Venture Church | Bozeman

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON? WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?HOW DO YOU GET SOMEONE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU?IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?Leveraging Conflict#1 Complaint in relationships: We are incompatible. Conflict is healthy.2 Corinthians 5:16a-So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. If Jesus can cause sinful man and holy God to be reunited, he can step into your marriage and heal it now!2 Corinthians 5:16b-Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.2 Corinthians 5:172 Corinthians 5:182 Corinthians 5:19a-God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. What would it look like to put Jesus at the center of your life/marriage/relationships?What will you do with the conflict in your life?

Who are you? Romans 3:23Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 2:15-171 Corinthians 6:9-10What does God desire?The goal is being sexually abstinent and fleeing lustful desires in singleness while fighting for innocence and purity, then being sexually and emotionally faithful to your spouse of the opposite sex while continuing to flee lustful desires in the Covenant of marriage.John 3:16Romans 5:8How have you allowed what you do to attach itself to your identity?  What sin have you been justifying by claiming it as part of your identity?

Two Principles to Understand:Emotional and spiritual intimacy really matter in your marriageYou have a true self and a false selfGenesis 2:25Your true self leads you to live “naked and unashamed” in your walk with God and in marriageGenesis 3:7Sin: Attempting to secure for yourself what only God can give youYour false self lives in shame and tries to secure freedom by hidingThe false self creates fantasies that collude with the hidingZach's “List of Standards” (i.e. fantasies) for marriageShorter than meMulti-lingualLatina and exoticAdventurousSmart, but not smarter than meMy wife, Aryelle:Taller than meMonolingualWhiteHome bodySmarter than meThere is a you who is in Christ (true self) and a you who continues patterns of the flesh (false self). Christian marriage invites the vulnerability necessary to chip away what is false, revealing the true you hidden in Christ.Ephesians 5:25-27Ephesians 5:21-24Submission is about a heart attitude more than simple obedienceBeing naked and unashamed with your spouse involves risk. Only relationship with Jesus provides the security to resist hiding throughout the life of your marriage.For husbands: Ask your wives, “When do you feel your most true, radiant self in God when we are together?”For wives: Ask your husbands, “When do you feel most seen and supported by me emotionally and spiritually?”

Matthew 22:34-40Do we prioritize what the world says over what the Word says?Husband-ThermostatWife-Thermometer3 Types of Marriage:Back-to-BackSide-To-SideFace-To-Face1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)How excited is God that you are married to His daughter based on how you treat her?Shift your focus from finding to becoming.When you become the right type of person you will attract the right type of person.Goal: To become the type of person, the person you are looking for is looking for.Dating is a process to move through, not a status to sit in.Dating is about Deciding. Is this the type of person I want to become one with?What are you pursuing or have the tendency to pursue more than God?How will you pursue God more than anything else this week?

When do I receive the Holy Spirit?Why do I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit?Acts 2:36-38SalvationBaptismFilled With The SpiritLuke 3:16Ephesians 5:18Acts 1:4-5Revelation 3:201 Corinthians 12:1-11How much access are you giving the Holy Spirit in your life?How much access are you giving the Holy Spirit in your life?What is holding you back from giving the Holy Spirit more access?What is your next step in surrender to Jesus?

Acts 19:1-7The Hungry are FilledWhat are you hungry for God to fill in your life?The Hungry are FilledThe Faker's are ExposedActs 19:11-12Acts 19:13Acts 19:14-16God does not bow to our agenda-We bow to His.Acts 19:17The Hungry are FilledThe Faker's are ExposedThe Community is TransformedActs 19:18-20Will we keep faking it? Will we repent and surrender to Jesus?The Hungry are FilledThe Faker's are ExposedThe Community is TransformedWhat could happen if Jesus got a hold of this community? What are you craving more than God right now? Who is in your circle that God wants to transform? Will you BE the hands and feet of Jesus in their life?

BE- To exist, live, or happen. To have identity with! Will this year be like last year? Hunger-The state of wanting or needing something you do not have. Many of us are settling for less than what God offers. Smaller plates: We are too easily satisfied by lesser things.Good food at end: We are too easily distracted by lesser things. Everything other than Jesus satisfies quickly but not completely.“…it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink, sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C.S. LewisWould you commit to saying “yes” to whatever God puts in front of you for 1 year?How are you satisfied or distracted by lesser things in your life right now?How will you sharpen your focus and strengthen your faith this year?

