Springcreek Church - Garland, TX Podcast

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Pessimism | Part 6Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 1, 2025The late Sam Shoemaker once said, "Everyone has a problem, is a problem, or lives with a problem." But what if I told you that your problem is not nearly as problematic as what you tell yourself about your problem. More often than not, what defeats us in life is the thinking that lies beneath our behaviors. Call it our explanatory style. It's the things we tell ourselves when things don't turn out right or go as expected. This final ISM has sabotaged more relationships, defeated more initiatives, and ruined more lives than practically all the other ISMS combined. This Sunday we take on pessimism along with God's remedy for the negative outlook that robs us of so much in life._____________DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Pastor Keith defined pessimism (or the grasshopper mentality) as anytime we allow problems, attitudes, or circumstances to cause us to doubt God and believe that we will lack the resources, ability, or strength to do what He wants done. Have you ever fallen victim to pessimism? What situation were you dealing with? How did it affect you? What if any resolution did you ultimately have? 2. There are three defining characteristics of pessimistic thoughts. A belief that our problems are permanent, pervasive and personal. Go back and review this part of the message or the notes you took. The attitudes define our explanatory style – the things we tell ourselves about our problems. What were your biggest takeaways from this portion of the message? Have you ever personally struggled with one or more of these ways of thinking? When we use these as an explanation for our problems, they become a type of self-fulfilling prophecy. In other words, we find what we're looking for. Have you ever known anyone like this or been this way yourself? What would you suggest to a person caught up in this way of thinking? 3. What did we learn from Caleb's life and example? How was he able to choose faith over pessimism?  4. Is your faith weak? Then feed on the Word of God. Like John Piper reminded us, “Faith feeds on the word of God, without a steady diet it gets weaker and weaker. If you are dissatisfied with your Christian courage and joy and purity of heart then check the way you're feeding your faith.” Try to name as many ways as you can that the Word of God builds your faith. What has been your personal experience with God's Word as a faith-builder? What stories have impacted you most? What promises? What precepts? Or what do you see in the character of God that encourages your faith? 5. This week, make a list of promises from God's Word that can help keep your eyes focused on God during whatever difficulties you may encounter. If you're not sure how to do this, talk about it in your small group. Better yet, as a group or among your friends, have everyone make a contribution regarding their favorite promises to claim. Once you have made a list of verses or references, type them up to keep in your notes on your phone, or print them up and post them where you will see them frequently. Commit to memorizing as many as you can.

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Legalism | Part 5Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 25, 2025Legalism is a trap that's far too easy to fall into. Its beginnings are so subtle and seem absolutely benign. But legalism in any form is not just toxic to our souls, it's downright dangerous. John Piper once said, “Legalism is more dangerous than alcoholism.” He's right. Few things will strip you of your love, joy and peace with God more quickly than legalism. But do you know the early warning signs of legalism? Are you aware of the sort of thinking that leads us into this deadly trap? Join us this Sunday, May 25th, as we delve into legalism and God's remedy.____________1. What has been your experience around legalism? Were you ever in a church that was legalistic? Have you ever known Christians who were legalistic? What stood out most to you in those environments? How were they perceived by outsiders?  2. Obviously, legalistic churches exist and sometimes attract large numbers of people. Why do you think that is? What attracts people to this sort of thinking?  3. Was there anything in today's message that challenged the way you think? Or encourage you in something you have always thought? Or do you find it helpful in evaluating what is healthy spirituality versus what is not?4. Pastor Keith said there are only two religions - There is FAITH religion and there is WORKS religion. What is the difference between the two? Which do you think is more prevalent in the world? How is Christianity's approach different from most other religions in the world? 5. In the final point, Pastor Keith contrasted two Greek myths, Ulysses versus Orpheus as it relates to the siren's song. It's a good analogy for temptation. Ulysses was bound to the mast of the ship. His story represents those who use rules to defeat temptation. Orpheus chose a different path. He played his lyre so that the sailors were all drawn toward more beautiful music. The siren song of the world is practically irresistible. Some use rules and struggle against them in the face of temptation and others have heard a new song, the love of Christ that draws them to a better way of living. Which do you like more and why?

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Escapism | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 18, 2025Let's face it. Life can be tough and sometimes the challenges we face seem unrelenting. More than anything we crave a little reprieve from the stress and losses we're facing. So we escape. We distract ourselves. We do something that gets our mind off our current problem. Our distraction might be binge-watching a Netflix series, playing video games or even just scrolling through our phone – really just about anything other than facing the problem. But when does a harmless distraction become a harmful habit? How do you know when a little break from the stress has become a practiced way of avoiding reality? That's what this message is all about and more importantly, how to be set free.______Discussion Questions1. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being very little and 10 being a lot), how much do you personally struggle with perfectionism? When you think back to the pressures of society and the influence of parents and other authority figures, what messages did you internalize that contributed to the problem of perfectionism?2. What has perfectionism cost you professionally, physically, psychologically, relationally and spiritually? Can you think of any other ways your life has been adversely affected by perfectionism?3. People with perfectionistic tendencies often struggle with forgiving themselves. Has this ever been an issue for you? What did you learn today that might be useful in the future as an alternative to beating yourself up over and over again?4. What were some of the things that stood out most to you in today's message? Any new learnings about perfectionism or yourself? How will you take what you learned today and incorporate it into your life?5. Discuss the ideas of progress not perfection and the willingness to do things poorly.

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Materialism | Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 11, 2025Materialism is not about the amount, it's about our attitude. When Jesus addressed materialism in the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke of necessities not luxuries. He also gave us the surest sign of materialism and that's worry. This Sunday, we'll learn how to be set free from this toxic “ISM”.__________Discussion Questions: 1. Some Christians define sin in terms of sinful acts (observable external behaviors). In this way, we are much like the Pharisees who did the same. But Scripture has always been careful to define sin primarily as desires gone awry – that our internal want is broken. So whether you're talking about lust, greed, or coveting, before we ever commit an external act, we crave something internally first. Why do some Christians define sin in terms of external observable acts alone? Why are we so reluctant to admit that our desires are the real problem? Why do we try to justify our coveting or explain it away? Why do we only deal with the fruit instead of the root?2. Rate yourself as a worrier. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being “not worried at all” and 10 being debilitating worry. Where would you put yourself on that scale? What tends to be your biggest worries? What, if anything, did you learn in today's message that might help you better deal with worries when they arise? 3. Real wealth is determined not by our houses, cars or money in the bank but by our character, contentment, generosity and relationships. Why do these things matter more than the other things? Have you known people who were rich in one or more of these areas? What were they like? What did you learn from them? How do they inspire you to be rich where it counts? 4. To be truly rich in relationships is to be rich in our friendships, marriage and with God. Where are you strongest? Where are you weakest? What practical steps can you begin to take to make incremental improvements in all of your relationships? 

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Alcoholism | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 4, 2025When you think of addiction, if all you can picture is a homeless man passed out in a drunken stupor, then you don't really understand addiction at all. Did you know that 3 out of 4 alcoholic men and women are married and still living at home? 95% of them still have jobs or own their business. In fact, only 3-5% of alcoholics ever reach skid row level. The truth is addiction often wears a familiar face or it may even be the reflection you see in the mirror. It's time we spoke truth into a topic filled with unfair stereotypes and misunderstanding. It's past time for people to know there is hope and healing for anyone caught up in addiction.__________Discussion Questions: 1. In the first half of today's message, Pastor Keith shared three stories to illustrate God's heart for the poor and oppressed; the shepherds, the leper and the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus. What were your main takeaways from the three stories? Could you put yourself in the shoes of any of these marginalized groups? What comfort or encouragement is found in these stories as it relates to addicts?2. Do we really see people as people? Or more importantly, do we see people as God sees them? What groups of people today are still being marginalized? Why do people struggle with seeing the value, worth and dignity of others? If someone struggles with seeing others as God does, what would you suggest to them that might help them see what God does? How does the way we see people affect the way we treat people? 3. Why do we stereotype alcoholics? When the vast majority of alcoholics and other addicts are actually living in homes (sometimes as our neighbors), holding down jobs, and are able to manage appearances to most people who surround their life – knowing all of this – why do we associate alcoholism with only the worst-case scenarios? Have you ever personally known an alcoholic or addict?  4. All of us are broken people. No one is immune from that. We all have our weaknesses, Achilles' heel, our vulnerability to certain types of sins. Why do people often act as if they are better than others simply because they sin differently? What's the best remedy to that sort of behavior or attitude? 5. Confession helps to heal us. Being honest with God, ourselves and others brings many practical benefits. Can you name one or several? What experiences have you personally had with confessing to others your greatest struggles or failures? If someone is afraid to open up about such matters, what cautions would you give to them? What encouragement would you give to them?

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Perfectionism | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartApril 27, 2025Perfectionism sabotages everything you do in life. It limits your potential. It robs you of your joy and even strips away the peace of God every time you fail. This message will explore the roots of perfectionism, how it affects us and most of all, God's antidote to this poisonous root in our soul. This is a message you don't want to miss.______Discussion Questions1. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being very little and 10 being a lot), how much do you personally struggle with perfectionism? When you think back to the pressures of society and the influence of parents and other authority figures, what messages did you internalize that contributed to the problem of perfectionism?2. What has perfectionism cost you professionally, physically, psychologically, relationally and spiritually? Can you think of any other ways your life has been adversely affected by perfectionism?3. People with perfectionistic tendencies often struggle with forgiving themselves. Has this ever been an issue for you? What did you learn today that might be useful in the future as an alternative to beating yourself up over and over again?4. What were some of the things that stood out most to you in today's message? Any new learnings about perfectionism or yourself? How will you take what you learned today and incorporate it into your life?5. Discuss the ideas of progress not perfection and the willingness to do things poorly.

Send us a textJesus is The G.O.A.T | His Church... not so muchEaster Sunday Senior Pastor Keith StewartApril 20, 2025Church people and non-church people seem to agree on one thing. Jesus is pretty awesome. We want to celebrate that this Easter. How Jesus Christ has left a lasting imprint on society and on the lives of so many who call Him Lord and Savior.But we also want to speak honestly and directly to those hurt by the church. So whether you're new to church or someone who has stayed away, this message is for you and our hope is this marks a new beginning for us all.1. Have you ever had any encounters with disaffected Christians (those who were once a part of a church but now no longer trust it)? What were they like? What concerns or criticisms did they express? How valid do you think their reasoning was? Did you say or do anything to address the issues they brought up? Where is that person today?2. Jesus left a lasting impact on lives and history. What things stood out to you most in the message? What are some other ways Jesus Christ has left an indelible mark in lives and history?3. Looking at all that Christ has inspired throughout history, what ways move you most? In what ways do you emulate Christ's example? What does society view churches that are involved in compassionate ministries and those that are not?4. How do you relate to people outside the church or outside the faith? Do you tend to think in terms of bounded sets or centered sets? The Pharisees of Jesus' day were bounded set thinkers who defined the spiritual life by external behaviors like observing the sabbath and a myriad of other rules. Have you ever known Christians to think in similar ways? When you consider Jesus' approach to outsiders, his primary concern was whether or not they were moving toward God or away from Him? What sort of things let you know that someone has a spiritual interest or hunger?5. Share with your small group your personal testimony. What was it like to give your life to Christ and what has He done in your life that only He could do?

