Podcasts about discussion questions

At some point, almost every married person has had the thought: did I marry the wrong person? In this honest and hopeful conversation, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott unpack where that feeling comes from — unmet expectations, comparison, cultural lies — and what to actually do when it shows up.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- What expectations did you bring into marriage that didn't match reality — and where did those expectations come from?- In what areas do you find yourself comparing your spouse or your marriage to others? How does that comparison affect your contentment?- Scott mentioned that part of the feeling often comes from something in us — selfishness, unrealistic expectations — not just our spouse. Where do you see that in yourself?- What are three specific things you're genuinely grateful for in your spouse right now? Have you told them recently?- What are some things you did early in your relationship that raised the attraction level — and how could you bring some of those back?- Is there something you've been feeling disconnected about that you haven't fully said out loud yet? What would it look like to bring that to your spouse this week?

Paul the apostle tells two stories in parallel: the children with no future and the children of the promise. Contrasting tales of children of a servant with no future security and children of a covenant promise whose future is secure unfold in the history of Israel. Paul maps these on to the lives of the Galatians to remind them of their inheritance in Christ, something they have quickly forgotten. And something we are quick to forget as well. Discussion Questions for Small Groups: 1. Where do you see yourself returning to futile and temporary things because it is easier than remembering the promise in Christ? 2. What does Paul's appeal to history reveal about God's character? 3. How does this passage show that we are saved by grace alone?

Michael Lodge, Speaking Pastor In chapter 2, Paul will present two ways we can live our lives. After building an understanding of God's wisdom and man's wisdom, Paul now shows how these two wisdoms can affect our lives. Which will we choose to live in and live out? What we choose will not only affect our lives but also the lives of those around us. Will we be spiritual Christians or natural Christians? Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources.  Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corin...

Is Moses Fired If Jesus Is Hired? Discussion Questions for Hebrews 7: Is Hebrews 7:8–10 really about tithing, or is the writer making a deeper point? React to this statement: A change of priesthood means a change of law. How does Jesus' tribe, lineage, or "passport" factor into the Law-versus-grace argument? How do phrases like "setting aside," "weakness," and "uselessness" clarify our relationship to the Law as believers? React to this statement: Jesus is my guarantee of a better covenant. React to this statement: You'll be saved as long as Jesus lives. Why is it so important to understand the "daily" sacrifices versus Jesus' "once-for-all" sacrifice in verse 27?

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview When your loving, hopeful life provides an opportunity, be ready to share the gospel.Digging Deeper    A loving life (vv. 8-12)1. In this passage, Peter calls us, as believers, to have a unifying and affectionate love for one another (v. 8).  Gospel Communities are intended to be “a family of disciples on mission” who, among other things, have a “unifying and affectionate love for one another.”  What do you feel could be done to see this love be sustained and grow in Gospel Community?2. Among followers of Jesus, we may have lots of differences and yet, in Christ, have common ground in the most important matters. What has been your experience of this sort of Christian unity? Have you seen God knit your heart to another brother or sister in Christ with whom you might not have a lot in common (on a merely human level)? Please share.3. Our love for one another inside the church is actually one of the most powerful things we can do for people outside it. Have you ever seen (or experienced) Christian community that made someone on the outside stop and ask questions?4. Verses 9b - 12 are intended by Peter to help motivate us to, instead of repaying evil for evil, bless and do good to those who mistreat us. What specifically in these verses do you find helpful in motivating you to live the sort of life Peter is calling us to live?    A ready response (vv. 13 - 17)5. The sermon describes a progression — trust, live out, speak, and now share — where the gospel moves from inside us, outward to the church, and then out to the world. Does that progression feel natural to you, or does it feel like a big jump when it gets to sharing? What makes that last step feel different?6. “A different hope will shape a distinctive life, which will get questions for which we need a ready response.”  What are some of the ways you would say your life is distinctive from people who do not believe in Jesus because of your hope in Christ? 7. If someone in your life asked you today, "Why are you the way you are?" — what would you say? Take a shot at it together as a group.8. Think of one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus — a neighbor, coworker, family member, friend. Without sharing too much detail, what's one word that describes how you feel when you think about having a spiritual conversation with them?9. To what degree would you say you are ready to speak of Christ and his saving work in your life with someone who might ask you about “the hope that is in you”?  10. If you don't feel ready to do so, what might be a good next step toward becoming more ready? Prayer

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session   Join hosts Emily Pollard, Brittany Kemp, and Tiffany Secula for a heartfelt and practical conversation about living out faith in the middle of busy, messy, and unexpected seasons. Each woman brings personal experience—Emily serving young women in ministry and raising a growing family, Brittany balancing family life, missions experience and graduate study, and Tiffany offering decades of ministry and licensed Christian counseling—to offer encouragement rooted in Scripture and real life. The episode opens with a discussion on spiritual consistency: what it really means and how it looks when schedules and responsibilities shift. Guests reject the idea of a rigid routine and emphasize "habit stacking" and small moments of spiritual connection—audio Bibles, quick Scripture readings, prayer lists, meditative quiet in the car, and leaning on weekly assemblies and preaching as fuel for the week. Passages and examples from Genesis and Psalm 139 underscore the idea of an ongoing spiritual trajectory rather than perfection. Next, the panel tackles comparison, resentment, and unrealistic expectations. Brittany's reminder that "comparison is the thief of joy" sets the tone as speakers encourage contentment (Philippians 4) and gratitude, practical boundaries, and honest communication with sisters in Christ. They discuss warning signs of unhealthy comparison, the difference between harmful comparison and healthy imitation of godly examples, and how to refocus identity on what God says about us rather than cultural pressure or curated social media snapshots. The final thread of the conversation explores trusting God when life doesn't go as planned. Through biblical examples (Joseph, Esther, Ruth, Job) and personal stories of unexpected moves and ministry life, the guests urge listeners to remember God's faithfulness, reflect on past times He provided, and rely on promises like Proverbs 3:5–6. Practical counsel includes looking back to recognize God's hand, leaning on community and counseling when needed, and allowing rest as part of spiritual health. Throughout the episode you'll hear candid anecdotes, Scripture references, and actionable takeaways: use technology (audio Bibles, apps) to stay connected, make small daily anchors that fit your season, practice gratitude and healthy comparison, guard your heart, and trust God's sovereignty when plans change. Expect warm, encouraging teaching geared toward women seeking practical ways to love God and serve others amid real-life demands.   Duration 41:07

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session   Marriage/Family Panel Discussion: Questions and Insights for Family - Bill Burk, Steven Ford, Richard Sutton   A panel discussion featuring Richard Sutton, Bill Burke, and Stephen Ford addressed strengthening marriages and families. The session began by introducing the panelists, highlighting their diverse backgrounds in mission work, biblical scholarship, and preacher training. The discussion emphasized that couples often drift into a "coexistent mode" and require intentionality—through improved communication, dedicated time, and small, consistent acts of love—to thrive as God intends. The speakers explored the vital role of older, experienced couples in mentoring younger ones through hospitality, transparency, and modeling a Christ-centered life. The conversation then shifted to parenting, identifying common mistakes like delaying spiritual instruction and prioritizing worldly success over faithfulness. The panelists stressed the importance of teaching scripture early, consistent modeling and discipline, and explaining moral reasoning from a Christian perspective. A significant portion was dedicated to navigating betrayal and broken trust in marriage. Key advice included total honesty, patience, and humility from the offending spouse, and managed emotions, a willingness to understand, and forgiveness from the offended spouse. The session concluded with foundational principles for strong homes: love Jesus first, love your spouse second above all others, and maintain open communication.   Duration 40:09

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session Youth Panel Discussion: Questions and Insights for Youth - Jerry Elder, Justin Rogers, Tim Lewis   Three directors and ministers—Tim Lewis, Dr. Justin Rogers, and Jerry Elder—discuss the primary struggles facing young people today: busyness, social media pressure, and anxiety. They offer practical guidance for spiritual growth, including consistent, reflective Bible study, taking personal responsibility, and building strong church relationships. They also highlight encouraging trends: young people's desire to serve their communities and pursue truth.   Duration 40:17

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session   Preachers/Elders Panel Discussion: Questions and Insights for Leaders - Mike Vestal, Richard Melson, Wayne Jones   The panelists discuss how church elders can balance their spiritual and administrative duties, emphasizing delegation ("train and trust"). They explore strategies for elders to genuinely know their congregation in growing churches and outline the components of a healthy, collaborative relationship between elders and preachers based on mutual respect, friendship, role clarity, and spiritual care. The discussion also covers signs of burnout and practical remedies, offers concise advice for new leaders, and concludes by celebrating the joy of witnessing transformed lives through ministry.   Duration 40:29

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 10:00 AM Session   Questions About Spiritual Growth and Development  Discusses the multifaceted nature of Christian spiritual growth. Key indicators of increasing faith include decreased fear, increased obedience, sensitivity to sin, and the fruits of the Spirit. Maturity is a disciplined, lifelong process nurtured by consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, enduring trials, and active participation in a supportive church community. This resilience is built by trusting God's character, especially during life's unexpected challenges.   Duration 41:33

