Podcasts about discussion questions

In this episode, David invites Jared Berry to the podcast for a conversation about how idols show up in our hearts and our homes. This is part one of a two part conversation. You can download discussion questions here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hnvo6hpb5kwxiodh9ti26/Episode-1-Discussion-Questions.pdf?rlkey=orqtjpg3ywkrxqazzibvfsmdr&dl=0

For episode 200, the More Than Roommates team looks back on nearly four years of conversations, favorite memories, lessons learned, and the ways God has used the podcast to impact marriages. As they look ahead, they share their hopes for the future of More Than Roommates and remind couples that marriage isn't about settling for good enough, but continually pursuing Jesus, growing together, and becoming more than roommates.Discussion Questions- What have you learned about marriage in the last year that you wish you had understood earlier?- Where have you found yourself settling for “good enough” in your marriage?- When conflict happens, are you more likely to defend yourself or humble yourself and pursue connection?- What is one thing you've learned from this podcast or another marriage resource that you've actually put into practice?- What would it look like for your marriage to experience “more” of Jesus, more enjoyment, and more purpose together?

Welcome to Season 19! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives through the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, God invites us to grow in charity, receive His grace, and allow Him to work more deeply in our hearts. It's important to pause from time to time and reflect on how God has been moving in and through our lives. We model what this reflection can look like and share about our joyful and sorrowful mysteries.   Joyful - A delight, an area of gratitude Sorrowful - A hurt or obstacle    Heather's One Thing - Abiding Together and Ascension 2027 Planner Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Good News Conference and everyone who plans events Michelle's One Thing - College Football and Summer Camps   Journal Questions: What has God been doing in my life? What are the Joyful Mysteries of my life in this season? What are the Sorrowful Mysteries of my life in this season? How is the Lord inviting me to surrender the pain of my Sorrowful Mysteries?    Discussion Questions: How is the Lord inviting you to be more awake to Him? How have you experienced deeper integration in your life through your Joyful Mysteries? How is the Lord accompanying you through the Sorrowful Mysteries? How is the Lord transforming your bitter memories into sweetness?   Quote to Ponder: "I often think that the ideal of our perfection that we set up, and often go through torture to achieve, may not be God's idea of how He wants us to be at all. That may be something quite different that we never would have thought of, and what seems like a failure to us may really be something bringing us closer to His will for us." (Caryll Houselander)   Scripture for Lectio: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34: 4-5)   Sponsor - CORDA: Bring the coziness of candlelight and beautiful scents to your home with CORDA's Catholic candles. These candles are made with clean coconut wax and custom fragrances directly inspired by saints and the faith, and are handcrafted by a husband-and-wife team. Each candle comes beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, with the story behind the scent inspiration on the box. The timeless design of the candle leads with beauty, helping you share the faith in a lovely and meaningful way. Explore CORDA's beautiful Catholic candles and, through November 15, save 10% with code ABIDING10 at cordacandles.com/abiding   Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA 01:21 Intro 02:03 Welcome 05:00 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 09:53 Joyful Mysteries 20:38 Sorrowful Mysteries 37:44 One Things 40:32 Closing Prayer

Send us Fan MailTHE HEART GOD CHOOSESAfter God's Own Heart | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 27, 2026 This Sunday, we begin a new series on one of the most fascinating, celebrated—and complicated—people in the Bible: David. He was a shepherd, warrior, poet, king, worshiper and giant-slayer. But he was also deeply flawed. He made terrible decisions, hurt people he loved, failed spectacularly and lived with the consequences. And yet, remarkably, David is the one person Scripture describes as “a man after God's own heart.” How can that be? Maybe we've misunderstood what God is looking for. We tend to evaluate people from the outside in—appearance, accomplishments, credentials, success. But when God chose David, He made something unmistakably clear: “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7If you've ever wondered whether your failures, weaknesses, background or imperfections could keep God from using your life, I hope you'll join us. Because David's story reminds us that God has always done extraordinary things through remarkably ordinary—and imperfect—people.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read 1 Samuel 16:6–13. Samuel initially assumed Eliab must be God's choice because of what he saw on the outside. What are some of the outward qualities our culture tends to associate with significance, leadership, or success? How can Christians fall into the same trap? 2. David was overlooked even by his own father, yet God saw something in him that others did not. Have there been seasons when you felt overlooked, undervalued, or forgotten? How might knowing that God sees differently change the way we experience those seasons? 3. The message describes David as having “a heart like a shepherd.” Much of his character was developed while doing an ordinary, largely unnoticed job. What might God be developing in us through responsibilities that seem insignificant or unimportant? 4. One of the sermon's statements is, “Character is always built in faithful obscurity.” Why can obscurity actually be valuable? What becomes dangerous when recognition or opportunity arrives before character has been developed? 5. David and Saul both failed seriously, but the message emphasizes a difference in how they responded when confronted. What is the difference between being sorry about consequences, defending ourselves, and genuinely repenting? Why is defensiveness such an obstacle to spiritual growth? 6. The message says, “Being a sinner is not what disqualifies you from leadership. Pretending that you aren't is what dooms you.” What does healthy ownership of our failures look like? How can a community of grace make honesty and repentance easier rather than harder? 7. David also had “a heart that was centered on God.” The sermon suggests that work, busyness, efficiency, schedules, and even ministry can gradually move into the center of our lives. What tends to compete with God for the center of your life? What practices help you continually re-center yourself on God? 8. The message summarizes the heart God chooses as a heart willing to serve when nobody is watching, a heart capable of breaking when confronted with sin, and a heart that continually re-centers itself on God. Which of those three qualities do you most want God to develop in you right now, and why? 9. David's story reminds us that we are both saints and sinners—people genuinely loved and used by God who remain deeply imperfect. How does that truth challenge either perfectionism on one side or complacency about our failures on the other? 10. The message ends by saying that when David's story is told rightly, we see Jesus—and that God wants Jesus to become visible through our imperfect stories as well. What might it look like for someone to see Jesus through your life, including through the places where you are still unfinished? Closing prayer prompt: Ask God to show you where you are concentrating too much on the outside while He wants to work on the inside, and invite Him to form in you a heart that serves faithfully, repents readily, and continually returns to Him.

Title: How to Hear the Word of the KingdomSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: How you hear matters. In Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus tells the parable of the sower—one seed, four soils—and calls everyone with ears to hear. Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through the hardened path, the rocky ground, the thorny field, and the good soil, drawing out five ways to hear the word of the kingdom: with gratitude and prayer, above the noise, receiving the whole message, with an undivided heart, and with understanding. Along the way, Pastor Nate confronts the loudest voices of our culture, the anxiety of the age, and the quiet deceit of comfortable wealth. And he closes with hope: the Son heard and did the will of the Father for us, and from his fullness we receive grace upon grace.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions Week of: September 27, 2026 // Sermon Text: Galatians 2:1-10Sermon Overview The gospel that frees us by grace also unites us in love.I. The question: will the apostles approve the gospel of grace? (vv. 1-2)II. The stakes: losing the truth leads to slavery (vv. 3-5)III. The outcome: the gospel of grace is the gospel for all (vv. 6-10)   Prepare A suggestion before the Digging Deeper questions is to do the following:1. Read the passage2. As a group, explain the passage in your own words3. As a group, recount the sermon outline4. Open time to ask questions for understanding the passage or sermon5. Pray togetherDigging Deeper    How can we use the freedom that comes with knowing Jesus to strengthen our unity together at CrossWay? In Gospel Community?The question: will the apostles approve the gospel of grace? (vv. 1-2)1. God used Barnabas to recruit Paul to teach the gospel to the church in Antioch.    Might God be using a human agent to recruit you into a ministry?  Might God be spurring you to recruit someone else?2. If the other apostles were preaching a different (false) gospel, then Paul's efforts would have been “in vain” (verse 2).  Paul was concerned with the truth of the gospel and with church unity.  Are you ever tempted to sacrifice truth for unity, getting along with others?  On the other hand, are there any areas where you should perhaps care more about unity within the church?  The stakes: losing the truth leads to slavery (vv. 3-5)3. In verse 4, Paul refers to those who were teaching that keeping the law was required for salvation as “false brothers who were secretly slipped in.”  Are you aware of any areas in your life where false teaching might secretly slip in?  How can you stay vigilant?    4. Brett also preached, “Freedom is not doing whatever we want to do.  That's just slavery to sin.  Freedom is doing what we were made to do.”  Are there any ways right now where you are experiencing slavery to sin?  How can you pursue real freedom instead?  The outcome: the gospel of grace is the gospel for all (vv. 6-10)  5. “Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”  (v. 10).  The church is a family.  Does anyone within the church family come to mind who is suffering because of poverty or other hard circumstances?  Are there practical ways that you can remember and demonstrate real love for that person?  Prayer