Send us a textThe Triumphal Entry:Palm SundaySenior Pastor Keith StewartApril 13, 2025It's a story told by all four gospel writers and marks the beginning of the Passion Week of Christ. Just about the time you think you really understand it, it surprises you with layers of rich meaning that you never noticed before. At the heart of this story is a choice and not just any choice - THE CHOICE - are we committed to Jesus for Who He is or for Who we want Him to be? Don't miss this message!____________1. It turns out that donkeys are more important than many of us ever realized. What are the things about donkeys that stood out most to you today? How do they enhance your understanding of Christ and His mission? What sort of statement did it make for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey at Passover? Do you think people in his day understood the significance of this?2. Obviously at Passover, the fervor of the people reaches its highest levels. Remembering the significance of the deliverance of their people from Egypt and now being under the bootheel of another superpower made them yearn for God to do it again. But neither the people nor even Jesus' disciples understood the sort of deliverance Christ intended to bring. Why do you think they were so blind as to what Christ intended to do even though He taught it and explicitly said it many times? If you lived in those days, do you think you would have seen things differently or the same as everybody else? Why or why not?3. Pastor Keith said, “We want Jesus to be who we want Him to be instead of who He is." He then gave examples of the many ways we distort who Jesus is; Political Jesus, Magic 8-ball Jesus, Mr. Rogers Jesus, Santa Jesus and even Self-Help Jesus. Have you ever witnessed this yourself?Is this something you did at some point in your faith journey? How did that affect you? How did you come to a true, better and more Biblical understanding of Christ?4. There were two likely triumphal entries into Jerusalem that day taking place on opposite sides of the city. One involved Pontius Pilate accompanied by a massive display of force. The other involved Jesus, a donkey and a rag-tag group of followers. Why does the world worship power and military might even to this day? Which parade would you personally fit into best? What does Jesus' entrance into the city that day say about the nature of His kingdom?5. We all must make a choice. In a sense, even today, we are still waving our palm branches. This National Jewish symbol for liberation can either be waved in the political sense, i.e. believing that our deliverance rises and falls based on who possesses power in Washington DC. Or it can be waved in a more profound spiritual sense believing what's fundamentally wrong with the world can't be fixed by legislation, executive order or any other sort of political action. Instead, each and every heart needs to experience forgiveness, liberation from the bonds of selfishness and be set free to love God and others as intended. In which sphere do you wave your palm branch most? Based on what you read, what occupies your time and energy and conversations, or how you post on social media, what would others say is the sphere where you wave your palm branch most?

Send us a textUnshakeable Bonds:The Strength of Spiritual FriendshipsDr. Jessica Fernandez April 06, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #godlyfriendships #unshakeablebonds #realfaith #strongfriends #strongbondsThis sermon, Unshakeable Bonds, will uncover the value of spiritual friendships and the essential role accountability plays in our walk with Christ. You'll discover how godly relationships protect us from isolation, discourage spiritual apathy, and speak truth into our lives when we need it most. True friends don't just stand beside us—they challenge us, encourage us, and help us reflect Jesus more clearly. Learn how to cultivate these unshakeable bonds that sharpen your faith and strengthen your heart.In a culture where surface-level connections are common and loneliness often hides behind busy schedules,  The Bible highlights the life-changing power of authentic, God-centered friendships. "As iron sharpens iron,  one person sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17) is more than just wise advice—it's God's design for how we grow stronger in faith and character._____DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Who are the “battle buddies” in your life—those spiritual friends who pray for you, speak truth to you, and walk with you through the fire? How did God bring them into your life? If you don't have someone like that right now, what's one step you can take to build that kind of friendship?2. Daniel 3 shows us that standing in unity gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego strength—but Jesus was the one who set them free. How do your spiritual friendships give you courage? And how do they help you stay focused on Jesus, the one who brings freedom?3. Think about a time when your faith was tested. Did someone walk through that “fire” with you? How did their presence (or absence) shape your experience and your faith?4. What would it look like to be the kind of friend who helps others reflect Jesus more clearly? How can you show up, speak life, and help sharpen someone else's faith this week?5. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't just survive Babylon—they revealed God in Babylon. What kind of shared legacy are you building with the people around you? How can your friendships point others to God?

Send us a textStep Out of The BoatSpringcreek | Part 1Dr.Jessica Fernandez March 30, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #fear #faithoverfear #anxiety #stepouttheboat #realfaith ______When Jesus called Peter to walk on water, it wasn't about defying nature—it was about trusting Him fully. Peter stepped out, but fear and doubt made him sink. The other disciples? They stayed in the boat, paralyzed by fear and what-ifs. This message challenges us to stop letting overthinking hold us back. The real miracle isn't the absence of fear; it's choosing to trust Jesus despite it. Because in the end, it's not the boat that keeps you safe—it's the presence of Jesus. So what's holding you back? Step out. Fix your focus on Him. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Have you ever felt God calling you to take a step of faith that felt risky or uncomfortable? What happened?Can you relate to the idea of “overthinking” getting in the way of obedience? What does that look like in your life?Read Matthew 14:22–33. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples into the storm on purpose?What does Peter's experience on the water teach us about faith, focus, and fear?How does Jesus' response to Peter when he starts sinking reflect His character?What is your “boat”—your comfort zone, fear, or excuse—that's keeping you from stepping into what God has for you?

Send us a textLOVE: From Statue Quo To SpectacularMarriage Tune-Up | Part 5Senior Pastor Keith StewartMarch 23, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #marriagetuneup #marriage #healthyrelationships #protectinglove #protectlove______In this series, we've saved the best for last. There are so many myths and misconceptions of love that permeate our society. And sometimes these distortions not only dominate our thinking but sabotage our best attempts at building a great love life. This Sunday we dispel the myths in order to build on the one sure foundation of love as it's spelled out in the pages of God's Word. This message will help you move from a ho-hum relationship to having a spectacular one.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What are some of the most common myths about love and relationships? What, if any, effect did those myths have on you? How do you think they play out in society?2. Robert Sternberg wrote about triangular love that consists of passion, intimacy and commitment. He also gave three examples of what happens when one of the three is missing. Take some time individually or as a group to reflect on the following scenarios and how you have seen these play out in your life or those who surround you.    •  High passion + High intimacy  = Romantic love   •  High passion + High commitment = Foolish love   •  High intimacy + High commitment = Companionship love3. What are the things that characterize Passion, Dod (Hebrew), Eros (Greek)? How would you rate your marriage in this area on a scale of 1 – 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best)? What steps can you take to improve? Who has modelled this best in your life? What wounds or distortions might you have around this aspect of love? 4. What are the things that Intimacy, Raya (Hebrew), Phileo (Greek)? How would you rate your marriage in this area on a scale of 1 – 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best)? What steps can you take to improve?          Who has modeled this best in your life? What wounds or distortions might you have around this aspect of love? 5. What are the things that characterize Commitment, Ahava (Hebrew), Agape (Greek)? How would you rate your marriage in this area on a scale of 1 – 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best)? What steps can you take to improve? Who has modeled this best in your life? What wounds or distortions might you have around this aspect of love?6. What are your biggest takeaways from this series? Where were you challenged most? In what ways were you affirmed? What plans, if any, have you made to keep your marriage growing and strong? 

Send us a textFIDELITY: Protecting LoveMarriage Tune-Up | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartMarch 16, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #marriagetuneup #marriage #healthyrelationships #protectinglove #protectlove______If the statistics are to be believed, somewhere between 20-40% of all marriages will experience the heartache of infidelity. That's a sobering reality. But that's also why it's vitally important to do a relationship check-up. What are the signs of vulnerability that we need to look for? How do you protect yourself and your marriage from life's ultimate betrayal? What are the essentials to keeping a marriage growing and strong? That's what we'll discover in this message about fidelity and how to protect love. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Have you or someone you care about ever gone through the experience of adultery? How did they or how would you describe it? Did the relationship survive? If not, why not? If it did, how? 2. Pastor Keith talked about the environment that creates vulnerability to an affair; indifference, intensity and isolation. Go back over the message notes and share what you took away from this part of the message. Where are you strongest? Where are you weakest? What would you suggest to someone struggling with one or more of these areas of vulnerability? 3. Understandably, most people are deeply disturbed by sexual infidelity. But it is often the emotional entanglement that determines the difficulty of breaking free of an illicit relationship. At the same time, there are likely far more people who have been emotionally unfaithful than have been sexually unfaithful to their spouse. Why do you think this is so? How do people justify it in their minds? Why is this sort of bond so difficult to break? What precautions do you take to ensure this doesn't happen to you? 4. As Pastor Keith wrapped up the message, he described the four fidelities of marriage as; to a person, to a vow, to a process of intimacy, and to a calling. Take some time and recap all four fidelities. Which stood out to you most? In which area do you need to grow? What steps will you take? How could you encourage your mate or other couples in regard to the four fidelities? 5. What was your biggest takeaway from this message? How did that affirm you? Correct you? Inform you? Guide you? Encourage you?

Send us a textFIGHTING: The Enemies of Intimacy Marriage Tune-Up | Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartMarch 9, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #marriagetuneup #marriage #healthyrelationships #goodfight #badfight ______Conflict is the price you pay for intimacy. There is simply no other way of achieving it. In the same way that the absence of conflict is not a healthy relational sign, neither is conflict that rages out of control. The key to a lasting, loving relationship is to learn to resolve conflict appropriately. Join us Sunday as we learn God's way of building greater intimacy in marriage.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Conflict is to be expected in marriage. Yet so many act as if the opposite were true. What has been your attitude toward conflict whether in your marriage, family, friendship circle, or even at work? Poorly handled conflict will always result in hurt and further alienation. Conflict handled well will lead toward deeper intimacy.  Can you think of examples of both?2. Without a doubt, John Gottman's explanation of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse as it relates to marriage is very revealing. The four horsemen are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. Did you see any of these characteristics in your parent's marriage? What was that like? How about your own marriage? Where has your greatest struggle been? What things can be done to interrupt this downward spiral of broken communication?3. Take some time as an individual or group to discuss the chart “Good Fight vs Bad Fight” (posted online with today's message notes). Where are you strongest?Where are you weakest? What's your biggest takeaway from the chart? What steps can you make toward improvement?4. Pastor Keith reminded us to “Complain. Don't blame.” No matter how“ at fault” your partner is, approaching them with criticism and accusation is not going to be productive. It's all about the approach. One of the biggest ways to take the edge off of communicating concerns is by beginning with “I” statements instead of “You ” statements. When you begin with “I”, you are less likely to seem critical. Recall some of your more common complaints in marriage. How can you rephrase your complaints making “I” statements instead of “you" statements?5. The magic ratio of 5 to 1 positive to negative interactions is an absolute essential to making improvements in communication AND having a happy, healthy love life. We need to be making far more deposits into our partners “love bank” than we are making withdrawals. How would you rate yourself in this area? How would your partner rate you? What can you do this week to begin to make improvements? For those of you who make a practice of doing this regularly, what difference has it made in your marriage?