Who has God called you to be?Ecclesiastes 2:10-11Luke 10:38-42James 1:22Luke 10:40Before we can do, we must be.John 1:12Ephesians 2:8-9How will you receive God's love this year?Luke 10:41-42Mark 10:45Is serving a requirement or a response?What am I doing that God hasn't asked me to do?How can I put myself in a position to receive this year?

Luke 2:8-20Good NewsRomans 3:23Romans 6:23Great JoyIt is not joy that makes us grateful. It's gratitude that makes us joyful. All PeopleWhere are you at with the Good News that causes Great Joy for All People?Romans 5:8What will you do with the gift of Good News that can cause Great Joy for You this Christmas?Romans 10:9-10God, I am so sorry for the mess I've made and the pain I've caused. Please forgive me of my sin. Thank you so much for sending your son, Jesus, at Christmas to be my savior. To pay the price for my sin and restore my relationship with you. That is good news! Help it cause great joy in my life. Help me follow you today and every day you give me. I pray this in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!    Text “Jesus” to 8445964503

Go, tell it on the mountain,over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountainthat Jesus Christ is born.Isaiah 52:7How do we go?Jesus Christ is bornHow do we go? 1. Who is Jesus?Genesis 1:1-5John 1:1-5How do we go? 1. Who is Jesus?2. Why did Jesus come? Jesus Christ is bornHow do we go? 1. Who is Jesus?2. Why did Jesus come? 3. How did Jesus come?Jesus Christ is BornWhile shepherds kept their watchingover silent flocks by night,behold throughout the heavens,there shone a holy light.The shepherds feared and trembledwhen lo! above the earthrang out the angel chorusthat hailed our Savior's birth.Luke 2:8-14Luke 2:16-18How do we go? With Urgency and Faith Matthew 11:28 Isaiah 53:3-5Humility invites humility.Who do you know that is weary and burdened?

Isaiah 7:14Genesis 1:1-3Isaiah 9:2Land of Deep Darkness“A land where death casts its shadow.”Romans 3:23Romans 6:23John 1:14 (MSG)Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel.The Bible says “Fear Not” 366 times.Why?Fear not for I am with you.How is the Light of Christ inviting transformation in your life this Christmas?Who will you provide light for this Christmas?

The wonder of Christmas relates to two simultaneous truths:1. God is unimaginably big and great2. God makes himself unimaginably smallIdols: Things that help people secure their own power, image, position, and controlPaul's message in Athens came down to two things: Jesus and the ResurrectionAt the Areopagus Paul is not starting a fight–he is confirming their deepest hopesConsider:There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on earth combined. And most of these stars have their own solar systems.Consider:The universe is expanding at a rate faster than the speed of light; there is no conceivable way we could ever reach or even see to the end of it. And the expansion is accelerating.Consider:There are at least 400 billion planets just in our Milky Way galaxy alone. Do you know our best estimates of how many galaxies exist?We often associate repentance with a chore, but biblically it is the beginning of freedom.Do you know one of Rome's ongoing problems with Christianity? Weakness.How can you live with the terrifying thought that the hurricane has become human, that fire has become flesh, that life itself became life and walked in our midst? Christianity either means that, or it means nothing. –N.T. WrightHark the Herald: “Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die.”

Living Sent - Acts 16: 16-341. The Power to Break Chains:Acts 16:16-342. The Power to Transform:Acts 16:19-263. The Power to Save:Acts 16: 27-34Are you sensitive to God's leading?Is God asking you to do something you might not want to do?

A Supernatural event points to God's investment in that event.A supernatural event would be enough to shift my perspective.The Problem: PrejudiceWhat's with those food laws anyway?God is asking Peter to take the Gospel to an enemy.The Solution: Prayer 3 Parts to Prayer:-Dedication-Authenticity-Listening“Not being changed by prayer is sort of like standing in the middle of a spring rain without getting wet. It's hard to stand in the center of God's acceptance and love without getting it all over you.”- Steve BrownWhat do you think God wants to change most in your life? What's the best thing that can come out of a real prayer life? When will you pray?

How is God trying to get your attention? ConfrontedCorrectedCommittedWhat sin in your life is God confronting that you need to correct?Is your commitment to God based on the fact that Jesus is your Savior? ConfrontedCorrectedCommitted

What is the most important thing in your life?What is the most important thing in your life?HealthFamilyFriendsSuccessWhat others think of you     On a scale of 0-10, how serious are you seeking first the Kingdom of God?Full of faithFilled with the Holy SpiritFaithfully said “Yes”Wouldn't you rather live a life worth living than the life society says is “good enough?”What stone is being thrown at you that God is wanting to use to advance His Kingdom? What stone are you throwing at someone else that God is asking you to set down?