Michael Lodge - Speaking Pastor   It's amazing what was leading to the divisions in the Corinthian Church. Communion and people's spiritual gifts were being used to break down the Church instead of building it up! Paul begins this discussion by telling the church "I don't want you to be uniformed". I believe our biggest issue is being uninformed. Today we begin our discussion on Spiritual Gifts by getting informed. What are Spiritual Gifts, Where do they come from, and What are they for? 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 week, we take a break from our top 25 in the 21st series to take a look at Zach Cregger's newest film: Resident Evil. It's so good, y'all. Seriously. Watch it. Spoilers abound in this episode!Discussion Question: What is your favorite video game movie? What makes a video game movie good?We are putting this list together based on the rankings of our Patrons. You can check out the list, compile your own, and help influence the top 25 over at Doofmovies.com!Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/doofmediaFollow us on Twitter: @doofmediaSee all of our podcasts and more at doofmedia.com!Time Stamps:1:16 - Resident Evil52:53 - Discussion Question

Welcome to Day 2956 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain and today is Day 2956 – Theology Thursday – If Jesus Is God, Why Does He Pray? Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2956 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2956 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 his lessons short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who want to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons are available on his website, theologyinfive.com. Today's episode is:  If Jesus Is God, Why Does He Pray?. One of the most common objections raised against classical Christian theology is the claim that Jesus' prayers prove He is lesser than the Father. If Jesus prays, submits, and receives authority, the argument goes, then He cannot be fully God. Scripture, however, presents a very different picture. Christ's prayers do not reveal inferiority of nature, but the depth of the incarnation and the priestly role He willingly assumed. The doctrine of the Trinity, clarified at Nicaea, did not invent new categories. It articulated what Scripture already required Christians to confess: the Father is God, the Son is God, the Spirit is God, and yet God is one. The challenge was never whether Jesus prayed, but how to understand those prayers without denying either His divinity or His humanity. Segment 1: The Incarnate Son and the Reality of Prayer The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as praying. He withdraws to solitary places, gives thanks, intercedes for His disciples, and submits His will to the Father. These prayers are not symbolic gestures. They belong to His real human life. In John 17, Jesus prays openly: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.” This is not a denial of divine authority. It is the incarnate Son speaking within the mission He has received. Authority is not absent from Christ; it is exercised according to the role He has assumed. The same pattern appears in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours, be done.” Here, Scripture does not present a divided Trinity or competing divine wills. The human will of Christ freely aligns itself with the divine will. Obedience belongs to His humanity, not because He is lesser, but because He has truly become man. Paul explains this posture with precision: “Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” Christ does not lose equality with the Father. He refuses to cling to privilege and instead lives fully within human obedience. Segment 2: Christ as High Priest and Mediator. Scripture explicitly frames Christ's earthly ministry in priestly terms. The Letter to the Hebrews is unambiguous: “Every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God.” Christ fulfills this role perfectly. Hebrews identifies Him as: “A great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God.” A priest stands between God and humanity. He speaks to God on behalf of others. He offers obedience, intercession, and sacrifice. Prayer is therefore not incidental to Christ's mission. It is essential to it. Hebrews further states: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” This does not imply moral deficiency or prior disobedience. It describes lived obedience within human experience. Christ obeys as humanity's representative. Where Adam failed, Christ remains faithful. As High Priest, Jesus must pray. He must submit. He must act from within the human condition. These actions do not diminish His divinity. They demonstrate the reality of His mediation. Segment 3: Voluntary Subordination Within the Economy of Salvation. Scripture consistently distinguishes between Christ's eternal identity and His role within salvation history. Jesus Himself says: “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.” This is not a confession of weakness. It is a declaration of perfect unity of will. The Son does nothing independently because He does nothing in opposition. His submission is voluntary and functional, not ontological. Early Christian theology was clear on this point. Athanasius writes in his Letter to Epictetus: “When the Word became flesh, He made the affections of the flesh His own… and when He prayed, He prayed as man, not as Word.” The Word does not pray to Himself. The incarnate Son prays according to His human nature. To deny this is to deny the incarnation itself. Athanasius further insists: “The Word was not lessened by taking flesh, but rather the flesh was raised up by the Word.” Christ's lesser posture is assumed, not imposed. It belongs to His mission, not to His essence. Segment 4: Deification and the Restoration of Humanity. The goal of Christ's priestly obedience is humanity's restoration. Athanasius famously states: “He became man that we might become what He is.” This does not mean that humans become divine by nature. It means humanity is healed, glorified, and brought into communion with God. Psalm 8 declares: “You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” Hebrews applies this to Christ and to redeemed humanity: “We do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor.” Christ descends so that humanity may be raised. His voluntary humiliation makes glorification possible. Paul describes this transformation in resurrection language: “What is sown perishable is raised imperishable.” Revelation speaks symbolically of shared inheritance: “I will give him the morning star.” These promises describe participation, not equality of essence. Communion, not absorption. In Conclusion. Jesus' prayers do not reveal inferiority within the Trinity. They reveal the incarnation in action. As High Priest, Christ stands in humanity's place before the Father. As the incarnate Son, He lives the obedience humanity failed to offer. As the eternal Word, He remains fully God while doing so. His submission is voluntary. His lesser posture is functional. His obedience is redemptive. In Christ's prayers, Scripture reveals both who God is and what humanity is meant to become. For further exploration consider these Discussion Questions. How does understanding Jesus as High Priest and mediator clarify why prayer and submission are necessary parts of His earthly ministry without implying inferiority of nature? Why is the distinction between ontological equality and functional or voluntary subordination essential for preserving both the Trinity and the incarnation? Hebrews states that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.” How does this statement affirm Christ's true humanity while avoiding the claim that He lacked righteousness or divine authority? How does Athanasius' explanation that Christ prays as man, not as Word, protect against both Arian and modalist misunderstandings of Jesus' prayers? In what way does Christ's voluntary descent and priestly obedience establish the biblical foundation for deification as restored humanity, rather than humans becoming divine by nature? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn about “I Decree and Declare”: Why Social Media Proclamations Are Pagan, Not Biblical...

Throughout history, numerous individuals and groups have faced silencing by authoritarian regimes.   I know firsthand what it means to be silenced by your government, and still be courageous.  My name is Virginia Prodan.  I lived under a brutal socialist regime in #Romania. Growing up there courage wasn't a choice—it was a necessity. I faced threats, danger, and even an assassin sent to silence me. As a young attorney in Romania under Nicolae Ceausescu's brutal communist regime, I had spent her entire life searching for the truth. When I finally found it in the pages of the most forbidden book in all of Romania, I accepted the divine call to defend fellow followers of Christ against unjust persecution in an otherwise ungodly land. My legal work was declared by the communist government as an act of treason.  For this act of treason, I was kidnapped, beaten, tortured, placed under house arrest, and came within seconds of being executed under the orders of Ceausescu himself.   But I discovered something priceless in that fire: a life built on Christ is unshakable. Nicolae Ceaușescu, the General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party from 1965 until his overthrow and execution in 1989, employed a wide range of manipulative tactics to silence dissent and maintain control over the Romanian populace.   Welcome back #everyone to Courageous Leadership with  Virginia Prodan  #podcast - I am your host   Topic: (Have You Been) SILENT or SILENCED? 1. I will share some of the key methods dictator Ceausescu used to silence us.  2. Explore the difference between being SILENT (choosing to remain quiet) and being SILENCED (having your voice taken away) 3. Have some Discussion Questions.                      Stay Connected with Virginia Prodan  Looking for more training? #explore our Freedom Coaching programs here: https://www.virginiaprodanbooks.com/freedom-coaching  Be #encouraged and #inspired ! #follow the Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan #Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/7kHPeoAgbkAHCg2C6RApEZ  #order your signed copy of Virginia Prodan's powerful memoir, Saving My Assassin: https://virginiaprodanbooks.com/product/book/ #invite Virginia Prodan to #speak at your events: https://virginiaprodanbooks.com/invite-virginia/  #support the mission. #give to Virginia Prodan #Ministries today: https://www.virginiaprodan.com/donate/  #subscribe to Virginia Prodan #youtube channel for teachings, updates, and more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSlM_aAfLxHXTaI05Skv1WQ We love hearing from you!  Please #share share your thoughts, comments, or questions—and pass this along to someone who needs encouragement today.   #training #leadership #coaching #people #community #australia #motivation #share #like #power #romania #america @frcdc @AllianceDefends @focusonthefamily @VirginiaProd #SavingMyAssassin #FRC #CBN @Daystar #LoveWhatMatters #Romania #America #Socialism #Freedom @VirginiaProdan #SavingMyAssassin https://virginiaprodanbooks.com/product/book/     #Faith #Freedom #Courage #ChristianLeadership with VirginiaProdan #Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan, #Christianleadership, #Christiantestimony #faith #faithandcourge #Christian leadership podcast #Discover #Protect #Share #Christiancourage in ungodly culture. #bold #faith #testimony #protect #biblical #truth #Christian #identity. #stand #firminfaith. #Christian #podcast #America #AssassinationSurvivor. #Socialism #iife in #comunism #SocialistDissident #FreedomFighter #CourageousLeader #FreedomCoaching @AllianceDefendingFreedom #God #Survival #Fighter #FreedomFIghter #CommunistSurvivor #Pace #Joy #Christ #Victory #Liberty #Leader #Mother #Conservative #PeaceMaker #LibertyProtector  

Jealousy can show up in marriage through insecurity, comparison, past experiences, or even legitimate concerns about trust and boundaries. In this episode, Derek, Andrew, and Gabrielle talk honestly about where jealousy comes from, how to distinguish between facts and the stories we create in our minds, and how to build greater security through communication, healthy boundaries, reassurance, and finding our identity in Christ.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSWhen does jealousy tend to show up most often in our marriage?When I feel jealous, what fear or insecurity might be underneath it?What is something I have recently treated as a fact that may actually have been a story I created in my head?Are there any behaviors or boundaries in our marriage that would help each of us feel more secure?Are there any past experiences or family-of-origin issues that affect the way I respond to jealousy today?How can we become more secure in Christ rather than asking our spouse to be our ultimate source of security?What is one practical boundary we could agree on together to protect our marriage?