Send us a textCOMMUNICATION: Hearing and Being HeardMarriage Tune-Up | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartMarch 2, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #marriagetuneup #marriage #healthyrelationships ______There is so much more to communication than the words we say. Communication is about content but it's also about intent. It's about how we say what we say. But the single most neglected aspect of communication by far is listening. Caring enough to hear what the other is saying and saying things in a way that they can be heard is the ability that is sorely lacking in most troubled relationships. This ability spells the difference between couples that end up in the courtroom versus the bedroom. And the best news is this – you can become a better listener and learn how to communicate in ways that connect. Don't miss this message!DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Take some time to read the story of the healing of the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda (John 5.1-15). Pastor Keith pointed out how the question Jesus asked was very important, “Do you want to get well?” Why was this question of such great importance? What other lessons do you glean from this story?  2. According to available data, the average couple spends around 37 minutes per month talking to each other – not per day, per month. As a couple, whether dating or married, try to estimate how much time you spend talking to one another daily. Rate yourself in terms of your listening abilities on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being bad and 10 being great. Now ask your partner to rate you in terms of your listening abilities. Are those numbers the same, close, or far apart? If those numbers differ significantly, this would be a good conversation for later as to why your estimation and theirs are so out of sync. 3. Take some time to go back through the Roadblocks to Listening from today's message. Are there any roadblocks that are problematic for you? Where do you struggle and how? Are there any roadblocks that are not a problem for you or a problem that you learned to overcome? If so, what one or ones do you do well and what do you see as the key to your success in that area? 4. What was your greatest takeaway from today's message? Were there any areas that you felt God was prompting you to pay attention to? 5. Who are the people in your past or present who were great listeners? What was it that made them a great listener? What effect did they have on you because of how well they listened? In what ways have you tried to emulate their example?

Send us a textINCOMPATIBILITY: GROUNDS FOR A GREAT MARRIAGEMarriage Tune-Up | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartFebruary 23, 2025#Realspringcreekchurch #springcreekchurch #marriagetuneup #marriage #healthyrelationships The Reverend Billy Graham once said about his marriage, “Ruth and I are happily incompatible.” It's an unconventional way of describing a powerful truth. What makes for a great relationship is not sameness but differences – differences that have been honed to complement one another rather than contribute to never-ending conflict. In this message, Pastor Keith will walk you through the four stages of a healthy relationship and what it takes to turn your differences into assets. You don't want to miss this message!DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Although multiple studies confirm that compatibility is a non-factor in successful marriages, the mythology persists. Do you think compatibility is important? What reasons do you have for believing this? 2. We all begin at a fairly immature level of love and intimacy. As C.S. Lewis said, there is a sense in which all young love must die in order to give birth to a more mature and fully formed love. But he added that even though many have experienced the death of young love, far more have missed the rebirth. Which implies that many give up on love before it even gets good. What has been your experience with this? Have you ever experienced the death of young love? Were you able to move to a new level of loving with that person, or did the relationship die, too?3. In the Four Stages of Intimacy that Pastor Keith addressed in today's message, in present or past relationships, what level have you achieved? Did you ever find yourself stuck at a certain level and unable to advance? If so, why did you get stuck and what happened in the relationship?  What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in making progress? 4. Differences both draw us to others and repel us. We are fascinated by those who think differently, feel differently, and act differently. There's a definite attraction to it. But on the flip side, at some point in the relationship, those very same differences become irritant. Has this ever happened to you? During the grand reversal, how did that play out? Did you ever come to a point of resolution or acceptance? If so, describe what that was like. 5. Where would you say most of your friends and people you know fall on the four stages of intimacy? What was this like in your parent's marriage? What about your spouse's parents? Have you ever had a good model for healthy, mature love? If so, who was that person, and what did you admire most about their loving relationship?

Send us a textRELINQUISH SLAVERYLess $tress | Part 3Dr. Jessica FernandezFebruary 16, 2025#realspringcreekchurch #financialfreedom #stressfree #godandmoneyDebt is more than just a financial burden - it's a form of modern day slavery that can control decisions, emotions, and even our faith. In this sermon, we explore what the Bible says about debt, financial bondage, and true freedom in Christ. Many of us unknowingly live under the weight of financial oppression. How does debt keep us enslaved? How can we break free and step into God's provision and peace?DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What does it mean to be enslaved to debt, and how can financial burdens affect your ability to fully trust and serve God? Read Proverbs 22:7 and Matthew 6:24. How do these verses relate to financial bondage and our relationship with God?2. Jesus said we cannot serve both God and Mammon (Matthew 6:24). How does the spirit of Mammon influence people's financial decisions, and how can we resist its pull? What are some lies that Mammon tells us about money? How do they compare to God's promises in Scripture?3. The Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10) was a time when debts were canceled and slaves were freed. What does this tell us about God's heart for financial freedom? How does this principle apply to our lives today, and how can we walk in financial freedom as believers?4. In what ways does debt impact relationships, marriages, and families? Have you ever experienced or seen financial stress create tension in your relationships? How can biblical financial wisdom bring peace and unity?5. What practical steps can you take today to begin the journey toward financial freedom? Read Philippians 4:19 and Proverbs 4:7. How does trusting in God's provision and seeking financial wisdom help us break free from financial bondage?

Send us a textESTABLISHING PRIORITIESLess $tress | Part 2Pastor Keith StewartFebruary 9, 2025This second installment in our series, Less $tress, is all about the steps you can take in your life to immediately begin relieving financial stress. In a message both personal and practical, Pastor Keith will share with you the three proven principles for getting out and staying out of financial distress It's a message you don't want to miss.#lessstress #establishingpriorities #realspringcreekchurch #livingstressfree #putgodfirstfinancially DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just let go of our financial worries and stress over running our business and managing our mortgage and struggling with our student loan? What if I told you the key to a more peaceful and productive life is a 2000-year-old recipe in God's Word that teaches us that we're not owners, we're merely managers of the things that belong to God. That one reality has the power to release burdens we carry that belong to God and not us. I hope you can join us in this first installment in Less $tress living. 1. Describe a time in your life that was financially distressing, past, or present? What happened? How did you deal with it? Were there ways you might have contributed to the problem? What did you find most helpful? Where are you now in regard to this issue?2. Regarding the practice of frugality, Pastor Keith offered two guiding principles. One was to practice doing a regular inventory of your life. This keeps hoarding in check, makes sure that the things we have make an actual contribution to our life and allows us to see if there are things we have that might be better used by others or sold to produce a benefit for others. Have you ever engaged in such an inventory? Has God ever moved your heart to give something away or sell something to be a blessing? Describe what happened and whatever outcome you may be aware of.3. Pastor Keith also suggested in regard to frugality, that we reconsider purchases. Sometimes, we are too quick to go buy the things we want without ever considering if God might want to bless us in another way; to receive something for free, or at a reduced cost or even have it loaned to us. Has this ever happened to you? If so, what was it? How did you respond? Have you ever delayed purchasing an item so you could consult with God whether that was the proper course? Have you ever blessed someone with something they needed? If so, what was that like?4. When it comes to establishing priorities that will lead to greater freedom and less stress, we need to stop the bleeding. In other words, we must step off the endless debt cycle. The misuse of credit has gotten many individuals and families into trouble. Too often, we think only in terms of the affordability of the payment without considering the cumulative effect of long-term debt or how that payment might erode our margin. What has been your personal experience with using credit for homes, cars, major purchases or credit cards? If you have managed to get credit usage under control, what were the things that helped you most? If you could have a talk with the younger you, what advice would you give as it relates to the use of credit?5. One of the most practical principles in getting money managed and moving toward a less stressful experience is involving God in your finances. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous promises from God about taking care of our needs IF we prioritize Him in our finances. For those of you who make a regular habit of giving, how have you seen God's faithfulness in providing for your needs? If someone was a new believer and struggling to trust God with their finances, what would you say to encourage them?

Send us a textLess $tressSettle Ownership  | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartFebruary 2, 2025Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just let go of our financial worries and stress over running our business and managing our mortgage and struggling with our student loan? What if I told you the key to a more peaceful and productive life is a 2000-year-old recipe in God's Word that teaches us that we're not owners, we're merely managers of the things that belong to God. That one reality has the power to release burdens we carry that belong to God and not us. I hope you can join us in this first installment in Less $tress living._____1. Pastor Keith made some comparisons between renters and homeowners. Ultimately, it's the homeowner who bears the responsibility for major repairs that are a part of the normal upkeep of a home. What has been your experience in this area as an owner or a renter?2. What, if anything, did you learn from the parable of the unjust steward that you didn't know before? What are some of your key learnings from this parable?3. In drawing lessons from this story, Jesus reminded us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16.10). The implication is money is a really SMALL issue loaded with HUGE implications. There are riches that are far greater than money. But whether or not God will ever entrust them to us is dependent on whether we can first pass the money test. How are you personally doing in this area of your life? What have been your greatest learnings? Where have you struggled the most? What comes naturally to you today and why?4. Jesus made money into a very intensely personal and spiritual matter by giving money the name Mammon. Why is money a spiritual matter? In what ways does money take on God-like qualities in our life? Why did Jesus reduce our choice to God and Money versus God and Satan?5. Pastor Keith's final illustration about playing the game of monopoly speaks to our obsession with money and acquisition. What do you know about the game of monopoly and especially its parallels with economic realities? What does it say to you that in the end, it all goes back in the box?6. What decision or decisions will you make as a result of today's message?

Send us a text| RECONCILERS | Pastor Jessica FernandezJanuary 26, 2025The world is fractured by conflict, injustice, and division, leaving people longing for peace, healing, and unity. As followers of Christ, we are called to step into this brokenness and become reconcilers, reflecting God's heart for restoration. In this sermon, we will explore how God reconciled us to Himself through Christ and entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. We will unpack the biblical call to bridge divides, heal relationships, and share the message of hope and unity in a divided world. Together, we'll discover what it means to live as ambassadors of Christ, actively building bridges and restoring what's broken through His love and power.______1. Are there people in your life that you need to reconcile with? What steps can you take this week to move toward forgiveness and restoration? 2. Where do you see division in your home, family, community, workplace, or church? How can you personally act as a bridge-builder in those spaces? 3. Reconciliation often requires humility, courage, and sacrifice. What might you need to let go of—pride, comfort, or resentment—to pursue reconciliation in your relationships?  4. How does understanding that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) challenge the way you view and treat others? 5. Paul took an active role in mediating between Philemon and Onesimus. Who in your life might need an advocate or someone to stand in the gap for them? How can you reflect Christ in that situation?

Send us a textBeautifully GiftedDeploy Your Gift | Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartJanuary 19, 2025You are beautifully gifted - created on purpose and for a purpose. It's been said,“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” That's what this series has been all about; discovering the unique blend of gifts God has placed in you, developing them to their maximum potential, and finally, deploying those gifts in service to God and others. It's time for your gifts to shine!____DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Where did God challenge you most through this message? What did you learn from the Parable of the Talents that you hadn't known before or made you think about it in a new or different way?2. Do you know what your gifts are? Do you have a clear understanding of your purpose? Why or why not? For those of you who lack clarity, share with the group what things get you excited, motivated or you can talk about easily? What qualities do others affirm in you? Have you had any “God moments” – times when you think God was especially at work through something you did or said?3. Have you ever sensed a nudge from the Holy Spirit prompting you to say something or do something but you resisted it? What was the thing you felt compelled to do or say? What held you back? How much of a factor was it that you were afraid of looking stupid or your old wounding was discouraging you or was it something else?4. One of the keys to discovering and refining our sense of who we are and why we are here is simply to make a beginning by using what we have at our disposal to service others. What are some natural talents that you have, areas of experience, or even work-related skills that might be useful to other people? Have you ever put those skills to work outside of your job?5. What are some needs you have noticed in the church? Your community? The world? What is it about this need That moves your heart?6. In what ways have you learned the importance of consistency in the way you serve? What habits or disciplines have helped you become more consistent? In what ways have you made progress, even incremental changes in the way you serve or operate in your gifting?