Send us Fan MailGot Baggage? | Letting It Go | Part 4 Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 24, 2026What do you do with the pain that remains after someone has hurt you deeply?How do you let go of bitterness when the memories still ache? This Sunday, Pastor Keith Stewart concludes the “Got Baggage?” series with a powerful message called LETTING IT GO. Through unforgettable true stories and the example of Jesus Himself, we'll explore how forgiveness can free us from the weight of anger, resentment, and unresolved pain. You don't have to keep carrying yesterday into tomorrow. Join us this Sunday in person or online.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What part of this message impacted you the most personally and why? 2. Pastor Keith said, “Forgiveness does not erase scars, but it can transform what the scars produce.” What do you think that means in real life? 3. Kim Phúc carried bitterness and anger for years after the trauma she experienced. Why do you think pain so easily turns into resentment if left unresolved? 4. The message described anger as a form of protection and control: “When you're hurt, you feel vulnerable. When you're angry, you feel invulnerable.” How have you seen anger mask deeper hurts, fears, or disappointments in your own life? 5. Which unhealthy approach to pain do you most relate to?       • Manager       • Firefighter       • StufferHow has that coping mechanism affected your relationships or emotional health? 6. Discuss this statement: “There's a difference between rehearsing your hurt and releasing your hurt.” Why do people sometimes become attached to their pain stories? 7. Why is it difficult to bring emotional wounds honestly before God instead of merely talking about them with other people? 8. The sermon emphasized that Jesus often forgave people before they ever asked for forgiveness. How does that challenge or reshape your understanding of grace? 9. Read Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” What stands out to you most about Jesus' response from the cross? 10. Pastor Keith said: “God's forgiveness ALWAYS precedes our repentance. His compassion ALWAYS outruns our contrition.” How have you personally experienced God taking the first step toward you? 11. Is there someone in your life you still need to release to God? Without sharing unnecessary details, what makes forgiveness difficult in that situation? 12. Kim described bitterness like “black sludge” that had to be poured out “day by day and a bit at a time.” Why is forgiveness often more of a process than a single moment? What practical step could you take this week toward healing, forgiveness, or emotional honesty with God? 13. Close your time together by praying specifically for: healing from unresolved wounds, courage to face buried pain, freedom from bitterness, and the ability to forgive as Christ has forgiven us.

Welcome to Day 2871 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Welcome to Day 2866 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Interacting with the Spirit: Discernment and Devotion. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2871 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2871 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  Does “Be Not Afraid” Really Appear 365 Times in the Bible? Upon closer examination, this claim falls apart. While the Bible certainly emphasizes trust in God and regularly urges believers not to be afraid, the specific phrase count does not match the poetic number. The truth is more nuanced and perhaps even more meaningful than the myth. Our first segment is: What the Text Actually Says When we examine the biblical text across multiple translations, the number of occurrences is far lower than 365. Although the Bible consistently calls God's people to trust Him, the phrase “be not afraid,” along with its close equivalents such as “fear not” or “do not be afraid,” shows up far less frequently than the popular claim suggests. New International Version (NIV): Fewer than 100 English Standard Version (ESV): Around 80 New King James Version (NKJV): Slightly over 70 These variations come from differences in translation philosophy, sentence structure, and idiomatic rendering. But across the board, none of them even come close to the fabled 365. Even when generously including all possible rephrasings and scattered verses that convey the idea indirectly, the number still does not reach that mark. Our second segment is: How the Myth Spread The origin of the 365-phrase myth is difficult to pin down, but it likely arose from a sincere desire to encourage. The number fits neatly into our calendar, and the message aligns with central biblical themes of faith, courage, and divine reassurance. In sermons, devotionals, or motivational talks, it serves as a tidy and memorable way to inspire trust in God's daily presence. But what begins as a poetic summary often becomes misunderstood as fact. Over time, the statement was repeated so often that many assumed it was grounded in textual reality. The emotional impact of the claim allowed it to bypass the usual filters of verification. It became popular because it felt true, not because it was true. Our Third Segment is: Why Accuracy Still Matters Some might argue that the exact number does not matter as long as the message is uplifting. But in matters of faith, accuracy is not a luxury. It is a responsibility. When a believer discovers that a frequently repeated claim is false or exaggerated, it can lead to disappointment, confusion, or even doubt. Trust in Scripture should not be built on clever slogans or numerical myths, but on the richness of what the text actually says. The deeper danger is not the mistake itself but the habit it encourages. Repeating unverified claims, even with good intentions, trains people to depend on secondhand summaries instead of firsthand study. It makes them more susceptible to emotional appeals and less equipped to test what they hear. Truth may not always be as poetic, but it is always more powerful. Our fourth segment is: What the Bible Really Emphasizes The beauty of Scripture is that it does not need embellishment. Even though the phrase “be not afraid” does not appear 365 times, the theme of divine reassurance is woven throughout the entire narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, God tells His people not to fear. Not because trouble will not come, but because He is with them in the midst of it. Abraham is told not to fear because God is his shield. Moses is told not to fear Pharaoh. Joshua is told not to fear the enemies in Canaan. The prophets speak words of courage to a nation in exile. Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid of those who kill the body. And the final chapters of Revelation show a people who overcome fear through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The command not to fear is not a one-time sentiment. It is a constant posture of faith in the face of a broken world. And while it may not be repeated every single day in exact words, it is echoed on nearly every page. In Conclusion The claim that the Bible says “be not afraid” 365 times may sound nice, but it simply is not true. That does not mean the message is wrong, only that it should not rely on a false statistic. The call to trust God and live without fear is one of the Bible's most persistent and powerful themes. Rather than grounding our confidence in a feel-good myth, we are invited into something more enduring. A life shaped by real engagement with the Word, where faith grows through truth and not through repetition.bWhat God has actually said is more than enough. For further study, consider these Discussion Questions How does learning the true frequency of “be not afraid” in Scripture impact your view of the phrase's importance? Why do you think people are so drawn to neat or poetic claims like “365 times for 365 days”? Can sincere but inaccurate statements weaken a person's trust in biblical teaching? Why or why not? What are some ways we can guard against spreading misinformation while still encouraging others? How does personal study of the Bible help believers grow in both truth and discernment? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Progressive Christianity and the Northern Kingdom: A Repeated Rebellion. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of  ‘Wisdom-Trek,  Creating a Legacy.'                          Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly,   I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always:                      Liv Abundantly.      Love Unconditionally.              Listen Intentionally.             Learn Continuously.               Lend to others Generously.                 Lead with Integrity.                 Leave a Living Legacy Each Day.                 I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to,   “Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy your journey, and create a great day, every day!  Join me next time for more daily wisdom!

The differences that drew you to your spouse in dating can become the very things that drive you crazy in marriage — but what if they didn't have to? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew talk honestly about what it looks like to move from contempt toward genuine celebration of the spouse God gave you.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- What differences first attracted you to your spouse — and have any of those become sources of frustration over time?- Where do you tend toward contempt rather than celebration when your spouse does things differently than you would?- What's one specific difference in your spouse that you could choose to reframe with gratitude this week?- How do you currently discern, in your marriage, between a difference that's just a preference and one that has crossed into a sinful pattern?- Who in your life — friends, community, mentors — do you trust to speak honestly into your marriage when conflict keeps coming up?- What would it look like practically for you to pray for God's eyes toward your spouse this week?

Michael Lodge, Speaking Pastor No one saw the wisdom and power of Jesus coming. Everyone missed in because it was so upside down from their expectations. In this section of Chapter 1 Paul brings our attention to the danger of having hero's that are wise and powerful from the world's perspective. He then declares the greatness of the divine wisdom and power of Jesus' impossible works.  Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corinthians-discussion-questions

Almost all of us are carrying something we've worked very hard to keep in the dark. The Friday night. The addiction. The version of you nobody on Sunday gets to see.Psalm 51 is David's song from the floor, written after his affair with Bathsheba blew his whole life apart. It's raw, it's honest, and most of us have prayed some version of it. But here's what Matt unpacks in this message: David was reaching across a thousand years for what Jesus has already handed you. A clean heart. A washing that holds. A Spirit who won't leave. He was begging for what you're already living inside of.If you've ever thought God can't use someone like me, or my past disqualifies me, this one is for you. You don't have to clean yourself up before you come. Come wrecked and messy and realize that the cross of Jesus did all the cleansing and renewal you need.Come out of hiding.Discussion Questions:1. What's something you've been hiding (from God, from yourself, from people who love you)? What has the energy of keeping it hidden cost you?2. David was reaching for a clean heart, a Spirit who stays, and a sacrifice that finishes the work. He was reaching across a thousand years for what we've been handed in Christ. Which of those three do you most need to stop praying for and start living from?3. Take a moment of quiet. What is the Holy Spirit putting His finger on as you sit with this Psalm? Not "what should I do" but "what is true of me that I've been missing"?4. What would it look like this week to live from your new identity in Christ instead of for an acceptance you're trying to earn? Where specifically does this need to land: work, school, marriage, parenting, your own head when you're alone?+ + + + +Hey, while you're here, please help Generation by clicking the 'Subscribe' button, then click on the BELL

In the last message of our series B(less)ed, the founder and executive director of Ananias House, John Samara shares powerful stories of hope and transformation from the persecuted church in the Middle East and North Africa. You will be challenged and encouraged by these moving stories of God's love changing hearts and lives in this Muslim area of the world where faith often comes at a great cost. Matthew 5:10-12: God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.(There are no Message Notes or Discussion Questions for this episode.)Find us on:YouTube: YouTube.com/TheHarborInstagram: Instagram.com/TheHarbor_lifeFacebook: Facebook.com/TheHarbordotlifeWebsite: https://www.TheHarbor.lifeWatch/listen on The Harbor AppNew episode every week!