Above all, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, guarding our hearts against distractions, desires, or idols that can take His place. In session two we discuss what it means to surrender fully to God, trust His ways, and live with a heart that is completely devoted to Him.Verses:Deuteronomy 6:41 Kings 11:7Exodus 20:3-6Psalm 139:23-24Discussion Questions:1) What resonated with you most in this week's study guide or tonight's message, and why?2) How does God's love for us differ from people's love for us? What is the greatest demonstration of God's love? (See John 3:16, Romans 5:8, and 1 John 4:10)3) How are we called to love God, according to Deuteronomy 6:5? Practically speaking, how does this play out in our lives? In what ways do you struggle with it?4) What in your life competes with God to be your “first love?” Why do you think we are so quickly drawn away from a singular worship of God alone? How can we guard the purity of our devotion to Him? 5) If we love God, what will we do, according to Deuteronomy 11:1, John 14:15, and 2 John 1:6?? What specifically does this mean day to day?6) If we love God, what does Psalm 97:10 say you will hate? What specifically does this mean day to day?

Send us Fan MailTHE LEAST OF THESESENIOR PASTOR KEITH STEWARTMatthew 25:31-46Thirty-six years ago, we planted Springcreek Church. Over the years, God has been changing the church we planted-expanding our vision, softening our hearts, and teaching us to see Jesus in unexpected places.In this message, Pastor Keith shares powerful stories from Kenya, Brazil, and Guatemala, and unpacks what Jesus teaches in Matthew 25 about the surprising ways He shows up "incognito" among the poor, the hurting, and the forgotten. This isn't just a message about helping others. It's an invitation to encounter Jesus, to live with compassion, and to become more fully the church He's calling us to be.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Keith described his encounter with Oliver as a moment when he realized, “He was rich. I was poor.” What do you think he meant? In what ways can someone possess material wealth and still experience another kind of poverty? 2. Read Matthew 25:31–46 together. What stands out to you most about the criteria Jesus uses to distinguish the sheep from the goats? What, if anything, makes you uncomfortable or challenges the way you have thought about following Jesus? 3. The message says, “The way you respond to ‘the least of these' demonstrates where your true identity lies.” Why are acts of compassion evidence of genuine faith rather than a way of earning salvation? 4. Both the sheep and the goats seem surprised by Jesus' verdict. Neither group realized that their treatment of vulnerable people was actually their treatment of Jesus. What does that suggest about the kind of life Jesus expects His followers to live? 5. Keith said, “Jesus is constantly showing up in our lives incognito.” How might believing that change the way you see someone who is poor, homeless, imprisoned, addicted, lonely, sick, an immigrant, or otherwise vulnerable? 6. One of the strongest warnings in Matthew 25 concerns sins of omission—not merely the wrong things we do, but the right things we fail to do. Where are you most tempted to see a need but assume someone else will take care of it? 7. Jesus mentions remarkably ordinary acts: feeding someone, offering a drink, welcoming a stranger, providing clothing, caring for the sick, visiting a prisoner. Why do you think Jesus places such significance on things almost anyone can do? What is one simple act of compassion that is realistically within your reach right now? 8. In both the Oliver and Gabriel stories, Keith went into impoverished communities assuming he had something to give and discovered that he was also the one who needed to receive. What can we learn from people whose life circumstances are very different from our own? How does this keep Christian service from becoming paternalistic? 9. Keith concluded, “Thirty-six years ago, we planted a church. Somewhere along the way, God began changing the church we planted.” What kind of church do you believe God is continuing to form Springcreek into? What would it look like for us—not merely church programs or staff—to become more fully that church? 10. Personal challenge: Who is one person or group of people you may have been overlooking, avoiding, judging, or simply failing to notice? What would it look like this week to approach that person not merely as someone who needs something from you, but as someone through whom you might encounter Jesus?

Big Idea: God's RULEs don't bind you — they guide you.Exodus 20:1-2Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.I. Born out of RelationshipII. Unchangeable and UniversalIII. Come from LoveIV. Exist for your GoodNext Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.Become: I will follow God's RULEs this week.Be Sent: I will show others how God's rules guide me this week.Discussion Questions: How did the Ten Commandments impact your day yesterday?  How does obeying the law out of love differ from mere obligation?Do these rules apply to people who don't worship him?  Explain your answer.How do these commandments relate to living for Jesus?Can you see your need for God's grace without the law? Who needs to see through your life that God is worth following?Pray for the Holy Spirit to showcase your love for Jesus this week. 

What does it mean to truly abide in Christ? Pastor Wes opens our new fall series, Becoming Mature: Five Marks of a Healthy Disciple, by taking us deep into John 15 and the powerful imagery of the vine and the branches.One of the most striking truths from the message: not every season of life is a harvest. Sometimes God prunes what is bearing fruit so it can bear even more. Those dry, difficult seasons are not signs of failure. They may be the very work of a loving Father shaping you for greater fruitfulness.The heart of abiding is this -- we do not obey God to earn His love. We obey as a response to it. When the love of Christ takes root in us, it changes our desires, our prayers, and our lives from the inside out. We would love to have you join us next Sunday as this series continues.Discussion Questions:1. We started our “Becoming Mature” series this fall on discipleship and we looked at the first aspect of abiding - what was Standing out to you from Sundays message and why?2. We looked at the idea of being in seasons of pruning as well as seasons of fruitfulness; can you talk about a season of pruning that you have experienced and what God taught you in that? 3. We also looked at how God's word abiding in us changes our desires and how we pray; how have you read John 15:7 that we looked at on Sunday? 4. What is one step of obedience you can take with you from this weekends message? 

Title: Jesus: The Only One Worth Building Your Life OnSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: Jesus is either the greatest egomaniac who ever lived or the Lord worth building an entire life upon—and in Matthew 12:38–50 he leaves us no third option. When the religious leaders demand a sign from heaven, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through the threefold answer Jesus gives: a resurrection greater than Jonah's deliverance, a message of grace greater than Jonah's preaching, and a life of wisdom greater than Solomon's splendor. From there, Pastor Nate turns to two implications, one sobering and one beautiful. A life merely cleaned up but left unoccupied is a house waiting for squatters, because in the kingdom of God neutrality does not exist. And a life joined to Christ is a life welcomed into a new family, as Jesus stretches out his hand toward ordinary disciples and calls them mother, brother, and sister.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions Week of: September 20, 2026 // Sermon Text: Galatians 1:10-24Sermon Overview The gospel of rescue by grace alone is a gospel revealed by God alone.Three lines of evidence:I. Paul's motivation: to serve Christ, not please people (v. 10)II. Paul's transformation: from persecutor to preacher (vv. 11-16a)III. Paul's isolation: he was taught by God, not the apostles (vv. 16b-24) Digging Deeper    Paul's motivation: to serve Christ, not please people (v. 10)1. Brett preached, “Pleasing people, the fear of man, is one of the primary barriers to living in the freedom God intends for us.  Proverbs calls it a snare, a trap.”  Where does fear of man show up in your life right now? What would it look like to get free?Paul's transformation: from persecutor to preacher (vv. 11-16a)2. In verse 12, Paul wrote, “I received [the gospel message] through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”  God chose to reveal the gospel to Paul, and to us.  What does that say about the kind of person God is?  3. Paul was an archenemy of the gospel before he was transformed.  Jesus tells us to love and pray for our enemies.  Does anyone come to mind?  4. Grace radically transformed Paul. Are there any areas in your own life where you would like to see dramatic transformation?  Paul's isolation: he was taught by God, not the apostles (vv. 16b-24)  5. God isolated Paul, sending him to the desert (Arabia), to teach Paul some important truths.  Has God ever isolated you, or sent you into some kind of a “desert,” to teach you something?  Are there any ways that He might be doing that in your life right now?  6. Brett preached, “Now, faith is essential….  But it's not blind faith.  We have reasons.  There's evidence.”  What evidence for the truth of the gospel is most persuasive to you?  Why is that?  Prayer

Michael Lodge - Speaking Pastor What is communion supposed to be about? Communion is one of two sacraments that followers of Jesus are called to participate in. But we often lose sight of how communion should be deeply experienced and therefore direct our lives. Today we see how the Corinthians had lost sight of the gospel in communion and we learn to participate in a way that will truly direct our lives.  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

Discussion Questions1. Would you say your life is more devoted or distracted? In what way?2. What does making your life less distracted and more devoted look like?

