Speaker: Joe Culumber  What does it mean to pray in secret and why is Jesus highlighting the importance of a private prayer life? (Matthew 6:6) Why should we not pray like the hypocrites? What are the hypocrites trying to "get" out of their prayer time? (Matthew 6:5) What is the difference between praying in public and praying in secret?  What practical lessons can we learn from Jesus' teaching and example of prayer? What are the main stumbling blocks in our life around prayer? How can we be praying for each other this week?   

"Formation in Pleasing Piety In A Posturing World" Matthew 6:1-18 Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, August 13th Community Group Questions: Can you think of some examples of public posturing not shared by Jon? Of the three acts of piety Jesus uses as examples which do you have the most experience with? Which do you have the least experience with? What are some examples of religious hypocrisy in our day? What are some ways you have found yourself having the wrong motive when it comes to living out your faith? Have you ever experienced doing spiritual things for the wrong reasons? What are some questions you could ask yourself to determine if you are doing spiritual things for the wrong reason? What's one thing you will do in response to this message? Resources for "Formation in Pleasing Piety In Posturing World" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk2Ql8477f4

Formation in Enemy-Love (Matthew 5:38-48) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, August 6th with Guest Speaker James Rayment Community Group Questions: James explained that to "turn the other cheek" (verse 39) means to not return an insult for an insult. What ways can we deescalate tensions and turn the the volume down on conflicts that we are involved in? On the opposite end, what responses might we have that turn the volume up? How can we be tempted to be personally vengeful?    What is the difference between loving your enemies and forgiving your enemies? How can we grow in trusting God to do what is right in situations where we have been deeply wronged? Formation is the process of becoming more like Jesus in our knee-jerk responses to situations in life. What challenges do we face in following these commands to love our enemies and how can we overcome these challenges? If Jesus didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, what is the significance of Jesus' commands in Matthew 5:38-48 towards our enemies, especially as it relates to the law of God? How do these commands reflect the character of God? How does God love his enemies? What practical application will you take from the message this week? How do these commands challenge us to live differently? How can we help support one another in applying these things in our lives? How can we pray for one another this week? Are there any practical needs that we can help each other with this week? Resources for "Formation in Enemy-Love" Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://youtube.com/live/UuDD-uwRZh8?feature=share

Formation in Faithfulness Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Matthew 5:31-37 Sunday, July 30th Guest Speaker: Pastor Chris Short Community Group Questions: 1) What does this passage teach us about the character of God and ourselves? 2) Divorce can be a painful and sensitive subject. How does this passage inform our understanding of divorce and remarriage? 3) As a disciple of Jesus, what does it look like to pursue faithfulness in the marriage covenant? 4) According to the passage, what does it mean to purpose faithful character? 5) How does Christ's work in the Gospel impact our faithfulness? 6) How does this passage lead you to doxology (worship & praise)?

1) Jesus addresses the first of six contentions with the moral law by speaking into the intention of the words of the Law rather than the words themselves. Have you experienced a time when you obeyed the law rather than the intentions behind the law?   2)God is the ultimate, righteous, judge. And in this text we see that true worship with Him includes right relationship with one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord. What is the purpose of leaving behind your sacrifice BEFORE you offer it to God? Is it possible to offer worship to God with the wrong intentions?   3) Share a story of when you have experienced reconciliation and forgiveness from another brother or sister in a situation you thought would be impossible to resolve. How did the Holy Spirit guide that process?  

Discussion Questions for Community Group/Personal Study  1) Christ claims that all scripture bears witness to him. That may be easy to see in some passages but more obscure in others. Are there any verses or passages that are particularly difficult for you to see Christ? What might be some strategies for you to consider in clarififying them? 2) What are some verses or passages that you can identify that you may understand as something as other than Christ? How can you approach them in a new way to see Christ there? 3) God is a God of revelation, do you think of him as such? How would it change your relationship with him to agree with that or to pursue increasing revelation of who he is?

Discussion Questions for Community Groups or Personal Study  What does Jesus mean when he calls his followers salt? What does it mean to be salt in the world? How can we be salt in our families, workplaces, and communities? What does Jesus mean when he calls his followers light? How can we be light in the world? What are some specific ways that we can shine our light? What are some challenges that we face in being salt and light in the world? How can we overcome these challenges? How can we encourage each other to be salt and light in the world? What does it mean to be distinctively Christian in our world? How can we live in a way that is both loving and challenging to the world around us? How can we be agents of change in our world? How can we bring hope and healing to a broken world?