Send us a textBeautifully Gifted Part 2 | Develop Your Gift Senior Pastor Keith StewartJanuary 12, 2025Many of our gifts come to us in seed form. They are literally bursting with potential. But you and I have a role in the development of our gifts. Like a seed, your gift must be nurtured and grown into what God designed it to be. Think of it like this. God has gifted you in many wonderful ways. Your gift to God is what you make of your gifts. That's what this message is all about._DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Dr . Marilyn Ann Murphree made the observation, “We have garages at our homes where we store worthless junk and protect it from the weather and lock it up at night and then we leave our $40,000 new cars sitting out in the driveway to rust.” Our gifting is a treasure that is often neglected like the car sitting out in the weather while less important things get our attention, protection and occupy the most space in our life. What are some things in your life that deserve more attention? What are some things that deserve less? What practical steps can you take today to make sure that what's important is not sacrificed for lesser things?2. Paul encouraged Timothy by saying, “…the special gift of ministry you received…keep that ablaze!” 2 Timothy 1.6. Why does the fire of our gifting smolder? What can you do to fan the flame of your gifting? Have you ever felt “on fire” for God or the things of God? What was that like? What were you doing to nurture your relationship with God during that time?3. Our gifting may include possibilities we have never even considered as in the case of Grandma Moses and Elizabeth Leyton. Have any of you discovered even more gifting in your life that you never knew you had before? What was it? How and when did you discover it?4. Why are you doing what everyone else could do while you leave undone what only YOU could do? Are you focused on your unique gifting? What have you chosen or could you choose to fail at in order to succeed in your gifting?5. Do you have a Paul (mentor), a Barnabas (spiritual friend) and a Timothy (mentee)? If so, how have those relationships contributed to your life? If someone asked you how to find a Paul, Barnabas or Timothy, what would you tell them?6. Our brokenness, especially the false self, is a saboteur of our gifting. It distorts our gifts into a self-serving tool and turns them into selfish ambition. Jesus had to deal with this in His disciples and their obsession with being the greatest. What were your takeaways from this part of the message? What stood out most? Why is true servanthood the remedy for selfish ambition?

Send us a textBeautifully GiftedDiscover Your Gift | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartJanuary 5, 2025Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once prayed, “Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.” Dr. King's desire is a perfect encapsulation of this Sunday's message. God has a wonderful purpose for your life and you will discover it once you understand how He has uniquely formed and equipped you to be. This is the perfect beginning to the new year and you don't want to miss it.#Realspringcreekchurch #spiritualgifts #beautifully #gifted #discoveryourgift1. Take some time individually or as a group to read the various lists of spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Peter 4:9-11; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-13). Do you know what your spiritual gift or gifts are? They say that two tests of the spiritual gifts are fruitful and fulfilled. In other words, when you are exercising your spiritual gift, it is fruitful - that is, other people express appreciation for your gift, it is helpful, beneficial, healing or instructive to them. And secondly, you are fulfilled in exercising your gift. In other words, you find satisfaction and deep connection to God as you put your gift into practice. In what ways have you experienced being both fruitful and fulfilled?2. Our heart represents our loves - our strongest and most persistent desires. What are the things you most love to do? How has pursuing the things you love been a factor in your life in school, your career and personal life? In what ways could God's kingdom benefit by sharing your passions with others? If you've already found a way of doing that, describe what that experience was like and explain how others can do the same.3. Abilities are those strengths and aptitudes that we are born with. We develop our abilities and perfect them throughout life, but there is an inclination that already exists in one or several areas to excel. Sometimes, we are unaware of our abilities because we dismiss them too easily thinking that everybody can do what comes naturally to us. What abilities have you discovered in your life? What strengths have you always been aware of? How do you use your abilities in your personal life? Professional life? Spiritual life?4. Our personalities also constitute the unique gifts God has given us. Pastor Keith highlighted two aspects of personality, introversion versus extroversion and preferred learning styles in affective, reflective or substantive. In these two categories, do you know which terms best describe you? If so, which ones do and explain how that plays out in your life. It is also vitally important that we be aware that not everyone is constituted as we are. Personality can help us relate powerfully to those most like us, but God wants us all to gain an appreciation for all the personality styles and the contribution we can make to one another. Take some time to contemplate how each personality style has strengths and weaknesses.5. The experiences we've had in life for good or bad can be used by God to help others who find themselves in similar situations. What good things in your life experience has God used to help others? What bad things in your life has God redeemed and worked to the benefit of others? Is there anything that you once never wanted to talk about but now do so freely because of the healing and forgiveness that God has helped you to experience?

Send us a textTHE SHEPHERDPastor Jerrid FletcherDecember 29, 2024#god #theshepherd #psalm23 #psalm22 #realspringcreekchurch Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and comforting passages in all of Scripture, offering a timeless reminder of God's love and care for His people. In this sermon, we will explore the beautiful imagery of God as our Shepherd—a guide who provides, protects, and restores. Just as a shepherd knows each sheep by name and cares for their every need, our God leads us beside still waters, refreshes our souls, and walks with us through life's darkest valleys.   _____DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. In what moments this past year have you felt a sense of abandonment or silence from God, similar to David in Psalm 22? How did you navigate those feelings?2. Reflecting on Psalm 23, how has your understanding of God as a shepherd influenced your perspective on personal trials, and in what specific ways have you witnessed His provisionin your life?3. After considering the different labels attributed to David throughout his life, what labels have you accepted for yourself, and how do you reconcile those with the identity God has ascribed to you?4. Who has God been to you this year? Share a specific instance that embodies His presence or guidance during a challenging moment in your life.

Send us a textEMMANUELThe Name | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartDecember 22, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #emmanuel #thename #godwithus Each of the names given to Christ reveal something special and unique about Who He is and Why He came. Appropriately, this Sunday before Christmas, we dive into the mystery of Emmanuel, which means, God with us. This name lets us know that there's more to the Christmas story than we have ever imagined, hoped or dreamed. This name reminds us that we're never alone. This name unleashes our worship of the One Who is always with us.__DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  1. The French writer André Breton said, “All my life, my heart has yearned for a thing I cannot name.” C.S. Lewis concluded was if I find myself having a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most logical conclusion is I was made for something beyond this life. How does the God hunger manifest in people? What sort of things do people seek other than God to fill this hunger? Have you personally had experience with this truth positively or negatively? If so, what was that like? 2.  Have you ever sensed God with you in a difficult, challenging or painful time in your life? How did God make you aware that He was with you? What did He do for you? Or what did He say to you? Or what happened in your circumstances that ended up being a great comfort? What would you say to someone who feels abandoned by God or all alone in whatever it is they are going through? 3. Take some time to discuss the following verse...Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4.14-164. Pastor Keith mentioned two practical ways of illustrating the incarnation (God becoming human). One was Philip Yancey's illustration about his salt-water aquarium and the other was the Christian author Dorothy Sayers who developed a character in her detective fiction novels that she fell in love with and then wrote herself into the story. What did these illustrations say to you? How are they similar to what God did for us? Can you think of any other ways of how or why God became human? 5.  The story of the Bible is the record of God expressing His desire to be with us. The story begins in a Garden and walking together every day. From there, the story progresses to the pillar of a cloud and a fire by night that remains with the people and guides them daily. Once the Israelites settle down, God has them construct a dwelling place, first in the tabernacle and second in the temple, where He can dwell in the midst of His people. When Jesus arrives, He is Emmanuel – God with us. Then once He ascends back to the Father, Christ comes to dwell within every believer. God is with us is not just the message of Christmas but the message of Christianity. How is God with you today? Where is He leading you? How is He comforting you? In what ways has He corrected you? What is He saying to you? How is communion an opportunity to re-experience Christ in His nearness to us?

Send us a textKINGThe Name | Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartDecember 15, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #king #thenameHistory, literature and fairytales are filled with the story of kings. Truth be told, most of the kings we've learned about were evil, corrupt or self-serving. Which means, when we identify Christ as King, this particular title comes with a certain amount of baggage attached to it. How is Christ a King unlike any other king we've ever known? In what ways is Christ's Kingship different? And what does it mean to swear your allegiance to Him and make Him King over your life? That's what this Sunday's message is all about.__DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What bad kings do you know from history, movies or Scripture? What made them bad? What good kings do you know from history, movies or Scripture? What made them good? Take some time to read 1 Samuel 8.10-18. This is God's warning, through the prophet Samuel, about Israel's demand that God give them a king to be like other nations. What phrase occurs over and over in this passage? What does this warning say to you?2. Today's message centered on Matthew's portrayal of Christ as King. Why is Christ a King like no other king? What makes Him unique? Why does the kingdom He rules over, operate so differently from the kingdoms of men?3. The Magi brought gifts for the newborn king. What were the three gifts and what were their significance? Their gifts show a level of discernment about Who Christ was and what He came to do that many in Israel lacked. Why do you think the gospels constantly portray outsiders as more discerning and spiritually receptive than God's own people?4. Pastor Keith took some time to make a comparison between the history of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and Christ's triumphal entry. What parallels stood out to you? Israel was primed for a political revolution, yet Christ brought a spiritual revolution. Why must the heart be changed before our circumstances can ever be changed?5. Christ is King. Is He truly the King of your life? Does His sovereign choice always come first? Do you desire to follow Him in all you do? If not, what gets in the way? If so, how did you learn to submit to His will and His ways?

Send us a textCHRISTThe Name | Part 2Dr. Jessica FernandezDecember 8, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #christ #thename What's in a name? In Scripture, names are more than just labels—they reveal identity, purpose, and destiny. The name Christ is no exception. Derived from the Greek Christos, meaning "Anointed One," it is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Mashiach or "Messiah". This name declares Jesus as the chosen and empowered Savior, Prophet, Priest, and King. In this message, we'll explore the profound meaning of the name Christ and how it reveals Jesus' mission and identity. Together, we'll discover how understanding Him as the Anointed One can transform the way we see Him, love Him, and follow Him. This Christmas season let's move beyond familiarity and embrace the depth of who Jesus truly is as the Christ—the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of the world.__ DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What does the name "Christ" reveal about Jesus' identity and mission?2. How do titles like Prophet, Priest, and King deepen your understanding of Jesus?3. What cultural or personal misconceptions about Jesus might you need to address?4. How can Simeon and Anna's faithfulness inspire your walk with God today?5. In what ways does recognizing Jesus as Christ shape your daily life and decisions?