Main Idea: When God's people are led by godly wisdom, they flourish. 1. Wisdom Given (3:1-15) 2. Wisdom Displayed (3:16-24) 3. Wisdom Enjoyed (4:1-34) Discussion Questions 1. What stands out to you about the way God approaches Solomon before Solomon asks for anything? What does this teach us about God's grace? 2. Where are you currently tempted to trust your own wisdom rather than God's wisdom? 3. How can we enjoy God's good gifts - food, family, work, friendships, possessions, rest - without turning those gifts into the source of our ultimate happiness? 4. What is one specific way you can pursue wisdom from God this week?

In this bonus episode, Sister Catherine is joined by His Excellency, Most Reverend Giles Butler, OFM DD, as they answer the September Family Discussion Question in the Growing in Holiness Newsletter! And we would love to hear from our listeners! Would you rather stand guard with Saint Michael or deliver a special message with Saint Gabriel? You can comment on our YouTube Channel or email us at aimhigher.podcast@gmail.com.

Welcome to Day 2951 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain and today is Day 2951 – Theology Thursday – A Foretaste of Eternity: Worship and Relics in Orthodox Christianity Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2951 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2951 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 his lessons short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who want to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons are available on his website, theologyinfive.com. Today's episode is:  A Foretaste of Eternity: Worship and Relics in Orthodox Christianity. At the heart of Orthodox Christianity lies a profoundly sacramental vision of reality, one in which worship does not merely recall past events or anticipate future fulfillment but draws the faithful into the living presence of God. Orthodox spirituality understands the Church's rites as encounters with eternity, moments where heaven and earth overlap and the constraints of ordinary time are set aside. This conviction shapes the entire liturgical life of the Church, from the Divine Liturgy to the veneration of relics, both of which testify to the belief that the Kingdom of God is not only awaited but actively entered through worship. Orthodoxy does not treat sacred rites as symbolic gestures meant to stimulate memory or emotion. Instead, the Church understands worship as participation in divine realities that exist beyond chronological time. When believers gather, they are not reenacting sacred history but stepping into it. This perspective is grounded in the biblical distinction between chronos, measured and sequential time, and kairos, the appointed moment of God's decisive action. In Orthodox worship, kairos breaks into chronos, allowing the faithful to encounter the eternal now of God's kingdom. The first segment is: Liturgical Time and the Reality of Kairos. The Orthodox Church views liturgical time as fundamentally different from ordinary time. While daily life moves forward in linear progression, the liturgy unfolds as an entry into God's eternal present. This is why Orthodox services are saturated with language that collapses past, present, and future into a single act of worship. The Church does not merely remember Christ's saving work but proclaims it as a present and active reality. This understanding is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in passages that describe heavenly worship as ongoing and unceasing. The book of Revelation does not portray heaven as waiting for history to conclude before worship begins. Instead, it reveals a realm where praise is already underway and where redeemed humanity already stands before God, even while the full restoration of all things is not yet complete. Orthodox worship understands itself as a participation in that same heavenly liturgy, not a symbolic imitation of it. The second segment is: The Divine Liturgy as Heavenly Worship. Nowhere is this eternal perspective more fully expressed than in the Divine Liturgy, the central act of Orthodox worship. The Liturgy is not approached as a service observed from a distance but as an act in which the faithful actively participate. The Church gathers with the conviction that it stands before God alongside the angels and the saints, offering praise that transcends earthly limitations. This is why Orthodox churches are intentionally designed to reflect heaven rather than accommodate modern efficiency. Icons, incense, chant, and ritual movement are not aesthetic additions but theological statements. They proclaim that worship is not confined to the material world and that the senses themselves are drawn into the experience of eternity. When the Liturgy begins, the Church does not imagine heaven but enters into its worship. The third segment is: The Eucharist and the Eternal Sacrifice of Christ. At the heart of the Divine Liturgy stands the Eucharist, which most clearly embodies the Orthodox understanding of time and eternity. The Eucharist is not treated as a symbolic reminder of Christ's sacrifice, nor as a repetition of it. Orthodox theology holds that Christ's sacrifice is once for all, complete and unrepeatable, yet eternally present before the Father. In the Eucharist, the Church is brought into that eternal offering. The faithful do not travel back in time to the Last Supper, nor do they merely recall the crucifixion and resurrection. Instead, they participate in the timeless reality of Christ's self-offering, which stands outside historical sequence. This is why the Eucharist is spoken of as a mystery, not because it is vague or irrational, but because it transcends the categories of ordinary experience. The fourth segment is: The Communion of Saints Beyond Time. The Orthodox understanding of worship also reshapes the Church's view of the communion of saints. The Church is not divided between the living and the departed, nor fractured by centuries of history. All who are in Christ are alive in Him, and all worship together as one body. This unity is not poetic language but a lived reality expressed every time the Church gathers for prayer. In Orthodox services, the saints are not treated as distant figures from the past but as present members of the worshiping community. Their hymns are sung, their intercessions are invoked, and their lives are held up as evidence that the victory of Christ over death is already at work. This reinforces the conviction that the Church's worship transcends time and that believers participate in a fellowship that stretches across centuries without losing its unity. The fifth segment is: Relics as Witnesses to the Eternal Kingdom. The veneration of relics flows naturally from this understanding of time and eternity. Relics are not honored as historical curiosities or sentimental connections to the past. They are revered as tangible witnesses to the reality of resurrection and the transformation of the human person through union with Christ. Orthodox Christianity affirms that salvation involves the whole person, body and soul. The saints are not disembodied spirits awaiting redemption but glorified members of Christ's body whose lives testify to the sanctification of creation itself. Relics bear witness to this truth by proclaiming that holiness is not abstract or purely spiritual but leaves its mark on the physical world. The sixth segment is: Relics and Sacred Space. The placement of relics within Orthodox churches further reinforces their theological significance. Altars are traditionally consecrated with relics, reflecting the early Christian practice of celebrating the Eucharist over the graves of martyrs. This practice proclaims that the Church's worship is inseparable from the witness of those who have already finished the race. Relics also sanctify sacred space by declaring that heaven and earth meet within the Church. They remind the faithful that death has been defeated and that the resurrection is not merely a future hope but an already unfolding reality. Through the presence of relics, the Church visibly confesses its belief in the ultimate restoration of creation and the bodily resurrection of the faithful. In Conclusion. The transcendent nature of Orthodox worship and the veneration of relics together offer a vision of faith rooted in participation rather than observation. The sacred rites of the Church are not educational tools designed to convey information about God. They are encounters with God Himself, drawing believers into communion with Christ, the saints, and the heavenly host. In Orthodox Christianity, worship is not confined to the flow of ordinary time. It is an entry into eternity, a foretaste of the age to come. Through the Divine Liturgy, the Eucharist, and the veneration of relics, the faithful are invited to step beyond the limits of the temporal world and into the living reality of God's kingdom, where death is overcome and worship never ends. For further study, consider these Discussion Questions. How does the Orthodox understanding of worship as participation in eternity challenge modern assumptions that worship is primarily symbolic or commemorative? In what ways does the distinction between chronos and kairos help explain how the Divine Liturgy brings past, present, and future together in a single act

Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott tackle a listener question: how do you tell your spouse what you need when it might feel selfish, even though it's genuine? They dig into the difference between needs and wants, why timing and tone matter as much as the ask itself, and how humility on both sides changes the whole conversation.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- The episode draws a line between a "need" and a "want", with a maybe a third category of "desire" in between. Where do you two tend to disagree on that line? Can you each name one current desire that you haven't clearly voiced yet?- Gabrielle shared that when Cooper expressed a need, her first instinct was to interpret it as "I'm failing him." Do you ever hear a request from your spouse and translate it into criticism? What would it look like to take the request at face value instead?- Philippians 2:3-4 was used to reframe the question from "how do I get my needs met" to "how do I meet my spouse's needs first." Practically, what's one need of your spouse's you could intentionally meet this week without being asked?- Where do you expect your spouse to just "know" something instead of communicating it directly?

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to YIELD fruit in keeping with the repentance that we claim. What exactly is this fruit? What's our part in cultivating it, and what is God's? What things do we allow in our lives that threaten to choke it out? In session one, we explore the call to YIELD fruit in our lives and examine whether or not our lives show evidence of the salvation we claim.Verses Used:Luke 8:11-15Galatians 5:19-21 & 24Ephesians 5:7-11Galatians 5:22-23 & 25John 15:1-5Discussion Questions:What resonated with you most from this week's message, and why?In Luke 8:11-15, Jesus describes one soil (life) that yields fruit and others that do not. Why is it impossible for an unbeliever to yield fruit? What prevents believers from yielding fruit? (See Luke 8:11-15) To what degree is the fruit in your life being choked out, and what is the cause?How does the Bible describe the fruit we are called to yield? (See Ephesians 5:9 & Galatians 5:22-23) Which one is your greatest struggle?How does God cultivate spiritual fruit in our lives? Do you have any examples you can give from your own life? (See John 15:1-5, James 1:2-4, & Hebrews 12:11)What participation do we as believers have in yielding fruit in our own lives? How can we be more intentional in preparing the soil of our hearts to yield fruit? (see John 15:1-5, Philippians 2:12, & Galatians 5:24-25)

Send us Fan MailTHE POWER OF “AND”Pastor Jerrid FletcherSeptember 13, 2026"The Power of 'And'" unpacks one of the smallest words in the English language to make one of the largest points in Scripture: God rarely erases what's hard — He joins Himself to it. Anchored in Luke 8, the message follows Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose dying daughter puts him at Jesus' feet carrying faith and fear in the same breath. When word comes that she has died, Jesus doesn't deny the report — He speaks over it: "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." From there the message builds two convictions: fear may be real, but it doesn't get the final word, and a report may be true, but it isn't the whole truth. It closes with a personal testimony of a season marked by repeated loss, and the "ands" that followed — closer family, deeper presence, real grief that didn't cancel real grace. The invitation is simple: stop putting a period where God has placed a comma.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Luke 8:40–56 slowly, once for the story and once just watching for the word "and."2. Where has a report — a diagnosis, a rejection, a hard season — been given more authority in your mind than it should have?3. What voice needs to be "put outside" before you can believe again?4. Finish this sentence honestly: "I'm tired, and ___." / "I don't understand, and ___."5. Write your own list of "ands" from a hard season — what did God do in the middle of it that you might've missed if you only looked at the loss?