Hey church family.  This Sunday, I had the honor of opening our Bibles to the greatest sermon ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount.  I shared what it is versus isn't, and then unpacked the ground-breaking beatitudes, Matthew 5:1 - 12. Attached below is a short summary of the context I gave to the entire Sermon on the Mount series.Questions to consider for your reflection this week: Jesus is a master teacher who chose to make his opening statement in his sermon the beatitudes, the first word to be “blessed.” What does that tell you about the character & heart of God? How are we “poor in spirit” when it comes to approaching God? Which beatitude do you find yourself most challenged by?  Why? Meekness is humility in action to others. Where have you shown meekness in your life?  Where do you struggle with meekness? What promises give you the most hope in the beatitudes? May you be blessed this week knowing that we are beggars coming to our loving, merciful gracious God who gives us comfort when we are afflicted, hope when we are persecuted, and love when we feel despondent.

It's Good to Be A Man: The Calling of Godly Masculinity  Family Life Sermon Series Sunday, June 18th (Happy Father's Day 2023!) Rainier Valley Church Seattle, Washington Discussion Questions What does it mean to be a good father or spiritual father? What are some of the qualities that make a good father or spiritual father? What are some of the challenges of being a father or spiritual father? How can fathers and spiritual fathers model God's love for their children? How can fathers and spiritual fathers teach their children about God? How can fathers and spiritual fathers help their children grow in their faith? What are some ways that fathers and spiritual fathers can be encouraged and supported? What are some practical ways that we can honor our spiritual fathers on Father's Day? What are some of the things you appreciate most about your father and/or spiritual father? How can we as a community support fathers in their roles? What are some ways we can celebrate the importance of fatherhood?

Loving the Little Years: Imitating God Ephesians 5:1, Psalm 115:4-8, 2 Corinthians 3:18 Rainier Valley Church (Family-Style Worship Service) Discussion Questions When you were a kid, who did you want to be like when you grew up and why? How did you imitate your heroes? George Bernard Shaw once famously wrote that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it's the sincerity form of learning” How do we learn through imitation? Read Ephesians 5:1 and discuss what does it mean to imitate God? What are some ways that we can do this in our everyday lives? Read Psalm 115:4-8 and discuss how do people become like what they worship? What is the connection between beholding and becoming? Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 and discuss what it mean that we all with unveiled face beholding the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another? What does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord? How can we do this? What does it mean to be transformed into the image of Christ? How does this happen?How can we encourage one another to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into his image? How can we pray for one another this week? How can we serve one another this week? What practical needs are there in our group this week? How can we hold one another accountable to mature spiritually this week? Let's take some time to pray for each other and ask for the Lord's help, power, wisdom, and guidance. Slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hMqeFj-zp8bLSZPo4KFdY2PnP7ZVtykNw4qMRk-L_F4/edit?usp=sharing Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIl2H1zWR40&t=2s

“The 4 Seasons of Parenting" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:1-4 and Various Proverbs) Family Life Sermon Series - Sunday, June 4th Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington Discussion Questions Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. How can we make sure that our children learn to love God? What are some ways that we can teach our children about God's love by proactively giving them formative teaching or reactive corrective discipline? How can we make our homes a place where God is honored and where His love is evident? What are some different ways that we can we train and teach the next generation intentionally and spontaneously? Read Ephesians 6:4. What does it mean for fathers to not provoke their children to anger? What does it mean for fathers to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? What are some specific ways that fathers can do this? What are some challenges that fathers face in raising their children? How can fathers overcome these challenges? What are some benefits of fathers raising their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? Pastor Kyle interviewed his Mom about the Four Seasons of Parenting in the book of Proverbs - Discipline Years (1-5), Training Years (5-12), Coaching Years (12-18), and the Friendship Years (18+). What are some applications points from this discussion that you would like to apply to your own life and family? If you are single, how has this discussion on parenting helped you to understand your parents and prepared you to become a parent in the future, if the Lord gives you that blessing? How can we pray for one another this week? How can we serve one another this week? What practical needs are there in our group this week? How can we hold one another accountable to mature spiritually this week? Let's take some time to pray for each other and ask for the Lord's help, power, wisdom, and guidance.

Jude: Contending for the Faith Week #4 “Victory in the Fight” (Jude 24-25) The Power of God  - God Will Preserve and Protect Us (24a) Jude begins his doxology by praising God for what? Why is God's promise to keep us from stumbling or falling so precious and how does it impact the Christian life? The Promise of God - We Will See His Glory and Share His Joy (24b) How is God able to present us blameless before His glory? Why is being in the presence of God the ultimate source of joy in all existence? The Person of God - He Is Our Sovereign and Our Savior (25a) Why is significant that Jesus is both our Lord and Savior? If we only think of Jesus as our Savior or only as our Lord what difference does it make? The Praise of God - Praise Him for His Glory, Majesty, Sovereignty, Authority (25b) What reasons do you have to praise God's glory and majesty? How can we rejoice in God's sovereignty and authority? How can we be praying for one another and encouraging one another this week? What practical ways can we serve each other?Slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1D78ONuC8F3jpv1ApkMcD53XBbM7YAuqb4yRf_uzfW7A/edit?usp=sharing Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vzeaMhIgUg&t=10s 