Send us a textJESUS The Name – Part 1 Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart December 1, 2024 #God #realspringcreekchurch #christmas #thename #jesus #hopeHis name is, without a doubt, one of the most universally recognized names in all the world. Even now, 2000 years after His life, death and resurrection, Jesus occupies the place of central devotion in all His followers. But what is it about His name that is so unique? Why do Christians always pray in His name? What makes His name stand out above all other names?----DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Pastor Keith mentioned in the introduction to the message that the Bible gives us 256 different names of Jesus. This series is only dealing with four of them. What other names does the Bible use to describe Jesus and what do those names mean to you?2. Praying in Jesus' name is not a tag line we attach to our prayers. What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name? How does this affect the way you see prayer in His name? Have you ever been so in tune with the will of God, that when an opportunity presented itself, you knew what needed to be said, prayed for or done? What was that like? What was the result?3. Unless we read Scripture through Jewish eyes, we will miss so many details that are important in the narrative we are reading. After seeing the connection between Joshua and Jesus, what were some of your key takeaways from those parallels? Had you made this connection before? In the gospels, what other things are you aware of that are connected in some significant way to the Jewishness of the writers and the story they are telling? 4. In the last section of the message, Pastor Keith talked about salvation that Christ has made available to all who call on His name. He also shared about His own conversion experience. In the time remaining, those of you who are comfortable doing so, share about your own experience of coming to know God. When did it happen? How did it happen? If someone asked you, “How can I be saved?” What would you tell them?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF SELF-CONTROLFruit-Full – Part 9Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 24, 2024 #god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofselfcontrol #selfcontrolhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/ Self-control is something most all of us struggle with. Now you may exercise enviable control over your money, your schedule, your personal life, your eating, or any number of areas but still have one thing with which you constantly struggle. And that one thing becomes an endless source of discouragement. As we wrap up this series, let's tune into what God has to say about self-control, what it is, what it isn't, what works and what does not. This is a must hear message you don't want to miss!__DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. One of the defining characteristics of the flesh is its emptiness. It is empty and feels empty all the time. Which is why the flesh craves the overconsumption of anything and everything it desires. Can you give examples of this? Pastor Keith pointed out that in Galatians 5, Paul contrasts the flesh with the spirit. Take some time to read Galatians 5.13-26. What differences do you notice between the flesh and the Spirit? What characterizes the flesh? What characterizes the Spirit?2. Unlike humans, God does not share in our fleshly desires (excessive or normal). He is not needy like us. But at the same time, He chose to have a human experience in Jesus Christ with all the normal needs that humans have. What sorts of needs do all humans share? Can you think of examples in Scripture that illustrate the humanness of Christ? How did Christ handle the temptations in the wilderness and what does it teach us about how to handle temptation (Read Matthew 4.1-11)?3. What did you learn from this message about the inner civil war believers fight? It is not uncommon for believers to experience levels of victory in certain areas of their life in regards to self-control while at the same time experiencing defeat in other areas. Where have you experienced victory? Where have you struggled? What are you learning about the key to victory?4. Willpower and Spirit power are two entirely different things. What are the limitations of willpower? Why does the Bible offer us cautions in regards to rule-keeping as a way to defeat sin? 5. How do we yield to the Holy Spirit? How do we nurture our life in God as opposed to feeding our fleshly appetites? What is your biggest takeaway from today's message?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF GENTLENESSFruit-Full – Part 8Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 17, 2024 #god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofgentleness #gentlenesshttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/ It's the one fruit nobody wants. To many, gentleness just sounds like a good way to get run over. I mean, let's face it, you don't climb the corporate ladder of gentleness. We think gentleness just can't cut it in the real world. But what works for God works for life and works for us. When God is looking for the ones who are manifesting His presence, He looks for this quality more than any other. Discover this Sunday why gentleness is God's way of transforming the world.---DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What do you think of or envision when you hear the word gentleness? Is it a positive or negative word for you—why? Recall a time when someone else's gentleness was a blessing to you. What happened and what difference did it make?  2. Have you ever experienced harshness? Where did it happen? Who did it involve? How did it affect you? Does it still affect you? 3. Why do we tend to equate volume, bravado and threatening language with strength? 4.  Would people who know you well say that they see gentleness in you? How do you feel about what their response might be? 5. Are you judgmental or gentle toward those who sin differently than you do?   6. Are my words building up others or are they bruising their sense of worth and dignity as a people created in the image of God? 7. How do you hear this word (gentleness) differently now? What Scriptures stood out to you most today? Isaiah and Matthew used the image of Christ as one who would not break a bent reed or snuff out a flickering lamp. How does that imagery speak to you? Can you think of any New Testament examples of Christ's gentleness with people? If so, what are they?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESSFruit-Full – Part 7Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 10, 2024#realspringcreekchurch #god #fruitfull #thefruitoffaithfulness #faithfulness #faithfulhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/The writer of proverbs asks the question, “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” (Proverbs 20.6). Did you know there are studies that indicate we replace half of our social network over a course of seven years and that the percentage of Americans who say that they don't have a single close friend has quadrupled since 1990? Fidelity seems to be in short supply these days. But God promises a new reality to the believer fully yielded to Him. Faithfulness is a natural outgrowth of a life yielded to the One Who keeps every promise, is there for us when everyone else walks away, and remains faithful even when we're faithless. ---DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Have you ever been in a relationship where trust or promises were broken? What sort of effect did that have on you? Were you ever able to rebuild trust with that person? What do you think are the necessary steps in rebuilding trust?2. God is a promise-making, promise-keeping God. Throughout Scripture, we are not just reminded of God's promises but also of the faithfulness of God to keep each and every one of them. What are some of the promises that you see God making and keeping in Scripture? What are some of the promises that God made to all believers that you depend on in your own walk with Christ?3. The Bible assures us that God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. What does that tell you about God? How is that different or the same as what you were taught in prior church experiences? Why is disappointment something foreign to God?4. What is some small way that you demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life? Has God ever asked you to serve Him in a way that would never be noticed by others? If so, what was that? Why does God insist on fidelity in small things before trusting us with greater things?5. Robertson McQuilken's story of his love and fidelity to his wife with Alzheimer's disease is a truly touching and inspirational example of heart transformed by the faithfulness of God. Why are stories like this so rare today? How does this story effect you? In what ways would you like for God to do a similar work in you?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF GOODNESSFruit-Full – Part 6Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 3, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofgoodness #goodnesshttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/Goodness been called the most underrated of all the fruit of the Spirit. If you ask the average believer in which area do they most need to grow, many will say patience, self-control or even love. But goodness is hardly ever even mentioned. It seems unimportant. But what if I told you that the goodness of God is no minor league truth about God. Instead it's literally the lens through which we see all the other attributes of God. Goodness is what you need in God to set you free and goodness is what He wants to pour through your life to transform the world.---DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Take some time to discuss what you learned about the word “good” and “goodness” today. What were your dominant associations with those words before hearing this message? What are they now? What qualities stood out most as it relates to the Old Testament Hebrew word (Tov) or the New Testament Greek word (Agathosune)? 2.  Why is the goodness of God not a minor truth about God? How does God demonstrate His goodness to us? In what ways have you been a recipient of the goodness of God? 3.  One practical suggestion to come out of today's message was to make the phrase “God is as good as Jesus made Him out to be” a daily meditation. Since Jesus told us He was the clearest representation of God we have ever seen or known, how does that shift any misconceptions you may presently have of God? When you read the Bible, do you read through a Christo-centric filter (using Christ as the lens through which you read the rest of the Bible)? In Bible study, it is often taught that clear passages should govern our understanding of unclear passages. If Christ is the clearest representation of God we have ever had, then it is only fitting to see and understand the rest of Scripture through the lens of Christ. Have you ever tried to do this? 4.  Pastor Keith clearly laid out God's plan to support His workers through the generosity of God's people in Scripture. In fact, goodness literally means to give generously for the good of others. One of the primary ways we do this is by supporting those who minister the Word to our souls. Do you think most people understand this aspect of giving? Why do you think people give to the church? Why has God throughout history placed His workers in a position of forced dependency on the people of God?  5. As with every fruit of the Spirit, all of them are evidence of the fullness of God's presence in us. When God's goodness fills our heart and overflows into our lives, people are blown away by the things they see in our life that can't be credited to anything other than the presence of God. What do you think of the phrase, “Your life may be the only Bible some people read?” Have you ever witnessed that in someone? What were they like? What effect did it have on you? Is your life an example of something that attracts people to the family of God?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF KINDNESSFruit-Full – Part 5Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartOctober 27, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofkindness #kindnesshttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/ With the hotly contested presidential election just around the corner coupled with the toxic cesspool social media has become, many of us find ourselves longing for less hate and more kindness. That's why you don't want to miss this Sunday's message as we explore the Fruit of Kindness. We're going to explore the kindness of God and why He wants this virtue to set us apart as His followers. The message will both challenge and encourage you, but most of all, instill you with hope that God's ways are truly the best.---DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1.  Kindness is other-centered. The Old Testament word (Hebrew - Chesed or Hesed) and the New Testament word (Greek – Chrestotes), both have the same idea of caring for the needs of others. Look at the following definitions again…“When chrestotes is working in a believer, he seeks to become adaptable to the needs of those who are around him.” - Rick Renner“Chesed means the ability to get right inside the other person's skin until we can see things with his eyes, think things with his mind, and feel things with his feelings.” - William Barclay, Daily Study Bible commentary on Matthew“They willingly pour themselves out for the good of someone else.” - Carolyn JamesWhen and in what ways have you experienced this FROM others? When and in what ways have you done this FOR others?2. God is kind all the time and God is kind to all people. In what ways have you experienced the kindness of God? How does God show His kindness to all people everywhere?  3. What were your biggest takeaways from today's message?  4. Why did the lawyer try to limit the definition of neighbor? How did Jesus correct his erroneous ideas? Do people today still try to limit the definition of neighbor to those most like themselves? 5. A woman asked Michael Card, “Why won't you let me be kind to you?” It's an important question. Additionally, it speaks to this idea of why we resist grace. Do you have trouble receiving kindness from others? Do you struggle with the idea of grace? 6. It's not our actions but our reactions that are the best barometer of where we actually are in Christ. It's our reactions that reveal what's really going on inside us. To use the words of Amy Carmichael, “What fills your cup?” When life knocks you down, bumps you, inconveniences you, how do you react? What spills from your cup when you get bumped? 

Send us a textSACRIFICE IN SORROW When Serving Costs You Dr. Jessica Fernandez, Lead Associate Pastor October 20, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #sacrificeinsorrow #whenservingcostsyou #sacrifice #sorrow #serving #serve #costhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/We will explore the story of the Widow of Zarephath, a woman who faced overwhelming grief and hopelessness. Preparing for what she believed would be her last meal with her son, she was asked by the prophet Elijah to sacrifice what little she had left to serve him first. This act of sacrificial service in the midst of her sorrow came at a cost—but it was through this sacrifice that she encountered God's miraculous provision and hope. When we serve others during our seasons of grief, it often feels like it costs us more than we can bear—our comfort, energy, and what little hope remains. Yet, as we'll see in this story, it is in these moments of sacrificial service that God meets us, sustains us, and provides for us in ways we could never imagine. This sermon will challenge us to reflect on how God might be calling us to serve, even when it costs us something. When we choose to offer Him the little we have, even in our sorrow, He is faithful to meet our needs and restore our hope. _____DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. In what ways do you relate to the widow's sense of emptiness or lack? How does her story encourage you to trust God?2. What are some areas in your life where you feel like you have nothing left to give? How might God be asking you to serve despite your lack?3. How does sacrificial service bring about healing, both for the person serving and those being served? Have you experienced this in your own life?4. What are some practical ways you can step into serving others, even in a season of grief or sorrow?How can we encourage each other as a church community to trust God and serve faithfully, especially in difficult times?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF PATIENCEFruit-Full – Part 4Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartOctober 13, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofpatience #patience https://www.springcreekchurch.org/  Few things put our faith to the test like having to wait. We wait to hear the results of a biopsy. We grow impatient with our children. Will they ever learn responsibility and grow up? We are in a relationship with someone with no desire to commit and our patience is all but gone. In practically every area of life, we desperately need more patience. If you'd like more patience but don't know how to get it, that's what this message is all about. -----DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1.  In what ways were you challenged or encouraged by today's message?2.  God is slow to heat up and slow to react – which is what patience is all about. What did you learn about God that makes Him so patient? Why do people often think of God in the opposite terms, given to snap judgments, quick to mete out punishment, and even arbitrarily bringing devastation? Some people today even say the same sort of things when natural disasters strike. How would you answer such a person? Do you think that type of thinking is consistent with God as He is revealed in Scripture?3. When it comes to things that try our patience, Pastor Keith pointed out the three dominant areas as;• Waiting – The question is “How long?”• Suffering – The question is, “Why?”• People – The question is, “How in the world?”Have any of these been challenging for you? How and in what ways? What are you learning that might help you better cope with the things that try your patience?4. It's tempting to get off in the future trying to solve any anticipated problems with today's resources. But that makes life difficult because you lack the needed resources to deal with tomorrow's problems. God gives strength for today. The challenge is to remain in the present moment with God. Why is it so difficult to be off in the future? How can you remain centered on God and live in the present moment?5. Often times we find the present difficult and lose our patience because we don't see or understand the bigger picture of what is happening or why it may be happening. Because God loves and because God has a different experience of time than us, how does that help us maintain a more balanced view of what is happening and what might be happening?6.  Take some time to re-read the following passage:The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near… We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.  James 5.7-8, 11In this verse, James talks about what the farmer must do in order for them to see a harvest. For the things that are beyond their control, James advocates for patience. For the things within their control, He advocates for