Where are you at with Jesus?What are you building your life on?How scared is Satan because of you sharing hope in Jesus? What is your “Next Step” in trusting Jesus with your life? 

Being stretched, spiritually causes our soul to grow, mature, and develop in a healthy way. Faith is living life beyond recovery but not beyond God's cover. - John MaxwellWho will you invite into your life to help you grow into the man/woman God created you to be? What area of your life are you scared to step out in faith and trust God in?

What are you trying to do on your own? What does it look like to follow Jesus? What authority does Scripture have over your life? Where in your life are you looking for an escape, when you need an embrace? What spoke can you strengthen this week?

On a scale of 0-10, how serious are you taking Jesus and His teachings?Witness-to speak about what you have seen or experienced.Who will experience the forgiveness of sin, the fullness of life, and eternity with God because of you?How will you take Jesus and His teachings serious this week?

How do I change?Zacchaeus:Jewish name: “Pure of the Lord”But he has wandered far from his name and heritageIn being a tax collector, Zacchaeus:Could not worship in the synagogueWas probably disowned by his familyWas labeled a moral equal with murderers and robbersHow does Zacchaeus change?He makes himself availableHow does Zacchaeus change?He makes himself availableJesus finds himHow does Zacchaeus change?He makes himself availableJesus finds himZacchaeus surrendersHow does Zacchaeus change?He makes himself availableJesus finds himHe surrendersHe changesRomans 2:4b “The kindness of God is intended to lead you to repentance.”Charles Dickens's Ebenezer Scrooge became aware of how worthless his life had becomeZacchaeus became aware of how valuable his life had becomeJesus was the true older brother from the Parable of the Lost Son, bringing a wayward son back to the family of GodZacchaeus could now live up to his name, “Pure of the Lord” because Jesus was going to bear his sin on the cross.

What is an area of your life you don't like Jesus rattling?Lazarus-God has helped.Are you willing to hear God out on what happens after this life?What do I do to inherit eternal life?Humble yourselfRepent of your sinPlace your trust in JesusWhat am I condoning that God is convicting me of?How will I prepare now for the next life?

HOW WE RESPOND MATTERSWHATEVER IT TAKESWhat do I do to inherit eternal life?Humble yourselfRepent of your sinPlace your trust in JesusDeceives usDestroys usDeceives usDestroys usWhat role does God play in your life?Am I trustworthy in handling worldly wealth?What's at stake?What would doing “whatever it takes” look like in your life this week? What would your bank account say is most important to you?

People love to hide, but HATE not to be found.Two Groups:Tax collectors and “sinners”Pharisees and teachers of the lawWhich do you most identify with?The younger son does not want his father, but his father's stuff.Repentance does not lead to despair; it leads to hopeThe older son does not want the father either; he too is after his father's stuffThe older son had spent his whole life doing his father's work, but his heart had grown very different from his father's heart.Jesus is the true older brother, the one who left home to bring us back to the Father.To those who identify with the younger son: Consider responding to Jesus's call to come home to the FatherTo those who identify with the older son: Consider repenting of your hardness and realign with the heart of your Father

Does God really love me?Who are the lost around me? How can I help?FoundIs my heart aligned with God's?Who is my ONE?Lost Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin. I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I ask you to forgive me for all of my sin and for playing god in my own life! You alone are God! I surrender my life to you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me live my life for you, to the best of my ability. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Why do you follow Jesus?Do you celebrate being a Christian?Who will you invite to the table?

Who owns your life?Do you see yourself as an owner or a manager?I'll do - my crops - my barns - my grain - myself (my soul)Do you know how much God values you?Worry must be replaced by Action.Which Kingdom will you live for?

Are you living the full life or a life that's really full?Clean Cups, Dead HeartsProblem: Attaching spiritual significance to something God doesn'tWhat are some ways you're trying to show God or others how good you're doing in one area so you don't have to address another area that God might want to develop in you?Woe-Warning/Condemnation-Watch out, wrath is coming.God is not impressed by outward religion; He is after inward transformation. Where do you struggle with external performance over internal transformation?What shiny cup do you need to trade in for a clean heart?