Title: The Gentle and Lowly WarriorSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday message from Matthew 12:22-37, Pastor Nate Holdridge turns to the moment when Jesus—who has just called himself gentle and lowly—reveals himself as the strong warrior-King who invades enemy territory to set captives free. When Jesus heals a demon-oppressed man and the crowds wonder whether he could be the Son of David, the Pharisees credit his power to Beelzebul, and Jesus answers by showing what he does (liberate the bound by binding the strong man), how he does it (by the power of the Holy Spirit), and why he does it (to make bad trees into good trees through conversion). Pastor Nate walks through the sobering warning about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the diagnostic truth that our words expose our hearts, and the hope of the gospel: that every sin can be forgiven and that Christ himself makes us new at the root so that good fruit follows. It is an invitation to celebrate the King who plunders the house of the enemy on our behalf.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions Week of: September 13, 2026 // Sermon Text: Galatians 1:1-9Sermon Overview Reject all rivals to the gospel of grace.I. God saves by grace through Christ's self-giving (vv. 1-5)II. When grace is distorted, God is deserted (vv. 6-9)Digging Deeper    God saves by grace through Christ's self-giving (vv. 1-5)1. Group brainstorm: If someone asked you “what the Gospel is” and you only had Galatians 1:1-5 to use, what would you say?2. In this passage, Paul tells us that the gospel brings grace and peace (v. 3). Are there any areas in your life right now where you notice you lack the grace and peace God promises through the gospel?  3. Verse 4 tells us that Christ “gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.”  In the sermon, Brett said, “We're still here, we're still in it - but we're no longer of it.  In your experience, what does it look like to be in this present evil age, but no longer of it?  Could you give an example?  When grace is distorted, God is deserted. (vv. 6-9)4. In Galatia, the gospel was being distorted when false teachers claimed that faith alone was insufficient for salvation; they taught that works were required for salvation, too.  But Paul wrote that, “all who rely on works of the law are under a curse.”  Gal. 3:10.  Do you see a distorted gospel of faith plus works being proclaimed in the culture around you?  Are there other distorted versions of the gospel that you have seen or heard being proclaimed?  5. Most believers regularly get tempted to add some kind of plus to their faith in Jesus. What's your Jesus-plus? (examples include: Jesus plus: my track record, my right alliances, my feelings, my ministry, my outward steps)6. Paul expresses astonishment at how quickly a person can desert God.  (Verse 6.)  What might be some warning signs that would come before a person deserts God?  7. How do you feel about the strong words Paul uses in verses 6-10? Do they seem appropriate and necessary? Why or why not?Prayer

John Reynolds - Adult Ministries Pastor   Our culture struggles to agree on what makes a man a man or a woman a woman — but Paul says that's not actually up for debate. In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, we look at God's good design and order for men and women, what headship really means (and doesn't mean), and why it matters for everyone watching how we live it out. 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

Discussion Questions:1. Where do you tend to “box in” the Holy Spirit?2. What kind of church will we be at the end of Acts?

What happens when the worst day of a family's life gets recorded in scripture and read for four thousand years? That's exactly what we find in Genesis 27, a chapter Pastor Rick Keller calls an ugly, honest window into complete family breakdown. Isaac plays favorites with Esau, Rebekah manipulates on behalf of Jacob, Jacob deceives his blind father to steal the blessing meant for his brother, and Esau descends from bitterness into murderous hatred — yet through it all, God's covenant promise marches forward exactly as He said it would back in Genesis 25, that "the older shall serve the younger." We watched Isaac try to short-circuit God's plan with a secret blessing ceremony, Rebekah coach Jacob through an elaborate goat-skin disguise, and poor Isaac's failing senses — sight, taste, smell, touch — all deceived while only his hearing caught the truth he chose to ignore. We traced how Esau's bitterness, born from trading his birthright for a bowl of beans, hardened into a hatred he could never undo, even with tears, because he never truly repented. And we saw the redemption thread running underneath it all: Isaac eventually blesses Jacob rightly, Esau lets go of his grudge decades later, and Jacob himself is transformed from "schemer" into "child of God" after wrestling with the Lord. The abiding question this story leaves us with is simple but piercing: when we're faced with the choice between the good and the greater good, are we listening to the voice of faith, or are we letting our other senses — our feelings, our fears, our impatience — drown out what God has already promised?## Sermon Notes### 1. Setting the Stage: A Family Already Fractured (Genesis 25:23; Genesis 26:34-35)- Chapter 26 ends: Esau's Hittite wives "made life bitter" for Isaac and Rebekah — one letter changes everything- Total communication breakdown: nobody talking to each other, nobody inquiring of the Lord- Background prophecy: God tells Rebekah while pregnant, "the older shall serve the younger" (Gen 25:23)- Esau ("hairy") and Jacob ("heel grabber"/schemer) named prophetically at birth- Birthright = firstborn's inheritance and headship; sold by Esau for a bowl of beans (Gen 25)- Favoritism named directly: Isaac loved Esau (a man's man, hunter, good cook); Rebekah loved Jacob (a homebody)- **We don't have to manipulate what God has already promised — it will happen whether we like it or not**- Cross-reference: Joseph's story — prophesied to rule over his brothers, tried to force it, God had to "burn the pride out" first- Personal illustration: called to pastoring at 12 years old, tried to make it happen, didn't become a pastor until 45 — "when God decides to promote, nobody can stop Him"- 1 Corinthians 3 — "neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything... only God who gives the growth"### 2. The Deception Unfolds (Genesis 27:1-29)- Isaac, thinking he's dying at 135 (lives 40 more years), tries to bless Esau privately instead of publicly as required by custom- Blessing was legally binding — once spoken, could not be rescinded- Rebekah overhears, coaches Jacob: goat meat disguise, Esau's clothes, goat skins on hands and neck- Jacob's concern isn't morality but getting caught — "is there a better plan?"- Rebekah: "let your curse be upon me, my son"- Isaac's senses all deceived except hearing: "the voice is Jacob's, but the hands are Esau's" — he ignores what he hears- **Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God — yet we prioritize feelings over what the Word says**- Blessing pronounced over Jacob: dew of heaven, fatness of earth, lordship over brothers### 3. The Aftermath: Bitterness Takes Root (Genesis 27:30-41)- Esau returns moments after Jacob leaves — dramatic, almost theatrical timing- Isaac "trembled very violently" — same Hebrew word used of Israel trembling at Mount Sinai — realizing God's plan prevailed through his own scheming- Romans 8:28 — even our failures work together for God's good and glory- Esau's "exceedingly great and bitter cry" — begs for a blessing but the legal blessing is already given- **Generations can pass on blessing, but they can also pass on bitterness**- Hebrews 12:15 — "no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble" — illustration: bitterness is like a dandelion, impossible to remove without pulling up the root- Progression: favoritism → bitterness → hatred → plot to murder (Gen 27:41, first mention of "hate" in the Bible)- Cross-reference: Matthew 6:24 — same Greek concept, "no one can serve two masters... he will hate the one"### 4. Why Esau, Not Jacob? The Good vs. the Greater Good (Hebrews 12:16-17; Romans 9:10-13)- Hebrews 12:16-17 — Esau "found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears"- On the surface, Esau looks innocent — he only did what his father asked- Romans 9:10-13 — "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" — spoken before either was born or had done anything- Illustration: dove (eternal/God's plan) vs. bowl of beans (temporal) — Esau held God's redemptive plan in his hand and traded it for a meal- **The question isn't good vs. bad — it's good vs. greater good** (examples given: food is good, but fasting for a greater purpose; sex in marriage is good, but perverted outside it becomes destructive)- Esau's heart had "no room for repentance" — sorry he got caught, not sorry for what he did### 5. Rebekah's Final Scheme and the Long Road to Redemption (Genesis 27:42–28:4)- Rebekah sends Jacob away under pretense of protecting him from Esau's fury — but her true stated motive is disgust over Hittite wives, not remorse over her own deception ("I loathe my life... because of the Hittite women")- She never sees Jacob again — he is gone 20 years- Isaac finally blesses Jacob properly and willingly in Genesis 28:3-4, aligning with God's plan instead of fighting it- Hebrews 11:20 — "by faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau... concerning things to come"### 6. Reunion and Transformation (Genesis 32-33, referenced)- Twenty years later, Jacob still scheming — sends flocks, servants, wives ahead of him, hoping to exhaust Esau's "bloodlust" before reaching him- Esau instead has let go of the grudge: "I let all that go a long time ago... that yoke I grew restless and took it off"- Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord (theophany), refuses to let go until blessed, is renamed from "schemer" to "child of God" — walks with a limp the rest of his life- **Even our sin and scheming can't stop God's redemptive plan — but repentance is what changes us**### Practical Applications1. **Examine areas of favoritism** — Reflect this week on whether you show favoritism in your own family and ask God to reveal any blind spots, as Isaac and Rebekah did with their sons.2. **Pull bitterness up by the root** — Identify one specific grudge or hurt you've been nursing and take a concrete step this week (a conversation, a written prayer of release) to deal with it at the root, not just the surface.3. **Choose the greater good over the good** — Name one "bowl of beans" decision in your life right now — a shortcut, a comfort, a compromise — and bring it to God this week, asking Him to help you release it for something eternal.5. **Practice true repentance, not just regret** — This week, instead of just feeling sorry when you fail, specifically name the sin to God and ask Him to change your direction, following Jacob's example after wrestling with God rather than Esau's tearless remorse.5. **Let go of a long-held grudge** — Like Esau did after 20 years, choose this week to release resentment toward someone specific rather than waiting for them to make it right first.6. **Trust God's timing over manipulation** — If you're anxious about a promise, calling, or promotion you believe God has spoken over your life, resist the urge to force or manipulate it this week; instead pray and wait as an act of faith.### Discussion Questions1. In the sermon, Pastor Rick pointed out that "nobody inquires of the Lord" throughout this entire chapter. Where in your own life do you tend to scheme or take matters into your own hands instead of asking God first?2. Rick described Isaac's senses being deceived one by one — sight, taste, smell, touch — while only his hearing told him the truth, which he ignored. Where do you find yourself trusting your feelings over what you know God's Word says?3. The sermon contrasted "the good" (the bowl of beans) with "the greater good" (the eternal blessing). What is a "bowl of beans" in your life right now — something good that you're prioritizing over something greater God is offering?4. Esau wept bitterly but, according to Hebrews 12:17, found no place for repentance. What's the difference between being sorry you got caught and truly repenting, and how have you experienced that difference?5. Rick said bitterness, like a dandelion, has to be pulled out by the root or it comes right back. Is there a root of bitterness in your life or family history that keeps resurfacing, and what would it look like to actually deal with it?6. Jacob was transformed from "schemer" to "child of God" only after wrestling with the Lord and coming away changed, even wounded. What might it look like for our group to support each other through a similar season of wrestling with God this year?