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF PEACEFruit-Full – Part 3Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartOctober 6, 2024Who couldn't use a little more peace in their life, am I right? When our marriages are strained or the kids are more than we can handle or office politics makes going to work draining, how do you find peace in the chaos? Sometimes, the way we go about trying to obtain peace practically guarantees we will never experience peace. This weekend, Pastor Keith will show us God's peace and how it can be yours.#god  #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofpeace #peacehttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/-----DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Shalom, the Jewish idea of peace, is so much bigger than individual peace. Fundamentally, it's about a society that flourishes because it is functions as God intended. Why do we reduce big concepts like shalom down to small applications that are only about our personal experience with shalom? In what other ways do we do this to Scripture? 2. Take some time as a group to go back over the differences between the God of peace, the peace of God and peace with God. Have you ever experienced the peace of God in the midst of chaos? If so, what was the situation you found yourself in and describe what the peace of God was like for you. Pastor Keith shared the illustration of the Sawi people of New Guinea and the breakthrough the Richardsons made after watching the exchange of the peace child to end hostilities. How does this story parallel the gospel story of God offering His Son to us?  3. Many settle for pseudo-peace – truces – stalemates – swallowing differences – cold wars. Why do people prefer what is not peace to what actually is? Why is peacemaking such a challenging thing to do? What have been your experiences in this arena with friends? Children? Co-workers? Issues in society? 4. There's a huge difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. Can you describe examples of peacekeeping? Have you ever done that yourself? There's also a big difference between peacemaking and peace-achieving? Why is peace sometimes beyond our grasp?  5. Why do you think peacemaking is so important in the plan of God for our lives? If peacemaking is so vitally important to God, why don't we see more of it manifested among His followers?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF JOYFruit-Full | Part 2Springcreek Church | Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 29, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofjoy #joy #habits #attitudeshttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/One of the best arguments for Christianity is Christians when they are seen as people full of joy. And one of the best arguments against Christianity is Christians when they are seen as self-righteous, smug and angry all the time. As we continue to examine the fruit of the Spirit, this week we want to dive deeply into the fountain of joy. In this message, we're going to see God for Who He really is (the most Joyful Being in the universe). We're going to look at the habits and attitudes that rob us of our joy and learn how to have a joy that is impervious to adverse circumstances. -----DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Pastor Keith talked about how God is the most Joyful Being in the universe. He gave several examples of this. What other examples can you see, whether practical or in Scripture, of the joy of God? Would you say that the way you see God (your God image) has always incorporated His joy? Why or why not? Are there things about the way you see God that might need healing or correction?2.  How is joy different from happiness? What are the limitations of happiness? Have you ever gotten trapped in a cycle of searching for happiness highs? Describe what that was like.3.  The word joy and rejoice are interrelated words. Joy is derived from being with God and allowing His Spirit to fill our lives and rejoice is something we train ourselves to do repeatedly in life – to return to the source of joy (God Himself). In what ways do we drift from God? How does being in pain or facing adversity shift our focus from God and onto something else? Has this ever happened to you? If you're willing, share it with the group.4. Legalism is a surefire way to rob you of joy because with legalism, I don't feel assured that Christ is enough. Instead I feel compelled to add something to His completed work. So with legalism, it's always Jesus + something else. Why does legalism rob us of joy? Have you ever known or been a legalist? Pastor Keith talked about having a great week with God followed by a terrible week then asked the question, “Which week did God love you more?” If you felt He loved you more when everything was going right, it's an indicator that there is some remnant of legalism still holding onto you. On what basis do we know that God's love is constant and unchanging? Cite Scriptures if you know any that would back up your claim.5. Gratitude is one of the surest signs of joy. I find such contentment in God and know how He takes delight in me, that I become consciously aware that the evidence of His delight is all around me even when nothing is going right. Have you ever tried the 30-day Gratitude Experiment? How much is gratitude a part of your intentional daily routine? 6. Paul gives us a powerful example of how God worked through his imprisonment in the book of Philippians. So even in the midst of adversity, Paul maintains a type of unshakable joy. In fact, his joy is so great, that it literally becomes the theme of the book of Philippians. How was God at work in Paul's imprisonment? How has God worked in your life during times of illness, pain, adversity or persecution? Sometimes, we can't see all that God is doing in the moment, but in retrospect, everything becomes clear. Are there things in your past that you went through that were extremely difficult, but now in looking back, you can clearly see the hand of God? What was that?

Send us a textTHE FRUIT OF LOVEFruit-Full | Part 1Springcreek Church | Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 22, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitoflove #love #character #Christ #spiritualdisciplines https://www.springcreekchurch.org/This Sunday, we begin exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. These nine character qualities are a reflection of Christ Himself. The more yielded we are to the Spirit, the more others see the this fruit or evidence of His presence in us. In a sense, the first virtue, love, is more than just another dimension to the fruit of the Spirit. It represents the virtue that binds all the others together. Each of them is somehow an expression of love. Come and join us this weekend as Pastor Keith teaches us not just the importance of the fruit of the Spirit but how to begin manifesting them in your life. -----DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. We have two natures within us – what the Bible calls “the flesh” or our baser nature and a new nature made alive by the Spirit. The key to defeating the flesh is by living by the Spirit. Sadly, many people try to live the spiritual life in reverse. They try to defeat the flesh so they can live by the spirit. But that doesn't work. Why? What stood out to you in today's message that maybe you hadn't considered before or illustrated for you how walking in the Spirit helps to defeat the flesh?2. Spend some time talking about the cycle of self improvement (the chart that Pastor Keith shared). The four stages are; Try Harder, Fatigue, Quit, Guilt. Have you ever experienced this before? What was the area where you struggled? Have you broken free of this pattern? What helped you to break free?3.  In this message, we were reminded that we are only as mature as our most immature fruit. So in reading Galatians 5.22-23, of these nine virtues that reflect the character of Christ, where are you strongest and where are you weakest (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)? It's important to remember that wherever we discover immature fruit, it reflects a failure to trust Christ in that area. As you apply that thought to your weakest virtue, how might God be trying to grow you? What wounding might exist in that area that still needs healing? Or what cultural way of thinking gets in the way of fully submitting to Christ in this way?4. Scripture clearly teaches that being filled with the Spirit is not a one time event but a daily event. Ephesians 5.18 in the original language doesn't say “be filled” (past tense) with the Spirit, but “be being filled” (present, linear tense). The process of yielded to the Spirit's filling and control is a decision we make every day. And the best way is related to the four commands regarding the Holy Spirit.Live by the Spirit (Galatians 5.16), Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5.18), Do not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4.30), Do not quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5.19)To live by and be filled with the Spirit, we must never grieve or quench Him. Which means being obedient to His leadership and promptings. Have you ever felt led by the Spirit to do or say something? What was it? What happened? How did it work out?5. Why do we elevate gifting over fruitfulness?6. Love is the one virtue that bonds all the other fruit together. How and in what ways have you seen God's love put on display through your life? 

Send us a textA CHURCH ON THE MOVE Springcreek Church | Jerrid Fletcher, Lead Associate Pastor September 15, 2024 #god #realspringcreekchurch #achurchonthemove #church #churchonthemove #handsandfeet #Jesus #faithingod #faithIn this dynamic sermon, we explore what it truly means to be a "Church on the Move." Far from being stagnant or confined within four walls, the church is called to be active, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of the world around it. Through biblical examples and real-life applications, we'll examine how God is calling us to step out in faith, embrace change, and impact our communities in transformative ways. Whether through missions, outreach, or simply living out our faith in daily life, this message will inspire and challenge us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, always ready to move where He leads.---DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Personal Impact of Music: How has music impacted your personal faith journey or experiences within your community? Can you share a song that resonates deeply with you and why it holds significance? 2. Understanding Church Hurt: What are some ways we can address and heal from "church hurt" in our own lives and within our church community? How can we create an environment that fosters trust and acceptance? 3. Going to Church vs. Being the Church: Reflecting on the distinction between "going to church" and "being the church," what practical steps can we take in our daily lives to embody the mission of the church outside of Sunday services? 4. Community Engagement: In what ways can our church community better serve those in need, particularly those who may not feel comfortable entering a church? What outreach initiatives do you think would be most effective in connecting with and supporting these individuals? 5. Living Out the Great Commission: How can we as individuals actively participate in the Great Commission in our daily lives? What opportunities do you see in your workplace, school, or neighborhood to share your faith or support others on their spiritual journeys?

Send us a textLIVING THE MICAH MANDATEKingdom Politics – Part 3Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 8, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #kingdompolitics #kingdom #politics #livingthemicahmandate #micahmandate #actjustly #lovemercy #walkhumblyhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/ The prophet Micah perfectly summarized what God expects of us, “…and what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6.8). These words are then repeated by Jesus Himself in Matthew 23.23. As we wrap up Kingdom Politics, this final message shows us how God plans to use us to change the world. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The three parts of the Micah Mandate are to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Which of the three is most developed in your life? Which of the three is underdeveloped in your life? Why are these three qualities the unique marks of God's kids? Why is there an absence of these qualities in the world today? 2. Pastor Keith mentioned the most common sociological groupings in the Bible and they are as follows: the poor, the orphan, the widow and the immigrant. What do these various groups have in common? Why is God so concerned with them? Why does God see the treatment of these groups of people as an indicator of the justice or injustice of society? Take a few moments to reflect on Dr. Timothy Keller's statement, “If you aren't intensely concerned for the quartet of the vulnerable... it's a sign your heart is not right with God.” 3. One of the more frequent objections to belief in God is the abundance of suffering in this world that He doesn't seem to do anything about. But Scripture makes clear that the primary way God extends compassion and help to those who suffer is through His people. If we fail to do our part, it's God's reputation that takes the hit. Where has God moved you in the past or present to be involved with others who are hurting, suffering or neglected? What was that experience like for you? What difference did it make in those you helped? 4. We live in a very violent world. But Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, countered conventional thinking by insisting that His followers not mirror the evil of society. How does this teaching challenge you? Why does it seem practically foreign even to Christians today? Is it possible to live in this broken world without returning violence for violence (like what Dr. King modelled in the quest for civil rights)? 5. What does it mean to be a third way people? Why are we so prone to reducing every problem or issue down to just one of two choices? What does it mean to be above the system (in other words, not so caught up in partisanship that you can see other possibilities or choices that neither party can see)? Do you ever find yourself thinking, “I don't agree with either party on this issue”?  If so, have you ever dared to envision a third way of addressing the problem or issue that was not being reflected in the public debate? If so, what was it? How did you see the issue differently? How does our unique Christian perspective and ethic change the way we engage in politics?