You can believe the correct things and still be far from God.The questions we ask give us the answers we get. The lawyer was asking the wrong question.Jews as a whole were commonly divided into three groups:PriestsLevitesIsraelitesSamaritans:-Once part of the Hebrew people-Scattered by the Assyrian Empire, intermarried-Considered half-breeds by the Jews-Sided against Jews in the Maccabean Wars-Lots of conflict, despised and rejected by JewsOld question: Who is my neighbor? New question: What kind of a neighbor am I?The lawyer's knowledge was flawless. But he had very little mercy.How do we get our softness back?Jesus is the True Good Samaritan. Like the Samaritan, he:-Was of mixed descent-Was despised and rejected-Came near to us when he did not have to-Carried us when we could not carry ourselves-Paid for us when we had nothing-Is coming back

1. THE GOSPEL IS GOING2. THE GOSPEL IS EVERYBODY'S RESPONSIBILITY3. THE GOSPEL IS NOT RESULTSThe gospel does bring us solutions to these problems [of suffering and injustice], but it does so by first solving... the deepest of all human problems, the problem of man's relation with his Maker; and unless we make it plain that the solution of these former problems depends on the settling of this latter one, we are misrepresenting the message and becoming false witnesses of God."- J.I. Packer4.THE GOSPEL IS FOR EVERYBODYWhere are you taking the gospel?Who are you taking the gospel to?How will you take it forward today? This week?

What is the cost of NOT following Jesus?Jesus came to preach a message of grace, not judgementFollowing Jesus costs us our…-comfortFollowing Jesus costs us our…-Comfort-ExcusesFollowing Jesus costs us our…-Comfort-Excuses-PastWhat ‘good' thing is standing in your way of following Jesus?How can you fix your eyes on Jesus? 

Is your life built around defense or offense?2025 LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut allergy) study:640 high allergy risk infants ages 4-11 monthsHalf followed standard advice for high-risk childrenHalf given a snack of peanut butter and puffed corn >3x/wkWhen children turned five years, all were tested for allergic reaction to peanutsLEAP study results:17% of children who had been protected from peanuts developed a peanut allergy3% of children who had been regularly exposed to peanuts developed a peanut allergyCaesarea Philippi:Temple to CaesarTemple to Greek god, PaPan:Half man, half goatConsidered god of the underworld and of fear (i.e. PANic)In temple was a “bottomless spring” thought to lead to the underworldHistorically, human sacrifices were made hereChurch = A body of people called for a specific purposeThe war Jesus is waging is against the gates of Hades–death itself

Jesus test the disciples: Luke 9:13Jesus meets the need: Luke 9:14-16Jesus satisfies the need: Luke 9:17The miracles of feeding the Five Thousand Teach us: 1. The importance of knowing the Lord intimately. 2. The importance to trust God to provide. 3. The importance to Yield to God's will.

“If Jesus rose from the dead, we accept all that He said; if He did not [rise from the dead], who cares about anything He said?” -  Keller, The Reason for GodOn what basis does Jesus call His disciples?To understand Jesus' teachings, we must realize that deep in our orientations of our spirit we cannot have one posture toward God and a different one toward other people. We are a whole being, and our true character pervades everything we do. We cannot, for example, love God and hate human beings. As the apostle John wrote, "Those who do not love their brother who is visible cannot love God who is invisible" (1 John 4:20). And: "The one who does not love does not know God, who is love" (1 John 4:8). - Willard, The Divine ConspiracyWhat is Jesus talking about?-The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) ?-The Second Coming (Revelation 19) ?-The Early Church (Acts)Accomplishments Owed to Christianity-Universal human rights-Body Autonomy-Modern Science-AbolitionHow can you join in the Kingdom of God?

Trust JesusDesperate DadDiseased DaughterDead DaughterWhere in your life are you too proud to be desperate for Jesus?Where are you tempted to give up praying for because it feels hopeless? Who around you might be experiencing a silent kind of suffering like the woman—who needs you to stop and care?What "dead thing" do you need to trust God to resurrect in your life?

Have you ever felt like life is spinning out of control?There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. CS LewisWho might be waiting to hear what you've been through—and how God brought you through it?What “demons” are controlling your life?

Where does Jesus' authority stop in my life?Who/what has the authority in your life?When Jesus speaks, everything changes.Will you fear the storms of life, or will you fear Jesus?Jesus' authority brings freedom.