Is God's promise to Himself anchoring your salvation? Hebrews 6 is about anchoring your confidence in God's promise, not your consistency. Andrew Farley reveals why you're not inching closer to God through quiet times, church attendance, or spiritual effort. In Christ, you are already near, already secure, already anchored. Discussion Questions for Hebrews 6-7: Hebrews 6:11 speaks of "the full assurance of hope." Why is assurance so important in the Christian life? How does confidence in Christ produce diligence, while fear and uncertainty often produce burnout? God swore by Himself because "He could swear by no one greater" (6:13). What does it mean that our hope is anchored in God's promise to Himself, not our promise to God? How does that expose the exhausting lie that "it all depends on me"? Hebrews 6:18 says it is "impossible for God to lie." When you doubt your security, forgiveness, or closeness to God, what are you really being tempted to question about Him? How does God's character become the foundation of your confidence? Verse 19 calls this hope "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." What are some false anchors people trust in: performance, feelings, church attendance, spiritual disciplines, personal promises? How is Jesus a better anchor than all of them? Hebrews 6:19–20 says our hope enters "within the veil," where Jesus has gone as our forerunner. What does it mean that Jesus did not merely point toward God's presence but actually brought us in? How does this confront the idea that believers are still distant from God? Melchizedek is called "king of righteousness" and "king of peace" (7:2). How does knowing you've been made right with God produce real peace instead of religious striving? Abraham gave a gift to Melchizedek before the Levitical priesthood even existed (7:6). What does this show about a priesthood greater than the Levitical system? How does Jesus, our forever High Priest, free us from living under an old religious system and invite us into something better?

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Pursue gospel-powered transformation by speaking and singing it to one another.I. The whole church is responsible for keeping the gospel abundantly central     (v. 16a)II. We do this as we speak it to one another variously and wisely (v. 16b)III. A primary way we speak it is our Sunday morning singing (v. 16c) Digging Deeper    The whole church is responsible for keeping the gospel richly central (v. 16a)1. Paul tells the whole church to let the word of Christ "dwell richly" among them. What do you think it would look like on Sunday morning or in Gospel Community to take shared responsibility for keeping the gospel central? What would that require from each of us? 2. Do you have a time and place to get alone with God in his Word on a regular basis? What does that look like for you? 3. Meditating on God's word goes beyond simply reading it, but “chewing” on it, reflecting on it, letting it sink in. How might you grow in this?    4. Sadly, instead of the gospel dwelling richly in us, other rivals can occupy that space in our minds and hearts (e.g. - what we take in from YouTube, cable news, movies, advice from well-meaning friends, etc.). How might we determine (with one another's help) if this is true of us? If it is, what might intentional fighting and guarding against this look like for you? We do this as we speak it to one another variously and wisely. (v. 16b)5. What might it look like for you to more regularly remind those around you of truth from God's Word (and in so doing do what v.16b calls us to do: “teaching …. one another”)?6. Please share an example (with appropriate anonymity) of a time that you admonished a friend or a friend admonished you, and God clearly used it for good. A primary way we speak it is in our Sunday morning singing. (v. 16c)7. What do you think about this idea that one of the ways we teach and admonish one another is through “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to God” as we gather on Sunday mornings?  8. Given this reality (of #7 above), are there ways we might take our responsibility (and joy) of corporate singing more seriously? How so?  9. Gospel-powered transformation happens as we speak and sing the gospel to one another. Think of a fellow believer in your life, who you know is enduring some sort of trial / challenge. What truth do they need to be reminded of?  How might you be a means of grace in their life by reminding them of this truth?  When are you going to do this? Prayer

Unrelenting Opposition Steve Krug Download Sermon ScriptureDaniel 8Sermon DownloadsDownload Sermon Outline and Discussion Questions

In this episode, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss how your family of origin—especially experiences of divorce or relational brokenness—can shape your expectations, fears, and habits in marriage. But Scripture makes it clear: your past may influence you, but it does not define your future.Discussion Questions- What messages about marriage did you absorb from your family growing up—spoken or unspoken?- Do you notice any fears in your marriage that might be rooted in your family of origin?In what ways are you tempted to repeat patterns you saw growing up—or overcorrect them?- How can you intentionally build “truth-based theology” about marriage instead of experience-based beliefs?- Where have you already seen God bring redemption or healing into your family story?ResourcesFlawed Families of the Bible: How God's Grace Works through Imperfect Relationships - David and Diana GarlandMerge Marriage Ministry

In this episode, we reflect on how Pentecost is more than just an event of the past, but can be an ongoing outpouring of God's love and grace in our lives today. We discuss how the Holy Spirit helps heal our wounds, restores communion with God, and teaches us how to live with power and boldness, even in the places where we feel unable to love the Lord. As we prepare our hearts for Pentecost, we talk practically about cultivating a posture of receptivity, learning to invite the Holy Spirit more deeply into our hearts, and how to allow His fire to illuminate our identity and transform us from within. The Holy Spirit is alive within us, able to enter even the locked places of our hearts, and desires to help us bear much fruit in our lives.   Heather's One Thing - Pentecost | Holy Spirit Rest on Us Playlist Heather's Other One Thing - Wild Goose Series with Fr. Dave Pivonka Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Discerning Hearts Podcast App Michelle's One Thing - College Graduations   Other Resources Mentioned: Be Transformed Book Study   Journal Questions: How can I make myself more open to encounter the Holy Spirit pirit this Pentecost? Where in my life do I feel powerless? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to make me more like Jesus? How am I rationing the boldness of the Holy Spirit? Where do I need to unlock the doors of my heart?   Discussion Questions: How can you welcome the Holy Spirit into your life in a deeper way?  What does it look like to experience the Holy Spirit in community? What gifts of the Holy Spirit do you desire to empower your work of building the Kingdom of God? How will you celebrate Pentecost?   Quotes to Ponder: "If there be among the gifts of God none greater than love, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit, what follows more naturally than that He is Himself love…." (Saint Augustine)   "This great mystical tradition . . . shows how prayer can progress, as a genuine dialogue of love, to the point of rendering the person wholly possessed by the divine Beloved, vibrating at the Spirit's touch, resting filially within the Father's heart." (Pope Saint John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte, Paragraph 33)   "A noble and delicate soul ... follows faithfully the faintest breath of the Holy Spirit; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its mother." (The Diary of St. Faustina, Entry 148) Scripture for Lectio: "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:4-9)   Sponsor - Mary's Meals: Every mother knows what it's like to want to protect their child and provide for them, to make sure there's food on the table, to make sure her child is safe, cared for, and able to grow into who God created them to be. But for millions of mothers around the world, hunger stands in the way of that hope. Their children walk to school carrying empty bowls, wondering if today they'll have anything to eat. And that's where Mary's Meals steps in. Mary's Meals provides one daily meal in a place of education for children living in some of the world's poorest communities. And that simple meal becomes the reason a child comes to school. Once they're there, everything can begin to change. Education can become a pathway out of poverty.  So a child who is hungry can focus.  A child who is vulnerable can dream.  And a mother who felt helpless can begin to hope again.  What we love most about Mary's Meals is how ordinary people get to become a part of that story. We don't have to solve global hunger. We simply have to feed one child. And here's the beautiful thing. It only costs $25.20 to feed a child for an entire school year.  That's one child sitting in a classroom instead of sitting at home hungry. One mother experiencing relief instead of worry.  One life changed through a simple act of love. So if your hearts are moved to help, we invite you to join us in supporting Mary's Meals. You can head over to their website marysmealsusa.org (or marysmeals.ca for Canada) and together we can offer hope, dignity and a daily meal to a child who needs it most.    Timestamps: 00:00 Mary's Meals 01:39 Introduction 02:26 Welcome 03:24 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 04:39 Preparing Our Hearts 07:34 Healing the Wound of Powerlessness  09:26 The Holy Spirit Enables Us to Love 11:04 Inviting the Holy Spirit into Our Hearts 12:50 Our Advocate and the Forgiveness of Sins 15:10 "It is Better that I Go" 17:14 Baptized with Fire 19:15 Bearing Fruit in Our Lives 20:57 When We Restrict the Holy Spirit 22:50 Receiving the Holy Spirit within Community 28:08 Being Inspired by the Holy Spirit 31:04 One Things