Send us a textOUR TRUE COMMANDER IN CHIEFKingdom Politics – Part 2Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 1, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #kingdompolitics #kingdom #politics #commanderinchief #jesus #christ #citizens #hopehttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/As Christ followers, the Bible teaches us to see ourselves differently from our fellow citizens. Wherever we reside and whatever the form of government we live under, believers see themselves first and foremost as citizens of another kingdom – the kingdom of God. This is a fundamental building block in our political perspective. If we lose this perspective, we lose hope and accommodate ourselves to the brokenness of this fallen world. But with it, we remain hopeful regardless of the political climate.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. The Kingdom of God is the very antithesis of the kingdoms of this world. In what ways is the Kingdom of God different fr

Send us a Text Message.Red and Blue Church, Black and Blue GodKingdom Politics - Part 1Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartAugust 25, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #kindompolitics #kingdom #politics #redandblue #blackandbluehttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/ Every issue is polarized. Those with whom we disagree are demonized. And we categorize people and issues with unkind labels we learn from our favorite news channel. It seems today that everybody is poli-ticked off. Have we moved past the breaking point? And how does Scripture reorient us to what is true and right and real? Regardless of where you find yourself on the political spectrum, this message challenges you to use your influence for good and for God. If you can't join us in person, be sure to catch us online. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. As it relates to your use of social media, what (if any) guidelines do you use to determine what you will post? On what things will you comment? Is it important to steward your influence in regards to social media? What sort of behavior or online comments cause you concern? How do you view others who fill their social media with political content? How easily do you get caught up in the rage of the day and/or week? Would you say that you're better at building bridges to others for continued influence in their life or do you tend to make statements that shut down further conversation?2. How is being political different from being partisan? How would you score your own political interest on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being apathetic and 10 being zealously partisan)? What problems have you encountered at work, within your family or among friends around the topic of politics?3.  Pastor Keith asked the question, "Can we subordinate our political opinions so we can prioritize our witness?" How would you answer that question personally? Why do some people find it more important to be right than to be wise or helpful? Discuss the Dallas Willard quote, “It's very difficult to be right about something without hurting someone with it.”4. Jesus was all about transforming society, but not by political means. Take some time as a group to discuss the limitations of political power and solutions. Why is the Jesus' way of changing the world superior to the political way? 5. Our uniqueness as followers of Jesus isn't in how we vote; it's in how we live, how we love, how we're willing to sacrifice for others. As Paul Coelho said, “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” In what ways have you used your voice and your example to make a difference in the life of others? How would you encourage others to be the change they want to see in the world?

Send us a Text Message.MOSAICGod's Vision for Our CommunityDr. Jessica Fernandez, Lead Associate PastorAugust 18, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #mosaic #godsvision #communityhttps://www.springcreekchurch.orgJust like a mosaic, which is composed of various colorful pieces that come together to form a beautiful image, our community is made up of diverse individuals, each contributing uniquely to the whole. Through biblical teachings, we will discover how each person's unique gifts, backgrounds, and stories are essential to God's grand design. We'll highlight the importance of unity in diversity, the strength found in our interconnectedness, and the purpose behind our collective journey as the body of Christ. Together, we will learn practical steps to embrace our differences and build a vibrant, loving community that reflects the love and glory of God.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Reflecting on Your Community Experience: Think about a time when you felt truly connected in a community. What aspects of that community made you feel valued and supported? How did the diversity within the group contribute to your experience? 2. Overcoming the Enemies of True Community: The message highlighted affinity, apathy, individualism, and unawareness of semantic change as enemies of true community. Which of these do you think is the biggest challenge in your current community, and what steps can we take to address it? 3. Embracing Diversity in Our Church: The Church of Antioch was remarkable for its inclusivity and diversity. How can we, as a church, better embrace and celebrate the differences among us? What practical actions can we take to ensure that everyone feels included and valued? 4. Living Out Koinonia: Koinonia involves deep, spiritual fellowship and shared purpose. In what ways can you personally contribute to fostering koinonia in our church community? How can we collectively ensure that our relationships go beyond surface-level interactions? 5. Applying the Collective Approach: The collective approach at the Church of Antioch showed the power of working together to achieve God's mission. How can we apply this collective mindset in our church today? What are some specific areas where we need to shift from individualism to a more collective, community-focused approach?

Send us a Text Message.RENEWEDHealing from Toxic Religion – Part 5Pastor Keith StewartAugust 11, 2024 We've been on a journey over the last several weeks where we've been examining the toxic effect churches and leaders can sometimes leave in our life. But more importantly, we've been learning how to counter the lies and distortions we've faced, seen ourselves and God more clearly, and are beginning to experience the healing that accompanies a healthy faith. As we wrap up the series this Sunday, we're going to learn about the atmosphere where our faith can truly thrive – and that's grace. Grace is not just something we need to begin the spiritual life. Grace is soil in which our life, faith and maturity come into their fullness. This is one message you don't want to miss!DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. The feeling of being unwanted or having a name put on you is one of the worst feelings in the world. In what ways have you seen or experienced this type of shaming? Pastor Keith mentioned, “When someone's calling you names, or demeaning you, the greatest challenge is not to stop the person, but the greater challenge is to stop yourself from mutilating your own identity.” The younger we are, the more difficult it is to not let a name put on us by others become the way we see ourselves. What do you think can be done to curb name-calling? What would you say to someone who had been deeply hurt by an offensive, unfair nickname?2. So much of today's lesson involves moving from a place of shame to a place of acceptance. How did we see this truth in the life of Mephibosheth? What practical application can you make from his story to your own life?3. What has been your experience with grace? Have you heard it explained before today? How has it impacted your life? Why do people fear grace? Why is the teaching of grace something in short supply in toxic churches? How is Rahab an example of grace? Can you think of any other biblical characters that help us in our understanding of grace?4. What have been your biggest takeaways from this series? Where is God working in you right now to continue the process of healing anything and everything that was added to your spiritual life but did not belong? How can we better model a healthy, well-balanced, biblical faith?

Send us a Text Message.REBUILDINGHealing from Toxic Religion – Part 4Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartAugust 4, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #healingfromtoxicreligion #rebuilding #relationships #toxicWounding that occurs in relationship must be healed in relationship. To rebuild one's life after experiencing toxic religion requires a new and better understanding of God. Let's face it, a major driver of toxic practice is toxic theology – a faulty understanding of Who God is and what God is like. But knowing about God is not the same as knowing God. You don't know God just because you know about Him. It takes spending time with Him, listening to Him, and daring to trust Him with your hurts, problems, and failures. Invite him into every aspect of your life. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Discuss the following quote, “The greatest need in people's lives is to understand the true identity of God.” – R.C. Sproul 2. In the parable of the prodigal son, we typically place all the emphasis on the younger son. Even the name of the parable itself (which is not a name given to it by Jesus or the writers of Scripture) emphasizes the younger son. But Jesus told this story (read Luke 15.1-3) to address the objection of the Pharisees to his eating with sinners. When you understand why Jesus told this story to begin with, it's clear that the older brother is the Pharisees. What similarities do you see between the Pharisees and the older brother? How can you sometimes be like the older brother?  3. C.S. Lewis explained the difference between sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit. What do you remember about what he said? Why do you think we scandalize the sins of the flesh? Why was Jesus so bothered by the sins of the spirit that He witnessed in the religious leaders? What implication does this teaching have for us today? 4. Take some time to reflect on what you learned about the following passage:Why do you call me “Lord, Lord,” Jesus says, “and not do what I tell you?”  Luke 6.46 Why did Jewish people repeat someone's name? How does that alter your understanding of this verse? Why are obedience and love interconnected?   5. Experience must be corrected by experience. This is a fundamental truth in our understanding of how God heals us. Of course, the obvious implication is it takes more than facts to change our hearts and minds. We need a deeper experience of the truths we say we believe. This means we must feel them and live them, not just know them in our heads. How have you experienced the love of God? How does your community aid in the experience of the love of God? 

Send us a Text Message.HEALINGHealing from Toxic Religion – Part 3Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 28, 2024#realspringcreekchurch #healingfromtoxicreligion #healing #toxic #religionhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/If you carry scars from a toxic church or leader, those wounds won't heal merely by the passage of time. It takes intentionality to heal. Issues like the betrayal of trust, manipulation of our thoughts and emotions through the toxic tools of guilt and shame, and degradation of our God-image must all be exposed to the light of God's truth. Jesus once said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). In this next installment in our series, we'll examine what it takes to heal from some of the worst damage caused by toxic churches and those who lead them.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. We often only associate grief with the losses we face in death but grief is God's way of healing us from all of the losses of life. What sort of losses have you grieved? What feelings get expressed in grief? How has God met you in your grief? 2. Forgiveness is often misunderstood and therefore resisted. What separates real forgiveness from stereotypes and misunderstanding? Have you ever needed to forgive someone? What made it challenging? Take some time to discuss the following quotes; “[Forgiveness means becoming] a hero instead of a victim in the story you tell.” – Dr. Fred Luskin, Stanford University Forgiveness Project “Forgiveness is not a one-off decision; it is a journey and a process that takes time, determination, and persistence. Forgiveness is not forgetting; it is simply denying your pain the right to control your life.” -  Corallie Buchanan 3. Trust is often violated in instances of toxic churches and toxic leaders. Trust is something that's never commanded in Scripture. Are we appropriately cautious in new relationships to extend trust only when it is earned as opposed to leaving ourselves vulnerable? Have you ever had someone violate your trust? What effect did it have on you? How did you deal with it? How does it affect your present relationships? What did you learn about scars as it relates to trust wounds? 4. When people use the feeling of guilt to manipulate others, they are most definitely using guilt in ways that Scripture never does. The Biblical word for guilt only deals with the fact of guilt. When it comes to the feeling of guilt, Scripture uses another term “worldly sorrow” which only produces death. How is godly sorrow different from worldly sorrow? When you feel guilty or are made to feel guilty, a child of God can reject that feeling as not from God. Have you ever been in an environment, church or otherwise, that heavily used the feeling of guilt? What effect did that have on you? What would you suggest to someone coming out of a toxic church that regularly practiced guilty their members? 5. As a group, take some time to read through the out true identity in Christ. How would your life be different if you lived like each and every one of these truths were also true of you? Print this list and post it where you can see it, read it, and remind yourself of its truth daily. My True Identity in Christ:• You are not condemned (Romans 8.1)• You are accepted (Romans 15.7)• You are ransomed - "restored to favor" (1 Corinthians 1.30)• You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5.17)• You are the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5.21)• You are liberated (Galatians 2.4)• You are chosen, holy, and blameless before God (Ephesians 1.4)• You are redeemed, forgiven (Ephesians 1.7)• You are alive (formerly dead in spirit) (Ephesians 2.5)• You have boldness and confident access to God (Ephesians 3.12)• You h