Why is Jesus Cryptic?“The same sun which melts wax hardens clay. And the same Gospel which melts some persons to repentance hardens others in their sins”– Charles SpurgeonWhy is Jesus so cryptic?He's not, He's human.What is the point of the Parable?What is the point of the Parable?To engage us. What kind of soil are you?What are Your Next Steps?

When you see lack of devotion, service, motivation in your life it all comes down to how much you love Jesus.Do you see yourself as someone who's been forgiven much?We're changed by what we love.He felt like he was forgiven little, so he loved little.Forgiven is her identity.Do you see yourself as someone who's been forgiven much?

How does Jesus's life change the way you live your life?Centurions:Commanded 80-100 enlisted soldiersPromoted based on meritUpper ranks very well paidThe Centurion:Born a paganWorked his way to successLeft home to go to a foreign landBefriended foreign people who hated himGave his wealth to build a place of worship for those peopleIs the only one standing between a loved servant and deathWhere do you find this passage taking you so far?Hebrews 4:12: The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.The word “amazed” that Jesus uses is only used in a positive way once in all of the four gospels.Excerpt from Jesus Storybook Bible ch. 1:“So God breathed life into Adam and Eve. When they opened their eyes, the first thing they ever saw was God's face. And when God saw them he was like a new dad. “You look like me,” he said.JesusLeft homeHad all the power, authority, and honor, but made himself nothingGave up heavenly riches to befriend a world that hated himIs the only one who stands between those he loves and certain deathIn what was the Centurion's faith?Romans 1:19-20 (MSG) But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being.Steps Toward True Humility:Where have you been blind to your own or others' need for Jesus because of your or their goodness?For recovering achievement-aholics: Meditate on Romans 2:4 - “The kindness of God is intended to lead you to repentance” - and ask yourself where God's goodness illuminates your pride

Fruit: The natural product of specific conditions. How are you recognized? What is your heart full of? What am I connected to? & What is it producing?

Where are you at with the fact that Jesus is alive?GOWhat would it take for you to live like Jesus is alive?How is the fact that Jesus is alive impacting your daily life?

Isaiah 53:3-10 NLTRomans 3:23Romans 6:23ALTARLuke 23:38Philippians 2:8Luke 24:1-8What altar are you kneeling at?Matthew 16:24-26What if, this Easter, we went countercultural and surrendered?What are you holding onto?What is in your suitcase that you aren't willing to live without?Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin. I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I ask you to forgive me for all of my sin and for playing god in my own life! You alone are God! I surrender my life to you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me live my life for you, to the best of my ability. In Jesus name, Amen. Romans 10:9-10Text “Jesus” to 844-596-4503

What is freedom?Mainstream definition of freedom: “To be able to move toward what I want with as few barriers as possible.”As much as God was invested in the literal freedom of his people, it was their spiritual freedom he was after - and this can only happen by addressing sinSin: Patterns of thought, belief, and action which come from a desire for independence from God and to have ultimate control of our own livesTraditionally, the head of the feast would say something like: “This is the bread of our affliction; we do this in remembrance of Egypt.”Jesus says, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”Traditionally, the head of the feast would say something like this: “This is the cup of our freedom by the blood of the lamb.”Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you.”Grace is the experience of being shown love and compassion that you have not earned.Jesus is offering an invitation to Peter—because it is only in light of his sin that he will ever understand grace.Where is the lamb?

What is your level of spiritual vigilance?Luke 21:5-38Stay Alert and DiscerningLuke 21:8Ephesians 2:8-9Endure Challenges with FaithLuke 21:9Luke 21:12-15Witness-Martus/MarturoLive Prepared and PrayerfulLuke 21:34-36What is the condition of your soul?Who will you care for the soul of?

Do you understand the weight of your sin? Owner-God Vineyard-Israel and promises made Tenants-Israel's leaders Servants-Prophets Owner's Son-JesusWe want to be OWNERS instead of TENANTSHow do you see yourself?Are we handling everything like it belongs to God?Pride                HumilityAre you living your life humbly, as a tenant of God's stuff, leveraging everything for God's glory? Or pridefully, as an owner, using everything for your glory?Have you acknowledged Jesus as the cornerstone of your faith or are you rejecting Him through your actions?

How much peace do you have right now? Is it sufficient?Jesus wants us to be part of what He's doing.What are you looking to for peace?How do you respond when you're misunderstood?Jesus has made peace by reconciling us to the Father.Peace is both a gift and a choice.Will I accept God's gift of Peace, and will I choose to experience it through trusting in Him?