Send us Fan MailBLESSED ASSURANCEPastor Jerrid Fletcher May 17, 2026"Blessed Assurance" turns the mirror of forgiveness inward, reminding us that while we've spent weeks learning to forgive others and set healthy boundaries, the one name we cannot leave off the forgiveness list is our own. Drawing from Fanny Crosby's 1873 hymn and the bedrock truth of Romans 8:1 — "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" — this message confronts the lie that grace must be earned through suffering. Many of us have built a prison from the inside and lost the key on purpose, holding ourselves to a standard we'd never apply to anyone else, mistaking guilt for godliness and chains for conviction.But the gospel declares a different verdict. God's mercy doesn't wait for us to finish punishing ourselves — it meets us, like David in Psalm 51, broken and empty-handed at the mercy seat. Whether the weight you carry is one you placed on yourself (unmet expectations, regret, comparison) or one others placed on you (wounding words, betrayal, abuse, spiritual harm), Jesus has already absorbed the sentence. The "now" of Romans 8:1 is not tomorrow, not when you feel worthy — it's now. Blessed Assurance isn't a hope-so salvation; it's a know-so salvation. And God isn't done writing your story yet.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The message reminded us, "We hold ourselves to a standard we would never apply to another human being." Where in your life do you find yourself extending grace to others but withholding it from yourself? What do you think is underneath that?2. Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation. Why do you think the word "now" is so hard for many of us to actually receive? What would change in your daily life if you truly believed the verdict has already been declared in your favor?3. The sermon described two categories of weight — the weight we put on ourselves and the weight others have put on us. Which one do you carry more of, and can you name a specific voice, memory, or moment that still echoes in your head today?4. The story of being called "a mere drummer" showed how one word can shape years of decisions and self-perception. What words have been spoken over you that you've allowed to become your identity? What would it look like to give those words back?5. "Enough is enough comes when you stop negotiating with what's killing you." What is the one thing — a regret, a shame, a chain — that you sense God is inviting you to lay down today? What's keeping you from walking through the door He's already opened?

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview If you have been joined to Christ, live out this new reality.(1-4) Grounded Command: Shift your gaze because you are joined to Christ(5-11) Shift your gaze by putting your old, earthly self to death.(12-15) Shift your gaze by putting on godliness Digging Deeper    1. This passage commands us to shift our gaze to things above. What does your gaze tend to settle on (or what do you tend to focus on) that you need to shift it away from?2. Quietly reflect on the sins in verses 5, 8-9. Are there any you continue to struggle with and hope to change?3. What would you say to a Christian who looks at these commands and says, "But that's just the way I am!” (i.e., “I just have a short fuse”)?4. None of us - even the most mature Christians - properly shift our gaze away from the world all the time. When we fail, where can we find encouragement?5. God expects us to live out our Christian reality in community. What ways can you engage with your church and Gospel Community to help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?6. Which of the traits of godliness in verses 12-15 do you need to “put on” and let into your life more (or shift your gaze to)?Prayer

Michael Lodge, Speaking Pastor Paul sets the foundation for his letter in Chapter One of 1 Corinthians. In the first nine verses he covers all the goodness of Jesus' grace and the many benefits of growing in that grace. Paul highlights the unfortunate reality that had become this church's reality. They had ruined this good thing! Today we hear Paul's plea to return to this good thing. This will be the first of 5 talks on how not to ruin a good thing. Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/first-corinthians-discussion-questions

This sermon challenges believers to examine whether they are living from false identities rooted in accomplishments, roles, possessions, and external affirmation, or from their true identity in Christ. Jen emphasizes that while culture celebrates temporal achievements and attributes, God calls us to be "new creations" whose primary identity is rooted in being chosen, beloved children of God. The message explores the difference between passively holding our identity versus actively receiving it—comparing it to a child learning to catch versus a professional receiver who grasps, protects, and runs with the ball. Through the character study of Simon Peter, the sermon illustrates how Jesus speaks identity over us and invites us into transformation, even when we struggle to live into that identity fully. The key theological insight is that our identity in Christ is not something we earn or construct, but something we receive as a gift, and we must actively open, believe, and live from that truth daily.Read Ephesians 2:8-10Salvation is a gift, not a reward. Yet how often do we carry God's gift around unopened, never truly receiving what He offers? Like a beautifully wrapped present left in the bag with tissue intact, we acknowledge God's grace but fail to unwrap and live from it. Receiving requires action—opening your hands, drawing the gift close, protecting it, and running with it. Today, consider what gifts God has given you that remain unopened: freedom from shame, righteousness, belonging. Don't just hold these truths at arm's length. Draw them into your heart. Let them transform how you see yourself. God's gift isn't meant to be admired from a distance but lived from daily.Discussion Questions:-In what ways do you find yourself seeking affirmation from social media, accomplishments, or relationships rather than from your identity in Christ?-What does it mean to actively receive your identity in Christ rather than passively holding it, and how can you practice this in your daily life?-When you think about God delighting in you, what internal barriers or beliefs make it difficult to accept this truth?-Which of the seven false identities (regrets, career, accomplishments, connections, roles, attractions, possessions, appearance) do you most struggle with elevating above your God-given identity?

Adopted, 2 of 3 from May 17, 2026 “God's plan includes temporary safeguards while He prepares permanent solutions.” Galatians 3:15-29 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon teaches that God's covenant with Abraham was always meant to be fulfilled in Jesus, and that the law of Moses was only a temporary guardian to highlight human sin until Christ arrived. It emphasizes that anyone, regardless of background or past, can be adopted into God's family and justified before Him solely by trusting in Jesus rather than by religious rule‑keeping or personal goodness.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

In this powerful exploration of Romans 14:1-12, we're confronted with a challenging truth: we're far better at inspecting the specks in others' eyes than removing the planks from our own. The message cuts straight to the heart of Christian unity, asking why we allow opinions about non-essentials—whether it's the color of carpet, style of worship, or personal convictions about food and holy days—to divide what Christ died to unite. The early church faced these same tensions when thousands from every nation gathered at Pentecost, bringing countless traditions and perspectives into one body. Yet they chose unity in essentials and liberty in non-essentials, all wrapped in love. We're reminded that our main mission isn't to debate preferences or enforce our traditions on others, but to welcome people into the transforming grace of Jesus. The sobering reality is that each of us will give an account to God for our own lives—not for how well we judged our brothers and sisters. When we stand before Him, He won't ask about someone else's shortcomings; He'll ask what we did with the life He gave us. This isn't about lowering standards—it's about raising our focus from petty divisions to the essential gospel that saves, transforms, and unites us across every denominational line.**Sermon Notes – Romans 14:1–12****1. Context & Big Idea**  - Romans 14 addresses *disputable matters* among Christians (gray areas, non-essentials).  - Paul's concern: unity and love in the church, not uniformity of opinions.  - Key tension: “weak” and “strong” believers disagreeing over food and special days.**2. Judging vs. Helping (Matt. 7:1–5; Rom. 14:1–4)**  - Jesus' “speck and log” illustration: our sin looks worse on others than on us.  - We tend to use Scripture as binoculars, not a mirror.  - Goal is not to be “speck inspectors” but *log removers* so we can help, not condemn.  - Paul: welcome the weak, “not to quarrel over opinions.” (v.1)  - God, not we, is master of His servants (v.4).**3. Disputable Matters in Rome (Rom. 14:2–6)**  - Meat sacrificed to idols: some believers' consciences would not allow eating; others understood idols are nothing.  - Special days: some believers honored certain days (e.g., Sabbath); others saw all days alike.  - Paul's surprising command: “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” (v.5)   - Hold your conviction before the Lord, but don't bind it on others.  - The issue is *motive*: eating or abstaining “in honor of the Lord” with thanksgiving (v.6).**4. Essentials vs. Non-essentials**  - Augustine: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”  - Essentials (examples from church statement):   - Trinity, authority of Scripture, creation and providence, salvation in Christ, return of Christ, gifts of the Spirit, baptism, etc.  - Non-essentials: styles, preferences, traditions, gray areas of conscience.  - There *are* right reasons to leave a church:   1) Moral failure in leadership (unrepentant)   2) Financial impropriety   3) Abandoning biblical truth  - Wrong reasons: personal preference, style, minor disagreements.**5. Living and Dying to the Lord (Rom. 14:7–9)**  - “None of us lives to himself… we are the Lord's.”  - Our lives belong to Christ; we serve our generation for His purposes (Acts 13:36).  **6. Final Accountability (Rom. 14:10–12; Matt. 12:36; Phil. 2:12)**  - We will all stand before God's judgment seat.  - Each will give an account “of himself to God” – not for others, but for our own lives, words, and actions.  - We must “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling,” not everyone else's.---**Practical Applications**1. **Use Scripture as a mirror first.** This week, when tempted to criticize someone, ask: “What ‘log' is God showing me?”  2. **Hold convictions humbly.** Identify one gray-area conviction you have. Commit to honor it personally without judging others who differ.  3. **Guard your words.** Remember you'll give an account for “every careless word.” Pray before posting, texting, or venting.  4. **Pursue unity over preference.** When something at church isn't your style (music, dress, temperature, format), choose gratitude over grumbling.  5. **Focus on your own obedience.** Daily pray: “Lord, how do *You* want me to live for You today?” instead of fixating on others' failures.---**Discussion Questions**1. What are some modern “disputable matters” that tend to divide Christians today?  2. How do you personally tell the difference between an essential doctrine and a non-essential opinion?  3. Where are you most tempted to act as a “speck inspector”? How does Jesus' “log” image confront you?  4. When have you seen a church handle disagreement well? What made it different?  5. In what area do you need to become “fully convinced in your own mind” before the Lord?  6. How does remembering that you will give an account to God change the way you speak about or treat other believers?