Ep. 161 - Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic: Is there a kind way to reject someone? | Friendship advice for kidsFREE guide for parents: 12 ways to help your child make friendshttps://drfriendtastic.com/gift/Parents, check out my online workshops for kids at workshops.eileenkennedymoore.com.Would YOUR KID like to be featured on the podcast?SUBMIT A QUESTION TO DR. FRIENDTASTIC at https://DrFriendtastic.com/submit (Obviously, this is not psychotherapy, and it's not for emergency situations.)For an easy-to-read TRANSCRIPT, go to: https://DrFriendtastic.com/podcast/Like the podcast? Check out my books at https://EileenKennedyMoore.com.Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com, to get podcast episodes sent to your email plus articles for parents.*** DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:- How do you decide whether to share your opinion or keep it to yourself? - Have you ever been in a situation where someone wanted to be friends with you, but you weren't interested in being friends with them? How did you handle it?- Have you ever had someone reject your efforts to be friends with them or just not like you as much as you like them? How did they let you know? How do you wish they'd let you know? How did you respond? - Dr. Friendtastic said, “Everyone has a right to be treated with kindness and respect.” What does that mean you should do with people who are not your friends? *** You might also like these podcast episodes:Ep. 141 - Can we be friends with anyone? (Michael, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep141-can-we-be-friends-with-anyone-michael-age9 Ep. 129 - Kindest way to break up with a friend (Audrey, Age 9) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/ep129-kindest-way-to-break-up-with-a-friend-audrey-age-9 Ep. 12 - Get rid of toxic friends? (Jessie, Age 13) https://drfriendtastic.substack.com/p/kids-ask-dr-friendtastic-ep59-jessie-age-13 Get full access to Dr. Friendtastic for Parents at drfriendtastic.substack.com/subscribe

Warning, these takes are for fun and intentionally provocative! Listen and debate with us as Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott debate some controversial marriage hot takes, from separate beds and changing your last name to birthdays, sexual intimacy, date nights, prayer before marriage, and whether a healthy marriage is really 50/50.Discussion Questions- Which of the hot takes from this episode did you agree or disagree with most and why?- Do you have any hot takes?- Do you ever find yourself keeping score in marriage? Where?- How comfortable are we talking openly about sex and sexual intimacy? Why or why not?- What helps each of us feel more emotionally and physically connected before intimacy?- How important are birthdays and anniversaries to each of us? Do we communicate those expectations?

Send us Fan MailMAKE ROOMDr. Jessica FernandezSeptember 06, 2026In 2 Kings 4, the Shunammite woman did something simple but significant: she made room for the presence of God. Long before she received a promise, experienced a miracle, or saw her deepest desire fulfilled, she intentionally created space for God to dwell.In Make Room, we'll discover what her story teaches us about the crowded places in our own lives. Our schedules can be full, our minds overwhelmed, and our hearts guarded by disappointment—yet God continues to meet us in those places. Sometimes the question isn't simply, What am I carrying? but what am I making room for?Whether you're standing between disappointment and hope, exhaustion and renewal, or what has been and what could be, God is still speaking in the doorway. Maybe it's time to clear the clutter, reopen some rooms, and make space for God to move again.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The Shunammite woman recognized something sacred in Elisha before anyone told her what to do. What helps you recognize where God is at work in your life?2. She served without asking for anything in return. Where do you notice yourself becoming transactional with God—obeying, serving, or giving mainly because you hope to receive something back?3. When Elisha spoke to her deepest desire, her response revealed guarded hope. Is there an area where disappointment has made you cautious about trusting God again?4. She lived in a compromised culture without allowing the culture to compromise her devotion. What pressure are you currently facing to conform, stay silent, or drift spiritually?5. What is one specific way you can create space this week for God to speak, correct, restore, or redirect you?

Title: How Can Christ's Yoke Be Easy?Speaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday sermon from Matthew 12:1-21, Pastor Nate Holdridge asks a deceptively simple question: how can Jesus call his yoke easy and his burden light when the life he describes is a narrow gate and a difficult way? The answer is found in who is yoked to us. Working through two Sabbath confrontations and the longest Old Testament quotation in Matthew's Gospel, Pastor Nate shows that Jesus is the true King, Priest, Prophet, and Lord—the one greater than David, greater than the temple, and lord of the Sabbath itself (Matthew 12:6-8). Against the Pharisees, who turned God's day of rest into an exhausting treadmill, Jesus reveals a heart that treasures mercy over ceremony (Hosea 6:6), loves to restore the broken, and does so gently, never breaking a bruised reed or quenching a smoldering wick (Matthew 12:20). For anyone weary of life with Jesus as burden, this is an invitation to genuine soul-rest in the gentle Servant who steps into the yoke beside us.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions:For Summer 2026 use the Swedish Method of Bible Study:While reading a Bible passage, use the following symbols to mark what stands out to you as you read. Then talk about the marks you made with a friend, or write about them in a journal.• A lightbulb - anything from the passage that stands out or is interesting.• A question mark - did the passage spark any questions?• An arrow - how does this passage help you move forward in faith and walk in better relationship with others and the Lord?Prayer

Dan B. - Pastor & Missionary   One of the big challenges in the church today is to live in unity even though there are differences of opinions about what is right. As believers we need to go beyond our own rights and check if our freedoms are beneficial for both us and others. 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

What captures your heart? The Bible invites us to delight in something greater than circumstances, success, or even God's blessings. It invites us to delight in God Himself. Join us for this five-week series as we explore the beauty of God's character and discover how knowing Him more deeply transforms the way we live. The Prayer Team would love to pray for you, let them know how by using this link: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/914476 Announcements Hello Card: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/976297 Fall Kickoff on Sunday, September 13th - We'll be celebrating the return of fall with bounce houses, Jeremiah's ice cream, and the kick-off of many of our ministries like small groups. The Gathered Table, September-November - Bringing together groups of households once a month to share a simple meal, build relationships, and get to know people beyond Sunday mornings - register at https://cccsignups.org The Marriage Course, Sept 18 - Nov 6; 6:00-8:30pm - Whether your marriage in a good place or struggling, this course helps you navigate the challenges of marriage - register at https://cccsignups.org Freedom in Christ, Sept 16 - Nov 18; 6:30-8:30pm - This is a discipleship course for Christians at every stage of faith - register at https://cccsignups.org Online Giving: https://www.chathamchurch.org/give Looking for a Small Group?: https://www.chathamchurch.org/small-groups Interested in volunteering for a serving team? Contact Jessica: jessica.waldstein@chathamchurch.org Highlighted Events Upcoming events: https://www.chathamchurch.org/events Learn more about our Worship Multiplied here: https://www.chathamchurch.org/worship-multiplied Connect Website: https://www.chathamchurch.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chathamchurch Handout and Discussion Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11wypoADSFbhXwMFNCL6Cok70yp5w3m-e/view?usp=drive_link

The newborn season can make marriage feel more like a business partnership than a relationship, with endless tasks, exhaustion, and competing expectations creating resentment between husband and wife. In this episode, we talk about sharing responsibilities, carrying the mental load, extending grace, serving one another, and remembering that your spouse isn't the enemy and you're on the same team!Discussion Questions for Husband & Wife- Are there any household responsibilities where resentment is starting to build?- Do we have a clear understanding of who owns which responsibilities, or are we expecting each other to read our minds?- What is one thing I could take off your plate this week?- What part of the mental load do you feel like I don't fully see or understand?- When we disagree about responsibilities, do we tend to assume the best about each other or assume selfish motives?- What is one thing we could do this week just for fun—not because it needs to get done?