A Study in the Book of Jude "Jude: Contending for the Faith"  Week 3: “The Fight for the Heart” (Jude v. 17-23) Pastor Kyle begin his message by highlighting several celebrities who grew up as Christians but has since renounced their faith and walked away from Christianity.  The statistics show that we are leaving in the middle of a cultural revolution where people are leaving the Christian faith in unprecedented numbers. How should we respond? Jude recommends looking back, looking up and looking around.  Look Back - Remember (Jude 17-19) - Jude encourages God's people to look back and remember the predictions of the apostles to understand our current age. What sorts of things do the Apostles predict in Matthew 24:10-13, Acts 20:29-30, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and how do you seem of these predictions coming to fulfillment in the world around you? According to Jude 19, what sorts of characteristics do False Teachers have and what impact do False Teachers bring to a Christian community?   Look Up - Worship (Jude 20-21) - There are four actions that Jude calls Christians to do in response to apostasy and false teaching - 1. Building Ourselves Up in the Faith, 2. Praying in the Holy Spirit, 3. Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God, 4. Waiting for the mercy of our Lord.  Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in the faith and Pastor Kyle recommending the importance of weekly worship, strengthening of the marriage/family, reading scripture and good books (Recommended for adults - Strange New World by Carl Truman, Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey, and The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener) What ways do you need to build yourself up in the faith? What ways might you need to repair your faith?  Look Around - Serve (Jude 22-23) - Genuine love for God flows into a genuine love for our Christian brothers and sisters. What ways do Jude call us to love others in Jude 22-23? Who do we need to be merciful to and what does it look like to be merciful, compassionate and patient with others in our lives? Jude calls us to snatch others from the fires. Are there those in your life that you have seen backsliding, doubting or walking away from their faith and how can you "snatch" them out of the fire? Jude ends this section with a call to hate even the garment stained by the flesh, this means that we are to have a continued hatred of sin in the Christian life, how can we cultivate that hatred and not become indifferent or immune to the sinfulness of sin?  What practical follow-up will you takeaway from this weekend's message? How can you have others hold you accountable to practice real change? What ways can we be praying for others this week? 

2. The Fight (Ancient & Modern) (Jude 5-16) Jude: Contending for the Faith Contextual and Application Questions on Jude v. 5-16: 1. How does each of the Old Testament examples in v. 5-7 illustrate a rebellion of belief in the mind of the creature about the Creator and the status of the creature in relation to the Creator? (How did they deny the authority, morality, and glory of God?) 2. Where do the beliefs of false teachers originate? What will they ultimately result in? (v.8, 10) 3. Why can we not allow our beliefs to be shaped by our instincts (v. 10)? Where must we always turn instead for right belief and understanding? a. What lies concerning God's authority, morality, and glory do you think are common in today's mindset, that we need to guard against? (For example, “I don't need God in my life – I know what's best for me” or “The morality of the Bible is outdated – things have changed” etc.) b. Which of these lies are you contending with at the moment? Are there any that you should be contending with but have not been? 4. In the battle of the mind, what is your strategy going to be for defending your beliefs against false teaching and lies?  (How can you ensure that you do not fall prey to false teachers? What can you do to make sure that you are practicing discernment over purported revelations from God? How can you do this together as a Community Group?) 5. Using the surrounding context, explain whom Jude is referring to when he writes, “Woe to them!” in v. 11? 6. What sins have they allowed to take root in their hearts, as exemplified by Cain, Balaam, and Korah? (v. 11) (Refer to Gen. 4: 3-8; Num. 16: 1-35, 22:7, 31:16 or look up these Old Testament examples in a Bible dictionary if you need to refresh your memory!) 7. How did the true disposition of their hearts show up in their speech and conduct? (v. 15-16) 8. Read v. 12-13 and consider the imagery Jude uses. In what ways do false teachers (and those living false lives) pose a danger to the spiritual safety and well-being of other believers? 9. Why do we need to be aware of the example we set as Christians to both our fellow-believers and to the world? If we are not pastors or teachers in the church, does our example matter any less? Why / why not? 10. As we seek to contend for the faith by the God-honoring example of our lives, why is it essential that we be willing to look honestly at our hearts and not just our behavior?