Welcome to Day 2861 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Testing All Things: Why Respecting Pastors Includes Accountability Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2861 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2861 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  Testing All Things: Why Respecting Pastors Includes Accountability. In many churches today, there is an expectation that pastors be given honor and respect. Scripture affirms this respect, but it does not call for blind obedience. Some leaders suggest that questioning their teaching is a form of rebellion or a refusal to submit to authority. Yet the Bible makes a different claim. Holding leaders accountable to the Word is not undermining their authority, but honoring the authority of Christ to whom they themselves must answer. The real issue is not whether we respect pastors, but whether we allow anyone's words to stand above Scripture. The first segment is: The Commendable Discernment of the Bereans. Acts 17 verse eleven praises the Bereans because they listened eagerly to Paul and then turned to the Scriptures daily to confirm what they had heard. Paul was an apostle who had encountered the risen Christ, yet even he was not beyond examination. The Bereans were not skeptics undermining his authority. They were faithful believers guarding against error. Their discernment was a form of respect, showing that they valued the truth of God's Word above all else. That same principle applies today: questioning what a pastor teaches is not rebellion, but obedience to God's call to weigh everything by Scripture. The second segment is: Testing Teachers and Spirits. John warned the church, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). This assumes that false teachers would exist, even within the church. Paul echoed the same truth when he wrote, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (first Thessalonians 5 verse twenty one). These commands are given to every believer, not just church leaders. If pastors were meant to be unquestioned authorities, these passages would be meaningless. Instead, Scripture shows that discernment is part of faithful obedience. To test teaching is not to reject authority, but to protect it by making sure it remains under Christ. The third segment is: Pastors as Servants, Not Masters Pastors and elders are entrusted with the care of the church. They are to lead, teach, and shepherd, but their authority is not absolute. It only exists when it aligns with the Word of God. Titus 1 verse nine says a leader must hold firmly to the trustworthy word and be able to refute error. James 3 verse one warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, reminding us that they are accountable to God for their words. Even Hebrews 13 verse seventeen, a passage often cited to demand unquestioning obedience, frames leadership in terms of accountability. Leaders “will have to give an account” to God. True authority in the church is never independent. It is always grounded in Scripture and subject to Christ. The fourth segment is: Even Apostles Faced Correction Galatians 2 records a striking moment when Paul confronted Peter publicly for compromising the gospel. Peter, one of Christ's closest disciples, withdrew from Gentile believers out of fear of criticism. Paul opposed him “because he stood condemned.” This was not a rejection of Peter's authority but a defense of the truth he was called to uphold. If even Peter could be corrected for straying from the gospel, then no modern leader can claim to be beyond question. Correction is not rebellion. It is an act of faithfulness that preserves both authority and truth. The fifth segments is: Christ's Warning Against Elevating Leaders Jesus warned His disciples not to seek titles or exalted positions, saying, “You are not to be called Rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers” (Matthew 23, verses eight through ten). Authority belongs to Christ alone. Pastors are not mediators between God and man. That role belongs to Christ. Instead, leaders are to shepherd with humility, “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5 verses two and three). The danger is not in respecting leaders, but in elevating them above their proper place. When pastors are treated as unquestionable, they cease to reflect the servant leadership of Christ. In Conclusion The Bible never calls believers to submit blindly to a pastor's words. Instead, it calls the church to test all things and to hold fast to what is true. This is not a rejection of authority but a recognition of where true authority lies, in Christ and His Word. Pastors are to be respected, encouraged, and followed when they lead rightly. But they are also accountable, and when their teaching strays, questioning it is an act of obedience to God. A healthy church is not one where questions are silenced, but where questions are welcomed as part of keeping leaders and people alike rooted in Scripture. To test teaching is not to dishonor a pastor, but to honor the Lord who gave His Word as the final standard for all. For additional study, consider these Discussion Questions. Why does Acts 17 verse eleven praise the Bereans for testing Paul's teaching, and how does this show that discernment strengthens rather than rejects authority? How does First John 4 verse one call every believer to responsibility in testing the spirits, and what would happen if this responsibility were ignored in the church? In Galatians 2, Paul rebuked Peter for compromising the gospel. How does this account demonstrate that correction is not rebellion but a way of preserving true authority? What dangers arise when a congregation confuses loyalty to a leader with loyalty to Christ and His Word? How can a church create a culture where questioning teaching is welcomed as faithfulness to God's Word, while still showing respect for pastoral leadership? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Testing All Things: Why Respecting Pastors Includes Accountability. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of  ‘Wisdom-Trek,  Creating a Legacy.'                          Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly,   I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always:                      Liv Abundantly.      Love Unconditionally.              Listen Intentionally.             Learn Continuously.               Lend to others Generously.                 Lead with Integrity.                 Leave a Living Legacy Each Day.                 I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to,   “Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy your journey, and create a great day, every day!  Join me next time for more daily wisdom!

Hungry for More than Milk? This message reveals a stunning truth: Jesus gets you. He understands. Not from a distance. Not from a throne room. From experience. He stepped into your struggle. He knows your pain. With Him, there is no scorekeeping, no distance, no performance review. Just a High Priest with scars who meets you in your worst moments with mercy, grace, and an unshakable salvation. He is not like the old. He is better in every way. And He is yours. Discussion Questions for Hebrews 5: Why is it important that Jesus truly became human to represent us? How does Jesus' compassion differ from human, weakness-based compassion? What are the benefits of Jesus being both the Son of God and our High Priest? Verse 7 says Jesus prayed with loud crying and tears. What does this reveal about Jesus? React to this statement: Like Jesus, we learn obedience, even while we're righteous. Read verse 9. How should we understand "obey Him" in the context of Hebrews 1-5? In your own words, explain the role and importance of Melchizedek. What's the difference between spiritual "milk" and "the word of righteousness"?

Show Notes: Charles Spurgeon's SermonWhen you're crying out to God in pain and getting only silence, is He ignoring you?Job has lost everything. He's been interrogated by three friends, talked over by a brash young man named Elihu, and God still hasn't said a word. In Job 35–37, Elihu makes his final case, and for one breathtaking moment he actually gets it right.As a storm gathers on the horizon, Elihu stops dissecting Job's theology and does something none of them have done yet. He looks up. And what he sees changes everything he says next.What you'll learn:Faith vs. transaction: Elihu lands a truth worth sitting with. Your relationship with God was never meant to be a deal. Faithfulness isn't a payment God owes you a return on.Why God sometimes seems silent: There's a difference between crying from pain and crying for God. And it turns out it matters deeply which one you're doing.Songs in the night: What an ancient phrase from Job 35 and a famous Spurgeon sermon reveal about finding peace when it makes no sense to worship.God's power reframed: Job feared God's power would crush him. Elihu argues it's actually the guarantee of justice, a tension that pays off big in the next episode.How not to comfort someone: After four men and dozens of speeches, the most practical lesson in these chapters may be the simplest. Listen before you speak and build bridges, not walls.Discussion Questions for Job 35-37Have you ever tried to comfort someone who was suffering, but your words made things worse instead of better?Is there a trial in your life right now where you need to cry out for God's presence rather than just His intervention?Has God ever used your own suffering to prepare you to comfort someone else?This podcast episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, Season 18: The Book of Job.We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Contact Bible Book ClubDONATE Buy merch Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's InstagramLike or comment on Susan's Facebook or InstagramLeave us an Apple reviewContact us through our website formThanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Title: When Jesus Draws NearSpeaker: Matt KehlerLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview The glory of the gospel is God's saving righteousness, given by faith.I. The good news reveals the gift of God's righteousness (v. 17a)II. The gift is received by faith alone (v. 17b)III. This makes the gospel God's saving power (v. 16b)IV. News this good and powerful we should rejoice in without shame (v. 16a) Digging Deeper    1. Read verses 13-15 of Romans 1. How are they important for understanding verses 16-17? 2. What are some ideas about or ways of understanding “the gospel” that are incorrect? What, really, is the gospel?3. How have you been tempted to “move beyond” the gospel? What can keep you from falling into that trap?4. How has your life been shaped by the gospel message that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and not the other way around? 5. Why is it that people can so easily put faith in other things, but not in Jesus? How might we leverage the message of this passage to show people why faith in God is a good thing?6. It can be easy to inadvertently turn faith into a kind of “work.” What gives us confidence that we are still saved even if our faith wavers?7. Share about a person who trusted in Christ whom you thought would never believe. What does this show about God's power through the Gospel?8. Where in your life do you struggle to forgive or give grace to yourself? How does trusting the Gospel transform that reality?9. “The fuel of the Christian life isn't fear of punishment. The fuel is love that comes from beholding how he has loved us.” What fuels you as a Christian, if not love? 10. Share about a time when you tried to evangelize, and it went poorly, or you struggled with confidence. How might you grow in sharing the gospel without being ashamed?Prayer