Send us Fan MailLEARN TO LAUGH AGAINSenior Pastor Keith Stewart August 30, 2026Sometimes life becomes so heavy that we forget what it feels like to laugh. Laughter doesn't deny our pain or pretend that everything is okay. Sometimes it is one of the first signs that healing has begun—that we are regaining perspective, reconnecting with others, and rediscovering the joy God never intended us to lose. This Sunday at Springcreek, we're going to laugh together and explore God's gift of joy in a message called LEARN TO LAUGH AGAIN. If life has gotten the better of you lately, this message is especially for you.Discussion Questions 1. Who is someone who consistently makes you laugh? What is it about that person or your relationship that creates laughter? 2. Read Ecclesiastes 3.1–4. Why do you think Scripture places “a time to laugh” alongside experiences such as weeping and mourning? What does this suggest about the place of laughter in a healthy spiritual life? 3. The message described laughter as power, perspective, and perseverance. Which of these have you experienced most clearly? Can you share a time when laughter helped you endure something difficult? 4. Read Luke 6.21: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” What kind of hope is Jesus offering to people who are suffering? How is this different from simply telling someone to cheer up? 5. Jesus used exaggeration and absurd imagery—such as a plank in someone's eye or swallowing a camel—to expose uncomfortable truths. Why can humor sometimes help us recognize something about ourselves that we might resist if it were communicated through criticism? 6. “Laughter is the shortest distance between two hearts.” How has shared laughter helped you connect with someone, reduce tension, or feel less alone? 7. Read Proverbs 14.13. How can laughter become a mask that conceals sadness, fear, or pain? How can we create relationships in which people feel safe enough to let others see what is behind the laughter? 8. What is the difference between humor that heals and humor that wounds? What warning signs tell us that a joke, sarcasm, or teasing has crossed the line and become harmful? 9. Paul wrote repeatedly about joy while living through suffering and imprisonment. What is the difference between happiness based on circumstances and joy rooted in God's presence? 10. Is there an area of your life that has become so heavy that you have lost some of your capacity for joy or laughter? What might returning to the source of your joy—God Himself—look like for you this week? Closing Reflection Pray for those in the group who are carrying especially heavy burdens. Ask God to help everyone face sorrow honestly, receive the support of others, rediscover the joy of His presence, and recognize the moments when healing allows them to laugh again.

Discussion Questions:For Summer 2026 use the Swedish Method of Bible Study:While reading a Bible passage, use the following symbols to mark what stands out to you as you read. Then talk about the marks you made with a friend, or write about them in a journal.• A lightbulb - anything from the passage that stands out or is interesting.• A question mark - did the passage spark any questions?• An arrow - how does this passage help you move forward in faith and walk in better relationship with others and the Lord?Prayer

Zac Price - Youth Pastor   1 Corinthians 10v1-22 is centered on warning against idolatry and temptation. We see that Paul takes us back to the wilderness with the Israelites and we can learn from their mistakes.  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

Drawing from Jesus's final prayer in John 17, this sermon challenges believers to move beyond the safety and comfort of the "locker room" of gathered worship and into active engagement with the world. Mike frames the Upper Room as a place of preparation, not permanent residence, and argues that God's primary goal for believers is not to keep them safe from hardship but to send them into the world as salt and light. Using Jesus's intercessory prayer, the sermon unpacks four things Jesus prays for his followers: protection from the evil one, sanctification through truth, being sent into the world, and unity among believers so that the world might see Christ. The central tension of the message is the difference between being outnumbered by life's challenges and being outmatched, and the sermon concludes that with Jesus, believers are never outmatched. The call to response is full surrender, inviting believers to stop compartmentalizing their lives and give every area fully to Christ.Read John 17:14-15Jesus did not pray that the Father would remove you from the world. He prayed that you would be protected within it. There is a profound difference between being outnumbered and being outmatched. Life will bring seasons where the odds feel impossibly stacked against you — broken relationships, financial strain, failing health, unanswered questions. In those moments, the temptation is to look at the size of the problem rather than the power of the One standing with you. Jesus has already overcome the world. That victory is yours to stand in. Today, name the thing that is outnumbering you, and surrender it to the One who cannot be outmatched.Where in your life have you confused being outnumbered with being defeated?Write down one specific challenge you are facing. Beside it, write the words: "Outnumbered. Never outmatched." Return to it every time fear rises today.Discussion Questions:-The sermon draws a distinction between being outnumbered and being outmatched -- in what area of your life do you feel outnumbered right now, and what would it look like practically to trust that Jesus makes you outmatched in that situation?-Jesus prays in John 17 not that the Father would take his followers out of the world, but that he would protect them while they remain in it -- how does this reframe the way you think about your calling in your workplace, neighborhood, or school?-Jesus prays for unity among his followers so that the world would take notice, not of the church, but of him -- how does division within the church damage the testimony of Jesus, and what is one step you could take to pursue unity across lines of difference?

This week, we continue our series chatting about the best 25 films of the 21st century (so far). We're talking about about Matt's favorite movie, Blade Runner 2049We are putting this list together based on the rankings of our Patrons. You can check out the list, compile your own, and help influence the top 25 over at Doofmovies.com!Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/doofmediaFollow us on Twitter: @doofmediaSee all of our podcasts and more at doofmedia.com!Time Stamps:2:08 - Blade Runner 20491:09:03 - Discussion Question