Jude: Contending for the Faith For those of you who like to read ahead and prepare for Sunday worship, this week we will begin a new series in the book of Jude. Author D.J. Rowston once wrote that Jude is the “most neglected book in the New Testament.” The little book of Jude is often neglected because of several factors. The book of Jude is relatively short. In America, we are tempted to equate worth and importance with size. Since the book is short, many assume (wrongly) the book is unimportant. The book is tucked away in the latter part of the Bible and easy to miss. People do not stumble into studying the book of Jude. They must go looking for it. The message of the book is perceived as “negative.” Jude spends the majority of his time warning against false teachers and their impending destruction. The message of judgment and condemnation drives many readers away. For these reasons, Jude often gets overlooked by Christians and pastors alike. We are convinced that the neglect of Jude is a serious mistake for our spiritual lives and the health of our church. Jude warns against false teachers, a reminder that is just as necessary now as it was when Jude originally penned his letter. Furthermore, Jude encourages Christians to remain in God's love by building themselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit, and waiting for the mercy of the Lord Jesus. Jude's message of warning and encouragement is needed in the church today. We must pick up the book of Jude, study it, and live out it's truths for the glory of God! Week 1 – “A Call to Fight” (v. 1-4) Contextual Questions on Jude v. 1-4:  Jude, along with the apostle James, was Jesus's half-brother. How does he introduce himself in v.1? Why do you think he chose to introduce himself in this way? What customary information is lacking about the recipients of Jude's letter? How does he identify them instead? (v. 1) What was Jude's purpose in writing the letter? (v. 3) Why was it so urgent for Jude to write on this subject rather than on “our common salvation” as he had originally planned? (v. 3) What is meant by “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”? (v. 3) Was the threat to the integrity of the faith coming from inside or outside the church? (v. 4) How were these “ungodly people” undermining the faith? What important tenets/aspects were they subverting? (v. 4) Application Questions: 1. Just like the un-named Christians of Jude's day, we too are being called to contend for the faith. This call to contend (meaning “to strenuously fight to defend”) implies that i) we are in a battle, and ii) the faith is being attacked. • In what ways do you think that the faith is being attacked today? How do you think the true Christian faith is under attack or being undermined in some church movements or teachers in the world today? • What weapons are at our disposal as we contend for the faith?  What are some of the things in life that you are willing to fight for? Why? Why is it important that we be willing to fight for the faith with the same (indeed, greater) passion and commitment as for these other things?

“Happy Monday after Easter/Resurrection Sunday" We had an incredible Easter Sunday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus with record-breaking attendance and amazingly powerful testimonies of God's radically transformative grace. I want to thank all the volunteers for helping to set-up the Kids Easter Egg Hunt (@Shelly Lischke, @Sarah Johnson, @Violet Lischke, @Crystal Van Tine) set-up and tear down the baptismal (@Ben Johnson, @Ken Sabalza @Erik G), and lead us in joyful praise and worship (@Ken Sabalza, @Helen Oh, @Jason Lischke, @Steve Pratt,@Riddick Lischke) I hope you all are able to get some rest this evening after pouring yourselves out for the glory of God and the good of others yesterday. Your work in the local church matters! I'm praying you are deeply aware of the Spirit's presence this week as you step into the next season post-Easter. May you find God's favor in all you do to build his Kingdom this week! Child Dedications on Easter Sunday Congratulations to @Stormy Curtis on dedicating Grace and @Devin Simone Salinas on dedicating Rainstorm, River-Wynd and Storie this Easter Sunday. May these little ones come to know, love and follow Jesus all the days of their lives and may we, as a church family, care for and support these little ones and their parents. Baptisms on Easter Sunday Congratulations to Jeanelle Buntting, Faduma Abdi, @Helen Oh, and Adora Harris for getting baptized this Easter Sunday. May the Lord continue to bless and direct you as you walk with Jesus throughout this life. We thank God for each of you and rejoice in God's grace and love towards each of you. We love you all! Discussion Questions from Sunday's Message THERE IS HOPE FOR YOUR CONFUSION - “God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32) - The people in the city of Seattle have lots of different views on who/what God is but how does the resurrection of Jesus bring hope in the midst of spiritual confusion? How is Jesus the way, the truth and the life? THERE IS HOPE IN YOUR SUFFERING -“...We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) - How does the resurrection of Jesus show God's ability to work all things together for our good? How can the resurrection of Jesus impact our perspective on our current sufferings and hardships? THERE'S HOPE IN YOUR CHALLENGES - "We therefore were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...we too may walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) - How does the power of Jesus' resurrection give us hope in the midst of our challenges right now? How have you experienced resurrection power in your own life by the Holy Spirit of God? What big takeaways did you have from Rainier Valley Church's Easter Celebration with child dedications, testimonies, baptisms, etc? Video from the Resurrection Sunday 2023 worship service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spDBQeipniU Pictures from the Easter Sunday Baptisms will be COMING SOON! Follow Rainier Valley Church on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. 