This sermon addresses the fundamental question of why believers continue to struggle with sin despite knowing Christ's promise of freedom. Mike explains that true freedom comes not from managing sinful behavior or religious performance, but from deeply abiding in the Holy Spirit. Using the metaphor of archery, sin is defined as "missing the mark" of God's wholeness and abundant life. The message emphasizes that the Christian life is not about sin management but about being Spirit-filled, which naturally produces the fruit of a flourishing life. Read John 10:10 & Romans 7:15-25Jesus didn't come merely to manage your sin—He came to offer you abundant life. The struggle Paul describes in Romans 7 resonates with us all: "The things I wish I do, I don't do. The things I wish I didn't do, I do." But notice Paul's focus isn't just on behavior; it's on the battle within our being. Before there's a battle with your behavior, there's always a battle with your being. Sin isn't primarily about breaking rules—it's about missing the mark of God's wholeness for you. Today, recognize that God's commands aren't restrictions to crush your joy, but boundaries to protect your flourishing. His "bullseye" for your life is complete wholeness in Christ. What areas of your life reveal you've been managing symptoms rather than addressing the core issue of your being?Discussion Questions:-How does understanding sin as 'missing the mark' of God's wholeness rather than just breaking rules change your perspective on your struggles and God's intentions for your life?-What false attachments (control, performance, approval, pleasure, success) have you been depending on for security instead of attaching to God as your primary source of life and wholeness?-Paul warns the Galatians about starting in the Spirit but trying to finish in the flesh. Where in your spiritual journey have you drifted from depending on God's grace to depending on your own efforts?-How does knowing that you received the Holy Spirit the moment you believed, not when you perfected yourself, change your approach to spiritual growth and overcoming struggles?

Adopted, 1 of 3 from May 10, 2026 “Jesus was cursed so that we can be blessed by adoption into God's family.” Galatians 3:1-14 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon teaches that believers are adopted into God's family and counted righteous solely through trusting in Jesus Christ, who became a curse on the cross so that we could receive God's blessing. Drawing from Galatians 3 and Abraham's example, Pastor Michael emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's presence is our “certificate of adoption,” showing that our relationship with God rests on faith in Christ's finished work rather than on our religious performance or obedience to the law.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This powerful exploration of Romans 13:8-14 challenges us to understand that love is not merely an emotion but the complete fulfillment of God's law. When we truly love God and love others, we naturally avoid murder, theft, adultery, and covetousness—not out of obligation, but because love transforms our desires. The message draws a beautiful parallel to a mother's sacrificial love, which mirrors God's relentless pursuit of us. We're reminded that just as mothers carry their children's DNA at a cellular level, believers carry the spiritual DNA of our Heavenly Father when we're born again. The urgency of the times becomes clear as we examine biblical timelines and prophetic fulfillments—from Israel's restoration in 1948 to the reality of nuclear weapons to recent revelations about unexplained phenomena. The call is unmistakable: wake up from spiritual slumber. We cannot afford to be Sunday-only Christians while the world around us descends into darkness. The parable of the wedding feast reveals a sobering truth—many are invited to God's banquet, but we must intentionally put on the garment of righteousness that Christ provides. We cannot climb in through our own efforts or good works. The challenge before us is daily and deliberate: take off the old garments of anger, malice, and selfish ambition, and clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and above all, love. This isn't passive spirituality—it's an active, conscious choice to walk worthy of our calling in increasingly dark times.**SERMON NOTES – Romans 13:8–14****1. Love Fulfills the Law (Rom 13:8–10)**- “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.”- Love is the one debt we always owe and never finish paying.- If we truly love God and people, we will naturally keep the commandments: - No other gods / no taking His name in vain – because we love Him. - Honor parents – because we love them. - No murder, adultery, stealing, lying, coveting – because we love our neighbor.- 1 Cor 13: Love is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, rude, self-seeking, or resentful; it bears, believes, hopes, endures all things; love never ends.- A loving church is “felt” more than explained—like dew in Psalm 133—unity and joy are tangible.**2. A Mother's Love as a Picture of God's Love**- Moms often embody sacrificial, protective, “mama bear” love.- They give their bodies, time, and hearts; they keep taking kids back in grace.- God's love is even greater: He goes after the one and leaves the 99; His “DNA” (new birth) changes us.**3. The Urgency of the Hour (Rom 13:11–12)**- “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep… the day is at hand.”- We are closer to Christ's return than any generation before.- Signs of the times: - Israel back in the land (1948). - Global ability to destroy ourselves (nuclear weapons). - Moral confusion: evil called good, good called evil.- Scripture repeatedly commands: Wake up, stay awake, be sober (Matt 24–25; 1 Thess 5).**4. Cast Off Darkness, Put On Light (Rom 13:12–14)**- “Cast off works of darkness… not in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling, jealousy.”- “Make no provision for the flesh”: stop planning to sin; stop building a “supply line” for temptation.- Daily choice: take off old clothes (sin) and put on Christ.**5. Put On Christ and His Armor (Eph 6; Col 3; Matt 22)**- Wedding parable: king provides free wedding garments; one man refuses to wear it and is cast out. - Point: we must put on the garment Christ provides; not come on our own terms.- Col 3: - Put off: sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, lying. - Put on: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and “above all… love.”- Armor of God (Eph 6): belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit (Word of God). - Half of the armor is directly tied to Scripture—showing how vital the Word is.---**PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS**1. **Daily Clothing Prayer**    Each morning, consciously “put off/put on”: confess specific sins, then ask God to clothe you with compassion, patience, self-control, and love.2. **Cut Off Provision for Sin**    Identify where you “plan” to sin (websites, apps, contacts, places, times) and practically remove or limit access.3. **Immerse in Truth**    Build a simple, steady Bible rhythm (e.g., one chapter a day in Romans or Ephesians). Treat Scripture as armor, not a hobby.4. **Practice Love in Community**    At church and home, choose patient, kind responses—especially when irritated. Look for one person each week to intentionally encourage.5. **Live Awake**    Evaluate your schedule, media, and habits: are you spiritually alert or numbed? Adjust to prioritize what sharpens your walk with Christ.---**DISCUSSION QUESTIONS**1. Where do you most clearly see that love “fulfills the law” in your own relationships?2. Which phrase from 1 Corinthians 13 most exposes a weakness in your love right now? Why?3. In what ways might you be “asleep” spiritually? What would waking up look like this week?4. What are some “provisions for the flesh” you've quietly allowed? How can you practically cut them off?5. Which part of the armor of God do you neglect most, and how can you intentionally “put it on” this week?6. How can our group/church better embody the welcoming, sacrificial love described in this sermon?

Opener: What's one gathering or celebration from your life that you still remember fondly? What made it meaningful? Who is someone that naturally brings joy, warmth, or encouragement into a room? What makes their presence impactful? Discussion Questions: 1. In Luke 5:27–32, what stands out to you about Levi's response to following Jesus? Why do you think his first instinct was to throw a party and invite his friends? 2. What was your initial response the first time you started following Jesus? Was it similar or different from Levi's? 3. Read Luke 7:34-50. What does the title “a friend of sinners” reveal about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus’ actions offended the religious leaders? What kind of parallels can you see in our world today? 4. In the sermon, we talked about how Jesus genuinely enjoyed being around people. Would you say that's true about you? What is the difference between tolerating and enjoying someone? 5. In what ways as a church community (both when we gather and individually) are we good at celebrating others and in what ways might we need to grow? Go Deeper 1. Jesus consistently moved toward people others avoided. Who are the kinds of people our culture tends to overlook, avoid, dismiss, or keep at a distance today? What makes moving toward them difficult? 2. The sermon mentioned the loneliness and isolation many people experience today. How have you seen loneliness affect people in your life, workplace, neighborhood, or family? How do you think your presence might make a difference? Live It Out Take time to discuss with your group how you will live it out this week, using the following elements: 1. Spiritual Practice: Write down 3–5 people you're grateful for and thank God for them by name each day this week. Consider sending a text or mailing a card to each one throughout the week. 2. Practicing Presence Tip: Look for moments to enjoy people—not just help, fix, or serve them. 3. Holy Inconvenience: Bring a little joy into an ordinary space this week—a break room, neighborhood gathering, workplace, classroom, or hangout spot. Bring a treat, linger longer than normal, start a conversation, or create a small moment of celebration. Prayer Prompt Invite each person to quietly think of one person they want to move toward relationally this week, and how they could do that. Pray together: “Jesus, thank You for moving toward us with grace, joy, and love. Help us become people whose presence reflects Your kindness and welcome. Give us eyes to see those around us, courage to make space for others, and hearts that genuinely delight in people the way You do. Amen.”