Send us a Text Message.EXODUSHealing from Toxic Religion – Part 2Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 21, 2024 #god #realspringcreekchurch #healingfromtoxicreligion #exodus #toxicreligion #journey #testimonyhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/I want to take you on a journey today – a journey out of toxic religion. To do that, I want to tell you a little of my own story; what led me out of religious fundamentalism, the breaking that occurred in me, and the flaws I began to see in my own beliefs and practice. I want to teach you how to recognize toxic environments but more importantly, I want to teach you how much God longs for you to experience Him as He actually is. It's my prayer that this message will lead to a spiritual breakthrough for you.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. In the Exodus narrative, it is clear that delivering the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage was not nearly as difficult as delivering them from the mindset of slavery. As Pastor Keith pointed out, there are many ways this still holds true even today. We can be delivered from a bad situation, or an addiction, or terrible choices, but still desperately need healing inside, or else we may end up right back in the same situation with a different person or different substance. Can you think of ways you have seen this played out in your personal life or those you care about? Why is it more difficult to change one's thinking than it is to change one's circumstances? 2. As Pastor Keith shared how he and Brenda nearly destroyed their own marriage, what stood out to you most in the things he shared? Was there any part of his story you could personally relate to? If so, what and why? Why do so many troubled marriages resist getting the help they need? Have you ever had any experiences with 12-step recovery that you would be willing to share? 3. One of the dominant characteristics in all toxic religion is conformity – an emphasis on external behavior over internal transformation. Jesus rebuked this approach in the Pharisees of His day. Pastor Keith also emphasized what distinguished the way Jesus thought and defined spirituality versus how the Pharisees thought and defined it. What is the difference between bounded set thinking versus centered set thinking? How do toxic churches use bounded set thinking? Why do people think more like the Pharisees than they do like Jesus? 4.  Take some time to discuss Shane Claiborne's quote, do you agree with it or not? Have you seen this in churches or groups that you have been a part of?“One thing I've learned from believers and activists alike is that community can be built around a common self-righteousness or a common brokenness. Because both are magnetic. People are drawn toward folks who have it all together, or who look like they do. People are also drawn toward folks who know they don't have it together and are not willing to fake it.” – Shane Claiborne 5. What have been your experiences with guilt and shame as it relates to your church experiences or how you were parented or even how you were taught? Why is guilting or shaming someone so toxic? What effect does it have on people?  6. Were there any other significant learnings or takeaways from today's message for you?

Send us a Text Message.DIAGNOSISHealing from Toxic Religion – Part 1Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 14, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #healingfromtoxicreligion #toxicreligion #toxic #religionhttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/Over the past several years and in recent days, we have seen wave after wave of exposures involving high-profile pastors embroiled in scandals - child molestation, infidelity, and abuse of all varieties. With every exposure, you can know that there are many innocent victims whose lives are ruined, congregations that are left reeling, and our witness to the world in tatters. Why does this keep happening? What are the warning signs? And is there anything that can be done to prevent it? That's what this Sunday's message is all about - diagnosing toxic environments. Unless and until we really understand what's happening and why, we will repeat what we refuse to repair. The path to healing begins with defining the reality of what we're up against. Don't miss this message.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The Bible is very upfront and honest when it comes to dealing with toxicity in leadership. It treats it as a given. In the same way, you will find bad actors in every arena of life, you will also find them among God's people. Why are we so shocked when things like this are discovered today? Have you ever had to deal with something like this personally or have you known others who have? If you are comfortable sharing your own story, please do so. If what you know is regarding someone else's story, make sure you have permission to share it. 2. Pastor Keith began today's message by describing the environment that sets up all leaders to be tempted and that is in being given great influence or power. Why is power such a corrupting influence? What can we do as individuals to guard against the abuse of power? 3. Thinking in terms of Steven Berglas' study in the Success Syndrome, the four great temptations that have brought down many leaders can be described as the four A's: Arrogance, Aloneness, Adventure-seeking, and Adultery. We have all seen this pattern played out in the lives of leaders both inside and outside the church. What would a healthy leader do to guard against going down this path? What do you have in place in your life to ensure you don't become part of the 20% of leaders who succumb to these temptations? 4. What stood out to you in the section where Pastor Keith dealt with narcissism? Have you seen or known people who were malignant narcissists? Without naming them, what characteristics stand out about them? How much is fear a part of their regular discussions or interactions? Have you noticed any of the signs of narcissistic wounding in your own life? How much do apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok feed our need to be noticed, appreciated, or loved? If you know you have narcissistic wounding, what have you found helpful in healing that wound? 5. We have likely all seen churches whose leaders were removed, rally around the fallen leader even to the point that victims experienced an even greater sense of abandonment and hurt from the defense of the perpetrator. In the final point, Pastor Keith explored how churches can be complicit in the platforming of leaders not qualified to lead in the church largely because of two reasons. What were the two reasons? What do you think of those reasons? Are there others you would add? Why do people tend to value gifting over fruit?

Send us a Text Message.BOUNDARIES THAT BLESS:Living Free from ToxicityDr. Jessica FernandezJuly 7, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #boundariesthatbless #boundaries #blessings #toxicbehavior #peace #integrity #healthyrelationships #relationshipshttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/ In this message, we're discussing setting healthy boundaries with toxic individuals. Drawing wisdom from Scripture, we explore how to recognize toxic behavior, understand the importance of boundaries, and learn practical steps to protect our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. Discover how Biblical figures modeled boundary-setting in their interactions and how we, too, can follow their examples to maintain peace and integrity in our lives. Join us as we seek God's guidance in creating boundaries that honor Him and foster healthy relationships.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. We discussed the harmful effects of toxic relationships on our well-being. How have you experienced or witnessed toxicity in relationships, and what impact did it have on your mental and emotional health?2. Balancing biblical commands to love and honor others with the need for self-preservation can be challenging. How do you reconcile the command to honor others with setting boundaries when their behavior is harmful? 3. Nehemiah faced significant opposition but remained focused on his mission. What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to toxic opposition that can help us handle difficult people in our own lives?4. We discussed various strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries. Which strategy for setting boundaries do you find most challenging, and how can you apply it in your current relationships?5. The importance of building fences (healthy boundaries) instead of walls (complete barriers) was emphasized. How can you ensure that your boundaries are like fences, allowing healthy interactions, rather than walls that isolate you from meaningful relationships?

Send us a Text Message.HEALING WORDSWord Power – Part 4Springcreek Church | Pastor Keith StewartJune 30, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #wordpower #healingwords #love #words #transformation https://www.springcreekchurch.org/Every human being was born with an innate craving for love. We want it, need it, and seek it more than practically anything else in life. This is why words of love are among the most powerful words in the human vocabulary. In this final installment in our series, we're going to discover what has happened in our broken world that has exasperated this search for love and how God has unleashed us as agents of transformation – speaking and sharing His love with a desperate and hurting world.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. We were made to crave for love. What have been your most formative positive and negative experiences as they relate to love? 2. Even our best experiences in love leave us desiring something more simply because no human being is capable of meeting our need for perfect, unconditional love. Ultimately, this either leads us to God or we attempt to fill our love hunger with lesser things. How have you seen this truth played out in your life and the life of others? 3.  Pastor Keith referenced part of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 (John 17.21-23). In it, Jesus clearly prays that you and I would know that we are loved as much and in the same way as He is by the Father. Is that the way you see yourself? Why or why not? If not, what is your biggest struggle with this truth? If so, how does that manifest in your life? 4. Take some time to re-read this section from 1 Corinthians 13…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  1 Corinthians 13.4-7 What did you learn about this passage today? What words or phrases stand out to you and why? How do you see these characteristics in the life of Christ?  5. In Biblical Christianity, love is the central controlling ethic. Everything revolves around the two great commandments – love God and your neighbor as yourself. In truth, Christian growth is best defined as love formation. You and I are to be continually immersing ourselves in God and as a result, becoming more like Him in our capacity to love. Why is love so important in the Christian faith? What happens to our witness when we fail to love as Christ did? What are churches and Christians best known for today? How might God want to use you in your family, neighborhood, job, or school to express His love to someone who desperately needs to experience it?

Send us a Text Message.ENCOURAGING WORDSWord Power – Part 3Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 23, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #wordpower #encouragingwords #encouragment #words #changelives #beanencourager #barnabas https://www.springcreekchurch.org/Find Expanded Message Notes here: https://www.springcreekchurch.org/mt-content/uploads/2024/06/240623-expanded-message-notes-wp-3.pdfG.K. Chesterton (an English journalist) once wrote, “The really great person is the person who makes every person feel great.” Have you ever been someone else's motivator or inspiration? When was the last time you told your kid how special, how capable, or how uniquely gifted they are? Have you ever had someone come alongside you and give you courage to take a bold step that changed your life forever? Encouragement is one of the most powerful forms of word power there is. This Sunday, we're going to learn how to use this power to change the lives of the many who surround our lives day by day.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. How do the disciples in Jerusalem respond to news of Paul's conversion? Why might they have been skeptical? How do you think you would have responded? How might Saul's ministry have been different had he not had a Barnabas in his corner?​2. Have you ever judged someone based on their past? Why is that so common? Why do you think that it's so hard for us to let go of who a person used to be? When should we be cautious and why?​3. Do you know someone who seems to know exactly what to say or do to make you feel better? Maybe it's one of your parents, teachers, or a really good friend. Is there someone who has had your back when others didn't? What is about them that makes them so effective as an encourager? Have you ever thanked them? 4. Can you identify a positive mentoring relationship in your life? What made it good? Have you had a negative mentoring relationship in your life? What made it bad? Who are the Barnabas' in your life? I'm not talking about the flatterers or the one who tells you what you want to hear, but the person who always points you in the direction of God's greatest good. 5. Who needs to hear a good word from you? Who are you going to be a Barnabas to? What specific thing can you do this week to encourage that person?

Send us a Text Message.DIVISIVE WORDSWord Power – Part 2Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 16, 2024#god #realspringcreekchurch #wordpower #divisivewords #gossiphttps://www.springcreekchurch.org/Expanded Message Notes:https://www.springcreekchurch.org/mt-...At the office, suddenly no one is talking to you. There's a distance between you and your fellow employees that's unmistakable. What changed? You have been the victim of the office gossip. Someone has been talking to others behind your back, engaging in character assassination, and destroying your relationship network. But whether it happens at work, school, or church, the result is always the same, you feel betrayed and left unsure as to who you can trust. God has a lot to say about those who engage in divisive behaviors; why it grieves God's heart, how to deal with the divider, and how God's people are supposed to be different. Join us Sunday for a challenging message on Divisive Words.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The Bible tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death...  (Proverbs 18.21).” Describe a time in your life when someone spoke words of life or words of death to you. How did it affect you? What staying power did those words have? How are you a different person today because those words were once spoken to you? 2. Describe the things you learned today from this verse…There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.  Proverbs 6.16-19 Have you any other insights from this passage? Why does God hate these things? 3. Gossip wouldn't get very far if it were not for those who are more than willing to listen. Why is gossip so tempting? How have you seen it used to harm others? What can you do to prevent it from spreading?  4. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is a great example of what He came to do. One of things for which he prayed was unity. First, oneness with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And second, with one another. Why is it impossible to achieve oneness with one another without first having oneness with God? Why is division a sign of the enemy's work? Why is oneness a sign of the work of God? In what ways has God stretched you to embrace those different from yourself? How have you witnessed the power of unity?