“Becoming Like Jesus Together" Together: Building Relationships in a Broken World Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington - Sunday, April 2 7 Biblical Qualities of Christian Love Genuine (12:9a) Truthful (12:9b) Family-Like (12:10a) Honorable (12:10b) Passionate (12:11) Persistent (12:12) Practical (12:13) 1.Genuine (12:9a) 1 John 4:19 “We love, because he first loved us” You'll never have to love someone more annoying than you've been to God You'll never have to forgive someone more than God has forgiven you You'll never be as patient with someone as God has been patient with you. Do you really love your Christian brothers and sisters? Do you say you'll pray for them and actually pray for them? Do you talk one way when the person is there and another when they aren't? Is your love genuine? Are there areas of hypocrisy in your life where you're more polite than godly?2.Truthful (12:9b) Based on your closest friendship, who are you becoming? In this season, who is speaking truth into your life? Are you growing in hating sin and loving righteousness? What sins and evil do you abhor? How can you hold fast to what is good?  3. Family-Like (12:10a) Church is family, you look out for each other, you stick up for each other.We're family. What the difference between going to a restaurant as a customer and going to a family dinner as a member of the family? What does it look like to love other Christians like family? What would change in the way you see your time, treasure and talent? How can you personally grow in a warm love toward other believers? 4.Honorable (12:10b) We show honor to others because they're made in the image of God so they have inherent value. We show honor to those in authority because God created a world of hierarchy and responsibility. What does it look like to outdo one another in showing honor? How can you show honor to those in positions of authority in your life? What are some behaviors in your life that might actually be dishonoring? Are you a competitive person? Be competitive in showing honor. 5.Passionate (12:11) To be Slothful is to be slow, lazy, dull, sluggish, drowsy, listless, careless, neglectful, apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, careless, unconcerned. to be Fervent is to be boiling, zealous, passionate, vigorous, energetic, spirited. God has called us to passionate service. Stir one another up to love and good works… Encourage, strengthen, embolden. What books, people, music has God used to stir you up and increase your zeal? How can we stir one another up to love and good works practically? Where are their areas of sloth in our lives? 6.Persistent (12:12) Christian life must be persistent through the good times and the hard times. What areas in your life do you need to rejoice in hope? What tribulations in your life do you need patience in? How can I cultivate a prayerful life over a complaining life? 7.Practical (12:13) When someone needs a job, clothes, food, rent, direction, or help in some way, we don't just pray for them, we HELP them! God has given you a house, money, food, friends, opportunities not as an end in themselves but as the means to bless others. We're suppose to be a conduits, channels of God's blessings through us to a needy world. Are you functioning as a river or a reservoir? Do God's blessings stop with you or move through you to others? What opportunities do you have to bless and serve those around you this week? How can we pray for each other this week? “Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful – Christian community is the final apologetic.”  - Francis Schaeffer

“Making Jesus' Final Command Our First Priority” Together: Building Relationships in a Broken World Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington - Sunday, March 26 The Mission   Profess (Matt 28:18-20) Proclaim (Mark 16:15-16) Participate (Luke 24:46-48) Peace (John 20:21-22) Power (Acts 1:8) Jesus gives the great commission 5 different times in 5 different ways. What are some of the similarities and differences in these texts? How can we make Jesus' last command our first priority? The Motivations   Love (2 Corinthians 5:14) Compassion (Matthew 23:37) Sorrow (Romans 9:1-3) Power (Roman 1:16) Accountability (Acts 20:26-27) There are many biblical motivations for evangelism. What are some motives you have to share the Gospel with friends and family? The Methods S.A.L.T. Method Start a Conversation Ask Questions Listen Closely  Tell The Story https://youtu.be/HdnOVw01Y0U   Romans Road Method Stop #1 | Romans 3:23 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Stop #2 | Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Stop #3 | Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Stop #4 | Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ…” Stop #5 | Romans 10:9 “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…” https://www.forthegospel.org/read/the-romans-road-to-salvation   4 Spiritual Laws Method 1. God loves you and created you to know Him personally. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). 2. Man is sinful and separated from God, so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23) 3. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him alone we can know God personally and experience God's love. "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8) 4. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know God personally and experience His love. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12) You Can Receive Christ Right Now by Faith Through Prayer "Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be." http://www.4laws.com/laws/englishkgp/default.htm   2 Ways to Live Our Way  God's New Way Reject God as ruler Submit to Jesus as our Ruler Live our own way Rely on Jesus' way Damaged by our Rebellion Forgiven by God's grace  Facing death and judgment  Receive a new life that last forever https://twowaystolive.com/    The Way of the Master W.D.J.D. W for Would - Would you consider yourself to be a good person? D for Do - Do you think you have kept the Ten Commandments? J for Judgment - If God were to judge you by the Ten Commandments, do you think you would be innocent or guilty? D for Destiny - Do you think you would go to heaven or hell? https://livingwaters.com/   Christianity Explored Classes Christianity Explored is a way of sharing the best news ever heard, and gives people space and time to think about the big questions of life. Over 7 sessions in Mark's Gospel, find out more about the life of the person at the heart of the Christian faith - Jesus Christ.  https://www.christianityexplored.org/