In this bonus episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine address the question posed in our Growing in Holiness Newsletter for May. We hope that our discussion will encourage families to engage with the topic as well. This month's question is: Would you rather be present when Jesus ascended into Heaven or when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles?

In this episode, Noriko shares a mix of personal reflections, language learning experiences, and cultural insights. She begins by talking about rereading Kokoro by Natsume Soseki, noting how differently it feels compared to when she first read it years ago. Despite struggling with the old writing style, she's determined to finish it. She also mentions her progress in learning Korean, especially improving her reading skills.The main topic focuses on Japanese words newly added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Noriko introduces several examples, such as “washlet,” “senpai,” and “mottainai,” explaining how some retain their original meanings while others evolve globally. She highlights how language reflects culture, emphasizing “mottainai” as a uniquely Japanese value now spreading worldwide.Overall, the episode blends language, culture, and personal growth in an engaging and thoughtful way.Reflective Questions（振り返り質問）あなたは昔読んだ本をもう一度読みたいと思いますか？自分と違う性格の人と話すのは好きですか？あなたの国の言葉で世界に広がっているものはありますか？Discussion Questions（ディスカッション質問）言葉が文化を表すという考えについてどう思いますか？外国語として使われるときに意味が変わることは問題だと思いますか？

The empty nest season can either expose distance in your marriage or become one of its most life-giving chapters. In this episode, Derek, Andrew, and Gabrielle unpack 9 practical ways to reconnect, rebuild, and thrive when the kids leave home. Whether you are in this season or want to have a marriage that prepares for it, listen now so you can thrive when kids leave the home!Discussion Questions:- If our kids left home tomorrow, would we feel close… or like strangers? Why?- When was the last time we intentionally learned or grew in our marriage?- What's something fun we could start doing together again?- Are we serving together anywhere? If not, where could we start?- Is there anything we've avoided talking about (sex, finances, conflict)?- Where do we need to give each other more space—or more connection?- What would it look like for me to “draw a circle around myself” this week?

Big Idea: Once God tips the first domino, your story becomes unstoppable.Esther 6:1-14I. There's a nail-scared hand putting your pieces in place right now!Esther 6:1-3That night sleep escaped the king, so he ordered the book recording daily events to be brought and read to the king. They found the written report of how Mordecai had informed on Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who guarded the entrance, when they planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus. The king inquired, “What honor and special recognition have been given to Mordecai for this act?” The king's personal attendants replied, “Nothing has been done for him.”II. Nothing on heaven or earth can stop God's hand.Esther 6:4-9The king asked, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman was just entering the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him. The king's attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Have him enter,” the king ordered. Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king wants to honor?” Haman thought to himself, “Who is it the king would want to honor more than me?” Haman told the king, “For the man the king wants to honor: Have them bring a royal garment that the king himself has worn and a horse the king himself has ridden, which has a royal crown on its head. Put the garment and the horse under the charge of one of the king's most noble officials. Have them clothe the man the king wants to honor, parade him on the horse through the city square, and call out before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king wants to honor.'III. God's timing is never random.Esther 6:10-14The king told Haman, “Hurry, and do just as you proposed. Take a garment and a horse for Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the King's Gate. Do not leave out anything you have suggested.” So Haman took the garment and the horse. He clothed Mordecai and paraded him through the city square, calling out before him, “This is what is done for the man the king wants to honor.” Then Mordecai returned to the King's Gate, but Haman hurried off for home, mournful and with his head covered. Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai is Jewish, and you have begun to fall before him, you won't overcome him, because your downfall is certain.” While they were still speaking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and rushed Haman to the banquet Esther had prepared.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to start his work in my heart today.Become: I will trust God's plan this week, even when it doesn't make sense. Be Sent: I will play my part in God's plan for my city this week.Discussion Questions: 1. Do you feel like God is a bit late in your life? In what areas of your life?2. Looking back, can you think of a time when you only realized later that God's timing was perfect?3. How should trusting God's timing change your reaction to delays or setbacks?4. Have you seen God's hidden hand at work in your life this week?5. What are some unhealthy ways you try to rush God's timing? 6. In what area of your life is God calling you to be more patient this week?7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you see your role in God's plan for your city.

Are you relaxing with God? Hebrews 4 reveals the one thing religion usually hides: Rest isn't a reward for the elite; it's the current location of the believer. Not someday. Right now. There is no second experience to chase and no level you need to reach. You are not behind. You are not missing something. You are in. This is the gospel of rest and it will change the way you. Discussion Questions for Hebrews 4: What does it mean to "enter God's rest"? Is it salvation or something more? Explain your answer. Why do the seven days of creation in Genesis appear in this chapter?What parallel can be drawn? What keeps people from entering God's rest? How is this different from a behavior-centered gospel? How does verse 7 reveal the truth about the freedom we have to accept or reject the gospel message? How can someone "be diligent" to enter God's rest? What kind of high priest is Jesus? What makes Him this way? To what degree can we enjoy God? What can we always expect from Him?

Title: Upside Down ResponseSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge brings the Sermon on the Mount to its climactic conclusion in Matthew 7:13–29. Jesus does not end his kingdom curriculum with a tidy takeaway but with a choice—presenting four sharp contrasts that confront every hearer: two ways, two trees, two confessions, and two builders. Pastor Nate walks through each pairing, showing how Jesus calls disciples to enter the narrow gate of the gospel, follow true followers of Christ rather than plausible-sounding false teachers, refuse the self-deception of mistaking spiritual activity for genuine relationship with Jesus, and move from merely admiring the Sermon on the Mount to actually practicing it. With pastoral warmth and theological depth, this Sunday sermon invites listeners to step off the broad path of the majority and onto the good, hard, life-giving way of the King—a way founded on the rock of Christ's own words and sustained by his all-sufficient grace.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview God saves us to be a growing, loving, infectious community.3 things the passage shows us about the church's new life in the gospel:1) Their commitment2) Their love3) Their witness Digging Deeper    Their commitment: They devoted themselves to God and one another.1. We see that these new believers in Acts 2 have not only a new faith in Christ but also new priorities. What are some of the concrete ways your priorities changed when God saved you?     2. The believers described in this passage “devoted themselves” to the four things mentioned in v. 42 (1. the apostle's teaching, 2. fellowship, 3. the breaking of bread, 4. the prayers).  Is this passage descriptive (i.e., telling us history) or prescriptive (i.e., telling us what to do)?  If it is (merely) descriptive, does that mean “devoting ourselves” to the things mentioned here is optional for us? Please support your answer.   3. In our current context, what might “devoting ourselves” to these four things look like?  4. What sort of impact do you think it might have on your life if you were to pursue these things (of v. 42) to a greater degree? What is keeping you from doing so? Their Love: They sacrificially cared for each other with worshipful hearts5. The believers' love for one another produced profound generosity. Is there an example you can share (either from your own life or from someone you know) of this same dynamic? Please share. 6. Are there ways you would like to see our life together as the people of CrossWay Community Church (or as a Gospel Community) more closely resemble what we see here in Acts 2? How so?  Please share. Their Witness: Others were drawn in as they lived out the gospel7. Gospel-generated change in our lives can be something God uses in the process of drawing people to himself. Does that reality motivate you to pursue holiness, that others might “see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”?  Please share. 8. In what contexts of your life are there opportunities for unbelievers to see how Christ has changed you and is changing you?  9. How might you create more of these opportunities (#8 above)?  Prayer