Welcome to Day 2936 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain and today is Day 2936 – Theology Thursday – Christ Consciousness and the Return of the Ancient Lie Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2936 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2936 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 are available on his website, theologyinfive.com.  Christ Consciousness and the Return of the Ancient Lie. The idea of “Christ consciousness” is often presented as a spiritual breakthrough where a person awakens to inner divinity. Jesus becomes a model of human potential rather than the incarnate Son of God. The appeal is obvious. It promises transcendence without repentance and enlightenment without submission. Yet behind the modern packaging stands a very old pattern. “Christ consciousness” is not a rediscovery of the teachings of Jesus. It is the rebirth of the ancient lie that humanity can ascend to divine status apart from Yahweh. From Eden to the pagan world, from the rebel watchers to the Gnostics, the same message has returned again and again. Its modern form is simply more polished and more deceptive. The first segment is: The Ancient Pagan Vision of Human Divinity. The idea that divine potential lies within the human soul is older than recorded history. Civilizations across the ancient world built their religions around the belief that humans could rise into the realm of the gods. In Egypt, initiation rituals promised access to hidden spiritual knowledge and the ability to traverse the worlds of the divine. The individual was told that the right rites and secrets could transform a mortal into a being of power. Early Greek philosophical schools detached the idea from ritual and reimagined it as an ascent of the mind. Through disciplined introspection, the soul could free itself from material limits and participate in the divine. In Mesopotamia, kings claimed divine sonship and presented themselves as intermediaries between heaven and earth. Their authority rested on the belief that humans could cross the boundary into divine identity. These systems differed, but they rested on a shared conviction. Divinity is within reach if one knows how to unlock it. “Christ consciousness” is simply the modern restatement of this worldview. It presents divinity as latent within each person, waiting to be awakened. In the ancient world, this was a spiritual pursuit. Today it is wrapped in therapeutic language. The underlying theology has not changed. The second segment is: The Deeper Pattern Beneath the Pagan Systems. Behind the rituals and philosophies of the ancient world lies a darker thread. Scripture describes a world after Eden where spiritual beings known as the watchers crossed boundaries Yahweh had set. They offered humanity knowledge not meant for them. The result was not enlightenment. It was corruption. Ancient traditions remembered these figures as culture bringers, sages, or divine intermediaries. Scripture describes them as rebels who distorted God's order and magnified human pride. The apkallu of Mesopotamian legend mirror this pattern. Their stories present them as semi-divine beings who brought advanced knowledge to humanity before the flood. Yet in the biblical worldview, this kind of ascent was always a counterfeit that led people away from the Creator. It encouraged humanity to seek elevation on terms that were forbidden. Modern spirituality celebrates the same impulse. “Christ consciousness” bypasses the Creator and promises transcendence through self-awareness. It is not accidental that this mirrors the oldest form of rebellion in the biblical story. It is the same attempt to seize divinity without God's blessing. The third segment is: Gnosticism and the Misuse of Jesus. Gnosticism took the ancient pagan vision of self-divinization and grafted it onto Christian language. It preserved the idea that salvation comes through unlocking hidden spiritual knowledge and added a new twist. Jesus became the revealer of this knowledge. He was not Yahweh in the flesh. He was not the crucified and risen Lord. He was a spiritual messenger who showed people the path to awakening their inner light. This allowed the Gnostics to attach their worldview to the authority of Jesus while stripping Him of everything that defines Him. The incarnation became unnecessary. The cross was reimagined. The resurrection was denied. Christ became a symbol for human potential rather than the Savior who restores humanity to God. “Christ consciousness” uses the exact same strategy. It employs the vocabulary of Jesus to promote a belief system that contradicts His identity and mission. This is not honoring Christ. It is exploiting His name to legitimize a worldview He explicitly rejected. The fourth segment is: The Biblical Vision of Humanity's True Calling. The tragedy of this deception is that it offers a counterfeit path to the very thing God already promises His people. Scripture declares that humanity was created to bear God's image and rule His creation under His authority. That vocation was not lost forever. It is restored in Christ. Jesus promises that those who belong to Him will reign with Him on the New Earth. Our resurrection bodies will be marked by glory and immortality. The destiny of redeemed humanity is not to awaken inner divinity but to receive resurrection life directly from the risen Christ. This is not a metaphor. It is the fulfillment of the plan Yahweh declared to Abraham. His family would shine like the stars and serve as His representatives forever. Every attempt to bypass the Creator and manufacture spiritual ascent is a pale imitation of this promise. Human beings cannot awaken what they do not possess. Only Christ can raise them into the glory intended from the beginning. The fifth segment is: The True Meaning of the Holy Ones. Modern spirituality treats “saint” as a moral compliment. Scripture treats it as a status. The New Testament uses the Greek word that translates the Old Testament term for the “holy ones,” the loyal members of Yahweh's divine council. Believers are given this title because they have been brought into that household by the work of Christ. This is not divinization through self-discovery. It is adoption through redemption. It is a restored identity, not a spiritual technique. Believers do not become gods. They become members of God's family, sharing in His mission and representing His rule. This is something no pagan system can produce. The sixth segment is: Judging Angels and the Restoration of Authority. Paul goes even further when he says that believers will judge angels. This statement reveals how far God intends to restore humanity. Those who are redeemed in Christ will participate in the judgment of the rebellious spiritual beings who misled the nations. This is the opposite of the path offered by pagan spirituality. Where the ancient world sought to submit to spiritual intermediaries for enlightenment, the redeemed will one day stand in judgment over them. No version of “Christ consciousness” can rival this. It promises temporary feelings of transcendence. Christ promises participation in the final victory that restores creation. In Conclusion. “Christ consciousness” is not an elevated understanding of Jesus. It is the revival of an ancient deception that has taken many forms across history. It repeats the pagan claim that divinity lies within. It mirrors the corruption introduced by the watchers. It copies the Gnostic strategy of using Jesus to promote a message He never taught. The Gospel is not a call to look inward for divine potential. It is a call to the One who is divine. Through Him, humanity receives life, resurrection, restored vocation, membership among the holy ones, and authority in the world to come. The New Age offers a shadow. Christ offers the reality. To further your understanding, consider these Discussion Questions. How does the modern idea of “Christ consciousness” repeat the core deception found in Eden, and what does this reveal about the unchanging nature of spiritual rebellion? In...

The newborn season can leave couples exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to find the time or energy for intimacy, but it doesn't have to mean losing connection with one another. In this episode, we talk about spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy and how husbands and wives can pursue one another, give grace, and stay connected while navigating the chaos of a new baby.Discussion Questions:1. Which type of intimacy (spiritual, emotional, or physical) has been hardest for us to maintain in this season? Why?2. What is one thing I could do that would help you feel more seen, known, and cared for right now?3. What rhythms or “little rituals” could we create to protect our emotional connection, even when we don't have much time?4. How has our relationship with God changed since entering the newborn season? Where do we need to pursue Him together more intentionally?5. Are there ways either of us has been viewing intimacy primarily through the lens of our own needs? What would it look like to “outdo one another in showing honor”?6. How can we communicate honestly about physical intimacy without either spouse feeling pressured, rejected, or ashamed?7. What is one thing about our marriage in this season that we can choose to be grateful for?8. Instead of trying to get back to the way our marriage was before kids, what might God be inviting us to build in this new season?

Send us Fan MailOUR LONELINESS EPIDEMICSenior Pastor Keith Stewart August 23, 2026You can be surrounded by people and feel completely alone. You can share a home, a workplace, even a bed with someone—and still feel disconnected.That's because loneliness isn't really about being alone. It's about not feeling connected. This Sunday at Springcreek, we're talking about OUR LONELINESS EPIDEMIC—why loneliness affects people of every age and stage of life, how it can pull us into a downward spiral, and what we can do to break the cycle. Loneliness isn't shameful evidence that something is wrong with you. It may simply be telling you, “Pay attention. Something needs connection.” And when it does, there are two directions we need to move: Reach up. Reach out.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Keith said, “Loneliness is about not feeling connected, not about being alone.” What is the difference between loneliness and simply being alone? Have you ever experienced loneliness while surrounded by other people? Conversely, have you experienced being alone without feeling lonely? 2. Read Psalm 142:4–5 and Psalm 25:16–17. What do David's words teach us about loneliness? Why is it important to recognize that spiritually mature people can still experience profound loneliness? 3. The message described a downward spiral: Pain → Passivity → Pity Parties → More Pain. Which part of that cycle do you think is easiest to get trapped in? How can pain cause us to withdraw from the very relationships we need? What are some ways our thoughts and behaviors can unintentionally reinforce our loneliness? 4. “You may not have chosen your loneliness, but you can choose how you respond to it.” What does taking responsibility for our response look like without blaming ourselves for being lonely? What is one healthy action someone could take when they recognize they are becoming isolated? 5. Discuss the idea of “bids for connection.” What are some small ways people make bids for connection that we easily overlook? Think about your closest relationships: do you tend to turn away, turn against, or turn toward? What might “turning toward” look like this week? 6. One of the surprising claims in the message was that solitude can actually be a remedy for loneliness. How is solitude different from isolation? Read John 8:29. How did Jesus' relationship with His Father affect His experience of being alone? What practices help you experience solitude as time with God rather than simply time away from people? 7. The message compared loneliness to physical pain—an early warning system telling us that something needs attention. How might thinking about loneliness this way change the way we respond to it? Instead of merely trying to escape the feeling, what might loneliness be telling you about your relationships with God or other people? 8. The message ended with two simple directions: “Reach Up. Reach Out.” What would each of those look like practically in your life right now? Identify one way you can intentionally reach up toward God and one way you can reach out toward another person this week.

Discussion Questions:For Summer 2026 use the Swedish Method of Bible Study:While reading a Bible passage, use the following symbols to mark what stands out to you as you read. Then talk about the marks you made with a friend, or write about them in a journal.• A lightbulb - anything from the passage that stands out or is interesting.• A question mark - did the passage spark any questions?• An arrow - how does this passage help you move forward in faith and walk in better relationship with others and the Lord?Prayer

Alex Croutworst - Family Pastor  In 1 Corinthians 9:19–27, Paul shows us how the gospel should shape every part of our lives. For the sake of the gospel, we are called to reach people with the love of Jesus and discipline ourselves to run faithfully. 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

Parenthood was never meant to be happen in isolation. But, what do you do when "help" isn't helpful? And how do you know if it's them or you? In the 3rd episode of the "marriage in the newborn season" series, we discuss how to invite community into your marriage, establish healthy boundaries with family, ask for help without shame, and raise your children alongside others.Discussion Questions- Why is it difficult to ask for help?- What practical help would bless us most during this season?- What boundaries do we want to establish with parents, in-laws, and visitors? Is there anything unfair in our boundaries?- How can we stay connected to our church and life group instead of isolating ourselves?- Who are the trusted people we want speaking into our marriage and parenting?- Are we receiving help with humility—or expecting it with entitlement? How can we practice gratitude?

Would You Leave Religion for Jesus? Discussion Questions for Hebrews 13: Read verses 1–3. What do love, hospitality, and remembering prisoners look like in practical terms today? Read verse 4. Why does God place such a high value on the marriage bed? How does honoring your spouse with your body reflect both belonging to Christ and the picture of Christ and His church? Read verses 5–6. What is the connection between freedom from the love of money, contentment, and God's promise, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you"? Read verse 7. The writer says to "imitate their faith," not simply imitate their behavior. What's the difference? Why not just copy their actions? Read verses 8–9 and react to this statement: God is always the same, but the covenant has changed. It's good for us to be strengthened by grace! Read verse 10. What are believers now "feasting on" in Christ that the Old Covenant could never provide? Read verses 11–14. Here we are told to "go out to Him outside the camp." What might it look like for us today to leave behind popular religious systems in order to identify fully with Jesus and His grace? Read verses 15–16. Under the New Covenant, what kinds of "sacrifices" does God actually desire from us? Read verses 20–21. What do you see God producing or working in you that you recognize as coming from Christ rather than from your own self-effort?