Together: Building Relationships in a Broken World Together #1 “You Need the Church and the Church Needs You” (1 Cor 12:12-26) Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington - Sunday, March 19th Big Idea: “We're saved into one body (unity) to use our gifts (diversity) to build one another up (Interdependence)”  Live in One Body - Unity (12:12-14) The Apostle Paul says the Church is the body of Christ that is made up of every single Christian playing their unique part. What ways does the church, the body of Christ, reflect and represent Jesus to a hurting, broken and lost world? (1 John 4:12)   What does it mean that Jews/Greeks, Slave/Free are all baptized and drinking from one Spirit together? What ways is the church unified in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How can we protect and cultivate the unity that we experience in the body of Christ?  Use Our Gifts - Diversity (12:15-20) The Apostle Paul compares each Christian to a different part of the body. Each part of the body plays an important role and is connected to the rest of the body. What role do you play in the body of Christ?  How are you meaningfully connected to other Christian in the body of Christ? How does Christianity create a community that has deep unity without total uniformity?  Build One Another Up - Interdependence  (12:21-26) How is the difference between body parts being independent and being interdependent? What ways do we need other christians with other gifts, personalities, and backgrounds in our lives?  How can we cultivate a community of interdependence with one another? What ways can we grieve with those who grieve and rejoice with those who rejoice? What ways can we be praying for each other and practically supporting each other this week?  

Growing Old Together - Song of Solomon 8:5-14 Love Songs: A Study in the Song of Solomon Sunday, March 12th   Transformative Love (8:5) The community was amazed by how much the woman has been transformed in her relationship to her beloved. Love is meant to be transformative. How have the relationships in your life transformed you? What ways have you grown and changed because of those who are closest to you? The challenges we face in our marriages and friendship aren't flaws but features to transform, challenge, grow, and shape us. How can we maximize the transformative impact of the relationships in our life?    Covenantal Love (8:6-8) This beautiful section of scripture highlights the Personal, Permanent, Passionate, Perseverant, and Priceless nature of love. How is covenantal love different from contractual love?  What important aspect of love highlighted in this poetic section resonates with you and why?     Honoring Love (8:9-10) In this section of the scriptures, The brothers of the young woman are planning on how they can protect and care for their sister as she comes of age. How can we as a community help protect and care for the singles in our church family? In what ways does guarding our sexual purity give us peace (Shalom) in marriage?   Celebratory Love (8:11-14) The Song of Solomon ends with the couple moving towards sexual intimacy. As we conclude this unique and challenging book in the Old Testament, what were some of the most impactful insights and highlights for you personally? What ways can we apply the truths we have learned throughout this series?  

Deepening Faithfulness (SOS 7:1-8:4) Everything changes over time, some things get better and some things get worse. What are some examples of things that can get better with time and what are some examples of things that get worse with time?  What are examples you have seen in your life of marriages or even friendships that have deepened over time and what makes them different than marriages and friendships that have fallen apart? What are some of the key relational elements that you've seen help marriages and friendships to deepen over the years?    Delight in One Another (7:1-10) In this section of scripture, the husband praises his wife's body with new observations as well as classic lines that he used on their honeymoon. How can we cultivate the ability to bless, praise, and thank others for the  For Singles - How does growing to know someone over decades help us to appreciate them in a deeper and more profound way? What do you appreciate about your friends and how can you encourage them this week?   For Married Couples - What physical characteristics or personality traits in your spouse have you grown to appreciate over time? What ways do you delight in your spouse? How are they a gift from God to you?      Invest in One Another  (7:11-13) In this section of scripture, the wife has planned a romantic getaway for the couple to enjoy one another. What relationships in your life do you need to prioritize even if that means changing a busy schedule?   For Singles - How can you cultivate deeper and more meaningful friendships with others in your life? What opportunities do you have to gather friends together, to go do or host different activities that might deepen friendships with others?  For Married Couples - What might need to shift and your schedule or priorities to deepen your marriage by getting away for a romantic evening or weekend? What are some “Old” and “New” ways that you can bless and serve one another?    Enjoy One Another (8:1-4)   In this section of scripture the wife yearns for husband and wishes that she could show public displays of affection to him like she could show to her own family in her ancient middle eastern context. What are some culturally/biblically appropriate ways that we can publicly express affection for our family, our spouse, our friends and our brothers and sister Christ?  For Singles -This section of scripture ends with the repeated statement about not awakening love before it's time. Why is the statement repeated throughout the Song of Solomon? Why is it so important to only awaken love at the right/appointed time?  For Married Couples - How can you cultivate healthy public displays of affection for one another. What ways can you show honor to one another in public? What ways can you show affection to one another in public? What ways can you show love to one another in public? What barriers might prevent you from this healthy yearning for one another?     End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps in obedience to Christ this week. What relationships do you need to prioritize and cultivate this week?  What is one practical take away that you will seek to apply this week?   How can we pray for one another this week?   