What does it truly mean to live the blessed life? This exploration of Psalm 1 challenges our modern assumptions about happiness and fulfillment. We often equate the good life with maximizing comfort and minimizing pain, but Scripture paints a radically different picture. The blessed life isn't found in accumulating more possessions, achieving greater success, or avoiding all hardship. Instead, it's rooted in a deep, transformative relationship with God through His Word. The image of a tree planted by streams of water offers us profound insight into spiritual formation. Just as a tree with deep roots can withstand storms and bear fruit in season, we become spiritually resilient and life-giving to others when we're anchored in God's truth. This isn't about white-knuckling our way to righteousness or trying harder in our own strength. Rather, it's about drawing near to Jesus, the true blessed man who perfectly embodied everything Psalm 1 describes. As we meditate on God's Word and allow it to shape us, we're not stepping away from life but stepping into the abundant life Jesus promised. The question we must wrestle with is this: What are we truly living for? Are we building our lives on the chaff of worldly pursuits that will ultimately prove weightless, or are we rooting ourselves in the eternal truths that will stand the test of time and judgment?Main Points:- God's way is the good life- God's way forms a life that lasts- Jesus is the way to lifeScripture Referenced:Psalm 1:1-6 (main passage); Acts 20:35; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:105; 1 Corinthians 6:13, 18; 2 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 4:12Community Group Guide:Begin with PrayerBegin by thanking God for bringing your group together and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal how He wants to work through each person present.Discussion Questions1. Read Psalm 1 together. What stands out to you most from this psalm?2. The sermon described the blessed life as flourishing rooted in God's Word. How does this differ from how our culture defines the good life, and what does it look like to actually delight in God's Word rather than just agree with it?3. In what ways do we subtly allow the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners, or the seat of scoffers to influence our daily decisions and long-term direction?4. How does seeing God's commands as designed for our good (not restriction) reshape the way you respond to His Word and your overall attitude toward obedience?5. The sermon contrasts the weightlessness of chaff with the rootedness of a tree. What areas of your life might currently resemble chaff that you are investing in as though they were substantial?Personal Reflection and Practical Application1. Community Check: Who is in your inner circle? Are they people who fear God and point you toward Him? If not, what changes might you need to make?2: Delight Assessment: How much do you genuinely delight in God's Word? What competes for your attention and meditation throughout the day (portfolio, social media, wardrobe, dating apps, sports, etc.)?3. The sermon mentioned that the blessed person is “strong and stable like a tree” because they're rooted in God's Word. In what area of your life do you feel unstable or rootless right now? How might God's Word address that area?4. The sermon asked, “What is your legacy going to be?” How are you currently investing in others and blessing them with what God has given you?5. Evangelism Opportunity: Drew shared about his conversation with his Uber driver. As people who are meant to be ‘trees that bear fruit,' how might God use your life this week to bring life to others, including opportunities to share the gospel like Drew did with Rosa?Worship Setlist:Who is Like the Lord; Firm Foundation (He Won't); There is a Savior; Give us Clean Hands; Build My Life

John Reynolds, Adult Ministries Pastor In a world that keeps telling you to "Follow your heart because God just wants you to be happy," what if that voice isn't leading where you think it is? Scripture offers a far more unsettling diagnosis, could it be that the heart itself may be the very thing leading us astray? Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect  Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give Discussion Questions: https://cascadechurch.org/inst-discussion-questions

This sermon challenges believers to move beyond consumer Christianity and competing loyalties to live a truly compelling faith centered on Christ. The message explores how modern culture has shifted from enchantment with God to entertainment and consumerism, even within the church. Mike emphasizes that what makes faith compelling isn't what it gives us, but what it costs us—the sacrifice and surrender required to follow Jesus. He calls the congregation to consecration, setting apart every area of life for God's purposes rather than personal preferences. The sermon culminates in a call to move from autonomy to authority under Christ, from opinions to truth, and from comfort to calling, demonstrating that a life fully surrendered to Jesus becomes irresistibly compelling to a watching world.Read: 1 Peter 3:15-16Peter's call to "always be prepared to give an answer" isn't primarily about winning intellectual debates. It's about living so differently that people become curious about the hope within you. What makes faith compelling isn't what it gives us, but what it costs us. When you walk through job loss with unexplainable peace, when you forgive the unforgivable, when you serve without recognition—people notice. They lean in. They ask questions. Your life becomes the apologetic. Today, consider: When was the last time someone asked about your hope? Are you living in such a way that your faith provokes holy curiosity? A compelling faith flows from a consecrated life—one fully surrendered to Christ's authority rather than your autonomy.What area of your life needs to shift from consumption to consecration today?Discussion Questions:-How does the distinction between tasting God to be drawn into His presence versus consuming God to pull His presence into your preferences challenge your current approach to faith?-What specific idols or competing priorities have knocked Jesus from being number one in your life, and what would it look like to consecrate those areas to Him?-How has the shift from a God-centered faith to a me-centered faith affected your ability to live sacrificially, and what cost is Jesus calling you to embrace for the sake of a compelling witness?-What does it mean practically for you to come under Christ's authority rather than your autonomy in the daily decisions you face at work, home, or in relationships?

When it comes to having kids, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a biblical framework. In this episode, the More than Roommates team explores how couples can navigate timing, fear, and cultural pressures by seeking God, aligning as a couple, and pursuing wise counsel.Discussion Questions:- Do we truly believe children are a blessing, or have we adopted cultural views that see them as a burden?- What fears (financial, personal, family history) might be influencing our timeline?- Have we clearly sought God together in prayer and Scripture about this?- Who are the wise, godly voices speaking into this decision for us?- If we're waiting, are we still actively giving our lives away for the Kingdom?

Have you entered the promised land of Jesus? If so, then relax! Hebrews 3 calls us to one simple, life-altering focus: Consider Jesus. In a world full of religious noise, tradition, and performance, it's easy to get distracted and miss the gospel entirely. This message cuts through the confusion, showing the clear contrast between law and grace, servant and Son, striving and rest. It reveals that the real issue is not behavior but belief. For the believer, this is not a warning to fear, but an invitation to rest confidently in Christ. You are not in the wilderness. You're in the promised land. Now live like it. Discussion Questions for Hebrews 3: Why is Jesus compared to Moses in this chapter? To make what point? How does Moses as a "servant" (v.5) and Jesus as a "Son" (v.6) bring even further clarity to the contrast? How might this get you thinking about your own role with God? What does the example of their forefathers in the wilderness for forty years illustrate for the original readers of this epistle? How does the picture of leaving Egypt, being in the desert, and entering the Promised Land clarify the real meaning of "hold fast" and "until the end"? The synonyms "sinned" (v.17) and "disobedient" (v.18) and "unbelief" (v.19) help answer the following question: Is Hebrews warning Christians they will lose their salvation if they commit too many sins? Explain. In light of the truths in these first three chapters, what does it mean to "consider Jesus" (v.1)? What is the biggest thing you have gleaned from this chapter? How might it impact the way you relate to God?

Title: Upside Down DependencySpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this week's message from our Upside Down Kingdom series through the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Nate Holdridge opens Matthew 7:7–12 and asks the question every honest disciple eventually arrives at: How can I possibly live the kingdom life Jesus has described? As Jesus winds down his longest recorded sermon, he turns from demand to provision, giving three extraordinary resources—persistent prayer, a good Father, and a Spirit-fueled imagination for loving others. These are gifts secured by Jesus himself, who prayed in our place, lost his Father so we could gain one, and fulfilled the Golden Rule on the cross before ever asking it of us. This is a message for anyone weary of their own limitations, wrestling with a longstanding unanswered prayer, or longing to see the Father more clearly. The kingdom life is impossible without Jesus—and, through him, genuinely within reach.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview God forgives and gives his Spirit to all who turn to the exalted Christ.I. The power: the promised Spirit has come (vv. 1-13)II. The message: the crucified Jesus is King (vv. 14-36)III. The response: repent and be forgiven and filled (vv. 37-41)Digging Deeper    The power: the promised Spirit has come (vv. 1-13) 1. In Acts 2:1-13, we see God empowering his people by the Spirit to preach the gospel (declare the mighty works of Jesus' death and resurrection) across language barriers, that he might clearly show that the gospel is for everyone. What are some reasons we should rejoice and be thankful that God's saving purposes through the Gospel are global (“every tribe, tongue, people and nation”)?    2. Acts 2:1-13 shows us that one of the things God wants to empower his people for, by the Spirit, is to speak about Jesus to others. Have you ever sensed the Spirit of God empowering you to bear witness to Christ?  If so, please share that story.3. What might it look like for you to seek a greater degree of the Spirit's empowerment to bear witness to “the mighty works of God” as seen in Christ's life, death, and resurrection?  4. What do you think might be some potential fruit of pursuing #3 above?   The message: the crucified Jesus is King (vv. 14-36) 5. This sermon helped us see from these verses (2:14-36) that Jesus is Lord in the fullest, truest sense: he is God himself; he is Christ, the King, who has been exalted to the right hand of God. Is there any sphere of your life in which you are less inclined to be mindful that Jesus is King and acknowledge him as such?  6. As Lord and King, Jesus is worthy of our absolute allegiance. What is a recent example of a choice you have made because of your allegiance to King Jesus? The response: repent and be forgiven and filled (vv. 37-41) 7. The way we receive the free gift of forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit is by repentance. Do you remember the first time you repented? What did that look like?  Please share.8. What place does repentance have in your life currently? 9. Have you been baptized (as a believer)?  If you have, please briefly share your baptism story.  10. If you have not been baptized (as a believer) - why haven't you?  Prayer