Opening Discussion Questions Since tonight we are going to talk about conflict let's start thinking about this topic with what is the dumbest thing you've ever fought over? Share a time when an unmet expectation made you a lot angrier than it should have. How does self-centeredness play into the things you fight about? Share examples and talk about how it could have been handled in a more others-focused way. How aware of your own self-centeredness do you think you are? How could you get a more objective view of it? What's the difference between reacting and acting? Give some examples of times when this was handled well. Fighting Fair - Conflict and Growth Overview of Song of Solomon 5:2-6:13 Conflict: The Fight! (5:2-3) Don't Retaliate (5:4-5) Seek Reconciliation (5:6-6:3) Recall What You Respect (6:4-13) For Singles • How much of a problem would your friends and family say anger is for you? How do you see anger affecting your relationships? • Which of your relationships has the most conflict? • Describe someone who is really good at reconciling differences. What can you do to be better at it? For Married Couples • Kids, money, schedule, work, household chores, or maybe holidays with in-laws? Which issue most easily turns into a fight for you? • List some good things about your spouse. How difficult is it for you to focus on these things during a fight? • What's your impulse in a fight — to talk or walk? How does this fit in to your natural personality? What can you do to make this work better in your marriage? End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps. • What will you do this week to restore a relationship damaged by fighting? • What can you do to build your fighting skills this week? What would improve your relationships in this area? https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTuaQ8hfVG4

Opening Discussion Questions Which of the following views of sex were you taught growing up and why? Hedonistic view: Everything is about sex. Sex is the ultimate and greatest pleasure Contemporary view: Just a biological function so what's the big deal? Religious view: Dirty and/or weird and save it for the one you love! Avoidance view = Just don't even talk about it. To be avoided at all cost. What is the biblical view of sex and why does it matter? What are some ways the world's scripts of sex conflict with God's design for sex? For Singles • What can you do now to build a foundation for great married sex during this season of your life? • Do you agree that God created sex to be enjoyed only by married couples? Why or why not? What challenges you about this biblical standard? • Tell about a relationship where you experienced absolute trust.  How can you build that, especially if trust has been broken?For Married Couples • What is the sexiest non-sexual thing your spouse does that's attractive to you? • What's something you really like about your spouse that you probably don't say often enough? • In what ways can you make your spouse's sexual fulfillment a priority? • What obstacles get in the way of making your sex life satisfying for both of you? End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps. • What commitments do you need to make for your sexuality to be God-honoring? • What will you do to get past any baggage you have in this area and make a new start?

Love Songs: A Study of the Song of Solomon “The Art of Pursuit” Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5 Sunday, February 12th Discussion Questions This section of Song of Solomon talks about Spring. Which season of the year is your favorite (like the actual weather)? This week's message in the Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5 was about the art of pursuit. What do you need to pursue or protect in our season of life? Did you have any examples of a good, godly marriage when you were growing up? How have those early impressions shaped your outlook on marriage? For Singles • What reflections have you had over the past week about last week's qualities to develop and look for? (Godly character,  growing trust, higher standards, consistent encouragement) • What are your thoughts about marriage in general? What about for yourself specifically? • What truths and principles from the Song of Solomon are easy for you to embrace in your current season of life and which ones are more difficult for you in this season? • What standards have you set (or will you set) to help protect the purity of your relationships during the season of pursuit before marriage? For Married Couples • What's one thing your spouse does in pursuing your heart that makes you feel close? • What actions and words would take your marriage beyond just sharing space and stuff? What would bring you closer to true intimacy together? • How have you protected the purity of your relationship? What are some ways you could improve that together in the future? • What does it feel like to know you belong to your spouse? What's nice about that? What's hard about that for you? • What little foxes threaten the vineyard of your relationship and what does it look like to stop them from coming into your vineyard together?

Love Songs: A Study of the Song of Solomon “The Art of Attraction” Song of Solomon 1:1-2:7 Sunday, February 5th Discussion Questions• What are some funny and misleading descriptions you've heard of from online dating profiles or blind date set-ups? • What qualities does our culture say attraction is built upon? What issues might be caused by people using those worldly qualities as a basis for a relationship? • What one area will you work on developing in yourself to be someone who helps those you love feel special and secure? • Which quality is the most important for you in a relationship —including friends and family? Why is that so important to you? • Share a time when someone made you feel special and secure. What did they do to make you feel that way? For Singles • How are you working on developing the qualities you'd like to see in someone else in your own life? • Talk about whether you think it's more important to work on these qualities so you'll attract a spouse or so you'll attract others to Christ working in and through you? • Do you spend more time looking for these qualities or developing them? What changes could help you become the kind of person the person you're looking for is looking for? • Does the idea of marriage appeal to you? Why or why not?For Married Couples • How are you cultivating and improving attraction between you and your spouse? • What are some past insecurities your spouse has loved away? • Choose one quality you can work on as a couple. What could you do to develop that in your relationship? • Share an example of a marriage you admire. What have you observed that couple doing that works? • You can't change someone else. You can only change you. What will you do this week to develop these four qualities? • How can our group support each other's closest relationships?

Rainier Valley Church's Vision for 2023 (Community + Formation + Mission) Community - Live as family in 2023 We believe that Jesus makes us family. We are passionate about Christian community. As part of the family of God, we order our lives around deep and joyful fellowship with one another. We want to be a family that eats together, supports one another, serves and cares for each other. Making a community that is known and needed   Formation - Become like Jesus in 2023 We believe that Jesus changes people. We are passionate about transformational discipleship. As disciples of Jesus, we order our lives around the lifestyle of Jesus. We want to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did. Making fully devoted followers of Jesus   Mission - Serve Our City in 2023 We believe that Jesus loves the world. As the people of Jesus in our city, we get to share the gospel and serve our neighbors. Through everyday life, we are building a new humanity defined by the way of Jesus. We want to be people of hope and joy in a city of sadness and despair. We want to do what Jesus would do if he were us. Making a lasting impact in our city Onward: Launching into a New Year Community on Sunday, January 8 Formation on Sunday, January 15 Mission on Sunday, January 22

Rainier Valley Church's Vision for 2023 (Community + Formation + Mission) Community - Live as family in 2023 We believe that Jesus makes us family. We are passionate about Christian community. As part of the family of God, we order our lives around deep and joyful fellowship with one another. We want to be a family that eats together, supports one another, serves and cares for each other. Making a community that is known and needed   Formation - Become like Jesus in 2023 We believe that Jesus changes people. We are passionate about transformational discipleship. As disciples of Jesus, we order our lives around the lifestyle of Jesus. We want to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did. Making fully devoted followers of Jesus   Mission - Serve Our City in 2023 We believe that Jesus loves the world. As the people of Jesus in our city, we get to share the gospel and serve our neighbors. Through everyday life, we are building a new humanity defined by the way of Jesus. We want to be people of hope and joy in a city of sadness and despair. We want to do what Jesus would do if he were us. Making a lasting impact in our city Onward: Launching into a New Year Community on Sunday, January 8 Formation on Sunday, January 15 Mission on Sunday, January 22

Onward: Launching into a New Year Week #1 "Community - Live As Family in 2023" Biblical Text: Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-34, John 17:20-23, Hebrews 10:24-25, Topics Covered: Community, Fellowship, Unity, Church Family, Goals, Big Idea of the Message: We want to live as the family of God in 2023 Application Point: Becoming a vital member of a community that is known and needed by one anotherDiscussion Questions for the New Year: What are 5 ways you could develop the relationships you need in your life this week? Who are your mission-minded, like-minded friends? Who are the people who make you love God more? Who can you safely share your soul with? Who are wise mentors you could pursue? https://youtu.be/5iUk2OSPwWE

Living Stones: Looking Back, Looking Forward Biblical Text: Joshua 4:1–7, Exodus 12:24-27a, Deuteronomy 6:20-25, 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 Topics Covered: New Year's, 2023, Remembering, Faithfulness, Trust, Future Big Idea of the Message: God's faithfulness in the past reminds us that we can trust him for the challenges of the future. Application Point: Take time to remember what God has done for you this year as you consider your plans for and concerns about this new year. Discussion Questions for the New Year: What kinds of memorials do you need to make as you remember God's faithfulness in your life in 2022? How has God been faithful in 2022? How has God provided in 2022? How has God surprised you in 2022? How can you memorialize these events, celebrate what God has done and pass on these stories to others in 2023? How has God been with you in difficult circumstances in 2022? What difficult circumstances might we be tempted to pick up stones of anger, bitterness, and unbelief as we move from 2022 to 2023? What is one thing that worries you about this coming year? How can we cultivate our faith to trust God in the midst of the uncertainties of the future of 2023? What are some ways to remind yourself personally of God's faithfulness? What are some ways of sharing God's faithfulness to others in 2023? How can we pray for each other in the new year?

A special Christmas Day message by Pastor Ken at Rainier Valley Church